Publishers Weekly
02/10/2025
Penner (The London Seance Society) weaves a rousing story of witches, deep sea diving, and family secrets on the Amalfi Coast. In 1821 Positano, Mari DeLuca belongs to a coven who cast spells on the water to protect the town from pirates. Yearning for a new life, she makes plans to flee with a sailor from Boston. Before she can, though, a shipping magnate attempts to kidnap her, hoping to force Mari into using her powers to help his fleet, and she drowns him. In a parallel narrative set two centuries later, nautical archaeologist Haven Ambrose studies shipwrecks on the Amalfi coast while secretly searching for a trove of precious gems her father found before dying of a stroke. When Conrad, another researcher, shows up to take her place, Haven suspects he knows about the treasure. She hires Enzo Rossi, a local dive shop owner, to take her out on the water, and the pair race against Conrad to find the gems. A romantic subplot involving Enzo and Haven feels rushed, especially because it also serves a vehicle for Haven to learn about Mari’s fate and the village’s history of witches, but for the most part Penner keeps the pages turning with cliffhangers and complex characters. The author’s fans will enjoy this adventure. Agent: Stefanie Lieberman, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc. (Apr.)
From the Publisher
I was spellbound by this story of secrets, shipwrecks and sea-witches. With her clear, dazzling prose, Sarah Penner transported me to the sea-swept cliffs of Positano and introduced me to characters I’ll never forget. A magical read!" —Emilia Hart, New York Times bestselling author of Weyward
"Ancient magic, sunken treasure, and a gorgeous Italian setting connect past to present in this thrilling and tender adventure.” —Anna Rasche, author of The Stone Witch of Florence
“Immersive and lush, The Amalfi Curse is Sarah Penner at the top of her game. This book will have you swooning, gasping, tearing up, and if you're anything like me, Googling flights to Positano immediately. Prepare to be swept away!” —Rachel Hawkins, New York Times bestselling author of The Heiress
“Penner's latest is her best yet—a thrill-seeking ride through the world of underwater archeology, the archives of Naples, and a coven of witches who will stop at nothing to protect those they love. Readers will be spellbound by this atmospheric, unmissable stunner. Pure magic!” —Katy Hays, New York Times bestselling author of The Cloisters
“An atmospheric and spellbinding tale brimming with powerful magic, The Amalfi Curse transports readers to the dazzling Italian coast with vivid prose and page-turning adventure. A stunning novel!" —Chanel Cleeton, New York Times bestselling author of Next Year in Havana
“A rousing story of witches, deep sea diving, and family secrets on the Amalfi Coast... Penner keeps the pages turning with cliffhangers and complex characters. The author’s fans will enjoy this adventure.” —Publishers Weekly
"A mystical page-turner that will leave readers spellbound."—Booklist
