Witch Hunt

This book is based upon the Witch Trials in 16th Century Essex, especially those killed by the ‘Witchfinder General' Matthew Hopkins. From 1560 to 1680 upwards of 500 women were tried for witchcraft in the area.

(Spoilers ahead!)


The book is based on fact, but the author changes the story slightly to suggest that Matthew Hopkins did not die at the young age of 27 as most scholars suggest. Moore links the killings that happened later in New England, after Hopkins' supposed death, to Hopkins. This is not what scholars say happened since he was apparently dead, but Moore acknowledges that this change in her book is purely fiction. It does make for any interesting story!

The book is mostly set in modern day Essex, and is centred around the character Mercedes “Sadie” Asquith who is a journalist that has recently lost her mother. She starts research on the Witch trials from Exeter with the intention of writing a book on the subject. The further that she gets in her research, the weirder things start to become. Moths start following her around, and a ghostly presence keeps trying to communicate with her. She also starts to have visions from the 16th Century.

This was ultimately a very enjoyable read, but I thought that the ending didn't really do it justice.

I'd recommend it for fans of the supernatural, and anyone with an interest in the witch trials.