The witches of New York

Like McKay's work, this novel blends historical suffragette movements with hidden magic and the power of sisterhood. It captures the same atmospheric 19th-century setting while focusing on women reclaiming their power through ancient spells and political defiance.

This story mirrors the historical research and mystical intrigue found in The Witches of New York, alternating between the Salem witch trials and a modern-day academic discovery. It shares a deep reverence for herbalism and the hidden lineages of magical women.

Set in 1899 New York, this novel perfectly matches the immersive, historical urban atmosphere of McKay's book. It features supernatural beings navigating the immigrant experience, blending folklore with a meticulously researched Victorian-era setting.

Fans of the Victorian aesthetic and the 'found family' of young women with burgeoning powers will appreciate this gothic tale. It shares the same sense of dark wonder and the struggle against the restrictive social norms of the late 19th century.

While less overtly magical, this book captures the same vibrant, historical texture of women striving for independence in a male-dominated artistic world. It shares the lush, descriptive prose and focus on female agency found in McKay's writing.

This is a cornerstone for readers who enjoy the 'everyday magic' and deep familial bonds between women. It echoes the themes of feminine intuition and the way magic is woven into the domestic and romantic lives of its protagonists.

If you were drawn to the lush, sensory descriptions and the secret magical underworld of New York, this book offers a similarly immersive experience. Its focus on aesthetic detail and atmospheric world-building creates a very similar 'vibe'.

Readers who enjoyed the focus on female empowerment and the reinterpretation of 'the witch' as a figure of resilience will find a kindred spirit in this novel. It shares a lyrical writing style and a deep dive into the internal life of a powerful woman.

This novel shares the same sense of historical claustrophobia and the mysterious power of objects and secrets. Like McKay's New York, Burton's Amsterdam is a character in itself, filled with hidden dangers for women who don't conform.

Set during the Pendle witch trials, this book focuses on the precarious position of women and the strength found in female alliances. It matches McKay's interest in the historical persecution of women and the thin line between medicine and magic.