The Witchstone

By: Henry H. Neff

Narrated by: Ramiz Monsef

An unforgettable, high-stakes, laugh-out-loud funny novel, The Witchstone blends the merciless humor of The Good Place with the spellbinding fantasy of Neil Gaiman’s American Gods.

Meet Laszlo, eight-hundred-year-old demon and Hell’s least productive Curse Keeper. From his office beneath Midtown, he oversees the Drakeford Curse, which involves a pathetic family upstate and a mysterious black monolith. It’s a sexy enough assignment—colonial origins, mutating victims, et cetera—but Laszlo has no interest in maximizing the curse’s potential; he’d rather sunbathe in Ibiza, quaff martinis, and hustle the hustlers on Manhattan’s subway. Unfortunately, his division has new management, and Laszlo’s ratings are so abysmal that he’s given six days to shape up or he’ll be melted down and returned to the Primordial Ooze.

Meet Maggie Drakeford, nineteen-year-old Curse Bearer. All she’s ever known is the dreary corner of the Catskills where the Drakeford Curse has devoured her father’s humanity and is rapidly laying claim to her own. The future looks hopeless, until Laszlo appears at the Drakeford farmhouse one October night and informs them that they have six days—and six days only—to break the spell before it becomes permanent. Can Maggie trust the glib and handsome Laszlo? Of course not. But she also can’t pass up an opportunity to save her family, even if it means having a demon as a guide …

Thus begins a breakneck international adventure that takes our unlikely duo from a hot dog stand in Central Park to the mountains of Liechtenstein. As the clock ticks down, tough-as-nails Maggie and conniving Laszlo will uncover a secret so profound that what began as a farcical quest to break a curse will eventually threaten the very Lords of Hell.

©2024 Henry H. Neff (P)2024 Blackstone Publishing

Clever and highly entertaining

I’ve read Henry Neff’s previous books, and this one is just as entertaining! I can see growth and maturity. This book has a unique premise and it was so nice to read something I don’t feel I’ve already seen a dozen times. I highly recommend this audiobook!! The narrator also does a terrific job with his acting and differentiating between character’s voices. Download now!

Great story

I looked forward to every minute of this book. I enjoyed the story, the characters, some unexpected twists, and the narrator was very good. I hope there’s a sequel.

Great minus one

i really enjoyed this more than I expected to. The story progresses in a fun amd natural way. the characters grew and changed in ways that were fun to read.
the wad only one spot that gives me cause to not give it the 5 stars. There is one scene that made it quite tricky to share with my sons. I enjoy sharing with them and discussing the books after they finish. But one scene, you will know witch but no spoilers, isn't really PG13. Yeah.
So, as long as you have a mature audience this is great but since one of the characters is the age of my boys I had developed preconceived notions about the whole book being safe for that age group. Now I have to hold off for a couple years. oh well.

Great story and characters!

Starts out a little slow but soon gets you into an amazing story. At times you’ll really dislike Lazlo, and shake your head at Maggie’s believing the demon’s lies, but you can’t help being enraptured in the tale. Demons, magic, churches, it’s all in there creating a terrific read. Hoping for sequels with this one!!!

What a great story and excellent narration!

From start to finish this book was so engaging. The characters were well developed, and immediately you loved or hated them with a passion. The plot and pace of the book was fast, fun and exciting. The ending wrapped everything up nice and neat, which is always appreciated. Lastly, the narration was fantastic. I’ve never heard this narrator before, but I will be sure to keep an eye out for more of his work.

Surprisingly good

I didn't start this book with high hopes but I actually really enjoyed it. I hope the author continues the story at some point in the future.

Great story for October!

Bought this to listen to during the last week of October, it did not disappoint. The main characters were developed at the beginning and you thought you knew what was going on...then the curve ball came.
I will listen to this one again, I am sure I missed something, as I listen while working, the epilogue tied the end up nicely but I still had questions...Lazlo was the best villan ever!!! The curse keepers and all of the descriptions of the demons, OMG, the cringe effect!! I loved it all, yeah, I will listen again next October, a great wicked Halloween type book.

Entertaining story, heartfelt, and funny. Who knew a demon could be so complicated?

I haven't enjoyed a book this much in a long time. Wide range of characters that drew you in. Loved the dry humor throughout the story. Loved the story period. Sad it came to an end.

A strange hero’s journey

Really good realistic characters seemed long at the beginning but then it ended too soon.

Flawless & highly entertaining!

I love it when a plan comes together… A fun read that reminded me of those 60’s capers with fast talking con men are trying to stay ahead of everyone. The narration is well done as well.