The Midnight Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐¾
Poison the Well
By J.K. Divia

Inspired by the Celtic legend of the Bean-Nighe, or, the Washerwoman, J.K. Divia’s Poison the Well is a deeply unsettling folk horror featuring dangerous fae and human greed.

The story begins with a human girl who is cursed to become a Bean-Nighe in death, doomed to wash the grave-clothes of the dying and sing to them to signify their upcoming passage. Through disjointed, dreamlike scenes jumping back and forth in time, we learn more about the fae legends and more about the Washerwoman, before she became a monster.

The writing is atmospheric, leaving the reader with a lingering sense of unease and dread despite the beauty contained within. It explores the greed of mankind, the selfishness of a young woman and the unintended consequences of her actions.

I don’t know if I’ve ever read anything quite like this book, but I definitely recommend it for anyone who enjoys female rage, traditional ancient fae, and folk horror.

⭐⭐⭐⭐¾

Thank you J.K. Divia for the eARC!

Poison the Well releases June 22, 2026. For more information about this book and Divia’s other writing, check her linktree.