One of the most detailed accounts of the Salem Witch Trials I have ever read. Norton makes an interesting case, combining the fear of Indian raids from the outside with the internal fear of Satan and witchcraft within Essex County. One could only imagine such an environment; surrounded in fear from the inside and out.

I have to admit, I didn't finish reading this book. Norton includes some great evidence and primary sources from Cotton Mather and other well-known players in the trials. However, the book is very heavy with this evidence. The connections between the residents of Salem, residents of other parts of Essex County, people back in England, etc, is mind-boggling. The web weaved by who-knows-who among the accused and the afflicted is quite confusing at times. Norton is obviously a great historian, she definitely knows her stuff, but the story is presented in such a way that it can bombard the reader into a kind of "wait, what?" stupor.

Norton also dispels some of the common assumptions about the witch trials and the mysterious Tituba. In terms of completeness, her work wins a gold star. In terms of entertainment value (well, as entertaining as a terrible and scary time can be made out to be) not so much.