The Witches of Essex County

NOVEL OF THE YEAR 2021 ACCORDING TO THE GUARDIAN. BASED ON REAL EVENTS. To save or to be saved? England, 1643. The whole country is engulfed in Puritan zeal. In the small town of Manningtree, there are no men left... after the war, and in the hearts of the women left to their own devices, the horror of a curse burns. Rebecca West, living only with her mother, suffers from the dreary routine that is only occasionally brightened by her infatuation with a handsome young clerk, John Ids. But then, a new figure appears on the chessboard of Manningtree – none other than Matthew Hopkins. A mysterious, pious man dressed from head to toe in black, he becomes the owner of the Thorn inn and begins to take an interest in what the women are doing in the back alleys of this miserable community. Dangerous rumors of gatherings, conspiracies, and witchcraft now threaten women like Rebecca... And the future of Manningtree, which is equally frightening and exciting, lies in the hands of one man. Filled with modern energy and dynamism, this story will bring to life a small English town from the mid-17th century with its inhabitants, morals, and atmosphere. A dark, unusual, and truly vibrant novel inspired by the writings of the famous witch-hunter Matthew Hopkins. ------------------------------ A.K. Blakemore is a true poetess. Her wit and rich literary language endow the novel with undeniable merits. — The Guardian If you also enjoy the pleasure of an author's prose, we highly recommend reading this novel. — Literary Hub The Witches of Essex County perfectly conveys the atmosphere, character, and details of the era. Well-drawn characters are more than just heroes and villains. — Booklist Inventive! Smart! An ambitious and fresh perspective on the era will delight readers. — Publishers Weekly