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…

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'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'

Ruth Goldstraw was born in Coventry and studied Archaeology at University College, Cardiff. She worked as an antiquities restorer at the British Museum, before moving to Shropshire. The bleak beauty of the Mosses in the north of the county, and the fascinating history of the area, inspired her to write The Witchfinder’s Assistant.

Ruth has won short story competitions and is particularly proud of coming second in a limerick contest. She now lives in the Cotswolds with her husband, David, who is both her fiercest critic and greatest champion.