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The Worms in Fools' Fingers
When wickedness is confronted by righteousness, it is often difficult to tell them apart. Seventeenth century Europe has been ravaged by war for almost thirty years. The people are broken, starving, and riven by disease. Out of the devastation and their desperation for somewhere to lay the blame comes the terror of the witch persecutions. Udo Beck is a soldier who has survived a battle that he vows will be his last. Learning of the fortunes being made by witch confessors, he decides where his future lies - a decision that will change his very humanity and the lives of those around him.
In the German state of Saxony, an outbreak of a horrific contagion is blamed on witchcraft, and the zealotry of an ambitious Bishop brings terror throughout the state. Disparate and memorable characters are brought together on the forested slopes of the Harz mountains where each must confront their own iniquities as their lives are seized by events and forces beyond their control.
From England, from the frozen shores of the Baltic, and from the blue limpid waters of the Caribbean, The Worms in Fools’ Fingers is an historical adventure - a tale of ambition, greed, and betrayal that destroys lives and families, and renders formerly unbreakable friendships asunder.
In the German state of Saxony, an outbreak of a horrific contagion is blamed on witchcraft, and the zealotry of an ambitious Bishop brings terror throughout the state. Disparate and memorable characters are brought together on the forested slopes of the Harz mountains where each must confront their own iniquities as their lives are seized by events and forces beyond their control.
From England, from the frozen shores of the Baltic, and from the blue limpid waters of the Caribbean, The Worms in Fools’ Fingers is an historical adventure - a tale of ambition, greed, and betrayal that destroys lives and families, and renders formerly unbreakable friendships asunder.
591 pages, Paperback
Published May 24, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 29, 2026
Once in a while, you run across a novel that stands out in the crowd because of its memorable characters and fascinating storyline. And if it also is well written, you have the makings of a potential New York Times best seller. The Worms in Fools’ Fingers by English author Mal Watts is such a novel — worthy of notable status and also of being made into a movie if any motion picture directors should stumble across the book or this review.
Set during the end of The Thirty Years War in 17th century Europe, the historical fiction story revolves around a motley group of soldiers, led by Udo Beck, who is tired of fighting wars and decides becoming a witch confessor will be a financially lucrative profession. Although his companions initially are reluctant to join him, they eventually do.
After receiving training in how to make people confess to being a witch, Udo and the others eventually arrive in the German state of Saxony, where a contagious outbreak is being blamed on witchcraft, and ambitious Bishop Jacob Hoop believes ridding his diocese of witches — real or otherwise — will net him an archbishopship. Consequently, he hires the terrifying Geier sisters. Using a variety of nasty and cruel devices, they pride themselves on their ability to extract confessions from people accused of being witches. They don’t much care whether their victims are innocent or guilty, for the sisters only are concerned with becoming powerful under the bishop’s protection.
It is a dark and horrifying time in German history. For often insubstantial reasons — the birth of a disfigured child, ruined crops, unfounded slights, untimely deaths, and just about anything slightly out of the ordinary — innocent people from infants to the elderly are named as witches and burned at the stake.
When the number of accused becomes too many, the bishop hires Udo and his fellow witch confessors to work alongside the Geier sisters to extract confessions. There is Scottish-born James Wylam, whose sympathetic and principled nature is a foil to the Geier sisters’ cruelty. Emile Hacker’s dark past has filled him with hate and a dangerous ability to be cruel. But it is the initially reluctant witch confessor Dieter Engel who surprises the reader as the story progresses.
I found similarities between these dark times of witch hunting and the dark times experienced under the Nazi regime during the Second World War, where unsuspecting Jews were killed in walk-in gas chambers instead of being burned at the stake. During their imprisonment, Jews were also subjected to tortures to such a degree that a few years ago staff at a Toronto Jewish hospital discarded their white uniforms because holocaust dementia patients were experiencing horrifying flashbacks. Rather than a 17th century church bishop, it was Adolf Hilter who was seeking a powerful position on the world stage. The ability for ordinary citizens to so willingly torture another is a common theme in the book as it was under the Nazi regime.
Kudos to the author for not shying away from telling it as it was and for weaving such an interesting tale that is based more on the personalities and how seemingly unbreakable friendships can change or disintegrate under extraordinary circumstances.
The author’s ability for descriptive details places the reader smack-dab in the scene. His expert use of flashbacks gives the reader glimpses into the past lives of the characters so we come to better understand why they do what they do. Furthermore, the author has mastered the use of dialogue that is realistic and true to each character and to the 17th century.
I did run across the odd typo error that caused a wrong word to be printed, such as “and” instead of “any”. There were also a couple of typo errors where a period was used instead of a comma. But the typos were very few and in no way detracted from the story, nor did the Scottish dialect the author used for his character, James Wylam, once I got into the swing of reading it.
In summary, I give The Worms in Fools’ Fingers a 5-star rating and look forward to reading more from this author.
DISCLAIMER: After interviewing Mal Watts on my Novel News blog, I purchased an eBook of The Worms in Fools’ Fingers. The above is my honest review of the book.
READ my blog interview with British author Mal Watts at www.helentdoan.com
Set during the end of The Thirty Years War in 17th century Europe, the historical fiction story revolves around a motley group of soldiers, led by Udo Beck, who is tired of fighting wars and decides becoming a witch confessor will be a financially lucrative profession. Although his companions initially are reluctant to join him, they eventually do.
After receiving training in how to make people confess to being a witch, Udo and the others eventually arrive in the German state of Saxony, where a contagious outbreak is being blamed on witchcraft, and ambitious Bishop Jacob Hoop believes ridding his diocese of witches — real or otherwise — will net him an archbishopship. Consequently, he hires the terrifying Geier sisters. Using a variety of nasty and cruel devices, they pride themselves on their ability to extract confessions from people accused of being witches. They don’t much care whether their victims are innocent or guilty, for the sisters only are concerned with becoming powerful under the bishop’s protection.
It is a dark and horrifying time in German history. For often insubstantial reasons — the birth of a disfigured child, ruined crops, unfounded slights, untimely deaths, and just about anything slightly out of the ordinary — innocent people from infants to the elderly are named as witches and burned at the stake.
When the number of accused becomes too many, the bishop hires Udo and his fellow witch confessors to work alongside the Geier sisters to extract confessions. There is Scottish-born James Wylam, whose sympathetic and principled nature is a foil to the Geier sisters’ cruelty. Emile Hacker’s dark past has filled him with hate and a dangerous ability to be cruel. But it is the initially reluctant witch confessor Dieter Engel who surprises the reader as the story progresses.
I found similarities between these dark times of witch hunting and the dark times experienced under the Nazi regime during the Second World War, where unsuspecting Jews were killed in walk-in gas chambers instead of being burned at the stake. During their imprisonment, Jews were also subjected to tortures to such a degree that a few years ago staff at a Toronto Jewish hospital discarded their white uniforms because holocaust dementia patients were experiencing horrifying flashbacks. Rather than a 17th century church bishop, it was Adolf Hilter who was seeking a powerful position on the world stage. The ability for ordinary citizens to so willingly torture another is a common theme in the book as it was under the Nazi regime.
Kudos to the author for not shying away from telling it as it was and for weaving such an interesting tale that is based more on the personalities and how seemingly unbreakable friendships can change or disintegrate under extraordinary circumstances.
The author’s ability for descriptive details places the reader smack-dab in the scene. His expert use of flashbacks gives the reader glimpses into the past lives of the characters so we come to better understand why they do what they do. Furthermore, the author has mastered the use of dialogue that is realistic and true to each character and to the 17th century.
I did run across the odd typo error that caused a wrong word to be printed, such as “and” instead of “any”. There were also a couple of typo errors where a period was used instead of a comma. But the typos were very few and in no way detracted from the story, nor did the Scottish dialect the author used for his character, James Wylam, once I got into the swing of reading it.
In summary, I give The Worms in Fools’ Fingers a 5-star rating and look forward to reading more from this author.
DISCLAIMER: After interviewing Mal Watts on my Novel News blog, I purchased an eBook of The Worms in Fools’ Fingers. The above is my honest review of the book.
READ my blog interview with British author Mal Watts at www.helentdoan.com
October 7, 2025
MJ Watts’ The Worms in Fools’ Fingers is a medieval gambol through one of the darkest times in European history. It follows a fictitious group of men, soldiers who have fought in many wars, sometimes on opposing sides. When they are finally fighting on the same team, they become weary of fighting, particularly losing. After all, there really are no winners in war.
They desert their posts, taking their seriously wounded comrade with them through much trial and tribulation. They eventually make it to the relative safety of Catherine Withnall’s tavern, where they settle down for a while. However, these are men of action, men who need a cause.
What follows is a series of events that become more diabolical as they go along. By judicious reminiscences, Watts gives us glimpses of the events in their lives that have brought them to these points.
There is no denying that the Middle Ages was a time of great poverty for some and cruelty towards the impoverished by the upper classes. Watts’ story shows us that even those with the best intentions can be corrupted, and that the thought of power corrupts completely, if you are open to it.
The main characters are larger than life, with either a negative arc, or no arc at all, meaning that some of them were bad from the beginning. One started out as quite a likeable fellow, and if I’d been asked who my favourite character was during the first quarter of the book, it would have been Deiter, however, he gets a taste for the cruelty of the witch trials and pursues the accused with a vengeance, thus losing my respect. The hypocrisy of these characters who are happy to engage the services of a healing woman when they needed her for their friend, but were also quick to condemn the same woman and those like her, in the interests of making their collective fortunes. Possibly the only character who maintains his decency throughout the story to the end is the English soldier, James Wylam.
The story sometimes gets a bit bogged down by the flashbacks and reminiscences, however as they give good insight into the characters, I felt that they were necessary and, in a way, breaks the rapid pace of the more violent scenes.
The dialogue throughout the book drives the story forward and is appropriate. Watts’ uses the vernacular for both the English and German characters so that we get a good idea of how each may have sounded.
The story’s plot draws heavily on real events surrounding the 30-year war in Europe and the witch trials of the era. The characters themselves, however, are fictitious, although real characters are mentioned at times to give a historical perspective to the events.
This is not a book I would recommend to just anyone. If you are in any way squeamish and find tales of torture, barbaric medical practices, and general violence triggering, then this book is most definitely not for you. Although I would not ordinarily pick up a book with this much violence, as I am interested in history, I felt compelled to read it to the end. I found the accounts of the torture macabre and fascinating, but mostly incredibly disturbing.
Overall, I have awarded this book 4.4 stars.
They desert their posts, taking their seriously wounded comrade with them through much trial and tribulation. They eventually make it to the relative safety of Catherine Withnall’s tavern, where they settle down for a while. However, these are men of action, men who need a cause.
What follows is a series of events that become more diabolical as they go along. By judicious reminiscences, Watts gives us glimpses of the events in their lives that have brought them to these points.
There is no denying that the Middle Ages was a time of great poverty for some and cruelty towards the impoverished by the upper classes. Watts’ story shows us that even those with the best intentions can be corrupted, and that the thought of power corrupts completely, if you are open to it.
The main characters are larger than life, with either a negative arc, or no arc at all, meaning that some of them were bad from the beginning. One started out as quite a likeable fellow, and if I’d been asked who my favourite character was during the first quarter of the book, it would have been Deiter, however, he gets a taste for the cruelty of the witch trials and pursues the accused with a vengeance, thus losing my respect. The hypocrisy of these characters who are happy to engage the services of a healing woman when they needed her for their friend, but were also quick to condemn the same woman and those like her, in the interests of making their collective fortunes. Possibly the only character who maintains his decency throughout the story to the end is the English soldier, James Wylam.
The story sometimes gets a bit bogged down by the flashbacks and reminiscences, however as they give good insight into the characters, I felt that they were necessary and, in a way, breaks the rapid pace of the more violent scenes.
The dialogue throughout the book drives the story forward and is appropriate. Watts’ uses the vernacular for both the English and German characters so that we get a good idea of how each may have sounded.
The story’s plot draws heavily on real events surrounding the 30-year war in Europe and the witch trials of the era. The characters themselves, however, are fictitious, although real characters are mentioned at times to give a historical perspective to the events.
This is not a book I would recommend to just anyone. If you are in any way squeamish and find tales of torture, barbaric medical practices, and general violence triggering, then this book is most definitely not for you. Although I would not ordinarily pick up a book with this much violence, as I am interested in history, I felt compelled to read it to the end. I found the accounts of the torture macabre and fascinating, but mostly incredibly disturbing.
Overall, I have awarded this book 4.4 stars.
October 31, 2024
⚫️The Worms in Fools' Fingers is an engrossing literary experience that captivates from the very first page. M.J. Watts masterfully intertwines a gripping narrative with profound themes, exploring the intricacies of human emotion and the complexities of morality.
⚫️The story follows a diverse cast of characters, each meticulously crafted and richly developed. Watts ability to delve into their psyches allows readers to connect deeply with their struggles and triumphs. The protagonist's journey is particularly compelling, as it grapples with themes of guilt, redemption, and the human capacity for change. Watts nuanced portrayal of flawed characters makes them relatable, evoking empathy and reflection.
⚫️One of the standout elements of this book is Watts evocative prose. The writing is both lyrical and sharp, painting vivid imagery that immerses readers in the setting. Whether describing a bustling cityscape or the quiet moments of introspection, the author’s attention to detail creates a tangible atmosphere that enhances the reading experience.
⚫️The pacing of the novel is expertly handled, with a perfect balance between tension and respite. Watts masterfully builds suspense, leaving readers eagerly turning pages while also providing moments of introspection that allow for deeper contemplation of the story’s themes. This ebb and flow keeps the narrative engaging and dynamic.
⚫️Moreover, the underlying messages of the book resonate on multiple levels. Watts encourages readers to question societal norms and moral dilemmas, prompting introspection about their own beliefs and choices. This philosophical depth elevates the narrative, making it not just a story, but a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human.
⚫️In summary, The Worms in Fools' Fingers is a remarkable achievement in contemporary literature. M.J. Watts skillful storytelling, richly developed characters, and profound thematic exploration create a memorable reading experience. This book is highly recommended for anyone seeking a poignant narrative that challenges perceptions and lingers long after the last page is turned.
Happy reading ❤️✨
⚫️The story follows a diverse cast of characters, each meticulously crafted and richly developed. Watts ability to delve into their psyches allows readers to connect deeply with their struggles and triumphs. The protagonist's journey is particularly compelling, as it grapples with themes of guilt, redemption, and the human capacity for change. Watts nuanced portrayal of flawed characters makes them relatable, evoking empathy and reflection.
⚫️One of the standout elements of this book is Watts evocative prose. The writing is both lyrical and sharp, painting vivid imagery that immerses readers in the setting. Whether describing a bustling cityscape or the quiet moments of introspection, the author’s attention to detail creates a tangible atmosphere that enhances the reading experience.
⚫️The pacing of the novel is expertly handled, with a perfect balance between tension and respite. Watts masterfully builds suspense, leaving readers eagerly turning pages while also providing moments of introspection that allow for deeper contemplation of the story’s themes. This ebb and flow keeps the narrative engaging and dynamic.
⚫️Moreover, the underlying messages of the book resonate on multiple levels. Watts encourages readers to question societal norms and moral dilemmas, prompting introspection about their own beliefs and choices. This philosophical depth elevates the narrative, making it not just a story, but a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to be human.
⚫️In summary, The Worms in Fools' Fingers is a remarkable achievement in contemporary literature. M.J. Watts skillful storytelling, richly developed characters, and profound thematic exploration create a memorable reading experience. This book is highly recommended for anyone seeking a poignant narrative that challenges perceptions and lingers long after the last page is turned.
Happy reading ❤️✨
November 7, 2024
*The Worms in Fools' Fingers*,
By:-MJ Watts
5 outof 5 🌟
The masterfully navigates the tumultuous landscape of seventeenth-century Europe, where the scars of war and famine are palpable. The novel intricately weaves a tale that explores the blurred lines between righteousness and wickedness, revealing how desperation can drive individuals to forsake their humanity.
At the heart of the story is Udo Beck, a soldier disillusioned by the horrors of battle. His choice to seek fortune in the witch trials marks a pivotal moment not only in his life but also in the lives of those around him. Watts deftly illustrates Beck's moral descent, as he grapples with the consequences of his ambition in a world that rewards betrayal and zealotry. This transformation is compelling and serves as a cautionary tale about the price of survival in a society gripped by fear.
The narrative thrives on its rich character development. Each character, drawn from various backgrounds—be it from the frostbitten Baltic shores or the Caribbean's warm waters—reflects the era's complexity. Their intersecting fates in the Harz mountains create a tapestry of human experience, showcasing how ordinary people are swept up in the fervor of witch hunts. Watts doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of this dark period; the characters' struggles with their iniquities resonate deeply, inviting readers to ponder the nature of justice and culpability.
Watts’ prose is evocative, immersing readers in a world where superstition reigns, and the quest for power breeds chaos. The vivid descriptions of the setting enhance the oppressive atmosphere, making the reader feel the weight of the forest shadows that loom over the characters' lives.
Ultimately, *The Worms in Fools' Fingers* is a haunting exploration of humanity’s darkest impulses. Watts compels us to confront uncomfortable truths about morality, loyalty, and the fragile nature of friendship in a time when paranoia dictates the lives of many. This is a must-read for those who appreciate historical fiction that challenges our understanding of righteousness and morality in desperate times.
By:-MJ Watts
5 outof 5 🌟
The masterfully navigates the tumultuous landscape of seventeenth-century Europe, where the scars of war and famine are palpable. The novel intricately weaves a tale that explores the blurred lines between righteousness and wickedness, revealing how desperation can drive individuals to forsake their humanity.
At the heart of the story is Udo Beck, a soldier disillusioned by the horrors of battle. His choice to seek fortune in the witch trials marks a pivotal moment not only in his life but also in the lives of those around him. Watts deftly illustrates Beck's moral descent, as he grapples with the consequences of his ambition in a world that rewards betrayal and zealotry. This transformation is compelling and serves as a cautionary tale about the price of survival in a society gripped by fear.
The narrative thrives on its rich character development. Each character, drawn from various backgrounds—be it from the frostbitten Baltic shores or the Caribbean's warm waters—reflects the era's complexity. Their intersecting fates in the Harz mountains create a tapestry of human experience, showcasing how ordinary people are swept up in the fervor of witch hunts. Watts doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of this dark period; the characters' struggles with their iniquities resonate deeply, inviting readers to ponder the nature of justice and culpability.
Watts’ prose is evocative, immersing readers in a world where superstition reigns, and the quest for power breeds chaos. The vivid descriptions of the setting enhance the oppressive atmosphere, making the reader feel the weight of the forest shadows that loom over the characters' lives.
Ultimately, *The Worms in Fools' Fingers* is a haunting exploration of humanity’s darkest impulses. Watts compels us to confront uncomfortable truths about morality, loyalty, and the fragile nature of friendship in a time when paranoia dictates the lives of many. This is a must-read for those who appreciate historical fiction that challenges our understanding of righteousness and morality in desperate times.
November 8, 2024
*The Worms in Fools’ Fingers* by MJ Watts is an incredibly gripping and dark historical adventure that I found utterly absorbing from the first page to the last. Set against the brutal backdrop of seventeenth-century Europe, this novel plunges deep into the chaos and fear that gripped a war-torn society and the horrors of the witch persecutions. The atmosphere Watts creates is tense and vivid, and it truly transported me to this terrifying period of history.
The main character, Udo Beck, is complex and deeply flawed, which made him both fascinating and hard to root for at times. His transformation from a disillusioned soldier to a man consumed by greed and ambition is chilling. I found myself torn between understanding his desperation and being horrified by the decisions he makes. Watts does an amazing job of showing how moral lines blur in times of crisis, and how easily righteousness and wickedness can be mistaken for one another.
The supporting characters are equally compelling, and each one’s journey is marked by their own moral struggles and tragedies. The depiction of the witch hunts, with all their hysteria and cruelty, was particularly haunting. It’s clear that Watts has done extensive research, and this adds a rich layer of authenticity to the story. At the same time, the narrative is fast-paced, full of betrayal, ambition, and human frailty, making it hard to put the book down.
What I appreciated most about *The Worms in Fools’ Fingers* was how it explores the devastating impact of fear and greed on individuals and entire communities. It’s a harrowing tale of how easily lives can be destroyed by unchecked power and superstition. This is not just a historical novel—it’s a reflection on the darkest aspects of humanity, and it left me thinking long after I finished reading. If you’re a fan of rich, dark historical fiction, this book is a must-read.
The main character, Udo Beck, is complex and deeply flawed, which made him both fascinating and hard to root for at times. His transformation from a disillusioned soldier to a man consumed by greed and ambition is chilling. I found myself torn between understanding his desperation and being horrified by the decisions he makes. Watts does an amazing job of showing how moral lines blur in times of crisis, and how easily righteousness and wickedness can be mistaken for one another.
The supporting characters are equally compelling, and each one’s journey is marked by their own moral struggles and tragedies. The depiction of the witch hunts, with all their hysteria and cruelty, was particularly haunting. It’s clear that Watts has done extensive research, and this adds a rich layer of authenticity to the story. At the same time, the narrative is fast-paced, full of betrayal, ambition, and human frailty, making it hard to put the book down.
What I appreciated most about *The Worms in Fools’ Fingers* was how it explores the devastating impact of fear and greed on individuals and entire communities. It’s a harrowing tale of how easily lives can be destroyed by unchecked power and superstition. This is not just a historical novel—it’s a reflection on the darkest aspects of humanity, and it left me thinking long after I finished reading. If you’re a fan of rich, dark historical fiction, this book is a must-read.
September 28, 2025
“History is not the past but a map of the past, drawn from a particular point of view, to be useful to the modern traveller.”
Henry Glassie, US historian
When I read “The Worms in Fools' Fingers” by MJ Watts, I felt pulled straight into the dark and frightening world of the 17th-century witch trials. The book begins with the Pendle witch story, where young Jennet Device’s words in court turn her own family’s life upside down. Watts doesn’t just tell the events—he shows the fear, the pressure, and the way society itself could twist innocence into something deadly.
For me, the heart of this book is about fear and how it destroys people. I could feel how suspicion and power made neighbors turn against each other, and how justice was lost to hysteria. Watching Jennet speak so calmly in court, while her family suffered, made me think about how fragile truth becomes when people are desperate to believe lies.
What stood out most to me was how real and personal the story felt, even though it’s set centuries ago. Characters like the harsh inquisitor Erhardt Meyer or Margaretha Stein, whose confessions were both painful and strangely defiant, showed me how little guilt or innocence mattered once the system was set against you. Watts also takes us to Germany, where the same fears and betrayals tore apart another community, reminding me that this terror was not just in one place—it was everywhere.
By the end, I was left with a heavy feeling. Watts doesn’t try to soften the story or offer happy endings. Instead, I was made to sit with the loss, regret, and silence that followed. To me, this book is more than history—it’s a warning about what fear and power can do to ordinary people. It’s haunting, gripping, and impossible to forget.
Henry Glassie, US historian
When I read “The Worms in Fools' Fingers” by MJ Watts, I felt pulled straight into the dark and frightening world of the 17th-century witch trials. The book begins with the Pendle witch story, where young Jennet Device’s words in court turn her own family’s life upside down. Watts doesn’t just tell the events—he shows the fear, the pressure, and the way society itself could twist innocence into something deadly.
For me, the heart of this book is about fear and how it destroys people. I could feel how suspicion and power made neighbors turn against each other, and how justice was lost to hysteria. Watching Jennet speak so calmly in court, while her family suffered, made me think about how fragile truth becomes when people are desperate to believe lies.
What stood out most to me was how real and personal the story felt, even though it’s set centuries ago. Characters like the harsh inquisitor Erhardt Meyer or Margaretha Stein, whose confessions were both painful and strangely defiant, showed me how little guilt or innocence mattered once the system was set against you. Watts also takes us to Germany, where the same fears and betrayals tore apart another community, reminding me that this terror was not just in one place—it was everywhere.
By the end, I was left with a heavy feeling. Watts doesn’t try to soften the story or offer happy endings. Instead, I was made to sit with the loss, regret, and silence that followed. To me, this book is more than history—it’s a warning about what fear and power can do to ordinary people. It’s haunting, gripping, and impossible to forget.
July 17, 2024
An impressive debut
This novel was a recommendation from Amazon, but it was the cover that really caught my eye, and the title was so unusual that I wanted to know more. I loved it from beginning to end - so original, funny at times (the character James Wylam is excellent), and builds to a thrilling finish where no character is left untouched by the climatic events.
I loved the fact that the story is very character driven, and what great characters they are, certainly no stereotypes here. You will either love them or hate them - then you may well change your mind! We have strong, determined women, well-meaning but flawed men, an ambitious but corrupt bishop and loads of minor characters that move in and out of the plot. There is even an Arawak from the Caribbean - how many times have you seen that before?
The horrors of the witch trials are vividly described but never gratuitous, and are all the more shocking for being true. This is a very satisfying read. Do things work out as you expect them to? You will have to wait for the end and see.
The pace of the writing is brisk and you are drawn into this world before you know it. I am sure the author has enjoyed himself inserting references to popular culture here and there. I might be wrong, but what about this from the chapter ‘Fit and Proper Judges’:
Even as summer ended, autumn passed by in glorious red and gold colours, warm and dry weather and gentle breezes. It felt as though the winds of winter would never arrive.
I wonder what Mr Martin would think if he ever saw this. There are loads of others, or maybe it is just me. Read and enjoy it and find out for yourself.
This novel was a recommendation from Amazon, but it was the cover that really caught my eye, and the title was so unusual that I wanted to know more. I loved it from beginning to end - so original, funny at times (the character James Wylam is excellent), and builds to a thrilling finish where no character is left untouched by the climatic events.
I loved the fact that the story is very character driven, and what great characters they are, certainly no stereotypes here. You will either love them or hate them - then you may well change your mind! We have strong, determined women, well-meaning but flawed men, an ambitious but corrupt bishop and loads of minor characters that move in and out of the plot. There is even an Arawak from the Caribbean - how many times have you seen that before?
The horrors of the witch trials are vividly described but never gratuitous, and are all the more shocking for being true. This is a very satisfying read. Do things work out as you expect them to? You will have to wait for the end and see.
The pace of the writing is brisk and you are drawn into this world before you know it. I am sure the author has enjoyed himself inserting references to popular culture here and there. I might be wrong, but what about this from the chapter ‘Fit and Proper Judges’:
Even as summer ended, autumn passed by in glorious red and gold colours, warm and dry weather and gentle breezes. It felt as though the winds of winter would never arrive.
I wonder what Mr Martin would think if he ever saw this. There are loads of others, or maybe it is just me. Read and enjoy it and find out for yourself.
July 17, 2024
A friend passed this book on to me, insisting that I should read it despite my original reservations (I never though that historical novels were my thing). I am so glad he did because it is brilliant and so original. It is also quite long but I would have been happy if it had been even longer. It’s an adventure story set at the hight of the witch persecutions of 17th century Europe, but it is really about the characters, who you can almost believe are real people. As the story moves from England, to the Netherlands, to a chilling climax in Germany, the characters are changed by the turbulent world around them and the consequences of their actions. What I really liked, and I am told is unusual in historical novels, there are several very strong female characters, including the formidable Geier sisters, who you would be well advised to avoid.
There is black humour here too, mostly delivered by a character from Newcastle, his dialogue written mostly in dialect which adds to the enjoyment of his amusing comments. The historical detail is fascinating, cleverly woven into the story so that it entertains rather than lectures. It made me wonder why I knew nothing about this subject, and makes me want to learn more.
There is violence and tenderness, comradeship and betrayal and the depictions of the horrors of the witch trials and executions show the darkest depths of what humans are capable of. As the author writes in his note - all these things actually happened. These and worse.
On one reading, this has become one of my favourite novels, and I am looking forward to what MJ Watts comes up with next.
There is black humour here too, mostly delivered by a character from Newcastle, his dialogue written mostly in dialect which adds to the enjoyment of his amusing comments. The historical detail is fascinating, cleverly woven into the story so that it entertains rather than lectures. It made me wonder why I knew nothing about this subject, and makes me want to learn more.
There is violence and tenderness, comradeship and betrayal and the depictions of the horrors of the witch trials and executions show the darkest depths of what humans are capable of. As the author writes in his note - all these things actually happened. These and worse.
On one reading, this has become one of my favourite novels, and I am looking forward to what MJ Watts comes up with next.
October 2, 2024
Are you on the lookout for a captivating historical novel? If so, this one is perfect for you! The story unfolds quickly across England, Holland, and Germany, where state and church employed 'witch hunters.' MJ Watts skilfully weaves true events into this intriguing narrative.
Set against the backdrop of the witch persecutions in 17th-century Europe, this adventure story truly focuses on its characters, who feel remarkably real. As the narrative shifts from England to the Netherlands and culminates in a tense finale in Germany, the turbulent environment transforms the characters and shapes the repercussions of their choices.
One of the highlights of this book for me is the presence of several strong female characters, particularly the formidable Geier sisters, whom you would do well to steer clear of.
There’s also a touch of dark humor, primarily from a character hailing from Newcastle, whose dialogue is mostly written in dialect, enhancing the enjoyment of his witty remarks. The historical detail is captivating and skilfully integrated into the narrative, making it entertaining rather than didactic. It left me curious about why I hadn’t known more about this subject and eager to explore it further.
The story encompasses both violence and tenderness, camaraderie and betrayal, with vivid portrayals of the horrors of the witch trials and executions revealing the darkest aspects of human nature.
Set against the backdrop of the witch persecutions in 17th-century Europe, this adventure story truly focuses on its characters, who feel remarkably real. As the narrative shifts from England to the Netherlands and culminates in a tense finale in Germany, the turbulent environment transforms the characters and shapes the repercussions of their choices.
One of the highlights of this book for me is the presence of several strong female characters, particularly the formidable Geier sisters, whom you would do well to steer clear of.
There’s also a touch of dark humor, primarily from a character hailing from Newcastle, whose dialogue is mostly written in dialect, enhancing the enjoyment of his witty remarks. The historical detail is captivating and skilfully integrated into the narrative, making it entertaining rather than didactic. It left me curious about why I hadn’t known more about this subject and eager to explore it further.
The story encompasses both violence and tenderness, camaraderie and betrayal, with vivid portrayals of the horrors of the witch trials and executions revealing the darkest aspects of human nature.
August 2, 2024
I bought this book having met the author MJ Watts in our local pub (an amazing Quiz Master) and was intrigued by the brief synopsis he provided and which instantly captured my imagination.
Not one who would usually reach for the historical novels or indeed a book that can’t easily be carried in a day sack for the cheeky lunchtime read, I was drawn in by the cover and the mystery that lay within.
Concerned that the book might be a bit too long for a chosen read to accompany a long weekend away, I could have happily continued reading for another 500 pages as I was taken through a captivating discovery of 17th Century Europe - a period in time so vividly and creatively described with both detail and humour by the author.
Without doubt it is the many characters that draw you in and keep you captivated throughout, as their story moves from country to country and from one violent and murderous conflict to another.
A tale of ambition, greed, and betrayal that destroys lives and families, and renders formerly unbreakable friendships asunder - this is a truly captivating read and I look forward to seeing what MJ Watts creates for us next.
Not one who would usually reach for the historical novels or indeed a book that can’t easily be carried in a day sack for the cheeky lunchtime read, I was drawn in by the cover and the mystery that lay within.
Concerned that the book might be a bit too long for a chosen read to accompany a long weekend away, I could have happily continued reading for another 500 pages as I was taken through a captivating discovery of 17th Century Europe - a period in time so vividly and creatively described with both detail and humour by the author.
Without doubt it is the many characters that draw you in and keep you captivated throughout, as their story moves from country to country and from one violent and murderous conflict to another.
A tale of ambition, greed, and betrayal that destroys lives and families, and renders formerly unbreakable friendships asunder - this is a truly captivating read and I look forward to seeing what MJ Watts creates for us next.
August 6, 2024
Love this! A historical novel that has something for everyone. I mean it - if you’re put of by the ‘historical’ tag, you are missing an exciting read that will grab you in the same way as the better fantasy novels. It starts with a battle (it was a real one) that has plenty blood and gore and introduces several of the main characters. Then it’s a fast-moving journey through England, Holland and Germany where ‘witch hunters’ were employed by the state and by the church. MJ Watts has cleverly built his story around true events. I had to look some of these up because I knew nothing them, and the story is all the more exciting knowing the that these things happened. There are some blood curdling parts and some brilliant characters. Surely this is the next major TV production? I’d love to see it on screen.
Very hard to put down once you start it.
Very hard to put down once you start it.
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