I must say that I was gripped by this book. There are parts that are so suspenseful that
I had to sneak off and hide so that I could finish a chapter in peace! The character of Matthew Hopkins is
remarkably drawn and I note at the end of the book that Alison Williams did a
great deal of research into the subject of witch hunting in 17th
century England before writing this book.
Hopkins is both evil and almost childlike in his actions. He never fails to justify his beliefs with
logic that, to him, is water-tight. His
victims are helpless in the face of his practised undermining of their defence,
and we are made to feel the intensity of their suffering and the terrors that
await them. The settings are beautifully
drawn, the characters absorbing, and the story all the more devastating for
being based on fact. If you like great
writing with archetypal heroes and villains portrayed with skill and
sensitivity, this book is for you.
More, please!
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