The Thirteen

Canadian author Moloney (The Dwelling) examines the price women will pay for their desires in this creepy visit to a contemporary suburbia inhabited by witches. The witches of Haven Woods have all made sacrifices to achieve their mortal desires: talented children, successful spouses, and career and physical goals. When the bond of the sisterhood begins to weaken after a member’s fiery death, Isadora Riley believes that the widowed daughter, Paula, and granddaughter, Rowan, of rebellious member Audra Wittmore hold the key to appeasing their dark master. Atmospheric details like the neighborhood spook house, numerous local cats, and the commonality of warding devices are anchored in the minutiae of everyday life. Sure to evoke comparisons to Fritz Leiber’s Conjure Wife, this evocative story will also appeal to fans of Kelley Armstrong’s early works. Agent: Daniel Lazar, Writers House. (Apr.)