The Last Witch is a brilliant interpretation of the events surrounding Heinrich Kramer and the trial that likely influenced his publishing of the Malleus Maleficarum. Although a bit brighter or more hopeful than Cooke's usually gothic tales, she still doesn't pull any punches in regards to the gore and horror aspects. There were definitely a few times I had to set the book down for a minute and take a deep breath. But I always picked it back up again, because Cooke masterfully creates characters you want to keep coming back to. From Helena Scheuberin and her cast of fellow accused witches to Bishop Georg Golser and his tormented past, most of the people in the book feel alive. So close you could touch them. It's what makes Cooke's horror so good: horrible things happening to people that feel real.

The book also asks readers to imagine what a world looks like where women's rights and voices can be stripped away by a mere accusation of ill intent. And, well, it's not that hard to imagine. It's also not particularly new or exciting to re-imagine the witch trials as commentary on misogyny and patriarchy, and though I usually love Cooke's themes of motherhood and cycles of grief and trauma, they fell a little flat for me in The Last Witch. Perhaps she felt restrained by the real-life events of the trial or by the real-life horrors faced by women today. I don't know. All I can say is that the morals and conclusions of the book felt a little shallow, like a band-aid over a deep wound. Father Kramer also felt like a caricature, more so than any of Cooke's previous antagonists. Again, maybe he was drawn from real life evil villains whose only goal in life seems to be wielding sadistic power over others, but in a book where you have the space to explore and understand even the most heinous of people, Kramer's history and motivations were only briefly and unsatisfyingly mentioned.

It was still a majorly enjoyable read, but it felt a little underwhelming in comparison with Cooke's other works like A Haunting in the Arctic (my fav) or The Lighthouse Witches. But personally, I will continue haunting Cooke's social media pages for her next book.

When I realized this was based on a true story, it hot home that much more about what men did to women and how they painted them as witches. This was definitely a portrayal of feminism and boy did I have rage reading this (at the characters). This book was phenomenal, and the atmosphere CJ Cooke portrayed made you feel like you were there. The FMC, Helena, is a strong woman who is not a victim as much as she is a force of nature. I love strong FMCs and Cooke absolutely gave us that voice through Helena! This is a must read for any thriller lover, as well as anyone who understand the plight of women throughout history.

An excellent fictional account of the witch trials in Innsbruck and the birth of the Witch’s Hammer. As always, Cooke does an excellent job of weaving a bit of the supernatural into the sociopolitical issues of the day. Will be adding this to our library collection.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

A harrowing tale that keeps you on your toes. When Helena and a group of women are accused of witch craft, their fate seems to be sealed. Under the spell of the tyrannical monk who sees himself as judge and ruler, the townspeople believe those accused are witches. Desperate to escape Helena pledges herself to the goddess Hecate, but has she invited more evil into the dungeon?

You can’t help but root for these women. It was maddening to witness a single man hold such power. Ms Cooke does an excellent job of depicting the ignorance that permeates throughout the town. It’s disturbing how quickly the townspeople jump on the bandwagon. It is enraging how men used the witch trials as a means to control women, to punish women. It isn’t surprising that women who were outspoken, entrepreneurial, or gifted at healthcare were among the many who were accused. I wanted so desperately for true justice to be served. For the wicked monk to be punished for his lies. Though we know the trials had horrific endings, I desperately wished for a satisfying ending.

Helena is a great character. She’s brave in the face of such monstrosity and stands up for what is right no matter the punishment that is inflicted on her. When she pledges her loyalty to Hecate I was curious to see how the power would manifest. I liked the use of the goddess in this novel. Throughout the novel you can’t help but wonder if she is leading Helena to her salvation or to the underworld. It keeps you on your toes.

Overall this was an engaging read that I couldn’t put down.

Helena Scheuberin should be a household name. What you mean a badass medieval Austrian woman chased out her witch-hunting accuser out of the village AND I HAVEN’T HEARD OF HER? Not only that, but said witch-hunter was so butt-hurt about it that he produced the OG incel manifesto on persecuting witches???? & somehow HIS name makes it into history while Helana’s story seems to be a footnote?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 stars & a reserved spot on my bookshelf

(Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC.)

I knew about the 1692 Salem witch trials, but I had no concept of how far back into history witch trials began. I must’ve glossed over The Roman Inquisition in school, because I am FLOORED at the brutality of it. These people - mainly women - were slandered, tortured and murdered in horrifying manners. Looking up strappado made me feel nauseous. [Note: Although the book describes torture, I did not find it overly graphic. It was my Google rabbit hole searches that got me into trouble.]

This book reads like a horror novel, because of how scary and hopeless and desperate it feels to be in Helena’s position. I did not realize it was based on real life people/events until the end because of how well-explored each “character” is. There are multiple POVs, but I did not find myself wanting to skip any because I was invested in each storyline.

I have a shelf reserved for books about badass women who were nearly written out of history. “The Last Witch” will be sharing a shelf with cunning battle-savvy Queen Semiramis of “Babylonia.” Legendary Xi Shi of “A Song to Drown Rivers” who nearly single-handedly brought down a kingdom is there too. I can’t wait to keep adding to my physical bookshelf, as well as building a mental catalog of incredible women who changed history.

******SPOILERS*******

My only qualm was how neatly the book ended. Some dialogue at the end felt too cheesy and/or a little lecture-y. The messages directly stated by Helena to Kramer was already showcases throughout the book. I don’t think it needed to be so bluntly stated to the point where it felt like I, as the reader, was being lectured about the patriarchy.

Now that I’ve learned it is based on true events, I appreciate the closure of a happy ending. I also HIGHLY appreciate how Kramer was described throughout, and his curse. It makes me giggle (cackle?) to think that this little angry man would lothe the unflattering spotlight on his inadequateness.

I’ve read a lot of “witch trials” stories, but The Last Witch isn’t built for shock value or spectacle. CJ Cooke's The Last Witch has been written to confront the suffocating ways women were (and still are) controlled. Helena, the protagonist, isn’t a spell-caster or a midwife in the woods. Instead, she’s a woman who speaks up and refuses to play along. And for that, she becomes a threat.

Set in 1485 Innsbruck, the historical setting is rich, but the heart of the book is about power. The horror here isn’t in the supernatural. It’s in the very real way a woman’s autonomy can be erased by men convinced they’re on a moral mission.

This is one of C.J. Cooke’s strongest novels to date. It doesn’t flinch. And it doesn’t offer easy resolutions. If you want your historical fiction with real teeth, something that makes you uncomfortable in the right ways—this is one to pick up.


#berkley #cjcooke #thelastwitch

I thought it was a great twist of historical fiction and folklore. I definitely got feminist vibes from this and it just reminds you that women kind rise up and take control again against tough situations.

This book made me angry. It is a stark reminder of how religion and men have viewed, controlled, and abused women for centuries. But more than just that negative reminder, we are more strongly presented with how women rise above and take back their power. CJ Cook brings Helena’s story back to life in a way that honors the truth behind it while also expanding on it in her own way. I definitely found myself down a rabbit hole revolving around the history that inspired this book.

I’ve been a dedicated fan of C.J. Cooke’s storytelling for years now, and every time she releases a new novel, I feel like a child unwrapping a long-awaited gift. Her blend of history, folklore, feminism, and eerie suspense never fails to cast a spell over me—and The Last Witch is no exception. In fact, it might be her boldest, most powerful work yet.

Helena Scheuberin is the kind of heroine who lingers in your thoughts long after you close the book. Set in 15th-century Innsbruck, her story begins as one of quiet frustration—an intelligent, fiercely outspoken woman trapped in a loveless, suffocating marriage. But when a malicious priest bent on religious control sets his sights on rooting out “witches,” Helena’s strength is put to the ultimate test. Accused of both witchcraft and murder, she is forced to fight not just for her life—but for her voice, her truth, and her place in the world.

Cooke doesn’t just write historical fiction—she resurrects it. The setting is so rich in detail, you feel the cold stone of the prison walls, hear the crunch of boots on cobbled streets, and smell the damp wood of courtroom benches. But beneath the chilling historical backdrop lies something more haunting and human: the story of a woman determined to stand tall against a system designed to break her.

This novel is as much a psychological portrait as it is a suspenseful thriller. It taps into the devastating consequences of misogyny, the weight of guilt and shame, and the impossible choices women have had to make throughout history just to survive. Yet despite its darker themes, The Last Witch pulses with resilience and defiance. Helena is no victim—she’s a force of nature, a woman who dares to challenge cruelty with intellect, courage, and unflinching honesty.

And as a reader who has devoured all of C.J. Cooke’s previous books—most of which I’ve given 5 stars—this one keeps the tradition alive. She has a rare talent for weaving historical truths with lyrical prose, turning heartbreak into art, and injustice into unforgettable fiction. With The Last Witch, she’s penned something deeply emotional, subtly terrifying, and undeniably empowering.

If you’re drawn to historical mysteries with feminist soul, haunting atmosphere, and emotional grit, this book deserves a place at the very top of your list. You’ll feel anger, fear, hope, and awe—sometimes all at once. And you’ll close the final page feeling like you’ve just witnessed something truly profound.

Deepest thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this extraordinary story with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. C.J. Cooke continues to be one of the most fearless and evocative voices in modern fiction—and The Last Witch is another triumph.

This very interesting historical fiction novel takes place in late fifteenth century Austria. It tells the remarkable tale of one woman's ordeal to stay alive after being arrested on the charge of witchcraft. I will admit that I wasn't sure what I would expect when I first started reading it but along the way and afterwards I will admit I was very impressed with what I read. I sympathized with the women who were only victims of a another persons lie and I found myself wanting to yell at the antagonist. This was a very enjoyable experience.
We are introduced to Helena who is trapped in a loveless marriage. She has always felt like an outsider and believes that there are answers to her past that people aren't telling her.Her husband who is sterile and desperate for a son arranges that she sleeps with his footman. However, she does find solace in this relationship with the footman.
Despite this forbidden love things are far from perfect. A friend of hers ends up getting tried and executed for witchcraft. The priest responsible ends up coming to their village and of course Helena ends up making a bad first impression. It only gets worse when Leopold the footman is found dead and Helena is accused of his murder.
From there Helena is arrested and thrown into jail. She vows to stay alive and finds a way to outwit the accusations of the priest. Will she be able to prove them wrong with their accusations?.

Atmospheric, haunting, and deeply rooted in folklore, The Last Witch is a chilling blend of historical fiction and gothic suspense. C.J. Cooke transports you to a windswept Scottish isle, where the past lingers like a shadow and secrets are stitched into the land itself.

The writing is lyrical and immersive—filled with eerie tension, feminist undertones, and a deep sense of place. It weaves together dual timelines effortlessly, unraveling a story of women silenced, power reclaimed, and truths buried for generations.