Hex Education

By: Maureen Kilmer

Narrated by: Kimberly M. Wetherell

Nice witches finish last…

A guilt-ridden former coven is forced to tap into the magic of their past . . . if they want to stop their lives from going up in flames again.

On the outside, luxury real estate agent Sarah Nelson looks like every other mom in the suburb. But she has an edge that others don’t: She’s a witch. And no one knows . . . except her estranged ex-coven and college friends, Katrina and Alicia.

One terrible night during their freshman year, the trio accidentally burned down their dorm, and soon after they scattered. Their secret had been safe, until Sarah learns they’ve been invited back to commemorate the anniversary of the fire.

Suddenly, the magic doesn’t want to be controlled. Sarah’s orange tabby cat, Katy Purry, now argues with her. Her broom has become self-brooming, and her fridge somehow restocks thirty pounds of sliced turkey for school lunches. As it grows increasingly difficult to hide the magic and the past, Sarah, Katrina, and Alicia must harness their power together . . . before they find out if polite society still burns witches.

Critic reviews

One of Goodreads’ Best New Horror Recommendations

"Kilmer spins a highly enjoyable narrative that often hints at something darker. . . . Hex Education, witty and entertaining, will beguile fans of Charmed or Bewitched, but it also asks deeper questions about magic, friendship, responsibility, and truth-telling." —Shelf Awareness

"A breath of fresh air . . . an absolute delight . . . If you’re looking for a witchy book that is solidly cemented in the real world, you need to read Hex Education. It’s fun and magical and will draw you in from page one." —Culturess

"Sarah’s domestic use of magic in her day-to-day life is delightful [and] laugh-out-loud funny. . . A lighthearted witchy romp." —Kirkus Reviews

"This amusing [tale] of magic gone awry is a solid choice for collections where stories of modern-day witches are popular." —Booklist

"Kilmer enchants with this cozy fantasy novel that follows a disbanded coven who reunite to prevent magic from upending their lives. . . .The magical hijinks, pop culture references, and colorful cast (including a sassy talking cat) are sure to entertain. Fans of contemporary fantasy will find much to appreciate." —Publishers Weekly

"Hex Education is a magically spiked pumpkin spice latte of a fall read. I drank it right up!” —KJ Dell’Antonia, New York Times bestselling author of The Chicken Sisters

Witching good time

I loved it. It was hilarious and I hope there’s a second book! I almost want to get a snarky cat.

Suburban Witchy Tale

This was a “quick read” focused on the 20 year aftermath of a college dorm fire. Near middle-age Sarah Nelson, suburban realtor but foremost wife and mother, hides two big secrets. First off, she is a small-spell witch. Secondly, her coven was responsible for the dorm fire years earlier.
Initial investigators of the fire “conveniently” labeled candles and other occult items found in the dorm ‘s basement as inconsequential, the cause “unknown.” Finally, a young investigative journalist is able to make the (obvious) connection.
As this young reporter puts increasing pressure on Sarah, she decides it may be best to assume the role of good witch and come clean. The timing, however, makes her interest for confession and redemption seem almost self-serving.
Initially, the characters come across as almost flat, one dimensional; the plot, predictable.
This is a book that you really need to wait until the end for some intriguing twists.