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The Bell Witch

2013 | Fiction & Poetry | History & Politics

The Bell Witch by John F.D. Taff is an historical horror novel/ghost story based on what is perhaps the most well-documented poltergeist case to occur in the United States. It tells the story of the Bells, an early 19th-century Tennessee farm family who begin to notice strange occurrences—odd noises, bangings, gurglings. Eventually, an entity reveals itself to the family, calling itself, simply, the Witch, and makes it clear from the outset that it was sent to kill the patriarch of the family, John Bell, for a reason it never makes quite clear.

The Witch’s antics, while not exactly endearing it to the Bells, make the spirit somewhat of a novelty. Word of its existence spreads, first through the Bell’s slaves, then through the rest of the community. It tells jokes, makes predictions, offers unwanted advice and even sings. It shows an intimate knowledge of The Bible and of history and politics.

It harasses those who annoy it most, saving its ire for John Bell and his teenage daughter, Betsy. These two people become the focus of the apparition’s attacks, both verbal and physical. Ultimately, the Witch fulfills its promise of killing John Bell, while also forcing Betsy and her mother, Lucy, into considering their own roles in what created the spirit.

The Bell Witch is, at once, a historical novel, a ghost story, a horror story and a love story all rolled into one.



Published by Books of the Dead Press

Edition Unknown
ISBN 9781927112199
Language N/A

Supernatural Witch Bell Witch historical

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Rachel

Added this item on May 27, 2017

The Bell Witch Reviews & Ratings (1)
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Rachel (48 KP) rated

May 27, 2017  
The Bell Witch
The Bell Witch
John F. D. Taff | 2013 | Fiction & Poetry, History & Politics
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Too Predictable
This is an interesting, yet already done, version of the well known 'Bell Witch' story. The landscape and setting for the tale is well defined. You get a good feel of the land, of the house and the atmosphere.
The characters, at times, feel very thin. It would have been nice to know them more before the witch makes her, surprisingly early, appearance. It is the character of the witch that we get to see the most, despite her being cast as the most mysterious.

No time was really given to creating tension or mystery - in this tale the witch appears quickly and makes her intentions and the source of her creation obvious almost immediately.
The author's explanation for the witch is one that is the most bandied about. This was a shame, I was rather hoping for a new take on it.

The book is well written for the most part, the witch given an extremely strong voice. I would recommend this to those who are looking for an undemanding read, not a scary or fraught one