The Witchfinder’s Sister

This debut historical novel is a well-written dramatization of witch hunting in Europe during the 17th century. Based loosely on the life of a real English witch finder named Matthew Hopkins, the story is narrated by his sister, Alice, who, pregnant, must return to her brother’s household in the village of Manningtree after the death of her husband in London. As Matthew’s ward, Alice can only watch as her brother’s behavior spirals into fanaticism and cruelty. She knows childhood trauma informs his actions—not only was his face disfigured in a mysterious accident as a child, but he was denied the opportunity to follow in their father’s footsteps as a minister. As Matthew coldly and methodically goes about the business of “watching” several local women, keeping them awake and bound for hours on end while waiting for their devilish imps to appear, Alice becomes desperate to get to the bottom of what is compelling him. As the hysteria, and his influence, grows, Matthew is called to other communities, forcing Alice to accompany him. After witnessing his failure to stop one particularly unspeakable act, she finally rebels, and he turns on her. Though histrionic towards the end, this is an entertaining yarn for readers who can’t get enough of the subject matter. (Apr.)