'A wonderfully atmospheric and spine-chilling tale of witches, alchemy and treason set in late 16th century Scotland.' -- Shelf Life 'Brings the blackest side of mingled treason and witchcraft in sixteenth-century Scotland rivetingly alive.' -- The Times 'What a good plot. I've never seen the devil portrayed like this before. I would recommend it to boys and girls aged 10-14.' --Megan Whiteman, age 12, Education Otherwise 'This is dense and complex, and not suitable for readers under 12. It is fascinating to set Hunter's version against the contemporary account, to look at issues of language, religious belief, and justice.' -- Treasure Island: A guide to Scottish fiction for young readers aged 10-14, Summer 2003

Mollie Hunter has written more than 25 novels for children since 1953, incorporating a life-long exploration of Scotland's folklore and history into her stories. She has received numerous awards and honours for her books, including the New York Times Outstanding Books of the Year Award, the Boston Globe Horn Book Award.