The Brampton Witch Murders

The Samuel Pepys Mysteries #1

by Ellis Blackwood

"A brilliant series debut" - More Mystery Please

Can Samuel Pepys save his sister from the hangman’s noose?
As the inferno of the Great Fire devours London in 1666, another firestorm rages in the tranquil village of Brampton, where Pepys’s sister, Paulina, stands accused of witchcraft.
Pepys summons his inquisitors, Abigail Harcourt and Jacob Standish, plunging them into the heart of the witch-hunt. Can Abigail, Pepys’s astute housemaid, and Jacob, his awkward yet eager protégé, unravel a web of whispers, gossip and lies to clear Paulina’s name?
Racing against time, Abigail and Jacob must confront a formidable Simon Hopkins, son of the infamous Witchfinder General. Possessed by his father’s Puritan zeal, he will stop at nothing to prove Paulina’s sorcery and send her to the gallows.
To the pious folk of Brampton, the options are stark. Witch or not? Life or death?

The Samuel Pepys Mysteries bring 17th century England vividly to life, in the company of the celebrated diarist himself, and his personal inquisitors, Abby and Jacob. If you love your mysteries wrapped in history, this series is for you.
Click the Read Now or Buy Now button to enter a world of hidden secrets and whodunits you'll never want to leave...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Historical Mystery, British Literature, 17th Century, Audiobook, Fiction

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 31, 2024

About the author

Ellis Blackwood fell in love with the writings of Samuel Pepys, and the 17th-century England he inhabited, through the great man's published diaries. The Samuel Pepys Mysteries are the result of that literary love affair.

Reviews

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be completely honest and say that Samuel Pepys and I (well his diaries) have a rocky history. It was probably my second least favourite book/collection to study at university. However the blurb for The Brampton Witch Murders sounded too good to let bad memories put me off and I can honestly say I am so glad it did.


For a start Pepys is actually brought to life by Blackwood and I felt invested right away. This is paired with two wonderful characters, Abigail and Jacob and creates a hook to get me invested. Add to this the mention of witchcraft or witches and I devoured this book.


I have always been interested and horrified by the European witch craze and to have a story featuring Matthew Hopkins son instantly got me going – I didn’t want Simon to succeed from the start. A quick aside, I adored the historical context and realism Blackwood peppers throughout be it with places, events, people or opinions. But before I go off on a rant about witches and witchfinders lets get back on track.


The writing is brilliant. It’s paced well, keeps you hooked and more importantly keeps you guessing. The characters are fantastic, believable and most importantly well rounded for a cosy crime.
All in all this has everything you could want from a historical mystery.

As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest and truthful.

[Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rereading this series. One of my favorite series and im excited to experience it again while knowing what happens in later books.

[Deirdre E Siegel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A refreshingly new factually historic mystery series by author new to me.
As a student of European history this series is a fun listen written so descriptively I could feel the London air, taste the Thames, hear the hawkers and see fetid middens littering the thoroughfares.
Thoroughly enjoyable gambol, thank you Ellis Blackwood, very much appreciated (-;

[LJ (ljwritesandreviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounded up from 3.5

Now, I've heard of Samuel Pepys, but I knew little about him, so I was intrigued to see what this mystery would be like.

The Brampton Witch Murders is a historical mystery centring around Samuel Pepys' inquisitor's maid Abigail Harcourt and his protégé Jacob Standish. They're tasked with the job of trying to clear Pepys' sister Paulina from the accusations of witchcraft. Things take an even more sinister turn when the person who accuses her of witchcraft ends up dead.

To me, the mystery was more on the cozy mystery side .i.e. not too much violence with a focus on solving the puzzle of the murder. As a cozy mystery fan, I enjoyed this and what was nice is it wasn't too slow paced, which can happen sometimes with these types of mysteries.

Abby and Jacob were a fun pairing. Abby, with her forthright manner who often forgets her lowly station of housemaid and Jacob, who is still so unsure of himself.

Going into this, I expected to see Samuel Pepys getting more of a leading role in the story, but I still very much enjoyed the camaraderie between Abigail and Jacob and seeing them investigate together.

A short but entertaining read, a definite must if you love a historical cozy mystery.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Samuel Pepys Mystery series and I have got to admit that I spotted Witch, murder and that spooky cute cat on this front cover and I was sold!

Now, I'm the first to say that historical fiction isn't my go to genre - but having read a fair few covering the witch trials now, I seem to have become obsessed and find them horrifyingly fascinating!

In this first of the series we are introduced to Samuel, the famous diarist, and his inquisitors, Abigail and Jacob.
Samuel's sister has been accused of being a witch and together they set off to follow the whispers and help to clear her name.

I loved this well written mystery which was packed with clues and had me trying to work through many theories, but with so many suspects, I was left guessing.

The characters were well presented and developed and felt authentic for the period.
I loved them all, but especially connected with Abigail, who was so determined to seek justice right to the end.

The setting was written perfectly, with just enough description to give a clear image of Brampton and the era.
It was a dark period and this atmosphere was well created.

This was a brilliant start to what I think will be a favourite series and I'm eagerly awaiting getting hold of the next book and diving back in for more mysteries soon.

[Lisa Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the Great Fire ravages London in 1666, Samuel Pepys needs to put out a fire close to home. His sister Paulina stands accused of witchcraft. Can Pepys' inquistors, Jacob and Abigail work out the truth from the lies?

Being a history buff this book was right up my street. Over the years I've learnt a lot about Samuel Pepys, so was nice to have a story linked to him but also including witchcraft.

Brampton was your typical village of people not liking others and being very vocal about it. Some parts made me laugh.

I liked Abigail and Jacob and thought they worked well together even though they were complete opposites. Where Jacob was quiet and clumsy, Abigail was loud and straight to the point. A great combination and this was proved right with everything they found out as they worked the case.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Transported back in time!

This book takes you back to the 17th century to the Great Fire of London and the Witch Trials. The author has put a lot of research into this book as there’s so much detail in there.

I loved the two inquisitors Abigail and Jacob “investigating” for Pepys and they were my favourite characters in the book.

A quick but great read. Looking forward to reading more of Ellis Blackwoods books.

Thanks to the author @ellisblackwood_author and Zoe from @zooloosbooktours for the advance copy and chance to review. Books released 31 August. Purchase link The Brampton Witch Murders: The Samuel Pepys Mysteries Book 1 (1) https://amzn.eu/d/876Yqte

#bookreview #newblogger #lovestoread #newbookblogger

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Brampton Witch Murders by Ellis Blackwood.
The Samuel Pepys Mysteries Book 1.
This was a good read. I did find it a slow burn read. I did like Abigail. I did like Jacob as well. I did not like Simon or his father Matthew at all. I found I had to keep putting it down and then picking it up again. That's the only way I could read it. I wasn't sure if I liked the writing style or not. I thought I knew who the killer was as I like to try and guess. I was wrong. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Rosie O'Kitty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent example of a cosy historical murder mystery! What’s not to love?! Loads of fun and kept me guessing till the end. Great stuff!

[Claire Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m about to start teaching about the Great Fire of London so it was lovely to be transported back to that time period in this book. I thought that the plot was good and certainly kept my interest! I loved Abby and how she was so much herself especially in a time where women were not normally so. I liked how the historical story parts were woven into the story. Overall I loved this book and cannot wait to read the others when they come out.

[Lindsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m obviously in the minority here, but I really didn’t like the characters or the writing style. A shame, as i was looking forward to the series. DNF

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fairly quick read, being about 244 pages. Simultaneously as the Great Fire of London begins to take hold in 1666, diarist Samuel Pepys despatches his two inquisitors – namely his protégé Jacob Standish and housemaid Abigail (Abby) Harcourt to Brampton where Pepys sister Paulina lives with their parents. Paulina has been accused of witchcraft. The infamous ‘Witchfinder General’ Matthew Hopkins has passed away however the mantle has been picked up by his son Simon Hopkins. Just as pious and unforgiving as his father, Hopkins is also on his way to Brampton and its a race against time for Jacob and Abby to get there to begin their investigations before he arrives.

I certainly felt that whilst Jacob had the wealth and status and the occasional flash of inspiration, Abby was the brains of the outfit. She may have been a mere housemaid but Jacob often appeared clumsy and inarticulate in comparison. It was a shame that Abby was frequently disregarded by others due to her lowly status because she was much quicker of mind. They did make a great pairing though, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

“From what the inquisitors knew, Brampton did not possess a wise and balanced magistrate. It had Bulstrode Bennett. The situation was serious indeed”.

Paulina wasn’t the only woman to be accused of being a witch and local magistrate Bulstrode Bennett, an odious man who seemed to be in cohorts with Hopkins was no help when it came to protesting their innocence. Jacob and Abby definitely had their work cut out in trying to save these women, and in particularly Paulina. Having now read two author’s witch books, one after the other, I was by now familiar with the word ‘poppet’, the historical meaning of which is a small human figure used in witchcraft and sorcery. There were plenty of these appearing in the village to both frighten and be used as evidence of guilt.

Samuel Pepys makes only fleeting appearances in his historical cosy mystery but however helpful the use of his name and influence may be to his inquisitors, this alone is not always enough to save them from danger. With its well drawn cast of characters and enough deaths to rival Midsomer Murders, I enjoyed this entertaining, intriguing and descriptive story. A great start to the series.

[Karolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is my review for The Brampton Witch Murders by Ellis Blackwood


This was a nice cozy crime read set in seventeenth century England where women or girls can be tried as witches. In this story Samuel Pepys hears that his sister Paulina is being accused of being a witch. He sends his inquisitors Abigail Harcourt and Jacob Standish to Brampton to save her and unravel the lies and gossip surrounding this mystery. They go into battle against Simon Hopkins, son of the infamous Witchfinder General. It’s a brilliant, fast read and I really enjoyed it. A lot of research has been done to keep the book as accurate as possible with a lot of the facts and it makes for an interesting read. I could imagine the facts unfolding as did they in the book, it was that well written. The characters are true to form and some are likeable, some are not! I’m now looking forward to the next one.

Blurb :


Can Samuel Pepys save his sister from the hangman's noose?
As the inferno of the Great Fire devours London in 1666, another firestorm rages in the tranquil village of Brampton, where Pepys's sister, Paulina, stands accused of witchcraft.
Pepys summons his inquisitors, Abigail Harcourt and Jacob Standish, plunging them into the heart of the witchcraft mystery. Can Abigail, Pepys's astute housemaid, and Jacob, his awkward yet eager protégé, unravel a web of secrets, gossip and lies to clear Paulina's name?
Racing against time, Abigail and Jacob must confront a formidable adversary: Simon Hopkins, son of the infamous Witchfinder General. Possessed by his father's Puritan zeal, he will stop at nothing to prove Paulina's sorcery and send her to the gallows.
To the pious folk of Brampton, the options are stark. Witch or not? Life or death?
The Samuel Pepys Mysteries bring 17th century England vividly to life, in the company of the celebrated diarist himself, and his personal inquisitors, Abby and Jacob. If you love a cozy mystery wrapped in history, this series is for you.
Pick up a Pepys Mystery and enter a gripping world of twists, turns and whodunits you'll never want to leave...

[Pauline Render · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve always been fascinated by the witch trials, especially those based in England, so this book was one I definitely wanted to read.
When Paulina, the sister of the renowned diarist Samuel Pepys is accused of witchcraft, he sends his inquisitors Abigail Harcourt and Jacob Standish to Brampton to clear her name. In a race against time to save her from Simon Hopkins, son of the Witchfinder General, a man who is obsessed with ridding England of all sorcery and sending witches to the gallows, they must overcome prejudice, closely guarded secrets and lies to discover the truth behind the murders. I loved Abigail and Jacob. Although at opposite ends of the social spectrum they work so well together, Abigail with her tenacity and refusal to bow down to people who think they are above her, and Jacob who for all his social awkwardness brings his own skills into play with his keen eye for detail. I found Simon to be a truly horrible man and could only feel a strong sense of pity for his victims. From the first page I was hooked, being drawn into life in the 17th century with the wonderfully evocative descriptions of London and then Brampton. Throughout the pages I could feel the tension build as Abby and Jacob battle against time to succeed in their desperate mission. By writing a novel based on historical people and times, Ellis has created a story which I found impossible to put down.

[Regina Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a great historical cozy mystery.

This is the first cozy mystery I've read set in the 1700s and it was such a great mystery. I didn't know Samuel Pepys was a real person and I expected him to be the sleuth but the actual sleuths or inquisitors are his maid Abigail Harcourt a very intelligent and observant young woman and the young Jacob Standish who is wealthy, awkward, insecure and unsure of his sleuthing abilities. They make a great team since Abigail is often looked down upon or ignored because she is a woman and a servant girl. Jacob is something of a bull in a china shop and a little dense at times.

When Samuel Pepys' sister Paulina is accused of being a witch he sends Abigail & Jacob to Brampton to prove his sister's innocence then the man, Goody Grimston, who is his sister's accuser is murdered and the two find themselves investigating a murder to clear Paulina and her friend Rebecca of not only witchcraft but also murder.

There was a whole village of suspects as Grimston had more enemies than friends.

I also learned so much about people especially the self titled Witch Finder General Michael Hopkins and the author of The Discovery of Witches loved the character of his son Simon and his advocation to continue his father's work of ridding England of witches

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advanced copy received for review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
I've always thought of Samuel Pepys around the events of the Great Fire of London in 1666, so when I saw this book, I realised that of course he would of course be writing his famous diary during the witchcraft trials of the time.
I am obsessed with books about the trials lately, so I had to dive straight in.
This was a quick read, and a hugely thought-provoking one. Pepys' sister is accused of witchcraft so readers get a direct link to his thoughts around the subject. The author has clearly done their research in order to be able to relate these together, and does a fantastic job.
Loved it, and will look forward to more from Ellis Blackwood.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 1 of The Samuel Pepys Mysteries!

The story focuses on one brother, attempting to save his sister, who is accused of witchcraft.

What I loved about this book was how the author weaved real examples of people and history amongst the story.

It was a medium-paced book to me with some slower elements, but with the period sounding language, it all seemed to work really well.

I enjoyed the array of characters, and I loved how they very much came alive as the story unfolds. I especially like Abigail and Jacob and their interactions!

This is a great start to the series, and I am really looking forward to Book 2!

[Cindy Topp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect Halloween read. For all Anglophiles, and indeed anyone with a bent toward historical fiction, you will enjoy this engrossing mystery, evoking a rather unique perspective of Samuel Pepys as the remote mastermind of a likable, intrepid crime solving duo battling fear and prejudice deep in the English countryside, while racing to absolve the great diarist and naval adminstrator`s estranged, independent sister from being hanged as a witch. I learned much little-known history from the frequent asides made so vividly by Ellis Blackwood: thank you – I can`t wait for the adventures to continue!

[Big Fat Hairy Man · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the city of London is overwhelmed by fire, the village of Brampton has to deal with its own fiery quandry. The son of a famous witch hunter has accused Samuel's sister of being a witch. It's up to Samuel and his two investigators to find out the truth and keep his sister from a fiery death. This is a well-written, suspensful mystery with plenty of red herrings, twists and turns, and detailed descriptions to keep the reader engaged.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gotta say...I have to say..sorry lol. This was not just a good whodunnits, the writing itself was just phenomenal. I've read so many stories that were dated back in times like these and it's been a long time since I've seen one that was so spot on. Not only with their conversations but even in how things were described. It was like reading an old English novel. I was very impressed and very happy with this book. Just phenomenal.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a Samuel Pepys mystery, and I found it really interesting to have a historical mystery set in this era. I liked the way the author wrote, as this felt like a historical mystery, and had the sophisticated quality that I hoped for, but it was fun and quirky too. I'd probably like to read more of this series.

Thank you to Booksprout and the author for a free copy to review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am delighted to have found a new-to-me author and what a brilliant read! Clever plot and so well written that I could have sworn that I was transported back into 17th century England. Atmospheric and intriguing, exciting and yet baffling with many "gulp!" moments when things could have gone pear shaped. Frightening how easily superstition can create a mob mentality and the author has captured this faithfully. Certainly looking forward to the next one!

[AMBER CLARK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Witch or not? Life or death? The Brampton Witch Murders is for anyone interested in puritan-era witch trials like myself. I was beyond excited to be reading this well-written and suspensful mystery. Ellis has created a story which I found impossible to put down and I'm already looking forward to the next one.

[Tahnia Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

In September 1666, Sam Pepys learns that his sister Paulina has been accused of being a witch so Sam sends his inquisitors, Jacob and Abby, to the town of Brampton. Once on site, Jacob and Abby investigate what is going on. This story has plenty of action, ending with a cliffhanger. Very highly recommended.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book bursts out of the gate and has good momentum throughout. Characterization, exposition, setting, historical detail and plot are well woven together (at least compared to some of my recent reads).

I had to suspend my disbelief somewhat regarding a maid and a trust fund baby being equals and outspoken, but other than that it was a winner. After a while I just pretended they were time travelers.

Will definitely continue with the series.

[Stacie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute well written novel. It was my first experience reading Ellis Blackwood's work and it was worth it. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent start to a new series set during the reign of King Charles II. Samual Pepys’ sister has been accused of Witchcraft in their small village. Sam can’t leave London due to the great fire which is consuming the city, so he sends 2 investigators in his stead.

[Bryngel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sure this could have been a good story in another author's hands. Ouch, I know, that's very rude, but I did find the writing style very flat and disjointed, so there you have it.

(Please forgive my poor English, my excuse is I’m Swedish).

[Mireille · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good balance between description and action, which is what I look for in an audio book. It is set in a time period I usually don't go for, so it was a bit of an adjustment. I will return to these eventually since I am chewing through audio books lately.

[Calvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoyable but

I wanted to read a semi- historical mystery set close to the 1800. And this popped up. While it is before then, it fit the bill.
The Brampton Witch Murders is fun but it occasionally has wording or phrasing that feels incongruous.