With both their lives at stake, Fleetwood must prove Alice’s innocence. And Alice soon stands accused of witchcraft. Even woodland creatures or “familiars” are thought to be dark companions of the unholy. But a witch-obsessed frenzy sweeps the countryside. Alice Gray claims she is a local midwife and promises to help Fleetwood deliver a healthy baby. Devastated, Fleetwood wanders the estate grounds, where she catches a young woman poaching. Anxious to produce an heir, she is distraught to find a letter from her physician that warns her husband she will not survive this pregnancy. Fleetwood Shuttleworth, the mistress of Pendle Hill’s Gawthorpe Hall, is with child. But in a time of suspicion and accusation, to be a woman may be the greatest risk of all. I believe that this was Stacey Hall’s first book and it was a great debut novel – I have previously read The Foundlings so I already knew what to expect from Stacey’s writing.Ī great read that touches on some very real events such as The Pendle Witch trials.“Assured and alluring, this beautiful tale of women, witchcraft and the fight against power is a delight.” -Jessie Burton, New York Times –bestselling author In 1612 Lancaster, England, the hunt for witches has reached a fever pitch . . .

This book isn’t one that I would usually read as I am not usually a big fan of historical fiction, however I made an exception as this was set in an area that I am very familiar with. King James I was obsessed with asserting power over the lawless countryside (even woodland creatures, or “familiars,” were suspected of dark magic) by capturing “witches”-in reality mostly poor and illiterate women. Rich and compelling, set against the frenzy of the real Pendle Hill Witch Trials, this novel explores the rights of 17th-century women and raises the question: Was witch-hunting really women-hunting? Fleetwood Shuttleworth, Alice Grey and the other characters are actual historical figures. Time is running out both their lives are at stake. As the two women’s lives become intertwined, the Witch Trials of 1612 loom. Is there more to Alice than meets the eye? Fleetwood must risk everything to prove her innocence. But Alice soon stands accused of witchcraft.

By chance she meets a midwife named Alice Grey, who promises to help her deliver a healthy baby. Then Fleetwood discovers a hidden doctor’s letter that carries a dire prediction: she will not survive another birth. None of her previous pregnancies have borne fruit, and her husband, Richard, is anxious for an heir. Young Fleetwood Shuttleworth, a noblewoman, is with child again.

The familiars a novel