The Nightingale’s Castle: A Novel of Erzsébet Báthory, the Blood Countess

Velton (The Image of Her) spins an alluring story based on the historical Hungarian “blood countess” Erzsébet Báthory, who was accused in the 17th century of murdering hundreds of girls. In 1610, 15-year-old orphan Boróka goes to work for the countess at Č achtice Castle. Boróka, who was raised by a doctor and taught to read, but otherwise has no skills, is assigned to work in the laundry house. She befriends her seamstress roommate, Suzanna, who grows resentful when Boróka is picked to serve as a model for the countess’s portrait. According to Suzanna, the countess tortures the house’s servant girls in their quarters. Boróka chalks Suzanna’s accusations up to superstition, though her curiosity is piqued enough to snoop around the countess’s belongings, where she finds a journal describing how another noblewoman gave birth to an illegitimate daughter when she was 13. When the countess is charged with murdering hundreds of servants based on scant evidence, Boróka remains loyal. Revelations about the connections between Boróka, the countess, and the woman mentioned in the diary are unsurprising, but Velton’s riveting narrative vividly evokes the misogyny and paranoia of the era’s witch trials. Historical fiction fans will find plenty to enjoy. Agent: Jenny Bent, Bent Agency. (May)