A Judge From Salem

by Campbell John

There is a line between justice and murder. It is five years since the infamous witch trials, and Elias Shaw, one of Salem's hanging judges, has been assigned as magistrate to the sleepy town of Essex, Massachusetts. Almost at once, he discovers the community in moral peril, infected by the shadow of witchcraft. A true believer haunted by a bloody past and his own encounters with Satan's handiwork, Judge Shaw knows he must set things right. Armed with Crown Law, aided by an old military companion - a merciless constable - and a young clerk eager to follow in the judge's footsteps, Shaw begins a ruthless campaign to purge the town of evil. He will save the community's souls at any cost, using every medieval tool and tactic at his disposal. For the people of Essex, what initially seemed to be a much-needed return to the Puritan code quickly turns into a nightmare. As the death toll rises and Shaw meets increasingly brazen displays of witchcraft with mounting brutality, the town and its terrified people balance on the edge of destruction. Only one man might save them, a former redcoat officer living in seclusion and hiding his own, shameful secrets. If he can find the courage. If he's not too late. The cries of Salem reach out from the past. Is Judge Shaw a madman consumed by his beliefs? Or is he the only one who can see what is really going on?

443 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2015

Reviews

[Alyssa Hosto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. A little rough to read at times, had to put it down. The ending was great!! Hah.

And THE CAT! ah.

My only critisism would be something stupid, but it bothered me so much. The writing rarely filled a full page. A quarter to half of some pages are left blank.

[Donna Morris Main · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, I read it in two days. It is a little dark at times but I was warned when the author inscribed it for me. "This is a dark ride, hold on tight".

[Christine Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like historical fiction you will LOVE this book. It is rich in history and has a great plot. I couldn't wait to get home from work and pick it up. It left me wanting to read more. There is a wonderful twist at the end too!