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The Witchfinder’s Assistant
Sometimes I can almost remember what it was like before—
I was about God’s business—
But I cannot even write my own story.
THE TOWN OF WEM, SHROPSHIRE 1643
Civil war is ripping England apart.
Families are divided, emotions run high.
Whether on the bleakness of the moors or in snug, wood-panelled rooms, danger lurks.
A body is found, its mouth pierced with thorns.
The Justice of the Peace, a godly man, is certain that witchcraft is involved.
Only his assistant, former cavalryman John Carne, looks for reason where others see demons and witches.
But John has secrets of his own – secrets that concern his cold and distant wife. And it’s not long before the darkness that has engulfed Wem grows darker still…
I was about God’s business—
But I cannot even write my own story.
THE TOWN OF WEM, SHROPSHIRE 1643
Civil war is ripping England apart.
Families are divided, emotions run high.
Whether on the bleakness of the moors or in snug, wood-panelled rooms, danger lurks.
A body is found, its mouth pierced with thorns.
The Justice of the Peace, a godly man, is certain that witchcraft is involved.
Only his assistant, former cavalryman John Carne, looks for reason where others see demons and witches.
But John has secrets of his own – secrets that concern his cold and distant wife. And it’s not long before the darkness that has engulfed Wem grows darker still…
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2024
144 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 17, 2024
I enjoyed this story. The characters and setting was nice. The story kept me interested and guessing as to what was really going on. I do feel like it could've been a tad bit shorter, the middle was a little slow. I would read more by this author.
August 20, 2024
I really didn’t enjoy this book, the only character I liked was John. It actually made me laugh at times. Not like other witch books I’ve read.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
June 5, 2025
John Carne takes a job with Sir Moreton Spibey. John studied law then became a soldier. His leg was badly injured during the English civil war and he has some trouble getting around. He's married to a woman he loves, Zipporah, but she seems to have issues. Her reputation is in tatters after she was found some time earlier, in shock and her clothing in some disarray, and became pregnant subsequently. John married her to get her away from her religiously venomous brother, though his own reputation suffered for tying himself to a supposed loose woman. (John's brother keeps urging him to leave Zipporah for his own good.) The townspeople around them constantly refer to her as a "whore" (which is horrifying and ugly), and she keeps to their home, her garden, and solitude. She is a lively, smart woman, and though he is sometimes frustrated with the state of their marriage, John refuses to hear any nastiness against her.
John sees his new job as a way to repair their lives, though he quickly finds Spibey to be weak-minded, very religious, and eager to make a mark. When a woman's body is extracted from a nearby bog and is discovered to have been pregnant, Spibey immediately sees witchcraft at work. John is much less confident about this, and wants to investigate.
John slowly discovers bits and pieces of information by speaking with people in the town, and in the nearby manor, after Lord Spibey's son-in-law is murdered. John discovers messy relationships and many secrets. Interestingly, Zipporah documents what he has learned, and her conclusions were more often useful in progressing the case than John's.
This was a slow-moving story, with some interesting historical details. Even with the slow pacing, this is still an enjoyable story, though from a mystery perspective, it's a little frustrating. The murderer was obvious, and the main character takes a very long time to twig to the truth. Much more than I would have expected, especially as Zipporah actually suggests this person to him during one of the discussions about the case.
And, horrible as the reveal is, I was glad when the author divulged what had happened to Zipporah.
Would I read more by this author. Likely.
Thank you to Netgalley and to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for my review.
John sees his new job as a way to repair their lives, though he quickly finds Spibey to be weak-minded, very religious, and eager to make a mark. When a woman's body is extracted from a nearby bog and is discovered to have been pregnant, Spibey immediately sees witchcraft at work. John is much less confident about this, and wants to investigate.
John slowly discovers bits and pieces of information by speaking with people in the town, and in the nearby manor, after Lord Spibey's son-in-law is murdered. John discovers messy relationships and many secrets. Interestingly, Zipporah documents what he has learned, and her conclusions were more often useful in progressing the case than John's.
This was a slow-moving story, with some interesting historical details. Even with the slow pacing, this is still an enjoyable story, though from a mystery perspective, it's a little frustrating. The murderer was obvious, and the main character takes a very long time to twig to the truth. Much more than I would have expected, especially as Zipporah actually suggests this person to him during one of the discussions about the case.
And, horrible as the reveal is, I was glad when the author divulged what had happened to Zipporah.
Would I read more by this author. Likely.
Thank you to Netgalley and to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this ARC in exchange for my review.
April 19, 2025
A jolly good romp. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, but there is enough straight fiction to stop it turning it into a farce and I did enjoy the more lighthearted moments rather than resenting them for interrupting the story. It’s set at a very gentle, slow pace, you feel as though you are in the 1660s, think of a very old dusty mule pulling a very old and wonky car and just slowly trotting along a puff that never ends, and you’ve got the pace, LOL! Luckily, it was just what I needed at this time, but if I had been wanting something snappy and fast paced, I would not have got any further than the first few pages!
November 17, 2025
The mystery and any potential tension fizzles out with at least a hundred pages of this long book left, meaning constant repetition and an ending that takes an age to unfold, even while becoming ridiculous. The culprit is obvious from early on, although their motive is so ludicrously low stakes you could be forgiven for wondering why all their murderous machinations were necessary. Talk about high risk, low reward.
Characters become increasingly erratic in their behaviour and a melodramatic showdown is drawn out until a conveniently situated sulphurous bog dispatches the wrongdoer (but sadly only the wrongdoer).
John is a decent character but Zipporah… I absolutely loathed her. Trauma doesn’t have to make you a bitch, you know. The women throwing themselves at John too - we get it, he’s good looking, especially to old women, heavily pregnant widows and comely midwives apparently.
And unless I zoned out at some point (possible), was the mystery of the original bodies in the moss ever solved? Because the book just ends with no resolution. As for the final scene implying the start of a series - I’m sorry, it’s a hard no from me. I’d sooner the bog than more of Zipporah.
Characters become increasingly erratic in their behaviour and a melodramatic showdown is drawn out until a conveniently situated sulphurous bog dispatches the wrongdoer (but sadly only the wrongdoer).
John is a decent character but Zipporah… I absolutely loathed her. Trauma doesn’t have to make you a bitch, you know. The women throwing themselves at John too - we get it, he’s good looking, especially to old women, heavily pregnant widows and comely midwives apparently.
And unless I zoned out at some point (possible), was the mystery of the original bodies in the moss ever solved? Because the book just ends with no resolution. As for the final scene implying the start of a series - I’m sorry, it’s a hard no from me. I’d sooner the bog than more of Zipporah.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 25, 2025
Great murder mystery! The ending dragged a bit though
May 3, 2025
Book Review: The Witchfinder’s Assistant by Ruth Goldstraw
(A Woman’s Perspective)
Ruth Goldstraw’s The Witchfinder’s Assistant is a gripping historical mystery that delves into the horrors of witch trials through the eyes of a complex female protagonist. Set against the backdrop of 17th-century England, the novel explores themes of power, complicity, and survival, offering a nuanced critique of gendered violence and societal paranoia.
Themes and Strengths
Female Agency and Moral Ambiguity: The protagonist, an assistant to a witchfinder, is neither wholly innocent nor entirely complicit—a refreshing departure from binary portrayals of women in historical witch narratives. Her internal conflict reflects the impossible choices faced by women under patriarchal systems, where survival often requires compromise.
Historical Authenticity: Goldstraw meticulously reconstructs the era’s atmosphere, blending factual details about witch-hunting practices with visceral storytelling. The novel’s gruesome realism (e.g., trial scenes) underscores the terror inflicted on accused women, while moments of dark humor and resilience humanize them.
Critique of Institutionalized Misogyny: The witchfinder’s obsession with rooting out “evil” mirrors real historical figures like Matthew Hopkins, but Goldstraw exposes how such campaigns targeted marginalized women—particularly the poor, elderly, or nonconforming. The protagonist’s gradual awakening to this injustice drives the narrative’s emotional core.
Narrative Structure and Pacing: The first-person perspective immerses readers in the protagonist’s psyche, making her moral dilemmas palpable. The mystery elements (e.g., unexplained deaths) are deftly woven into broader social commentary, though some plot twists verge on predictable.
Critique
While the novel excels in character depth, secondary figures (like accused women) occasionally feel underdeveloped, their stories serving more as thematic devices than fully realized individuals. A deeper exploration of their backgrounds could have enriched the critique of collective hysteria.
Conclusion
The Witchfinder’s Assistant is a compelling addition to feminist historical fiction, bridging entertainment and scholarly insight. Goldstraw’s unflinching portrayal of complicity and resistance resonates with contemporary discussions about gender and power. Though not without minor flaws, its emotional honesty and historical rigor make it a standout for readers interested in witch trials and women’s narratives.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A haunting, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page.
(A Woman’s Perspective)
Ruth Goldstraw’s The Witchfinder’s Assistant is a gripping historical mystery that delves into the horrors of witch trials through the eyes of a complex female protagonist. Set against the backdrop of 17th-century England, the novel explores themes of power, complicity, and survival, offering a nuanced critique of gendered violence and societal paranoia.
Themes and Strengths
Female Agency and Moral Ambiguity: The protagonist, an assistant to a witchfinder, is neither wholly innocent nor entirely complicit—a refreshing departure from binary portrayals of women in historical witch narratives. Her internal conflict reflects the impossible choices faced by women under patriarchal systems, where survival often requires compromise.
Historical Authenticity: Goldstraw meticulously reconstructs the era’s atmosphere, blending factual details about witch-hunting practices with visceral storytelling. The novel’s gruesome realism (e.g., trial scenes) underscores the terror inflicted on accused women, while moments of dark humor and resilience humanize them.
Critique of Institutionalized Misogyny: The witchfinder’s obsession with rooting out “evil” mirrors real historical figures like Matthew Hopkins, but Goldstraw exposes how such campaigns targeted marginalized women—particularly the poor, elderly, or nonconforming. The protagonist’s gradual awakening to this injustice drives the narrative’s emotional core.
Narrative Structure and Pacing: The first-person perspective immerses readers in the protagonist’s psyche, making her moral dilemmas palpable. The mystery elements (e.g., unexplained deaths) are deftly woven into broader social commentary, though some plot twists verge on predictable.
Critique
While the novel excels in character depth, secondary figures (like accused women) occasionally feel underdeveloped, their stories serving more as thematic devices than fully realized individuals. A deeper exploration of their backgrounds could have enriched the critique of collective hysteria.
Conclusion
The Witchfinder’s Assistant is a compelling addition to feminist historical fiction, bridging entertainment and scholarly insight. Goldstraw’s unflinching portrayal of complicity and resistance resonates with contemporary discussions about gender and power. Though not without minor flaws, its emotional honesty and historical rigor make it a standout for readers interested in witch trials and women’s narratives.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
A haunting, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the final page.
September 16, 2024
With the English Civil War raging, Parliamentarian, John Carne has returned, badly injured, to the town of Wem where he lives with his wife, Zipporah. The Carnes have a strange marital relationship which is full of hidden secrets which are revealed as this chilling story gets underway. John’s injuries preclude any further involvement in the war so he considers himself fortunate to be offered the position of assistant to Sir Moreton Spibey, a local Justic of the Peace, who is determined to root out the scourge of witchcraft.
John quickly becomes immersed in the life of the village where he discovers that dark forces lurk in the shadows of this seemingly quiet place. The story flows well and I enjoyed uncovering the secrets between John and Zipporah who are both fascinating in their own way. The superstitious bigotry of those townsfolk who are in charge, especially in their search for those who may be responsible for a series of unexpected deaths, is done with a authentic historical feel and I think the author has succeeded in bringing the troubled seventeenth century alive.
The Witchfinder’s Assistant is interesting historical fiction which looks at the prejudices and practices of seventeenth century life and brings it all together in a fascinating historical murder mystery.
September 10, 2024
A fascinating historical murder mystery, The Witchfinder’s Assistant is both enlightening and gruesome at times, though there is also plenty of tongue-in-cheek humour to lighten the tone. Set in and around Wem, Shropshire in 1643, this story is carried both by the main plot, the search for a mass murderer, and by the suspicion, malicious gossip and over-the-top religious beliefs of some characters. The moss bog in which the first bodies are found is almost a character in its own right given the fear that surrounds it. With rumours of witchcraft associated with the deaths, there’s plenty to keep readers interested. At the centre of the story is John Carne, former Roundhead soldier, who was crippled after saving one of his men. and his wife Zipporah, who was thrown out of her family home prior to her marriage to John and who is branded a whore within the town of Wem. Both John and Zipporah are well-educated and while they have an unusual marriage, they work together well to identify the clues. I loved his methods of guiding the thinking of magistrate Sir Moreton Spibey, a Puritan with a strong belief in and fear of witches. I also loved Zipporah’s temper and the way she manages John and her household. She kept me guessing as to what she’d do next. There are plenty of red herrings throughout this story and the finger of blame is pointed in any number of directions to keep readers guessing, but for me it was John and Zipporah and the stellar cast of secondary characters that made this book a thoroughly enjoyble and entertaining read.
May 3, 2025
I enjoyed this book about a former Parliamentarian soldier, John Carne. Gravely injured at the Battle of Edgehill, John is no longer able to serve as a soldier and instead finds employment as the assistant of Moreton Spibey, the local magistrate and self-appointed witchfinder.
Spibey is as bigoted and misogynistic as you'd expect a witchfinder in the 17th century to be. He spouts all kinds of nonsense, ascribing wrongdoing to women suckling imps and demons and flying to the scene of the crime. John Carne is a man of more measured, rational reasoning.
When mutilated bodies are discovered in the Moss, a local peat bog, it sets off a train of events that tests both John's detective skills and his patience with Spibey's behaviour.
Added to the mix is Zipporah, John's reluctant wife. Recently married, he adores her but she repeatedly tells him to set her aside because she believes she is damned to hell. While Zipporah is at first an unsympathetic character, her backstory gradually comes to light, revealing why she acts like she does and why the townsfolk avoid her. She and John work well together, mulling over the murders and writing notes, but there are occasions when they both miss obvious clues.
This was an easy read, with several interesting characters thrown into the mix, like Baccy, the accused witch with the colourful past. John Carne is an interesting character and I'd be happy to read more of his adventures in an England torn apart by civil war, pitting brother against brother, friend against friend.
Spibey is as bigoted and misogynistic as you'd expect a witchfinder in the 17th century to be. He spouts all kinds of nonsense, ascribing wrongdoing to women suckling imps and demons and flying to the scene of the crime. John Carne is a man of more measured, rational reasoning.
When mutilated bodies are discovered in the Moss, a local peat bog, it sets off a train of events that tests both John's detective skills and his patience with Spibey's behaviour.
Added to the mix is Zipporah, John's reluctant wife. Recently married, he adores her but she repeatedly tells him to set her aside because she believes she is damned to hell. While Zipporah is at first an unsympathetic character, her backstory gradually comes to light, revealing why she acts like she does and why the townsfolk avoid her. She and John work well together, mulling over the murders and writing notes, but there are occasions when they both miss obvious clues.
This was an easy read, with several interesting characters thrown into the mix, like Baccy, the accused witch with the colourful past. John Carne is an interesting character and I'd be happy to read more of his adventures in an England torn apart by civil war, pitting brother against brother, friend against friend.
September 14, 2024
Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter for this eCopy to review
I recently read The Witchfinder’s Assistant by Ruth Goldstraw, and it was a fascinating journey into 17th-century England. Set in the small town of Wem during the Civil War, the story follows John Carne, a former cavalryman who becomes the assistant to a Justice of the Peace. The town is gripped by fear and superstition, and when a body is found with its mouth pierced by thorns, the Justice is quick to suspect witchcraft.
The historical setting is richly detailed, and Goldstraw does an excellent job of capturing the tension and paranoia of the time. The bleak moors and the snug, wood-panelled rooms create a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama. John Carne is a compelling protagonist, torn between his duty and his own secrets, which add depth to his character.
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of the themes of prejudice and fear. The townspeople’s quickness to blame witchcraft for their troubles is a poignant reminder of how easily fear can lead to injustice. The mystery surrounding the murder kept me engaged, and I appreciated the way the story delved into the darker aspects of human nature.
However, there were moments when the pacing felt a bit slow, and some of the secondary characters could have been more developed. Despite these minor issues, the book’s strong atmosphere and intriguing plot made it a worthwhile read
I recently read The Witchfinder’s Assistant by Ruth Goldstraw, and it was a fascinating journey into 17th-century England. Set in the small town of Wem during the Civil War, the story follows John Carne, a former cavalryman who becomes the assistant to a Justice of the Peace. The town is gripped by fear and superstition, and when a body is found with its mouth pierced by thorns, the Justice is quick to suspect witchcraft.
The historical setting is richly detailed, and Goldstraw does an excellent job of capturing the tension and paranoia of the time. The bleak moors and the snug, wood-panelled rooms create a vivid backdrop for the unfolding drama. John Carne is a compelling protagonist, torn between his duty and his own secrets, which add depth to his character.
One of the strengths of the novel is its exploration of the themes of prejudice and fear. The townspeople’s quickness to blame witchcraft for their troubles is a poignant reminder of how easily fear can lead to injustice. The mystery surrounding the murder kept me engaged, and I appreciated the way the story delved into the darker aspects of human nature.
However, there were moments when the pacing felt a bit slow, and some of the secondary characters could have been more developed. Despite these minor issues, the book’s strong atmosphere and intriguing plot made it a worthwhile read
September 20, 2024
The Witchfinders Assistant by Ruth Goldstraw, John Carney got a job as the witch finders assistant he has no money and he’s living off the kindness of his brother Dick, all because he married an unwed pregnant woman name Zipporah Goodmen. Sir Spivey is a godly man and John even starts to like him but when they find a pregnant woman dead tethered to a man by a spike, with thorns in strangest places. Spivey believes it is the work of witches and warlocks and this is whenHe sees apart of magistrate Spivey that he doesn’t like.
Due to rumors his employer focus his attention on an inlet out of town and although The magistrate doesn’t like it when he cannot make that stick thanks to John’s interference he starts looking closer to home. I found this book had a lot of suspending of belief in it but for some reason I didn’t want to stop reading it even when I got so sick of John wanting Zipporah to return his love because that just became old but the whole thing with the babies and who did it ET see I had to finish the book I did find it entertaining and although there were a couple of times I wanted to smack Spivey upside his head he did make me lol more than once. Not to mention the great historical detail. I definitely recommend this book and although it wasn’t the greatest story I thought the mystery was awesome. #NetGalley,#HarperCollinsUK, #RuthGoldStraw, #TheWitchfinder’sAssistant,
Due to rumors his employer focus his attention on an inlet out of town and although The magistrate doesn’t like it when he cannot make that stick thanks to John’s interference he starts looking closer to home. I found this book had a lot of suspending of belief in it but for some reason I didn’t want to stop reading it even when I got so sick of John wanting Zipporah to return his love because that just became old but the whole thing with the babies and who did it ET see I had to finish the book I did find it entertaining and although there were a couple of times I wanted to smack Spivey upside his head he did make me lol more than once. Not to mention the great historical detail. I definitely recommend this book and although it wasn’t the greatest story I thought the mystery was awesome. #NetGalley,#HarperCollinsUK, #RuthGoldStraw, #TheWitchfinder’sAssistant,
September 8, 2024
john Carne has served his country in the early years of the Civil War and been severely injured in the leg. He returns home to his wife Zipporah and, desperate for employment, takes up work with a witchfinder, Moreton Spibey. However, he doesn't really believe in witches and has quite enough on his plate without them, as his wife is cold and unloving.
Then Spibey's son in law goes missing, and two leathery bodies emerge from the bog, staked together and pierced with thorns.
The story is told very well, with a great historical setting. I was a little irritated initially by Zipporah's animosity towards her kindly husband, but as events transpired the reader learns why and becomes more sympathetic. The fear of witches was very real at this time and the mob was easily roused against women they perceived to be witches.
The plot is detailed, and while I worked out part of it, the final denouement was a surprise, and was told in a thrilling and interesting manner. Wickedness can sometimes be hidden behind a fair face. I enjoyed it very much.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and One More Chapter for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Then Spibey's son in law goes missing, and two leathery bodies emerge from the bog, staked together and pierced with thorns.
The story is told very well, with a great historical setting. I was a little irritated initially by Zipporah's animosity towards her kindly husband, but as events transpired the reader learns why and becomes more sympathetic. The fear of witches was very real at this time and the mob was easily roused against women they perceived to be witches.
The plot is detailed, and while I worked out part of it, the final denouement was a surprise, and was told in a thrilling and interesting manner. Wickedness can sometimes be hidden behind a fair face. I enjoyed it very much.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK and One More Chapter for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 25, 2024
From the very first page, when we’re introduced to injured hero, John Carne, this book drops the reader deep into the wartime world of 1643: it’s earthy, dark and gloomy and you can never be sure who’s friend or foe. The author builds the atmosphere and the world beautifully, through the language and the landscape. I could almost feel the moss, the mud and the cold.
John is married to a woman he adores but who, apparently, doesn’t feel the same. I wasn’t sure about Zipporah at first but her character – and her story – are gradually revealed to us in a very satisfying way. The relationship between John and his wife was one of the gripping and original features of this book.
Amongst the death and battle scenes, there’s humour too. A couple of the characters (Sam and Baccy) really made me laugh.
I could tell that a lot research had gone into this book but it was sprinkled through the pages with a light touch, so that I never felt that I was being lectured at.
There's not as much 'witch-iness' as you might expect from the title but if you like historical murder mysteries, you’ll enjoy this book. I look forward to more from Ms Goldstraw!
John is married to a woman he adores but who, apparently, doesn’t feel the same. I wasn’t sure about Zipporah at first but her character – and her story – are gradually revealed to us in a very satisfying way. The relationship between John and his wife was one of the gripping and original features of this book.
Amongst the death and battle scenes, there’s humour too. A couple of the characters (Sam and Baccy) really made me laugh.
I could tell that a lot research had gone into this book but it was sprinkled through the pages with a light touch, so that I never felt that I was being lectured at.
There's not as much 'witch-iness' as you might expect from the title but if you like historical murder mysteries, you’ll enjoy this book. I look forward to more from Ms Goldstraw!
November 22, 2025
A great story of witch-hunts and the persecution of women with a hint of comedy. I was pleasantly surprised that Zipporah wasn’t murdered and was able to have a happy future despite the atrocities that happened to her. I guessed what had before it was revealed, but the murder plot surprised me. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.
Some of my favourite quotes:
'You inhuman monster! You take in a friend, yet cast out your own sister. What part of your faith demands you treat a woman so?'
'Please, good people of Wem, use your common sense. This is no witch before you but a decent woman brought low because of the desperate state of affairs this country has fallen into. Zipporah Carne stands accused, but it could be your wife, your daughter, your mother, your sister likewise under suspicion.My wife has done nothing wrong. This is not justice; this is vile prejudice, based on nothing but superstition!’
‘Why does every lunatic in the country have to reside in Shropshire?’
Some of my favourite quotes:
'You inhuman monster! You take in a friend, yet cast out your own sister. What part of your faith demands you treat a woman so?'
'Please, good people of Wem, use your common sense. This is no witch before you but a decent woman brought low because of the desperate state of affairs this country has fallen into. Zipporah Carne stands accused, but it could be your wife, your daughter, your mother, your sister likewise under suspicion.My wife has done nothing wrong. This is not justice; this is vile prejudice, based on nothing but superstition!’
‘Why does every lunatic in the country have to reside in Shropshire?’
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2024
Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, The Witchfinder’s Assistant follows John Carne, wounded he returns to his home in Wem, where he lives with his enigmatic wife, Zipporah. Unable to fight further, John takes a position as an assistant to Sir Moreton Spibey, a local magistrate on a mission to eradicate witchcraft.
As John delves into village life, he uncovers dark secrets and the hidden tensions within his own marriage. The narrative skillfully reveals the superstitions and prejudices of the townsfolk, especially as they hunt for those responsible for a string of mysterious deaths. The author effectively captures the troubled atmosphere of the seventeenth century, blending historical detail with a gripping murder mystery. Overall, this intriguing historical fiction highlights the era's biases and practices, making for a compelling read.
As John delves into village life, he uncovers dark secrets and the hidden tensions within his own marriage. The narrative skillfully reveals the superstitions and prejudices of the townsfolk, especially as they hunt for those responsible for a string of mysterious deaths. The author effectively captures the troubled atmosphere of the seventeenth century, blending historical detail with a gripping murder mystery. Overall, this intriguing historical fiction highlights the era's biases and practices, making for a compelling read.
February 2, 2025
I was gripped instantly by the characters and the mystery behind them. I was kept rapt as the mysteries developed and then unravelled but also as I began feel to strongly about all the characters (love or hate, depending on the character!). There was humour, anguish, drama, intrigue… and a good mystery that was within solving distance but had a few twists until the end. But I’m not really a mystery fan, that was just an unexpected bonus. My passion is the reality of witch hunting and while this novel is not rooted in significant historical characters or specific events, it shows a chilling reality of just how the prejudice of the educated and the ignorance of the peasants spread hate like wildfire and was more evil than any devilry they tried to blame on others. Great book, easy to tear through without putting down!
November 17, 2024
Badly wounded fighting for Parliament and estranged from his family, John Carne, has married a woman he loves but who is troubled and moved to the small town of Wem. Finding a role as the assistant to the local magistrate, John is shocked when a couple of bodies are dragged from the local march, murdered and mutilated. This sets his leader into a frenzy of fervour to find witches in the neighbourhood. However, as more bodies are found, John is convinced that the crime committed is more prosaic.
I rather enjoyed this book as it is a mix of historical fiction and a good whodunnit. It's not too demanding, I didn't find it 'haunting', but it is cleverly plotted. There are some interesting themes explored such as victim shaming and post-natal depression which lift it above the norm.
I rather enjoyed this book as it is a mix of historical fiction and a good whodunnit. It's not too demanding, I didn't find it 'haunting', but it is cleverly plotted. There are some interesting themes explored such as victim shaming and post-natal depression which lift it above the norm.
August 26, 2024
I am always interested in reading a book where witchcraft and sorcery are promised from the plot line or the title, so thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the opportunity to review this one. It’s a slow burn from the start, building the plot and introducing the characters, but I continued to read. I would describe this more as an historical murder mystery, with the witchcraft element more of a side plot, so not quite what I was expecting, but I did continue to read until the end, but did scan read at times. I wouldn’t purchase this book, but would pick it up at the library or read via kindle unlimited.
October 25, 2024
A spellbinding historical tale of witchcraft, secrets, and murder!
Such a perfect, witchy read for some early autumn evenings! I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the history around the English Civil War – and was even more captivated by the murder mystery that spurs this story from the first page all the way through to the end. The settings in this novel really add to the haunting atmosphere that ticks beneath the plot as John and Zipporah work together (and work through secrets of their own) to unravel the culprit behind a series of chilling murders.
Definitely an eerier read for me, but still very much my cup of tea!
Such a perfect, witchy read for some early autumn evenings! I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the history around the English Civil War – and was even more captivated by the murder mystery that spurs this story from the first page all the way through to the end. The settings in this novel really add to the haunting atmosphere that ticks beneath the plot as John and Zipporah work together (and work through secrets of their own) to unravel the culprit behind a series of chilling murders.
Definitely an eerier read for me, but still very much my cup of tea!
August 31, 2024
The Witchfinders Assistant is set in the 17th Century in the village of Wem during the Civil War when people believed in Witches and Witchcraft .There are some good characters I specially liked John and Baccy .Bodies are turning up and John's job is finding the murderer and trying to prove it was not a Witch ! A slow burner but it soon picked up to an exciting pace a good story with a satisfactory ending .
August 9, 2024
3.5 ⭐
Things are not going well in Wem, what with civil war, witchcraft and general small town fighting... its a lot!
Mostly I enjoyed this book, it was paced nicely, and had a few tests that added extra trouble to the plot.
I struggled with Zepphora though, a few things, that left me feeling really indifferent to her.
Things really pick up pace in the last chapters, and I got to the end having enjoyed my few hours spent with John, and his lot.
Things are not going well in Wem, what with civil war, witchcraft and general small town fighting... its a lot!
Mostly I enjoyed this book, it was paced nicely, and had a few tests that added extra trouble to the plot.
I struggled with Zepphora though, a few things, that left me feeling really indifferent to her.
Things really pick up pace in the last chapters, and I got to the end having enjoyed my few hours spent with John, and his lot.
February 25, 2025
An Interesting Story
I'd like to say enjoyable, but considering the times in which it was written, and due to it being a witch hunting plot, it was definitely interesting, leaving you thankful you didn't live during this period! Say the wrong thing, be strong willed, be creative and you'd be condemned a witch!!
Well worthy of giving it a go.
I'd like to say enjoyable, but considering the times in which it was written, and due to it being a witch hunting plot, it was definitely interesting, leaving you thankful you didn't live during this period! Say the wrong thing, be strong willed, be creative and you'd be condemned a witch!!
Well worthy of giving it a go.
November 14, 2025
When I started this book I admittedly had low hopes. In all honesty the romantic trope in this book has some predictability to it, but aside from this I was absolutely hooked. So thoroughly interesting and not at all the ending I expected. I wish there was a little more detail on the struggles of the female protagonist in this book but aside from that I am glad I read! Would recommend.
October 8, 2024
Set in 1643 during the English Civil War, this is a time that I haven't read much about within my love of historical fiction.. this book is a well written murder mystery set in a small village .
It was an enjoyable read if you like this era.
It was an enjoyable read if you like this era.
October 16, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed it
This is a great read! Although many books are described as a page turner, this one definitely was with characters you get invested in right to the end. I definitely recommend it.
This is a great read! Although many books are described as a page turner, this one definitely was with characters you get invested in right to the end. I definitely recommend it.
January 27, 2025
the witchfinders assistant
Really enjoyed this book. Read it in one sitting. Well written with interesting characters I couldn’t put it down. I will look out for more books by this author.
Really enjoyed this book. Read it in one sitting. Well written with interesting characters I couldn’t put it down. I will look out for more books by this author.
May 21, 2025
Excellent read
I bought this book on a whim and kept it a while before reading.I wish I had begun it right away because it is brilliant. Great story with very credible characters. I didn’t want it to end and need this author to write another.
I bought this book on a whim and kept it a while before reading.I wish I had begun it right away because it is brilliant. Great story with very credible characters. I didn’t want it to end and need this author to write another.
September 4, 2024
I just didn’t care for this book at all. It sounded interesting. Perhaps I would have liked it more if it hadn’t been set so far in the past.
November 19, 2024
A real joy to read. Dark historical fiction, twisting turning romance, tense murder mystery. We have it all here. I was gripped to the end.
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