This novel revolves around the cursed Pyncheon family, who live in a gloomy New England mansion, cursed due to the actions of their ancestor who had an innocent man hanged as a witch to seize his property. The story explores themes of guilt, retribution, and atonement, and the narrative is interspersed with the author's philosophical musings. The present-day Pyncheons include an old maid, a daguerreotypist, and their elderly, reclusive cousin who returns to the house after a mysterious absence of many years.

The book follows the lives of the Owens sisters, Sally and Gillian, who come from a long line of witches. Raised by their eccentric aunts after their parents' death, the sisters grow up learning about love and magic. However, they face an age-old curse that any man who falls in love with an Owens woman will meet a tragic end, leading them on a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and a struggle to overcome their family's dark past.

This collection of short stories delves into the complexities of human nature, morality, and the pervasive influence of sin. The titular story follows a young man's journey into the woods, where he encounters a series of troubling visions that challenge his faith and reveal the potential for evil in every soul. The other tales in the collection similarly explore themes of guilt, redemption, and the often blurred line between reality and illusion, all set against the backdrop of New England and its Puritan heritage. Through allegory and rich symbolism, the stories probe the darker corners of the human experience, questioning the true nature of innocence and the weight of ancestral sins.

The novel follows the life of a young woman who, due to a prenatal snakebite, exhibits serpent-like characteristics that influence her behavior and relationships. Set in a small New England town, the story explores themes of sin, guilt, and redemption as the protagonist struggles with her dual nature and the townspeople react to her with a mix of fear, fascination, and sympathy. Through a blend of romance, tragedy, and philosophical musings, the narrative delves into the complexities of human nature and the influence of heredity and environment on one's character.

Set in 17th century New England, this historical novel tells the story of a young girl who, after surviving a shipwreck that killed her parents, is adopted by a wealthy couple. However, the girl is soon accused of witchcraft due to her strange behaviors and the mysterious events that seem to follow her. As the town's paranoia and fear of witches grow, the girl finds herself caught in a dangerous situation, struggling to prove her innocence while facing the harsh realities of the witch trials.