Member Review

The Witchfinder's Sister, an historical novel by Beth Underdown, is beautifully written, and it's an interesting look at the hysteria that surrounded the witch trials of the 17th century. Its strong protagonist, Alice, is the fictional sister of a real=life witch hunter, Matthew Hopkins. She goes home to live with her brother after her husband's death and becomes involved in his schemes to catch and punish "witches."

Thanks to the author's mastery of periods details and atmosphere , the story is chilling, and Matthew, the Witch Finder General, is revealed as cruel and dark. If you're fascinated by what moves people to turn against one another, the book will give you much to think about, and linger in your mind.

I did, however, feel that the pace of the story was somewhat slow, at least in the beginning, and if you've read similar novels about this era, you may find the pace and rhythms of the characters' voices almost too familiar. (I admit, that's an unfair criticism. Of course, the author must write in that style if the book is to be authentic. It's just that the dialogue felt somewhat cliched.)

The book is also introspective, focusing on Alice's inner thoughts and feelings when relating more of the action happening around her would have heightened the tension, I think.

I do recommend The Witchfinder's Sister, although if you've read similar books, you may not find it as original as you hope. I received a free e-copy from Netgalley in return for my honest opinion,