My absolute favourite book of C J Cooke’s was The Lighthouse Witches. Was. The Last Witch has just knocked that one off its perch! Completely compelling, harrowing, gritty, and based on a true story, The Last Witch will grip you from start to finish and beyond.
The book is based upon real life history and Helena Scheuberin, who was an Austrian woman who stood trial accused of witchcraft in 1485. No spoilers here!
C J Cooke focuses on a very short period of time at the height of the witch trials involving Helena and other women from the local area but those harrowing days or weeks that the book spans feel extremely long and uncomfortable. She does what she does best, weaves historical fact into historical fiction to create a narrative that does not sit well with the reader because this was once a reality. This is the story of the woman who changed history.
About the Book
Innsbruck 1485
Helena should be doing what every other wealthy young wife is doing: keeping her husband’s house, bearing his children. But when their footman is found dead, Helena is accused of killing him. Worse, she is accused of being a witch.
Imprisoned with six other women, Helena is plunged into a world of terror. When a cursed witch totem is smuggled into the prison, the prisoners attempt to use it to escape only to unleash a malevolent spirit which places all their lives in danger.
Does Helena risk her life and the lives of others by standing up to the terrifying witchfinder and risk death at the stake if found guilty? Or is the real threat the world beyond this one…?
About The Author
C J Cooke (Carolyn Jess-Cooke) lives in Glasgow with her husband and four children. C J Cooke’s works have been published in 23 languages and have won many awards. She holds a PhD in Literature from the Queen’s University of Belfast and is currently Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow, where she researches creative writing interventions for mental health. Two of her books are currently optioned for film.
Picture source: Seren Books
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This book can be purchased in our store either on its own or in a cosy Book Box.
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