Served Him Right by Lisa Unger: A witchy revenge thriller that breaks the mold

In Served Him Right by Lisa Unger, releasing March 10, 2026, a celebratory brunch spirals into suspicion, sickness, and secrets when Ana Blacksmith’s ex-boyfriend becomes the center of shocking news—and Ana, the obvious suspect.

Ana has gathered her sister Vera and closest friends to toast her recent breakup from Paul. But when disturbing developments about Paul surface, the narrative shifts fast. Ana already has a reputation. She’s already angry. And when one of the women at the brunch falls deathly ill, it doesn’t take much for whispers to turn into accusations. What follows is a twisty, pacy thriller—apt praise from Nita Prose—but this is not your average Lisa Unger novel.

At the center of the story is a fractured collective known as “The Cove,” a scattered group of witch practitioners who once gathered annually during the Wolf Moon under the guidance of Ana and Vera’s Aunt Agnes. Since Agnes’s death, the group has drifted. Vera refused to take her aunt’s place as matriarch, and the old traditions no longer hold the same power. That vacuum leaves room for Lisandra, one of Agnes’s devoted acolytes, to try stepping into leadership—whether she’s truly suited for it or not.

The witchcraft element gives the novel a different texture than Unger’s more grounded psychological thrillers. There’s an undercurrent of ritual, herbal lore, and generational knowledge that adds atmosphere and raises the stakes. Rumors of a secret network using ancient methods to obtain justice simmer beneath the surface of the investigation. The idea that vengeance might be both spiritual and strategic keeps the tension high.

That said, I experienced a bit of cognitive dissonance in the way the witches were portrayed. In many ways, these women seem to be inheritors of centuries-old herbal and folk traditions—knowledge passed down through bloodlines and lived practice. Yet they are also referred to as “Wiccans,” which is a modern, organized religious movement that developed in the mid-twentieth century. It’s certainly possible, given the loose structure of The Cove, that some members came to the Craft through contemporary Wicca while others inherited older folk traditions. I just wanted a bit more clarity.

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Readers without a working knowledge of the history of witchcraft likely won’t be bothered by this distinction. But I’m always wary of fiction unintentionally muddying already misunderstood spiritual traditions. When a novel leans heavily on the mystique of “ancient” practices, I prefer it to be precise about what those practices are meant to represent.

Another challenge: there are a lot of characters. Between the brunch attendees, members of The Cove (past and present), and the various figures connected to Paul, I occasionally found myself pausing to remember who was who. Unger juggles multiple perspectives and shifting alliances well, but the sheer volume of players adds cognitive load to an already intricate plot.

Still, Served Him Right is compulsively readable. The tension builds steadily as Ana and Vera work to uncover the truth before Ana becomes the convenient scapegoat. The novel explores reputation, female anger, sisterhood, and the dangerous allure of collective justice. It asks a compelling question: when the legal system fails, who gets to decide what’s fair?

If you’re looking for a thriller that blends psychological suspense with ritual, rumor, and revenge, this one delivers something a little different from Unger’s usual fare.

Have you read other novels that weave witchcraft into contemporary thrillers? Do you prefer your suspense grounded in realism, or do you enjoy a touch of the occult? Let’s talk in the comments.

An advance reader copy of this book (ARC) was provided to me by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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• A word with Lisa Unger (Dru’s Book Musing)
• Write On, Wednesday: Bestselling author Lisa Unger talks about books, writing, In the Blood, & so much more! (Leslie A. Lindsay)

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