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Divided by Witchcraft: Inspired by the True Story of the Samlesbury Witches
A PENDLE WITCH SHORT STORY
Lancashire, 1612: Fourteen-year-old Grace Sowerbutts is at a dangerous crossroads, caught between the righteous might of the local Pendle Protestants, the fury of their Catholic neighbours, and the insidious threat of witchcraft.
Inspired by the true story of the Samlesbury Witches
Desperate to do the right thing, Grace's family is torn apart as the local Jesuit priest in hiding – Father Christopher Southworth of Samlesbury Hall – uses her to further his personal vendetta against his nephew’s widow, Jane Southworth.
Jane’s crime?
To reject his Catholic faith and join her parish church.
Therefore, she must be a witch.
Now all he has to do is prove it.
* * *
Divided by Witchcraft is the second in a new series of historical fiction short stories examining the frenzy of witch hunting that swept the north of England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries – including the most famous, that of the Pendle Witches in 1612.
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Inspired by the treacherous true events surrounding the Pendle Witch Trials, Divided by Witchcraft is a gripping historical short story, written with honesty and "audacious humour". Perfect for fans of Katherine Clements, Stacey Halls and Rowan Coleman.
"The queen of this era, bar none" - Timothy Smith, amazon reviewer
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- GenresHistorical Fiction
78 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2021
12 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Karen Perkins
36 books244 followersKaren Perkins is the author of the Yorkshire Ghost Stories, the Pendle Witch Short Stories and the Valkyrie Series of historical nautical fiction. All of her fiction has appeared at the top of bestseller lists on both sides of the Atlantic, including the top 21 in the UK Kindle Store in 2018.
Her first Yorkshire Ghost Story – THE HAUNTING OF THORES-CROSS – won the Silver Medal for European Fiction in the prestigious 2015 Independent Publisher Book Awards in New York, whilst her Valkyrie novel, DEAD RECKONING, was long-listed in the 2011 MSLEXIA novel competition.
Originally a financial advisor, a sailing injury left Karen with a chronic pain condition which she has been battling for over twenty five years (although she did take the European ladies title despite the injury!). Writing has given her a new lease of – and purpose to – life, and she is currently working on A Question of Witchcraft – a sequel to Parliament of Rooks: Haunting Brontë Country.
To find out more about current writing projects as well as special offers and competitions, you are very welcome to join Karen in the her Facebook group. This is an exclusive group where you can get the news first, as well as have access to early previews and chances to get your hands on new books before anyone else. Find us on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/groups/karenperkinsb...
Her first Yorkshire Ghost Story – THE HAUNTING OF THORES-CROSS – won the Silver Medal for European Fiction in the prestigious 2015 Independent Publisher Book Awards in New York, whilst her Valkyrie novel, DEAD RECKONING, was long-listed in the 2011 MSLEXIA novel competition.
Originally a financial advisor, a sailing injury left Karen with a chronic pain condition which she has been battling for over twenty five years (although she did take the European ladies title despite the injury!). Writing has given her a new lease of – and purpose to – life, and she is currently working on A Question of Witchcraft – a sequel to Parliament of Rooks: Haunting Brontë Country.
To find out more about current writing projects as well as special offers and competitions, you are very welcome to join Karen in the her Facebook group. This is an exclusive group where you can get the news first, as well as have access to early previews and chances to get your hands on new books before anyone else. Find us on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/groups/karenperkinsb...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 6, 2025
Divided by Witchcraft is the second historical fiction short story from a series examining witchcraft during the late 16th and early 17th centuries in England. Divided By Witchcraft did happen. Only two characters are purely fiction in Divided by Witchcraft.
Witches were hanged when found guilty. Divided By Witcraft is the true story of a family accusing relatives of corrupting Grace Sowerbutts’ daughter, granddaughter and niece who are caught in the middle of turmoil. Grace went to church with her relatives. Witnessing Grace's exiting church with three female relatives upset her mom, causing Grace’s mom to involve a Jesuit priest in playing a role in accusing these three relatives of witchcraft.
Grace Sowerbutts and many of the less educated of the time speak in an old British slang which is explained at the beginning. Once the slang words translated, it’s easy to understand the speech of the lower, less educated class. It is disturbing how life was in the days of the witch trials.
Witches were hanged when found guilty. Divided By Witcraft is the true story of a family accusing relatives of corrupting Grace Sowerbutts’ daughter, granddaughter and niece who are caught in the middle of turmoil. Grace went to church with her relatives. Witnessing Grace's exiting church with three female relatives upset her mom, causing Grace’s mom to involve a Jesuit priest in playing a role in accusing these three relatives of witchcraft.
Grace Sowerbutts and many of the less educated of the time speak in an old British slang which is explained at the beginning. Once the slang words translated, it’s easy to understand the speech of the lower, less educated class. It is disturbing how life was in the days of the witch trials.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2019
Superb, yet totally unexpected.
This is the second of a series about the Pendleton witches. Of course there’s a thread running
through the series. After all its about witchcraft. What I am enjoying is each individual’s narrative
reflecting unique perspectives of the 17th century religious conflict. Tragedy abounded in book 1.
In book 2, Karen has interspersed the tension with youthful humour. Grace the teenager was manipulated by warring adults. Her misdeeds are driven by hunger and the need for comfort. Families are divided by the religion of that time is easily comparable to the current Brexit divide. Naivety and misguided revenge are Grace’s motivators. This story is an absolute triumph. Don’t take my word for it. Read it. You will not be disappointed. Well done Karen Perkins.
This is the second of a series about the Pendleton witches. Of course there’s a thread running
through the series. After all its about witchcraft. What I am enjoying is each individual’s narrative
reflecting unique perspectives of the 17th century religious conflict. Tragedy abounded in book 1.
In book 2, Karen has interspersed the tension with youthful humour. Grace the teenager was manipulated by warring adults. Her misdeeds are driven by hunger and the need for comfort. Families are divided by the religion of that time is easily comparable to the current Brexit divide. Naivety and misguided revenge are Grace’s motivators. This story is an absolute triumph. Don’t take my word for it. Read it. You will not be disappointed. Well done Karen Perkins.
September 10, 2019
A true story of my ancestor’s Jane and Christopher Southworth
I have read this book and giving my honest review. I would first like to thank Karen for writing about them. I was by
Their side knowing the outcome. Being in Lancaster prison would have been awful waiting for trail like a lot of witches condemned. How Christopher twisted a young mind to get Jane convicted. I loved the story. A book I will treasure. I feel for Christopher but he was wicked in a way.
I really hope you enjoy the story as much as I did. Wonderful book.
I have read this book and giving my honest review. I would first like to thank Karen for writing about them. I was by
Their side knowing the outcome. Being in Lancaster prison would have been awful waiting for trail like a lot of witches condemned. How Christopher twisted a young mind to get Jane convicted. I loved the story. A book I will treasure. I feel for Christopher but he was wicked in a way.
I really hope you enjoy the story as much as I did. Wonderful book.
September 8, 2019
This is Truly spellbinding work of a great author. Right from the first words to the last you are transfixed and transported back in time, to a time of witchcraft and their hunters. You live the lives of the character's unable to stop reading their plights...
Unwanting the stories to end and to continue... looking forward to reading more from this great author highly recommend Karen Perkins and her writing's
Unwanting the stories to end and to continue... looking forward to reading more from this great author highly recommend Karen Perkins and her writing's
September 27, 2019
Book 2, wow, these are brilliant, written with deep knowledge of the time and subject, no spoilers in this review, if you have the remotest interest in this period or subject these are for you. Even if you fancy a change, read them, you will be hooked before the first chapter is done.
More please Karen Perkins. I feel as though I am there witnessing it all. Just brilliant. 5 stars does not do it justice.
More please Karen Perkins. I feel as though I am there witnessing it all. Just brilliant. 5 stars does not do it justice.
September 15, 2019
Divided by Witchcraft
This is the second of Karen Perkins short stories and is another cracking read.
I am looking forward to both the next short story and also the novel.
Recommended.
This is the second of Karen Perkins short stories and is another cracking read.
I am looking forward to both the next short story and also the novel.
Recommended.
November 4, 2019
Another great read
August 11, 2020
Talk about an unreliable narrator! I didn't know whether to strangle her or feel sorry for her. It's easy to make light of these things now, but many families were torn apart and destroyed by false evidence or contrived evidence during the witch trials. This story is a good example of that.
March 25, 2022
Great short story. I can't wait to listen to more of this series.
May 25, 2023
An interesting short story.
January 25, 2024
Brilliantly written. Would of liked the book to of been longer . Was addictive .
September 3, 2024
I wish these short stories were longer, but an everlasting series would satisfy too! Great knowledge of the past, fabulous storytelling. I’m so grateful to be alive now instead of then.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews