Writer and Editor C.B. Calsing/ G.G. Royale

Rande Goodwin’s “The Witchfinder’s Serpent” is a fun, contemporary witch’s tale appropriately set in New England. The cast of characters and tropey plot are perfect for fans of Halloween-season movies and shows like “Hocus Pocus” or “Sleepy Hollow.”  After Nate and his little brother lose their father to cancer, a mysterious aunt takes them in, moving them into her large, Connecticut house. Things seem normal as the two boys start at new schools and begin making friends. But when Nate's brother steals his aunt’s key to the mysterious locked room, things start to go very wrong, very fast.  I enjoyed the mix of high school drama and Stephen-King-like macabre description in this story. Parts are not for the faint of heart, but I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this to teen readers who love horror with a splash of romance. The narrator, Nick Mondelli, did a fine job (even with the female character voices) and added the right amount of emotion and tension to the story.  I am lo...