The Life & Times of Sarah Good, Accused Witch

by Sandra Wagner-Wright

In “The Life & Times of Sarah Good, Accused Witch,” historian Sandra Wagner-Wright uses multiple points of view to reimagine the Salem witch trials as they affect one powerless woman. When a patriarch loses social status, he lashes out against a mentally unstable, friendless woman. A searing look at injustice, ambition, and the cost of being different in colonial America.

Genres: Historical Fiction

201 pages, ebook

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

COMING SOON: "The Life & Times of Sarah Good, Accused Witch"

Sandra holds the doctoral degree in history and taught women’s history at the University of Hawai`i. Sandra lives in Hilo, Hawai`i and enjoys travel. Check out her weekly blog relating to history, travel, and the idiosyncrasies of life.

Sandra’s webpage: www.sandrawagnerwright.com

Reviews

[Shyames · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very nice retelling of the time immediately preceding the Salem Witch Trials, and the time during. The author goes for the 1st person POV, and we switch between all the important actors of the story - Sarah Good, Ann Putnam, Thomas Putnam, and others.

While the main character remains Sarah Good, I feel like at some point she was pushed over into the background, while the story switches its focus to Putnams and the accusations themselves. Nevertheless, this is a great retelling of the Salem Witch Trials, attempting to show us the state of mind of all the actors - accusers, accused, people from both Salem Village and Salem Town - and also the horrible outcome of those days.

Once again, it brings into light the misogyny, the panic that spreads almost immediately, children throwing the accusations and focusing all attention on their afflictions, etc. For me, this is an awesome addendum to "The Witches: Salem, 1692" by Stacy Schiff and I'd recommend reading this one only after you get more familiar with the topic, the timeline and what actually happened there, so you don't get lost in the 1st person POV.

Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

[Agnes Odek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never empathized with a book character as much as I did with Sarah Good. Though the knowledge of it being an historical tale that took place might be the reason for the endless sympathy I feel for the woman whose life kept getting worse.

The Life and Times of Sarah Good, Accused Witch by Wagner-Wright is a reference to the effects of mob mentality, superstitions, and unchecked power. Through different characters' POVs, we are introduced to the idea of what is to come. A poor woman whose life has been unjust ends up losing her life after an accusation of being a witch.

Wright’s retelling is both engaging and emotionally evocative. Reading through the different POVs brought insight into the minds of others other than Sarah Good. From my perspective on the earlier and middle chapters, we would’ve gotten more of Sarah. After the second chapter she comes up in the ninth chapter; the story heavily relied on the supporting characters rather than the protagonist.

I, however, did enjoy reading this book. I found it to be engaging and entertaining as well as humorous. This was mostly when the kids would have fits the moment the so-called witches were called to court. A beautiful addition to my book collection.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable, albeit sad, book to read. I liked the "completeness" of the story whereby the author tells Sarah's story from her youth to her tragic death. I, like other reviewers, did find it sometimes confusing due to the many characters and found myself scrolling back to remember who was who. I also really liked the afterwords that inform the reader what happened to the other characters after the hanging. A very interesting story to read. Thanks to the author, NetGalley and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Den · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. This book is a fictional retelling of real historical figures from the Salem witch trials. I've had a long-standing interest in witch trials and how it targeted women in the fringes of society, and from what I can tell, a lot of the events depicted here aligns with the actual events that unfolded, though of course personal interactions and conversations are fictionalized.

The fictionalization did make me feel more connected to the people in the story as opposed to when I read a dry historical account of what happened in Salem. Sarah Good felt more sympathetic here than in any historical account I've read, and I truly felt bad for her escalating misfortunes as the story went on. The figures we read about in history weren't just characters--they were actual people. But that also left me wondering as to which parts actually happened and which are fictionalized. Like, I knew from previous books I've read that ministers coming and going in Salem Village were real, and there was a fight about inheritance with Sarah Good's in-law. But as in this book, did Reverend Bayley really deliver long and boring sermons? Was William Good really just looking to take advantage of Sarah? That wasn't really on the book to answer but it was interesting to think about.

This book doesn't include all major characters in the actual trials (would probably be impossible to in a single novelization), but even then the vast amount of characters introduced had me confused at times, especially since a lot of them had the same names. There were multiple Marys and Anns and Thomases, and every couple seemed to have 4 or more children and therefore 4+ more names, so to figure out which is which, you do get some wonky exposition like "Of course, you're my eldest son!"

Since a lot of characters and events had to be covered, the book skips time periods and characters ever 3-5 pages which gets really frantic at times. At 75% of the book we are still getting new characters. Then, when we get to the actual trials, when the fates of these women finally converge, it was almost the end of the book. I wish that was explored more. More than the politics, and the drama with the ministers, this was the aspect of that time in history that I was interested in the most, so I would’ve liked to see it developed more.

[Stacy Croushorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been fascinated with the Salem Witch Trials since childhood. The possibility that there were actual witches blew my young mind. As I matured and learned more about the history and culture of that time, I came to understand that the real nature of these trials was about a person’s place in society and how easily rumors can be mistaken for truth. As an adult, I’m flabbergasted that anyone could think of spectral evidence as being actual evidence and how good people can become so twisted with greed and envy. I saw parallels with Salem 1692 and Berlin 1933. I could go on about this era for much longer, but a much more useful way to spend your time is to tell you to read this book. I highly recommend it. Sandra Wagner Wright is a wonderful writer, not only has she done her due diligence with research, but she has made the characters come alive and relatable. I felt sorrow and anger as I read about Sarah Goode. She was, in my opinion, a good person that was maliciously vilified by hypocritical men and women. Goode should have been protected by the law, instead the law sent her to her death. Women have never been treated fairly when it comes to legal proceedings (I can tell you a thing or two about how terrible Elizabeth Bathory was treated and how her “legend” began) and this is a prime example of how the law fails women. As for that Ann Putnam, the Younger, I wanted to scratch her eyes out as she lied and pretended to be “terrorized” by Sarah. It is still so hard for me to fathom that something like this could happen in our country. This is a “prequel” in the “Salem Stories” series, which already has two books published and another on the way. These are not about the Witch Trials but provide a good historical back story to region.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sad desperation in early colonial times😢

For me, the real emotional pull to this story is the swift descent of Sarah Poole Good from a not well-to-do but respectable daughter and sister to a desperate widow of a short marriage, to a vagrant who had no defenders or family support. Even her second husband, who was unable to provide for Sarah and their young children, turns his back on her when the witch accusations start flying.

Ann Putnam's story, I think, is told to contrast and sharpen the picture of Sarah's misfortune. Even Ann, whose husband is well established in the community, has her issues but her social position buffers her from the ills that befall those more marginalized by the Salem village church and community.

The role of family battles over inheritance looms large here. Both women had the promise of an inheritance that made them desirable as a wife but Sarah's hopes were dashed early, before she was settled in a stable marital home.

I have long been fascinated by the Salem witch trials story, not least because my ancestors lived it. This was a quick read that focussed largely on a few individuals and the tough life that led to the events. It's tragic, especially for Sarah and her two daughters, but it was a good, informative read, reviving my interest in the subject. The novel was a prequel (though no cliffhangers) and I think the series would be interesting for colonial history enthusiasts.

Thanks to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for sharing a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Charles Magesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional and Thought-Provoking

THE LIFE & TIMES OF SARAH GOOD, ACCUSED WITCH: SALEM STORIES PREQUEL by Sandra Wagner Wright is a compelling tale that sparks the reader's imagination. Based on historical events and life in Salem Village in the seventeenth century, the novel offers a vivid depiction of life during that time, where people lived as a close-knit community and everyone was aware of each other's affairs.

The author employs unique storytelling techniques, using multiple perspectives to provide a richer understanding of the story. Sandra also excels in world-building and character development. Many readers will find the characters relatable and will feel empathy for Sarah amid her struggles. The story is suspenseful, immersive, and captivating, featuring a distinctive language dialect. Additionally, the author thoughtfully includes a glossary to help readers understand the unique words used.

The conspiracy to accuse and prosecute Sarah by Christians, and the fact that the trial took place in a church, reveal the height of hypocrisy within the church—an issue that persists among today’s Christians. The teachings of the Bible promote forgiveness, fairness, reconciliation, and second chances, yet this congregation and its preacher surprisingly clamored for innocent blood.

Some readers may find the arrest and detention of Sarah's daughter unsettling. However, this highlights concerns about child abuse and unfair trials, especially considering the false witnesses' confessions afterward. Overall, the book is well-written and professionally edited. It is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction. 

[Megan Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic 1st pov read of one of the accused during the infamous Salem Witch Trials of 1692: Goody Sarah Good. This historical fiction not only tells her story up into her tragic end but also brings in several characters that are play lead roles throughout the proceedings from other accused members like Tituba to the afflicted like Abigail Williams and Betty Putnam to the judges who made their final decision on her fate.

As much as I have researched the trials myself and have read many fiction and non fiction accounts, this is a great addition to the stack of literature that has to do with the Salem Witch Trials. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in American history, wrongful imprisonment cases, and looking for a sense of belonging in a world that forces conformity instead of individuality.

I received this ARC book from NetGalley and the publisher complimentary in exchange for an honest review.

#TheLifeTimesofSarahGoodAccusedWitch #NetGalley

[Tracey Madeley · Rating 3 out of 5]

There are 19 listed characters in this short book, which is a little excessive. I understand it is based on true events and represents the genealogy of some families as they fight for an inheritance they believe they are due, but too many characters stretch the reader’s sympathy too wide. The story begins with Sarah Solart / Poole / Goode and then moves to other characters around page 20, returning to her at page 79. Despite the title referencing witch trials and Salem, this is only mentioned at the end of the book, although it does emphasise the miscarriage of justice, prejudice and superstition in these cases. The book’s central theme is family life and inheritance, with siblings vying to gain a more equitable share of the estate. The vulnerability of preachers is also emphasised with minimal wages, and appointments and removals at the discretion of the villagers.

This book would have been better if it had concentrated on one family and the impact of circumstances on their lives.

[Rebekah Stewart · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but somehow this doesn't feel like it's about Sarah Good. It feels like for the first 60% of the book she is mentioned a handful of times and the rest osillates between her accusers POV. What I was hoping would be a fictionalized look at the victims stories felt like a dry recap of the accusers and politics behind the trials. Everyone's perspective has the same style and first person narrative that makes it hard to follow from one character to the next. Characters and children just pop up out of no where because of big time jumps. All of this makes it difficult to enjoy this book overall.

I'd recommend this to someone looking for a basic understanding of the trials that didn't want to do their own research. I appreciate the attention to historical detail from the author.

Thanks to NetGalley and publisher for providing a free copy of this book.

[Aly Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC access. Finished this in a day while spectating at a competition for school.

This has a really good story and I love the Salem Witch Trials, but I was thrown off by the dialogue vs non-dialogue. All of the dialogue was written in an early American dialect- the word “you” is rarely, if ever, used, with the author typically opting for “ye” or “yer”. The dialogue was almost impossible for me to read because it was a constant cycle of “yer” “ye” “tankard of ale” “tankard of beer” “the ordinary” “minister”- there are so many interesting plotlines and all the characters talked about was God and religion.

Might revisit on another day when I’m not slightly preoccupied, but a good summary is that reading this made me feel kind of overstimulated.

[Charles Malumba · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Life & Times of Sarah Good, Accused Witch is a gripping true story of how hysteria can grip a community and false accusations lead to the death of the innocent. Following Sarah Good, the story opens with the girl losing her father. There was a striking dichotomy between Sarah's character and her fortunes, as she seemed to slip further into misfortune, though her character was actually quite likeable. Author Sandra Wagner-Wright did a good job of portraying the times, but the drama is what makes the novel stand out.

[John Obi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melancholy, intense, and slightly dark, the Life and Times of Sarah Good, Accused Witch, is a journey to Salem during one of the darkest points in American history. It follows the lives of two women- one the accused, and the other the accuser- in great detail, and we learn about Sarah on an intimate level. Wright describes the story in vivid detail, from the Solart family house in Massachusetts to the pandemonium of the Witch trials. The Life & Times of Sarah Good, Accused Witch is a story unlike anything I've seen before, and it delivers on so many levels.

[Phin Ejike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on a true story, Sandra Wagner-Wright’s novel is oddly captivating yet tragic in many ways. Wagner-Wright used several real historical figures and borrowed from real events in Salem, but she also developed the characters and added depth to the story in ways only a seasoned writer can do. The Life & Times of Sarah Good is a shocking glimpse into the hysteria and pandemonium of the Salem Witch trials, and it made for some great reading!

[Bob Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandra Wagner-Wright’s The Life and Times of Sarah Goode is a solemn novel chronicling real-life events from the Salem witch trials. Wagner-Wright brings her characters to life, adding dialogue and depth that may not have been found in historical texts, this transforms the story into a rich and deep narrative that readers get hooked to. This novel wasn’t just a recollection of a trial, it was an intimate look into the tragedy of a character I grew to love.

[Alyssa Snow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt slightly disorganized but otherwise the multiple points of view gave a stunning personality to the historical figures many of us only know by name or proximity to The Cruicible.  I was pleasently surprised by the level of research and deliberate weave of the characters to each other.  

I'm definitely curious to explore the rest of the series and see if the trend continues! 

Thank you to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the Advance Reader's Copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Life and Times of Sarah Good, by Sandra Wagner-Wright is a true story based on an unfortunate witching during the Salem Witch trials. Well researched and impeccably written, this book delivers a tale that’s as sad as it is entertaining. I was shocked by how well the author understood Good’s family tree, and how they included small details.

This is an entertaining, albeit somber novel. I would recommend it to fans of historical fiction.