Cover art by Erica Williams

Motheater

In a startling and nuanced queer fantasy set amid the beauty of an Appalachian mountain, the last witch of the Ridge and a newcomer investigating the coal industry must choose sides in a clash between nature and development that’s been 300 years coming…

After her best friend died in the coal mine that employs half of Kiron, Virginia, Benethea Mattox sacrificed her job, her relationship, and her reputation trying to uncover what’s killing miners on Kire Mountain. When she finds a half-drowned white woman in the dirty mine slough, Bennie takes her in because it’s right—but she also hopes this odd, magnetic stranger can lead her to the proof she needs. 

Instead, she brings more questions. The woman called Motheater can’t remember her true name, nor how she ended up inside the mountain. She knows only that she’s a witch of Appalachia, bound to tor and holler, possum and snake, with power in her hands and Scripture on her tongue. But the mystery of her fate, her doomed quest to keep industry off Kire, and the promises she bent and broke have followed her 150 years into the future. And now, the choices Motheater and Bennie make together could change the face of Kire itself…

Blurbs

"When an Appalachian reader says a book feels like home, Motheater is what they mean: magic tied deep in the mountains, history written on the bones, everyday folks facing down titans. This debut is absolutely beautiful."

Andrew Joseph White, New York Times-bestselling author of Hell Followed with Us and The Spirit Bears Its Teeth

"An exhilarating adventure that shakes the foundations, pure Americana at its core, Motheater is absolutely riveting from beginning to end. A masterful portrayal of the magic of Appalachia."

K. Ancrum, award-winning author of The Wicker King

"With Motheater, Codega weaves a darkly enthralling yarn steeped in loss and rage,deftly spinning Appalachia's past, present, and its rich folkloric tradition into something much more than the sum of its parts."

Gretchen Felker-Martin, USA Today-bestselling author of Manhunt and Cuckoo

"What an amazing read! Richly textured and full of bright, beating hope, Motheater is a captivating debut."

Rory Power, New York Times-bestselling author of Wilder Girls

"With a voice as unique and haunting as the Appalachian setting, Codega delivers an enchanting story of witchcraft, nature and industry, and the power of a love that can move mountains."

Hester Fox, author of The Book of Thorns

"A haunted church, a living mountain, an Appalachian witch called from a sleep lasting more than a century—this is a unique tale of love and magic, of a curse to be undone and an environmental disaster to be averted. Motheater will enchant all readers of witch stories!"

Louisa Morgan, Endeavor Award finalist for A Secret History of Witches

 

Lin Codega’s debut novel, MOTHEATER publishes on January 21, 2025 from Erewhon Books. It is available wherever books are sold. Please purchase from your local bookstore or request this title from your library.

Linda is excited for interviews, podcasts, events, panels, etc. etc. etc. Find out how to contact them here.