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The Lost Witch of Windsor
Her mother was cursed. Will she suffer the same fate?
Windsor, Connecticut, 1647.
Alse Young is a wife, a mother, and a woman of faith. But when sickness and death spread through her town, whispers gather like storm clouds. Accused of witchcraft, she becomes the first person hanged for the crime in the American colonies.
Thirty years later, her daughter Alice Beamon carries the same stain. Known only as the witch’s daughter, Alice struggles to build a life in Springfield. She marries, bears children, and tends her household with quiet hope — but when misfortune strikes her neighbours, old suspicions rise again. The voices that condemned her mother begin to circle her too, and history threatens to repeat itself…
Told across two generations, this haunting novel explores faith and fear, love and betrayal, and the terrible power of a community gripped by hysteria. From the gallows of Hartford to the fields of Springfield, it asks what it means to survive when your very name is a curse.
Inspired by true events, this is the untold story of Alse Young — the first woman executed for witchcraft in America — and the daughter who lived in her shadow. Perfect for readers of Hannah Kent, Stacey Halls, and Margaret Atwood.
Windsor, Connecticut, 1647.
Alse Young is a wife, a mother, and a woman of faith. But when sickness and death spread through her town, whispers gather like storm clouds. Accused of witchcraft, she becomes the first person hanged for the crime in the American colonies.
Thirty years later, her daughter Alice Beamon carries the same stain. Known only as the witch’s daughter, Alice struggles to build a life in Springfield. She marries, bears children, and tends her household with quiet hope — but when misfortune strikes her neighbours, old suspicions rise again. The voices that condemned her mother begin to circle her too, and history threatens to repeat itself…
Told across two generations, this haunting novel explores faith and fear, love and betrayal, and the terrible power of a community gripped by hysteria. From the gallows of Hartford to the fields of Springfield, it asks what it means to survive when your very name is a curse.
Inspired by true events, this is the untold story of Alse Young — the first woman executed for witchcraft in America — and the daughter who lived in her shadow. Perfect for readers of Hannah Kent, Stacey Halls, and Margaret Atwood.
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 10, 2025
155 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 14, 2025
This had the potential to be an amazing story, but fell so far short. I cannot understand how an editor didn’t comment about the endlessly repeated text - the river, the mother’s ghost, how the people are separated in church, the kerchief, the same description multiple times of dead cows. I ended up rolling my eyes each time one of these was mentioned yet again.
There is absolutely nothing developed in the story. All it is is ‘people are mean, she’s a witch’ - rinse and repeat. Honestly so disappointing. Hopefully a better writer will tell the story of these women.
There is absolutely nothing developed in the story. All it is is ‘people are mean, she’s a witch’ - rinse and repeat. Honestly so disappointing. Hopefully a better writer will tell the story of these women.
November 11, 2025
What an emotional journey across generations, all grounded in a true story!
The novel follows Alse Young, the first woman hanged for witchcraft in the American colonies in 1647. Thirty years later, her daughter, Alice Beamon, faces the stigma of being known as "the witch’s daughter" in Springfield. As she tries to build a life and raise a family, renewed suspicion arises when misfortune strikes. The story explores themes of faith, fear, and the impact of community hysteria, highlighting the legacy of Alse Young and the challenges her daughter faces.
The narrative weaves between two timelines: one set in 1647, revealing Alse's perspective, and the other in 1677, showcasing Alice’s experiences. This powerful tale illustrates how a mother's fate can profoundly affect her daughter and the generations that follow. The writing is raw, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking. I was taken aback to discover real events inspired it, and I always enjoy diving into the historical details after finishing a book.
Alse is portrayed as a kind, selfless, and wise woman. Yet, a mere hint of suspicion leads to her being accused of witchcraft. It's disheartening to see that her husband ultimately fails to support her as a partner. In stark contrast, Alice's husband stands by her, vocally advocating for her on multiple occasions. Although the court overlooks these pleas, they find recognition in the hearts of those who matter. Alice is fortunate; a supportive network for women accused of witchcraft was often minimal or nonexistent.
It’s hard to fathom how being in the wrong place at the wrong time or falling victim to unfortunate circumstances could result in such dire accusations, trials, or even executions. This year, I've delved into several books on this theme, each offering captivating insights and frustrating accounts of the struggles women faced during those times.
This book is a must-read for anyone intrigued by true stories or those looking to understand the reasons behind witchcraft accusations. It’s also perfect for readers who love uncovering lesser-known historical facts. I encourage you to add this book to your TBR pile, especially as the season and weather invite us to cozy up at home. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you, Booksprout, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The novel follows Alse Young, the first woman hanged for witchcraft in the American colonies in 1647. Thirty years later, her daughter, Alice Beamon, faces the stigma of being known as "the witch’s daughter" in Springfield. As she tries to build a life and raise a family, renewed suspicion arises when misfortune strikes. The story explores themes of faith, fear, and the impact of community hysteria, highlighting the legacy of Alse Young and the challenges her daughter faces.
The narrative weaves between two timelines: one set in 1647, revealing Alse's perspective, and the other in 1677, showcasing Alice’s experiences. This powerful tale illustrates how a mother's fate can profoundly affect her daughter and the generations that follow. The writing is raw, heartbreaking, and thought-provoking. I was taken aback to discover real events inspired it, and I always enjoy diving into the historical details after finishing a book.
Alse is portrayed as a kind, selfless, and wise woman. Yet, a mere hint of suspicion leads to her being accused of witchcraft. It's disheartening to see that her husband ultimately fails to support her as a partner. In stark contrast, Alice's husband stands by her, vocally advocating for her on multiple occasions. Although the court overlooks these pleas, they find recognition in the hearts of those who matter. Alice is fortunate; a supportive network for women accused of witchcraft was often minimal or nonexistent.
It’s hard to fathom how being in the wrong place at the wrong time or falling victim to unfortunate circumstances could result in such dire accusations, trials, or even executions. This year, I've delved into several books on this theme, each offering captivating insights and frustrating accounts of the struggles women faced during those times.
This book is a must-read for anyone intrigued by true stories or those looking to understand the reasons behind witchcraft accusations. It’s also perfect for readers who love uncovering lesser-known historical facts. I encourage you to add this book to your TBR pile, especially as the season and weather invite us to cozy up at home. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Thank you, Booksprout, for the digital ARC copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 17, 2026
Depressing
It’s a sad period in history when fear drove people to blame others for natural disasters and sickness. There is no such thing as a witch. Yet a myth grows to be real in the eyes of our fellow man.
It’s a sad period in history when fear drove people to blame others for natural disasters and sickness. There is no such thing as a witch. Yet a myth grows to be real in the eyes of our fellow man.
January 31, 2026
I was so excited and intrigued the first half of the book. The author writes so beautifully like every sentence is a poem, but nothing much happens in the story. It’s a lot of words to say nothing at all. Very disappointing.
December 5, 2025
Good historical fiction, well written
December 30, 2025
Good read
January 22, 2026
This novel (if you can call it that) was a real disappointment. It was so repetitive, flat and dull, I finally had to put it down.
I have always been fascinated by the history of the witch-hunts and misogyny in the United States,
but, compared to other books on this topic, it never really came to life for me. It seems to present a lot of historical information inaccurately. Was AI used to write this book?
I have always been fascinated by the history of the witch-hunts and misogyny in the United States,
but, compared to other books on this topic, it never really came to life for me. It seems to present a lot of historical information inaccurately. Was AI used to write this book?
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews