The Witchfinder’s Assistant

?????'Beautifully written and a thoroughly absorbing read. I found it impossible to put down' Deborah Carr, USA Today Bestseller THE TOWN OF WEM, SHROPSHIRE 1643 Civil war is ripping England apart. Families are divided, emotions run high. Whether on the bleakness of the moors or in snug, wood-panelled rooms, danger lurks. A body is found, its mouth pierced with thorns. The Justice of the Peace, a godly man, is certain that witchcraft is involved. Only his assistant, former cavalryman John Carne, looks for reason where others see demons and witches. But John has secrets of his own – secrets that concern his cold and distant wife. And it’s not long before the darkness that has engulfed Wem grows darker still… Readers are loving The Witchfinder's Assistant: ?????'Fascinating… a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read' ?????'The final denouement was a surprise, and was told in a thrilling and interesting manner. Wickedness can sometimes be hidden behind a fair face. I enjoyed it very much' ?????'A well researched and intriguing look at England in 1643…Goldstraw's an excellent storyteller- this one pulled me in and kept me reading' ????'Engaging and absorbing…an historical novel for our own times' ????'The historical setting is richly detailed, and Goldstraw does an excellent job of capturing the tension and paranoia of the time' In this top-rated historical fiction, the supernatural and the occult intertwine with a mystery that keeps the reader on edge. The detective work of John Carne, set in the pre-era of modern forensics, adds a unique twist to the paranormal theme. For fans of Sarah Woodbury (This Small Corner of Time), David Field (Beyond The Setting Sun), Giles Kristian (Arthur), Anne Easter Smith (Royal Mistress), and Elena Collins (The Wicked Lady). HarperCollins 2024