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The Witchfinder's Sister

Beth Underdown (Goodreads Author)

3.62 · Rating details · 7,485 ratings · 972 reviews

THE MOST THRILLING HISTORICAL DEBUT OF 2017

Based on the shocking true story of the infamous witchfinder Matthew Hopkins, this haunting and gripping novel is perfect for fans of The Miniaturist, Sarah Waters and The Essex Serpent.

'The number of women my brother Matthew killed, so far as I can reckon it, is one hundred and six...'

1645. When Alice Hopkins' husband dies

...more

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Kindle Edition, 361 pages

Published March 2nd 2017 by Penguin

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Feb 11, 2017 Maureen rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

Long before the Salem witch trials, there were the Manningtree witch trials in Essex England, and for many women it was a time of pure terror.

London 1645, and Alice Hopkins finds herself pregnant, and having to return to her home village of Manningtree, Essex, after the death of her husband. She will be living with her brother Matthew Hopkins 'The Witchfinder General'. Matthew is a cruel, troubled, sullen individual, with a persona of evil about him.

Alice discovers that not only is Matthew a Long before the Salem witch trials, there were the Manningtree witch trials in Essex England, and for many women it was a time of pure terror.

London 1645, and Alice Hopkins finds herself pregnant, and having to return to her home village of Manningtree, Essex, after the death of her husband. She will be living with her brother Matthew Hopkins 'The Witchfinder General'. Matthew is a cruel, troubled, sullen individual, with a persona of evil about him.

Alice discovers that not only is Matthew a man of influence these days, but he is also a merciless hunter of witches! His very name incites terror in the hearts of ordinary people for miles around.

Alice does her best to reign Matthew in, but he won't be thwarted in his quest to bring these so called witches to trial. In trying to understand his motives, she also uncovers some dark secrets going back to when they were very young, but in doing so, she puts her own life in peril.

Oh boy, this was a harrowing tale, made more so by the fact that Matthew Hopkins actually existed, and the trials are well documented. He took the office of Witchfinder General upon himself, very much self appointed, and he was never officially recognised by parliament.

Women were tried as witches for the most menial of things - some were just a bit different, a little eccentric, some were lonely individuals unable to fend for themselves, or perhaps some of them had mental health problems - some were even reported for witchcraft by neighbours with a score to settle. But whichever means brought them to Hopkins attention, one thing was for certain, they were doomed. He and his henchmen were responsible for over 100 women going to the gallows.

Though this story is based on fact, the author has woven a fictional tale around it, for it isn't known whether Matthew Hopkins actually had a sister. All I can say is that Beth Underdown has created a wonderful historical thriller, and though the subject matter is really heartbreaking to read at times, it is SO worth it. An excellent debut novel!

*Thank you to Netgalley & Penguin UK for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review* ...more

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Dec 07, 2018 Debra rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Essex, England, 1645

Alice Hopkins is a pregnant widow who must return to her hometown of Manningtree, Essex, to reside with her brother, Matthew Hopkins. She has not seen him in five years and finds that he has changed. He is no longer the young man who loves scripture. Matthew is now a man with power and influence. He has become a powerful man who is feared as he is a hunter of witches. He has a list of names and carefully takes notes as he interviews those who have been accused of witch craft. Essex, England, 1645

Alice Hopkins is a pregnant widow who must return to her hometown of Manningtree, Essex, to reside with her brother, Matthew Hopkins. She has not seen him in five years and finds that he has changed. He is no longer the young man who loves scripture. Matthew is now a man with power and influence. He has become a powerful man who is feared as he is a hunter of witches. He has a list of names and carefully takes notes as he interviews those who have been accused of witch craft. Alice tries to change his mind, but soon finds his mind cannot be changed. He is on a mission and soon makes her take part in his witch hunts.

Witch hunts that occurred in England. Matthew Hopkins was a real witch hunter who in fact "is believed to have been responsible for the executions of 300 alleged witches between the years 1644 and 1646" (information from Wikipedia) In his short reign more people (mainly women) were hanged than in the previous one hundred years. Can you even imagine what it was like to live during those times? One need only blink the wrong way and be accused. If people did not like you, if you were the least bit different, if you did not comply with societal norms, or someone had a grudge against you - you could be accused.

I love books written about real events and/or people. I also happen to love books about witches and accused witches. This book was no exception. In the Author's notes she tells where she took liberties (a lot) and made up characters (i.e. Alice Hopkins) and where she interwove fact. Be sure to read that section as well! I found this book to be well-written and compelling. This book is thought provoking and frightening. What a scary time in history - this book showcases the horrific treatment and persecution of those accused and the ways in which women were proven to be witches.

I love books that not only entertain but educate and evoke feeling. I am quite familiar with the Salem Witch Trials in the U.S. and thorough this book learned about witch hunts that took place in England. A lot of research went into this book and I thought she did a great job writing a story around real events and a real person. It's heartbreaking to think about what women endured and suffered during those times.

**Thank you to Martie for mentioning this book to me. It would have sat on my to-read pile had you not sent me a link to your review! ...more

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May 05, 2017 Diane S ☔ rated it really liked it · review of another edition

3.5 Manningtree, the Essex witch trials, in the two years between 1645 and 1647, hundreds of women were investigated and hanged as witches. Matthew Stafford was called the witch finder, a man who for unknown reasons pursued across many counties all rumors and gossip of supposed witches. In this novel the author attempts to give us a reason why Stafford acted and believed as he did.

Our narrator is Eliza, Matthew's sister, who has returned to Manningtree, after the death of her husband, a ...more

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Sep 27, 2017 Candi rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

"These last months, I have learned that the acknowledged history that belongs to the daylight, that is not the only history. Turn over the stone and you will find another history, wriggling to escape."

It is the seventeenth century in England, and while Civil War occupies the minds of both soldiers and citizens, one man has the opportunity to follow his own agenda without interference. Termed the Witchfinder, Matthew Hopkins has a list of names and scours the countryside of Essex and Suffolk in "These last months, I have learned that the acknowledged history that belongs to the daylight, that is not the only history. Turn over the stone and you will find another history, wriggling to escape."

It is the seventeenth century in England, and while Civil War occupies the minds of both soldiers and citizens, one man has the opportunity to follow his own agenda without interference. Termed the Witchfinder, Matthew Hopkins has a list of names and scours the countryside of Essex and Suffolk in search of those accused of witchcraft. It is a time of suspicion and fear, and author Beth Underdown effectively conveys the tension through her skillful writing. This is a fictional story, but with roots embedded loosely in true accounts of the time. Matthew Hopkins was a real person, but it is unknown whether he in fact had a sister or not. In this novel, Alice Hopkins is both narrator and sibling to the witchfinder, and it is through her that we learn of a year full of accusations and darkness.

Alice has just returned to her hometown of Manningtree following her husband’s death. She, along with her unborn child, seeks refuge with her brother with whom she hopes to reconcile after five years of disagreement and silence. While Matthew quickly takes her in and provides shelter, Alice soon comes to realize that it will be at a great cost to her. Murmurs of a book of names as well as hushed gossip about certain women of the town swiftly reach her ear. Upon settling down at the inn where her brother currently resides, Alice learns that it is from these headquarters, so to speak, that Matthew conducts his loathsome business. Before long, Alice will be unwillingly induced to assist with his acts of questioning and testing the accused. "Suddenly I felt the low simmer of threat."

I can only imagine the terror of that day and age. In particular, if you happened to be a woman that was unconventional in any way, shape or form – independent, mentally unstable, promiscuous, or just plain eccentric – it seems you were not safe from being labeled as a witch. Perhaps your neighbor didn’t like you, or you gave another woman’s husband a second glance – witch! Through Alice, we also glimpse a piece of Matthew’s past. They were very close siblings at one point in time, with Alice likely being Matthew’s only real friend. Alice understood him and nurtured him; he depended on her devotion. But there is a secret lurking in the background as well, and Alice tries to put together small pieces of a puzzle that she never before questioned as being incomplete - until now. Perhaps she can make sense of the madness. Maybe she can convince Matthew to cease his accursed mission.

I thought that this was a very well-written, interesting piece of historical fiction. Underdown’s writing is suspenseful and engaging, and seemed to be a well-researched and realistic portrayal of the witch hunts of this period. The book is in no way melodramatic; rather a thread of unease and a haunting tone are woven throughout. This is not a gruesome, hide-under-the-covers sort of a read, but a chilling reminder of what can go wrong when paranoia, prejudice and abuse of power get into the minds and hands of misguided and wicked human beings.

"For it is a choice, I think, to close the heart, just as it is a choice to open it. It is a choice to look at what distresses you, and a choice to shut your eyes."
...more

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Feb 10, 2017 Irena rated it liked it · review of another edition

Actual rating: 3,5

It has been 15 days since I read The Witchfinder’s Sister, and I still don’t know what to think about it.
That happens rarely to me, almost never.
I have to warn you that my review will probably be all over the place because I am still finding the words to express my thoughts, but there is one thing I can say for sure: The Witchfinder’s Sister left me confused.

The story follows Alice Hopkins who returns to her childhood town to live with her brother Matthew, after a tragic death ...more

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Dec 01, 2016 Erin rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: historic-fiction-1600s

Find this and other reviews at: https://historicalfictionreader.blogs...

The New York Times Book Review says Beth Underdown’s The Witchfinder’s Sister is “a novel for our times…” and if that is true, I fear for both our times and the quality of literature it produces. I mean no offense to the reviewer or to the author for that matter, but I wholeheartedly disagree with the assessment and am not inclined to pretend otherwise.

The novel centers on the fictitious Alice Hopkins. For those who aren’t Find this and other reviews at: https://historicalfictionreader.blogs...

The New York Times Book Review says Beth Underdown’s The Witchfinder’s Sister is “a novel for our times…” and if that is true, I fear for both our times and the quality of literature it produces. I mean no offense to the reviewer or to the author for that matter, but I wholeheartedly disagree with the assessment and am not inclined to pretend otherwise.

The novel centers on the fictitious Alice Hopkins. For those who aren’t aware, publishers don’t like narratives about men, so to tell stories like that of Matthew Hopkins, authors are forced to rely on gimmicks that allow them to approach male characters from female points of view which likely explains how the historic headliner of this particular publication came to occupy a supporting role in his own story. I find the trend annoying as all hell, but that’s a tirade for another day.

I obviously understand why Underdown required a female protagonist, but why she chose to create one is beyond my comprehension. Matthew had at least five siblings according to his father’s will, but only three are ever named: James, Thomas, and John. Could a sister have existed? It’s certainly plausible, but filling the void wasn’t entirely necessary. Matthew’s mother, Marie Hopkins, seems a prime candidate in my eyes, as does Mary Phillips, a midwife who partnered with Matthew in the course of his investigations. Then, of course, there are the hundreds of women he persecuted…

Now I don’t believe it fair to rake a book across the coals for the inclusion of a fictional caricature, so please don’t conclude that Alice’s presence in and of itself factors in the lukewarm rating above. I’ve lots of complaints about the narrative, but Alice’s lack of a historic counterpart is simply not among them. Her mouse-like demeanor bored me to tears, the fact that she is a witness rather than an active participant in much of the narrative inspired a number of yawns, and her inexplicable episode of courage in the final chapters struck me as contradictory to her nature, but I do not discriminate because she lacks real-life inspiration.

Those familiar with Matthew’s legacy understand that his victims were largely comprised of the old, the poor, the feeble, the disabled, the defenseless, those who fell victim to the suspicion of their neighbors, and those upon whom others held grievances both real and imagined. Underdown chronicles this moderately well. She also offers up some great details about the realities of witch hunting over the course of the novel, but there is almost nothing about the politics or ideology behind the practice. I am not a writer, but I think the novel would have been stronger if she’d emphasized how Matthew’s ideas, which he recorded in The Discovery of Witches (1647), built on those of James I as recorded in Daemonologie (1597). Underdown’s fiction implies that Matthew was a fanatic which is entirely possible, but it fails to relay that much of what he believed was in line with both common thought and the beliefs of a king only two decades in his grave.

In my eyes, The Witchfinder’s Sister boasts tedious pacing, yawn-worthy characters, a gross underuse of historic fact, and an anti-climactic finale, but I’m not above giving credit where due. Underdown’s choice of inspiration had merit, but the execution paled in comparison to the portrayal offered by Vincent Price in Witchfinder General, a 1968 film based on Ronald Bassett's novel of the same name. I firmly believe Matthew’s is a tale worth telling, but when I’m entirely honest with myself, I don’t feel The Witchfinder’s Sister capitalized on the material and have to concede I’d have difficulty recommending it forward. ...more

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Mar 12, 2017 Alex ☣ Deranged KittyCat ☣ rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-fiction, 2017-favorites, paranormal-uf, netgalleys-and-arcs, adult, all-time-favorites, magic, mental-illness

The Witchfinder's Sister is exactly what the title implies:

The number of women my brother Matthew killed, so far as I can reckon it, is one hundred and six...

1645. When Alice Hopkins' husband dies in a tragic accident, she has no choice but to return to the small Essex town of Manningtree, where her brother Matthew still lives.

But home is no longer a place of safety. Matthew has changed, and there are rumours spreading through the town: whispers of witches, and of a great book, in which her

...more

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Dec 24, 2016 Liz Barnsley rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

The Witchfinder’s Sister is a tense, highly atmospheric historical drama based on fact, a book that it is easy to devour in quick smart fashion, with it’s vivid and emotionally drawn characters and a beautifully described sense of place and time.

Alice loses her husband in a tragic accident and having no choice returns home to her brother. Matthew is a strange one, and deeply involved in the local community and wider, whispers of witchcraft abound and it seems no woman is safe from Matthew’s ...more

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Feb 14, 2017 Erin *Proud Book Hoarder* rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 4-star, drama-gen-fiction, monsters, read-in-2017, got-in-2017, historical, reviewed, witches, magic-powers, netgalley

"For they say what happened, but not what it was like. They say what happened, but they do not say why.”

Witch hunting is one of the most embarrassing pieces of human history. ‘The Witchfinder’s Sister’ is a fictional tale where the author conceives a plausible viewpoint of Matthew Stafford’s sister. This isn’t based on a true story since, while these characters were real, so little is known about them. We do know that during the Essex witch trials between the years of 1645 and 1647, that "For they say what happened, but not what it was like. They say what happened, but they do not say why.”

Witch hunting is one of the most embarrassing pieces of human history. ‘The Witchfinder’s Sister’ is a fictional tale where the author conceives a plausible viewpoint of Matthew Stafford’s sister. This isn’t based on a true story since, while these characters were real, so little is known about them. We do know that during the Essex witch trials between the years of 1645 and 1647, that hundreds of women were investigated for witchcraft and many were murdered as a result of it.

Beth Underdown is spot on for the dreary and run-down writing tone fitting the bleak storyline for her debut novel. Beautifully written, haunting, moving, the prose fits the plot perfectly and uplifts it to another level. Written poorly, this story wouldn’t have worked nearly as well since the atmosphere was such a key part of the experience, and that can only be achieved with lyrical writing that suits it.

The story follows the sister Alice who must return home humiliated and penniless after her husband died. Her brother accepts her with open arms, kind of, but she soon finds out that the twisted relative has somehow managed to sway the town under his spell. It’s not just his lust for power or terror of women, but she finds out another secret that may explain the psychology of why he became so demented in the first place.

Alice is a worthy enough character on her own, although at times I wanted to shake her. I know she was stuck because of the people she was trying to protect and because of the lack of choices women had back then though, but she found her backbone anyway and lived to carry on.

The side characters that helped strengthen her amped the story up well – Bridget, the run-down housekeeper with a strong moral balance but little defenses was especially effective. The author doesn’t give her an unrealistic personality to suit modern politics as some historical pieces with women characters dare to do, and that makes the story feel even more genuine and moving.

I dig that the author introduced the actual possibility of real magic into the storyline too, making even Alice doubt that supernatural forces may be at play. It makes sense that even if they thought Matthew was wrong, small doubts would start infecting even her, so I liked this realism on human fault.

The author did an admirable job of capturing the oppressive and struggling atmosphere the women must have experienced, and she doesn’t shy away from the details of the tests, trials, imprisonments, betrayals, and twisted facts of the case. Even the small details are covered to loan authenticity.

It’s a slower paced book at times, but the bulk of it is needed to fit the storyline’s emphasis on the demented fanaticism that ruined so many lives so cruelly, so senselessly.

Recommended for fans of drama, whether they favor historical time pieces or modern ones – it’s a moving account of a horrific time in human history that we shouldn’t ever forget.

An honest review has been provided after receiving this one from Netgalley as an ARC – much thanks to the publisher and author.
...more

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Apr 15, 2017 BAM The Bibliomaniac rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: british-historical-fiction, net-galley, own, e-book

A big thank you goes to Beth Underdown, Ballantine Books, and netgalley for this free copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

"Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live"
"Why hast thou forsaken me"

Really a 3.5 one of the better witch hunt novels I've read especially since it's based on different historical perspective

The Civil War of 1640s England is rolling on, and the hunt for witches is strong in the counties. Women are arrested and persecuted for the the most ludicrous reasons, no proof A big thank you goes to Beth Underdown, Ballantine Books, and netgalley for this free copy in exchange for an unbiased review.

"Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live"
"Why hast thou forsaken me"

Really a 3.5 one of the better witch hunt novels I've read especially since it's based on different historical perspective

The Civil War of 1640s England is rolling on, and the hunt for witches is strong in the counties. Women are arrested and persecuted for the the most ludicrous reasons, no proof necessary. And the Roundheads believe that their way of worship and governing is the correct way.

Our fictional character, Alice, returns to town after suffering the loss of her fictional husband, Joseph. She moves in with her brother, the true to life witch hunter Matthew Hopkins. By the end of his life he was responsible for the death of over 100 women accused of witch craft or of consorting with the devil, many of whom admitted guilt. Not much is known about his life outside of his witch trials, so the author takes liberty in this story. But that in no way affects its quality.
The story is told from Alice's point of view. She investigates her brother's activity as well as the secrets kept in her family that went to the grave. Matthew has no respect for females. They are all worthless whores as far as he's concerned. This includes his own sister. He's also suffered from severe scarring from a fire since childhood, which I think has had an affect on his personality.
Whenever I read books like this I always ponder my possible past lives. Had I lived in the 1640s I'm certain I would have been scrutinized as a possible witch. I'm sure of it. I'm too independent, awkward, and isolated, not to mention wanton and opinionated. And I don't go to church. I always wonder if I could have held out through the tests. They sound terrible. No wonder so many pled guilty. They didn't want to suffer the torture any longer. Some went truly mad from the pain and lack of sleep.
Looking through history man seems to cyclically find a populous to intimidate and persecute. The mid 1600s were old or otherwise quirky women. Evidence of religion gone wrong. One reason why I don't trust organized religion.
Readers of historical fiction definitely give this book a look. Quick read with some interesting info ...more

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Feb 18, 2017 Kate rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: favourites-read-in-2017, out-in-2017-and-read

It's not often I can read a book in one or two sittings but this marvellous book demanded it. Do not miss this!

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Apr 18, 2017 Pat rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, kindle, 2017

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4 stars

This is an historical fiction book based on witch trials in Essex England before the Salem witch trials took place in America. I knew nothing of this history going into this book.

Matthew Hopkins was a true witchfinder in 1645 Manningtree, Essex, England. He has a notorious reputation for having condemned so many women of witchcraft. In this novel, his sister Alice has been living in London with her husband, ...more

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Nov 08, 2017 The Captain rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

Ahoy there mateys! Though this log’s focus is on sci-fi, fantasy, and young adult, this Captain does have broader reading tastes. So occasionally I will share some novels that I enjoyed that are off the charts (a non sci-fi, fantasy, or young adult novel), as it were.

One standard “non-standard for me” genre is historical fiction. While I love history by itself, I enjoy historical fiction for the blending of history and getting to feel like the historical characters are real people. I mean, I Ahoy there mateys! Though this log’s focus is on sci-fi, fantasy, and young adult, this Captain does have broader reading tastes. So occasionally I will share some novels that I enjoyed that are off the charts (a non sci-fi, fantasy, or young adult novel), as it were.

One standard “non-standard for me” genre is historical fiction. While I love history by itself, I enjoy historical fiction for the blending of history and getting to feel like the historical characters are real people. I mean, I know many of the historical characters in historical fiction books were real people, as that is the point. But I like the idea of knowing what they may have thought about the strange circumstances they found themselves in – especially if it involves women’s perspectives.

This story is told from the perspective of Alice Hopkins. Tragedy forces Alice to go back to stay with her brother whom she left under less than ideal circumstances. However, when she goes back she does not find the brother that she remembers. Matthew Hopkins has gone from a nobody to one of the most important figures in the village. Why? Because he is determined to hunt down all the witches.

Matthew Hopkins is the actual historical personage in this novel. He is credited with having helped kill over 300 women in the period from 1644 to 1646. Some believe that is over 60% of all “witches” killed in over three centuries. And he did that in just over TWO years. Ugh. He seems to even have given himself the title of “Witch-Finder General.”

Apparently he also wrote a book called “The Discovery of Witches” in 1647. Matthew Hopkins’ book was later used in law texts and to help catch witches located in the the United States, including Salem.

While there is no historical record concerning his sisters, Matthew Hopkins likely had two. I thought telling the story from a sister’s perspective was excellent. Alice was able to give her perspective on the women she knew who had been accused, life as a woman at the time, and how women actively participated in the accusations and torture of the “witches.” Even though women were seen as technically inferior and beneath men, their pettiness and gossip could be power in and of itself, and some of them used it.

I thought Alice’s story was disheartening and compelling. Every relationship shown was fraught with subtext and peril. In fact, the histories of all the characters were rich and in depth. The pace, while slow, was filled with tension and confusion about what was going to happen next. Even though it seems crazy that witch hunts existed then, I am reminded that they still occur today in some places of the world.

Overall this was a fantastic book that I am glad I read.

Check out me other reviews at https://thecaptainsquartersblog.wordp... ...more

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Mar 06, 2017 Jules rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, historical-fiction

I always find myself drawn to books about witchcraft. The history of witchcraft and the witch trials is something that has fascinated me for years. When I was a child I visited Clarke Hall in Yorkshire (a wonderful museum that is sadly no longer open) on a school trip, and remember being told a story about a woman who was accused of being a witch because she used herbs to heal. She had to sneak out of Clarke Hall through secret passages and had to climb out of a window on to a horse to escape I always find myself drawn to books about witchcraft. The history of witchcraft and the witch trials is something that has fascinated me for years. When I was a child I visited Clarke Hall in Yorkshire (a wonderful museum that is sadly no longer open) on a school trip, and remember being told a story about a woman who was accused of being a witch because she used herbs to heal. She had to sneak out of Clarke Hall through secret passages and had to climb out of a window on to a horse to escape being killed. It is a story that has stayed with me ever since I was told it at just a few years old, and sparked my interest in the obsession with witchcraft throughout our history.

The Witchfinder’s Sister is written from the point of view of Alice, who is the fictional sister of Matthew Hopkins (the real life Witchfinder General). I thought it was an interesting way to tell the story, and I really felt for Alice and everything she went through. There were a couple of times when I thought this book felt like a Medieval version of Call the Midwife, but only because of certain scenes. There were other times when it was rather thought provoking, making me question the consequences of our actions, such as could doing what appears to be the right thing, and saving a life, eventually result in the death of many?

This felt like a mix of historical and women’s fiction, perhaps with a hint of young adult, as the story had a sort of simplistic feel to it, making it a quick and easy read in the way I tend to experience with young adult fiction. Sometimes I felt despite it being a historical novel it felt a little too modern. Perhaps the language used, or maybe it was even the behaviour of the characters sometimes, I’m not too sure, but it was definitely a feeling I had throughout the book.

Although I did enjoy this story, there were times when I was left wanting more. I think I expected it to be more harrowing than it was. Perhaps if it had been a bit longer and gone into more detail in places, keeping me in that situation for longer, I would have felt more emotional attachment to what was going on, rather than feeling I was experiencing it from a distance. On a couple of occasions where certain scenes were longer, I definitely did feel that emotional attachment.

I enjoyed the beginning, lost interest a little somewhere in the middle due to it feeling slow, but was then gripped again for the last 20% of the book. Overall, a good story. If you like the sound of the blurb, and go into this expecting quite a quick, easy read, rather than in-depth details of the witch trials, then I’m sure you will enjoy it. I imagine it will also be very much enjoyed by those who have an interest in witchcraft, but have read very little about it before. This may be a good fictional introduction that could lead you to want to find out more about the history of witchcraft. ...more

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Jan 04, 2018 Joanne Harris added it · review of another edition

A decent page-turner and a well-constructed, engaging story, which mostly failed to chime for me for reasons that may not be important to everyone. One, I felt the narrator's voice was somewhat flat, as well as being a lot more modern in attitude than I would expect of a woman of the time (lots of "this witchcraft business is nonsense, of course", which, though laudable, would not have been the majority opinion). Two, and rather more problematic; the story seems to erase the responsibility of ...more

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Mar 21, 2018 Mandy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2018, library-books, favourite-books-2018

This is the story of Alice, who has to return to her home town of Manningtree in Essex after the death of her husband. She returns to her brother's house, but her brother, Matthew, has changed since she last had contact with him. He has become involved with some powerful men, and has begun the hunt for witches in the county of Essex. Alice is drawn into this work, much as she does not want to be, but begins to try to find ways to hinder her brother's quest and save whoever she can from the ...more

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Feb 25, 2017 Zuky the BookBum rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley, beautiful-book-covers, 5-stars, 2017

I think now that to be close to someone can be to underestimate them. Grow too close, and you do not see what they are capable of; or you do not see it in time.

The Witchfinder’s Sister is based on true life witch hunter Matthew Hopkins that grew to fame during the English Civil War around East Anglia, hunting and killing “witches”. This book isn’t non-fiction, it’s fiction based around non-fiction! I love these sorts of books that create their own stories from something that was very much I think now that to be close to someone can be to underestimate them. Grow too close, and you do not see what they are capable of; or you do not see it in time.

The Witchfinder’s Sister is based on true life witch hunter Matthew Hopkins that grew to fame during the English Civil War around East Anglia, hunting and killing “witches”. This book isn’t non-fiction, it’s fiction based around non-fiction! I love these sorts of books that create their own stories from something that was very much real. Not only does it make for good reading, they also bring in some true history facts, so you’re being educated on the subject as you read.

High praise goes to Underdown for this novel. I feel like historical fiction can be hard genre to get right, and considering this is a debut novel, I’m amazed at how well put together and beautiful this has turned out to be! I love reading historical fiction, every once in awhile, and this is the sort of book that keeps my love for the genre burning.

The writing in this novel was haunting and beautiful. Nine times out of ten, it was exactly as you would have imagined the 17th Century to be, but I felt there were a few slips that made the book feel modern. For example, would a lady in 1645 say the phrase “shitting herself” ? Correct me if I’m wrong, but that feels like a reasonably modern phrase to me.

I loved our main character, Alice. Me and my mum were talking about historical fiction novels and how we find it hard to understand why women make the decisions they make in these books, because we’re so used to having some equality and independence. But I noted that in this book, even though Alice is inferior to her brother and his counterparts, she is still a risk taker; going against her brother's wishes & sneaking around. I liked that she was strong and a little rebellious, it was so much easier to connect with her because of this.

On the other hand. I hated Matthew. He was a despicable character. I can rarely hate a character in a book, even if I’m supposed to. I tend to find the good in them at some point, or have some sort of sympathy for them, but I absolutely despised Matthew. Well done to Underdown for creating such a hate-inducing character. It’s quite a hard feat, but she managed it perfectly. The same goes for Mary Phillips.

The tension was built so well in this novel, you could feel the mystery growing and growing with every page and I loved it! Though the story moved reasonably slowly, the book was still absolutely riveting and I found it extremely hard to put down when I knew it was time to get some rest.

I am so, so excited to read more from Underdown. This was an amazingly well put together and researched.

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Books UK for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.
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Apr 12, 2017 Carrie rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: netgalley

In 1645, Alice Hopkins' husband died in a horrible accident leaving her to return to to the small Essex town of Manningtree where her brother lived to move in with him. Little did Alice know that her brother had changed though with rumors of him having a book of women's names that accused them of witchcraft. With Alice hiding a pregnancy she slowing begins to uncover the darker side of her brother Matthew.

The Witchfinder's Sister is a fictional tale based on the real person Matthew Hopkins. ...more

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Sep 18, 2017 Sandra rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: 2017, historical-fiction, ylto-monthly-reading, 2-stars

I am disappointed. I expected so much more from this book. The premise was super engaging, since all this witchcraft accusations is a very interesting topic, and specially a book focused in better understanding the motivations of one of the "hunters" sounded amazing, but I really didn't get too much from this book.

The premise is the only thing I liked. Here is what I didn't like:

-Slow, and stuck at times. Nothing happened for 180 pages, and that is too much. I don't even know why I didn't give I am disappointed. I expected so much more from this book. The premise was super engaging, since all this witchcraft accusations is a very interesting topic, and specially a book focused in better understanding the motivations of one of the "hunters" sounded amazing, but I really didn't get too much from this book.

The premise is the only thing I liked. Here is what I didn't like:

-Slow, and stuck at times. Nothing happened for 180 pages, and that is too much. I don't even know why I didn't give up.

-Not enough historical information. I know this is not a historical non-fiction book, but there is not even enough facts to call it a historical fiction. I love when a HF book makes me want to know more about a historical event, but this is different to have to google what is this all about since the book doesn't give you a clue. The "war", the "king", the "papists" are mentioned few times, but you never get more information than that. I started knowing this book was set during the English Civil War between royalists and parliamentarians, and that is still all I know. I also didn't happen to learn anything else about witchcraft, witch hunt, trials than I already knew. Forgive my ignorance. I just want to point out that the book didn't add anything to my knowledge.

-The dialogs are SO lacking. Every single time there was a dialog between characters I had an unsatisfying sensation I can't really explain. The dialogs didn't help me to know more about the story or know the characters better, even when they were obviously meant to do it, for example (view spoiler).

-I feel like the author couldn't decide if she wanted to add some mystery to the story or not, and the outcome is a confusing mixture. At the beginning some kind of mystery is set (view spoiler), but then is rarely mentioned. At some point I found my self thinking "wait, wasn't something to figure out here? Oh yes, now I remember (view spoiler)". And then near the end finally (view spoiler). Jeez. I can't think of a good reason for that decision on the author's end...

-The ending... (view spoiler)

Why not only 1 star? Because I reserve 1 stars for books I hate, and I didn't hate this one, but I'm truly disappointed. ...more

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Aug 06, 2017 Lisa *OwlBeSatReading* rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical, best-of-2017, netgalley, wicca-pagan

4.5 stars rounded up to 5

Every time I read a historical fiction book, I'm reminded just how fascinating English history is, and that I absolutely bloody love this genre!

Beth Underdown has done a superb job of writing her debut novel based on true events surrounding the fear and intrigue of Witchcraft in seventeenth century England. The story is based on the life of the 1640s Witchfinder Matthew Hopkins, with the main protagonist being his sister, Alice.

The authors writing style created such ...more

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Feb 24, 2017 Lucy Banks rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

A fabulously strong debut, focusing on witchcraft in the 17th century.

I really enjoyed this book. It centres on Alice, a recently widowed woman who returns to live with her brother - a relatively taciturn, unpleasant individual who happens to be on a mission to condemn as many woman as possible to death for witchcraft.

Based loosely on real events, it's an engrossing account of life in the 17th century, and the ...more

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Jul 20, 2017 Carlos rated it liked it · review of another edition

This book is very slow and the main character keeps a low profile all throughout it, she does surprises you towards the end and that's what redeemed this book in my eyes. We are mostly shown the main character life through the eyes of his brother , the supposedly "witch finder " , we learn of his upbringing and how it connects to who he is currently. We see the impotence the mc feels at the suffering of innocent women being accused of being witches, yet not being able to help for fear of her ...more

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Nov 21, 2016 Karen rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This fictional account based on a real event in history is told through the eyes of Alice Hopkins, Matthew’s sister (or half-sister to be exact). Matthew’s mother (by now recently deceased) was her father’s second wife and with her older brothers having left home, Alice and her younger sibling formed a close bond with Alice being protective of Matthew. Badly scarred from fire burns as a baby Matthew’s life was not an easy one but he had seemed to find his own way as an adult and was well This fictional account based on a real event in history is told through the eyes of Alice Hopkins, Matthew’s sister (or half-sister to be exact). Matthew’s mother (by now recently deceased) was her father’s second wife and with her older brothers having left home, Alice and her younger sibling formed a close bond with Alice being protective of Matthew. Badly scarred from fire burns as a baby Matthew’s life was not an easy one but he had seemed to find his own way as an adult and was well respected, working for the well to do Essex gentry as a scriber. When Alice’s personal circumstances change, she returns home to Manningtree and hopes to find compassion and assistance from her brother. However what she actually finds turns into a nightmare. For Matthew is not the kindly and sympathetic brother that she seeks but is hell bent on his own mission. To rid Essex and the surrounding towns and villages of women that have been named as witches.

The story begins with an intriguing premise. It is 1645 and Alice appears to be imprisoned but we know not why or by whom. We then learn of her arrival back in Essex nine months previously and of the events that led to her present predicament.

It is clear that the author has meticulously researched the period and events and the evocative description of the landscape and the way of 17th century living, bought the story to life. The sounds and smells; the clothes and living conditions – all were so well described with an excellent sense of place.

The story is a mixture of history and fiction but there is also a little bit of a suspense element too with secrets of the past slowly being revealed and the feeling of fear as to what was about to happen next. It was clear that Matthew was a man obsessed with his mission and the cruelty dished out to such women suspected of being witches showed him to be utterly heartless. A woman could be accused of witchcraft by a neighbour or any other person with a grievance – for the most spurious of reasons and in many cases, ‘confessions’ were garnered through torture.

Matthew was in many ways a fascinating character and rather contradictory. At times he appeared vulnerable and scared; there were occasions when he seemed to treat Alice with brotherly consideration but despite this I always had the feeling that he was storing away the words and actions of others that later could be used for his own benefit. He was not a man to let resentment go but instead harboured it and let it fester, perceived slights would be remembered for later. His disfigurement surely played a part here but so did parental influences. He held this belief that women were to be regarded as sinful creatures and of far less importance than men. “….I thought, surely she cannot be soft for him – for my brother, who had always looked at a girl as at some strange item brought in by the tide”.

Alice was the star of the book for me. She wasn’t perfect by any means but she was the counterbalance to Matthew’s obsessive and pious nature. Where he appeared to be devoid of any human feeling or empathy, she was kindly and sympathetic and wanted to help those she believed had been unjustly treated. When she was taken to a ‘watching’ – where an accused woman was tied in a painful position to a stool for hours on end and suffering whatever other indignities could be thought of to try and make her confess her sins, she did what she could to comfort and treated the women with as much gentleness as she could get away with.

This is an excellent debut novel and one that I am sure many fans of historical fiction will love. I was completely engrossed throughout – it is not a particularly fast paced story but that is not a criticism; rather, its gentle flow allows the reader to fully savour the unfolding story, and to get to know the characters. I felt as though I were by Alice’s side and felt every emotion and experience with her. I very much enjoyed this and looking forward to reading more from Beth Underdown. ...more

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Dec 14, 2016 Roman Clodia rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Set in 1645, this takes an interestingly slanted perspective on Matthew Hopkins, the notorious self-styled Witchfinder General. The story is told by his half-sister Alice who returns to Manningtree in Essex to find her brother embroiled in accusations of malice, spelling and witchcraft aimed mostly, though not exclusively, at women.

This is not an unfamiliar story but Underdown approaches it with a welcome lack of sensationalism. She keeps her canvas relatively small and domestic, exploring the ...more

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Mar 03, 2017 Karen Whittard rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The witch finders sister

I love history. I love finding out about history. I especially love it when it is about true events and real life people. I have always been fascinated by the witch hunts and I would love to go to Salem to find out more.

This story is set in 1640s in Manningtree England. Which was the original place that witch hunting started before it went to Salem. Alice Hopkins returns to Manningtree after her husband has died with a little child. Obviously back then Alice has no ...more

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Apr 05, 2017 Mary rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I received this book for free through NetGalley.

I am a huge fan of historical witchy fiction, and this book was mostly superb. Told by Alice, whose brother Matthew hunts, persecutes, and helps to hang women accused of witchcraft, the story is disturbing and compelling, despite the oft times archaic language. My only criticism is the lack of emotion I felt from Alice. Throughout her tale, she suffers many tragedies and losses, but I just didn't really feel much. While she lived with Matthew and ...more

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Apr 01, 2017 MaryannC. Book Freak rated it it was amazing

Shelves: england, historical-fiction, drama, creepy, kindle-read, family, netgalley-arc

The Witchfinder's Sister takes place in the Essex Town Manningtree, England during the 1640's where young Alice returns home after the tragic death of her husband to find that her brother, Matthew has become a prominent but mostly feared man in the community. Trying to settle in and forget the painful memories of her husband, Alice discovers that her brother is a Witchfinder, a man who seeks out persons accused of practicing Witchcraft to torture and ultimately force a confession. Upon learning ...more

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Feb 24, 2017 Laura rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com

The Witchfinder’s Sister definitely has a unique premise – set in 17th century Essex and told from the perspective of Alice, whose brother seems to be rather too interested in the current whispers and rumours about witchcraft, the novel follows her as she slowly unravels her brother’s dark side and the past that may have led him to behave the way he does…

The writing does a great job of really bringing the 17th century – not an era I have read that much about, Book reviews on www.snazzybooks.com

The Witchfinder’s Sister definitely has a unique premise – set in 17th century Essex and told from the perspective of Alice, whose brother seems to be rather too interested in the current whispers and rumours about witchcraft, the novel follows her as she slowly unravels her brother’s dark side and the past that may have led him to behave the way he does…

The writing does a great job of really bringing the 17th century – not an era I have read that much about, to be honest – to life, with insights into the economical and social setting of that time which led people to start blaming their own misfortunes on other people. I have to say I felt it was not unlike a certain President who has managed to persuade people in his country with a crap or unfortunate life that this must all be because of immigrants. Of course at the time that this novel is set, the misfortunes of East Anglia (in fact, probably most of the country) seem to be blamed on witches and witchcraft. Sometimes people can’t just accept that bad things happen, no matter how awful they are; they’d rather believe that it’s actually because of people who don’t attend church regularly, or who may have a disability that makes them seem ‘strange’ or different. Reading The Witchfinder’s Sister I certainly picked up on certain conditions that we know a lot more about today, that at the time must have seemed frightening, unknown and therefore undiagnosed, leading people to mark them out as potential witches. Today we’d be able to deal with it all a lot better with scientific and medical knowledge.

The only thing I didn't like was that some parts of the novel felt a little slow and could have been a bit more gripping, in my opinion - but others would disagree, I'm sure. Most of the writing, however, is rich and atmospheric and I really liked the ending. Though it’s not a quick read due to the language being a little more old fashion to fit the setting, it’s not a particularly hard read and I’m sure anyone with even a small interest in that era – or in history in general – will enjoy reading this novel.

Many thanks to Viking who provided a copy of this novel on which I chose to write an honest and unbiased review. ...more

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Mar 31, 2017 Judy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book kept me fully engaged as shameful witch hunts take place from 1626-1627 in England. This is historical fiction, but the book is well-researched and Matthew Hopkins actually did send those labelled as witches to their deaths. Alice, his sister, is fictional. I found the story horrifying and it is so well-written the scenes and characters are vividly clear. 5 stars for me - and I think it's a first novel for Beth Underdown.

Thanks to Random House Publishing - Ballantine through NetGalley ...more

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Jan 11, 2017 Warrengent rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: ng

Surely one of the best novels of 2017, absolutely stunning read where to be a woman in 1645, was a daily grind and if you spoke out of place or your name was out there as a witch your days were numbered highly recommend you read this novel

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