Wicked Secrets and Twisting Fates: My Thoughts on Book 2 of The Withering Mysteries

Amy Boyles delivers another riveting installment in The Withering Mysteries series with Something Withering This Way Comes. Picking up directly where the first book left off, this sequel dives deeper into Grim’s world of monsters, witches, and cursed magic, while layering in raw emotional stakes and family drama that will tug at your heartstrings. If you haven’t already, make sure you’ve got all three books on hand because this series is hard to put down!

The Storyline

Grim, our gruff but lovable monster hunter, is battling a ticking time bomb—his own Withering curse that’s slowly transforming him. Traveling with his girlfriend Paige, his loyal new companion Matt, Grim believes his estranged sister Shelby, a powerful witch, may be his best hope for survival. Their journey takes them back to their ancestral home, but the reunion isn’t exactly warm. After facing supernatural defenses Shelby has set up around the property, they’re greeted by a slammed door and a sister who’s clearly still furious with Grim for reasons beyond his control.

What follows is a tale of forced proximity, reluctant cooperation, and raw emotional healing. The tension between Grim and Shelby is palpable as they grapple with their fractured relationship and the pain of their shared past.

What Stands Out

Amy Boyles does a fantastic job of blending the supernatural with deeply human themes. The battles between Grim and Shelby feel authentic, capturing the frustration, anger, and lingering love that often comes with estranged family relationships. Their dynamic had me alternating between laughter and tears as they clashed and (begrudgingly) found common ground.

The addition of Geezer, whose moments of dementia flicker in and out, adds a poignant touch to the story. His portrayal is heartbreakingly real, reminding me of my own Grandfather's struggles, and it grounds the fantastical elements of the book in a relatable reality.

And then there’s Grim’s relationship with Paige. Watching him try to push her away for her own safety was hard. You want to shake him and yell, “Just let her help you!” but his protective instincts are also what make him such a compelling and lovable character.

STEAMY Level

Unlike many fantasy novels that lean heavily into steamy romance, Something Withering This Way Comes keeps the focus on the plot and emotional development. For readers who prefer minimal romance, this book is a great pick.

STEAMY Level: 1/10 (Nonexistent)

Final Thoughts

Something Withering This Way Comes is a fantastic continuation of Grim’s story, seamlessly blending action, humor, and heart with an ever-deepening plot. Amy Boyles has created a world that feels as real as it is magical, with characters you can’t help but root for—even when they make frustrating decisions.

This book hits all the marks for a great sequel: rich character development, emotional depth, and a gripping plot that leaves you eager for the next installment. Make sure you’ve got all three books on deck because once you start, you won’t want to stop!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Have you read Something Withering This Way Comes yet? What do you think of Grim’s journey so far? Let me know in the comments!