A deeply compelling historical horror novel following a woman accused of being a witch who must use her voice to fight for her life—and the truth—from the acclaimed author of The Book of Witching
Innsbruck, 1485. Helena Scheuberin should be doing what every other young wife is doing: keeping house, supporting her husband, and bearing his children, but as an outspoken, strong woman, she sometimes has difficulty fitting in. Then she draws the unwanted attention of a malign priest who is just starting his campaign to root out “witches” from among the women of her town, and when her husband’s footman dies, she finds herself accused not only of murder but of witchcraft.
Helena must find the courage to risk her life and the lives of others by standing up to a man determined to paint her as the most wicked of all....
Based on the incredible true story of a woman who challenged a man who went on to become one of Europe’s most notorious and cruel witchfinders, this novel offers a jewel-bright portrait of female power.
"A vivid and haunting portrait of a real-life heroine, told in beautifully immersive prose." - Emilia Hart, New York Times bestselling author of Sirens
"C.J. Cooke expertly weaves the terrifying and real experience of witch persecution with dark magic and the power of sisterhood…An unforgettable read." - Anya Bergman, international bestselling author of The Witches of Vardo
"Utterly chilling and almost unbearably poignant…A beautifully written book that will stay with me for a long time." - Frances Quinn, author of That Bonesetter Woman
C. J. Cooke is an award-winning poet and novelist published in twenty-three languages. She teaches creative writing at the University of Glasgow, where she also researches the impact of motherhood on women's writing and creative writing interventions for mental health.
View titles by C. J. Cooke
A deeply compelling historical horror novel following a woman accused of being a witch who must use her voice to fight for her life—and the truth—from the acclaimed author of The Book of Witching
Innsbruck, 1485. Helena Scheuberin should be doing what every other young wife is doing: keeping house, supporting her husband, and bearing his children, but as an outspoken, strong woman, she sometimes has difficulty fitting in. Then she draws the unwanted attention of a malign priest who is just starting his campaign to root out “witches” from among the women of her town, and when her husband’s footman dies, she finds herself accused not only of murder but of witchcraft.
Helena must find the courage to risk her life and the lives of others by standing up to a man determined to paint her as the most wicked of all....
Based on the incredible true story of a woman who challenged a man who went on to become one of Europe’s most notorious and cruel witchfinders, this novel offers a jewel-bright portrait of female power.
Praise
"A vivid and haunting portrait of a real-life heroine, told in beautifully immersive prose." - Emilia Hart, New York Times bestselling author of Sirens
"C.J. Cooke expertly weaves the terrifying and real experience of witch persecution with dark magic and the power of sisterhood…An unforgettable read." - Anya Bergman, international bestselling author of The Witches of Vardo
"Utterly chilling and almost unbearably poignant…A beautifully written book that will stay with me for a long time." - Frances Quinn, author of That Bonesetter Woman
C. J. Cooke is an award-winning poet and novelist published in twenty-three languages. She teaches creative writing at the University of Glasgow, where she also researches the impact of motherhood on women's writing and creative writing interventions for mental health.
View titles by C. J. Cooke
