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The Devil's Mistress
Virginia 1705
Darkness has come to the town of Blackfriar. The beloved millwright, John Ashford, has been poisoned. His daughter, Isabella, stands trial for murder. Rumor has it that she consorted with the Devil to do the deed. That she's become a witch.
The worst thing, however, is what the townsfolk don't know: Isabella is innocent.
After visiting the local enchantress for a simple love spell, her life is beset by catastrophe. Her father turns up dead. Her sadistic fiancé spurns her. Now in shackles, Isabella faces torture and death. Her only friend, the enchantress. The old crone offers Isabella a new choice: continue to suffer at the hands of her tormentors, or become the very thing they fear.
Darkness has come to the town of Blackfriar. The beloved millwright, John Ashford, has been poisoned. His daughter, Isabella, stands trial for murder. Rumor has it that she consorted with the Devil to do the deed. That she's become a witch.
The worst thing, however, is what the townsfolk don't know: Isabella is innocent.
After visiting the local enchantress for a simple love spell, her life is beset by catastrophe. Her father turns up dead. Her sadistic fiancé spurns her. Now in shackles, Isabella faces torture and death. Her only friend, the enchantress. The old crone offers Isabella a new choice: continue to suffer at the hands of her tormentors, or become the very thing they fear.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2021
5 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
David Barclay
3 books19 followersDavid Barclay is the author of The Aeschylus, The Devil's Mistress, and The Maker's Box.
After growing up in Maryland and attending Washington College, David believed he was going to use his English degree for good and become a teacher. Instead, he used it for evil and became a game developer. He's worked as a designer and writer in the industry for over fifteen years, providing blood sports for the masses and corrupting today's youth. When he’s not busy in games, he’s writing novels, and is already hard at work on his next project. He enjoys expensive wine, cheap paperbacks, Dark Souls, and all manner of combat sports.
He currently lives in Napa with his two black cats and his wife, novelist Merry Ravenell.
After growing up in Maryland and attending Washington College, David believed he was going to use his English degree for good and become a teacher. Instead, he used it for evil and became a game developer. He's worked as a designer and writer in the industry for over fifteen years, providing blood sports for the masses and corrupting today's youth. When he’s not busy in games, he’s writing novels, and is already hard at work on his next project. He enjoys expensive wine, cheap paperbacks, Dark Souls, and all manner of combat sports.
He currently lives in Napa with his two black cats and his wife, novelist Merry Ravenell.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 23, 2021
The Devil’s Mistress is superiorly dark and lyrical. It transcends from bleak to a darker shade of grey. The witch trials have always been an interesting but upsetting period of history for me. It’s an enjoyable read but also is a keen investigation into the human condition. This story looks to examine the depth of the human mind. Barclay tackles themes of misogyny, sexism, and turning the idea of what a witch should be on its head. When tackling such a trope, the author has to create protagonists that we want to root for, Barclay has done this with consummate skill.
The Devil’s Mistress takes place in Virginia in the 1700s. it takes place twelve years after the Salem Witch Trials and thirty years before The Witchcraft Act. The historical feel surrounds the reader, it’s in the air, every breath you take, every sense on high alert, the atmospheric feel transcends time and leaves you wanting more.
In a time where marriage was arranged for the benefit of two joining families, it is difficult to piece together how we got to a point now where we have free will to chose our partners. It was ghastly and is seeped in selfishness more than prospective love. What kind of fate is that for our children? Isabella is betrothed to Thomas Huxley, wealthy landowners who are only looking to further their hold over the town and increase their wealth. Unfortunately for Isabella, this is not a good match, Thomas is a brute who specializes in his brand of narcissism and brutality.
Isabella knows that nothing good will come from this match, so she needs to find a way out of it. She simply cannot refuse to marry him. Her father has become exceedingly ill and she would love nothing than to remedy both problems. She seeks a woman on the hill, she has heard she could provide her with a spell to help her father AND rid her of her impending marriage. She enlists the help of her servant boy, Jacob.
With everything in life, there is a price to pay.
The Devil’s Mistress is my favourite kind of witchy novel, one of betrayal and redemption. I drowned within the pages of the story. The darkness consumed me and the author refused to give me a light. I was treading water and then the plot cracked the ground below me and consumed me. I loved this story. My emotions were raw and ragged and the historical accuracy just added to my love for it.
The Devil’s Mistress is a superb historical horror. It’s intricate, vivid and intelligent. A brutal tapestry of redemption.
The Devil’s Mistress takes place in Virginia in the 1700s. it takes place twelve years after the Salem Witch Trials and thirty years before The Witchcraft Act. The historical feel surrounds the reader, it’s in the air, every breath you take, every sense on high alert, the atmospheric feel transcends time and leaves you wanting more.
In a time where marriage was arranged for the benefit of two joining families, it is difficult to piece together how we got to a point now where we have free will to chose our partners. It was ghastly and is seeped in selfishness more than prospective love. What kind of fate is that for our children? Isabella is betrothed to Thomas Huxley, wealthy landowners who are only looking to further their hold over the town and increase their wealth. Unfortunately for Isabella, this is not a good match, Thomas is a brute who specializes in his brand of narcissism and brutality.
Isabella knows that nothing good will come from this match, so she needs to find a way out of it. She simply cannot refuse to marry him. Her father has become exceedingly ill and she would love nothing than to remedy both problems. She seeks a woman on the hill, she has heard she could provide her with a spell to help her father AND rid her of her impending marriage. She enlists the help of her servant boy, Jacob.
With everything in life, there is a price to pay.
The Devil’s Mistress is my favourite kind of witchy novel, one of betrayal and redemption. I drowned within the pages of the story. The darkness consumed me and the author refused to give me a light. I was treading water and then the plot cracked the ground below me and consumed me. I loved this story. My emotions were raw and ragged and the historical accuracy just added to my love for it.
The Devil’s Mistress is a superb historical horror. It’s intricate, vivid and intelligent. A brutal tapestry of redemption.
March 20, 2021
Unexpected is the best way I can think to describe The Devil’s Mistress from David Barclay. The story begins in early 1700’s Virginia, resembling at times, but more often alluding to the Salem Witch Trials.
Isabella tries to distance herself from her upcoming arranged marriage and the family who essentially lords over the town. Legitimate witchcraft, or at least local lore resembling such, is present right away. Where the book gets interesting is when Barclay explores the dynamic of witch trials. The idea that witches aren’t the monsters, but the people in charge manipulating a town’s fearful population in order to gain power and hurt opposition. Let’s face it. We’ve seen a lot of gaslighting and fear-mongering on a national level recently, and The Devil’s Mistress, directly or not, brings issues like that to the forefront under the guise of historical horror.
The previous point would’ve been enough to sell me on the book, but it’s the third of three parts that makes you sit up and take notice. There are moments that feel, not earned, but certainly justified. The tone shifts, and it’s jarring, but it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment, exponentially increases it might be more apt.
I would imagine there will be readers who finish the book and disagree on the justification and the enjoyment of the ending’s tone shift. That’s fine. There’s an element of right book, right time. The Devil’s Mistress starts quietly, but when it shifts into gear, Barclay stomps on the gas and makes historical horror fun.
Isabella tries to distance herself from her upcoming arranged marriage and the family who essentially lords over the town. Legitimate witchcraft, or at least local lore resembling such, is present right away. Where the book gets interesting is when Barclay explores the dynamic of witch trials. The idea that witches aren’t the monsters, but the people in charge manipulating a town’s fearful population in order to gain power and hurt opposition. Let’s face it. We’ve seen a lot of gaslighting and fear-mongering on a national level recently, and The Devil’s Mistress, directly or not, brings issues like that to the forefront under the guise of historical horror.
The previous point would’ve been enough to sell me on the book, but it’s the third of three parts that makes you sit up and take notice. There are moments that feel, not earned, but certainly justified. The tone shifts, and it’s jarring, but it doesn’t detract from the enjoyment, exponentially increases it might be more apt.
I would imagine there will be readers who finish the book and disagree on the justification and the enjoyment of the ending’s tone shift. That’s fine. There’s an element of right book, right time. The Devil’s Mistress starts quietly, but when it shifts into gear, Barclay stomps on the gas and makes historical horror fun.
March 19, 2021
Nothing grabs my attention faster then when the book I’m reading is a witch story. Historical horror is finding to be popular and so it should be because there needs to be some intense research involved.
Isabella is the daughter of a rich family in the Virginia village of Blackbriar year 1705. Bethrohed to the son of another wealthy family, she finds her heart changed and her father is very ill and she wishes to find solutions with both situations.
Isabella seeks a mysterious woman in the woods for help, a spell to heal her fathers mind and end her engagement.
As the story grows darker, she finds the help she seeks from The Lady of the Hill and she and her devoted servant Jacob head back to town.
As with anything, nothing comes free.
Without spoiling to much of the action, things go horribly wrong. Isabella’s father dies, Isabella herself is marked as a witch and here the story goes completely high octane.
She also finds that her fiancé Thomas is an cruel sadist mothered by a domineering
woman, an important woman in the village.
A full blown witch trial, torture, betrayal, love lost, and mayhem follow. Revenge is sought as a soul is sold to the dark forces and hell comes back to Blackbriar.
Heroes arise and there is a race to save Isabella from what she’s become and also save complete destruction of the village from vengeful spirits.
It won’t be easy and comes with a price. Love does not heal all wounds.
Utterly fantastic! I can’t recommend this book more, I was left holding my breath through most of the book and unable to look away.
Grab a copy and enjoy one of the best witch stories of 2021!
April 14, 2021
Who doesn't love a good witch story? This novella provides a little bit of everything: love, hate, revenge, witchcraft, deceit, and horror. Set in 1705, the story revolves around a young woman with an ailing father. Her father has arranged for her to marry to a young man from a prominent family, who has a hidden propensity for sadistic behavior. To save her father, and avoid the arranged marriage, she makes a deal with a witch to ensure her father remains healthy. When her father dies, she is arrested and tried for murder/witchcraft. Will she become what she is accused of?
I gave this a 5 star rating, as the book has everything I enjoy: short intense chapters, characters I love, characters I despise, enough descriptive writing to feel as though I am there seeing, tasting, smelling and feeling what the characters sense, and enough gore to satisfy this horror fan's interest. Just a warning, you may want to clear your schedule to ensure you have enough time to read this in one sitting. I wish I had.
I gave this a 5 star rating, as the book has everything I enjoy: short intense chapters, characters I love, characters I despise, enough descriptive writing to feel as though I am there seeing, tasting, smelling and feeling what the characters sense, and enough gore to satisfy this horror fan's interest. Just a warning, you may want to clear your schedule to ensure you have enough time to read this in one sitting. I wish I had.
April 8, 2021
Verdict: 4.25 out of 5
~
Overview: It’s 1705. Isabella Ashford has been accused of murder. The town of Blackfriar says she’s been frequenting the woods and consorting with the devil. They say she’s become a witch. But the truth is Isabella just wanted to save her father and escape a bad marriage. It all begins with a trip to the local enchantress...
The Good: The Devil’s Mistress moves quickly. There’s plenty of excitement and horror along the way, especially in the electrifying second half. The writing and narrative are also well-executed. Your emotions will be stoked time and again, that’s for sure. The Devil’s Mistress is the kind of novella you’ll want to finish in a singular sitting.
The Bad: Mostly in the beginning of the book, it seems that the chapter breaks are brought about too often and without need. But mostly, I was annoyed that the conversation between Isabella and the enchantress didn’t appear to yield anything at all. Isabella returns home with a mindset that things have been changed for the better, but I didn’t see any evidence of that. I felt like I missed something in the beginning, something that was fooling Isabella into thinking the enchantress had helped her in any way whatsoever. As such, there was a nagging sense in the back of my head for the first half of the book as I continued to ask myself, “Why does Isabella believe her wishes have been granted?”
The Takeaway: The Devil’s Mistress doesn’t skip any opportunities to horrify and disgust you with the behavior of Blackfriar. Whether Isabella’s vile fiance or the cruel priest make you the angriest, Barclay does an excellent job in making you want blood to flow from this town. Though The Devil’s Mistress will enrage and horrify you, it will also cast a bit of a dark spell along the way. One that makes you enjoy the whole damn ride.
~
File Under: Witches … 1700s … Small town horror … Curses
Also See: The Maker’s Box
~
Snow- Capped Press (www.snowcappedpress.com / Website under construction / Magazine expected 2022)
Review by Aiden Merchant (Closed to review requests at time of posting / Refer to social media accounts or website for changes to availability)
Reviewer’s Information: (e) contact@aidenmerchant.com / www.aidenmerchant.com
~
Overview: It’s 1705. Isabella Ashford has been accused of murder. The town of Blackfriar says she’s been frequenting the woods and consorting with the devil. They say she’s become a witch. But the truth is Isabella just wanted to save her father and escape a bad marriage. It all begins with a trip to the local enchantress...
The Good: The Devil’s Mistress moves quickly. There’s plenty of excitement and horror along the way, especially in the electrifying second half. The writing and narrative are also well-executed. Your emotions will be stoked time and again, that’s for sure. The Devil’s Mistress is the kind of novella you’ll want to finish in a singular sitting.
The Bad: Mostly in the beginning of the book, it seems that the chapter breaks are brought about too often and without need. But mostly, I was annoyed that the conversation between Isabella and the enchantress didn’t appear to yield anything at all. Isabella returns home with a mindset that things have been changed for the better, but I didn’t see any evidence of that. I felt like I missed something in the beginning, something that was fooling Isabella into thinking the enchantress had helped her in any way whatsoever. As such, there was a nagging sense in the back of my head for the first half of the book as I continued to ask myself, “Why does Isabella believe her wishes have been granted?”
The Takeaway: The Devil’s Mistress doesn’t skip any opportunities to horrify and disgust you with the behavior of Blackfriar. Whether Isabella’s vile fiance or the cruel priest make you the angriest, Barclay does an excellent job in making you want blood to flow from this town. Though The Devil’s Mistress will enrage and horrify you, it will also cast a bit of a dark spell along the way. One that makes you enjoy the whole damn ride.
~
File Under: Witches … 1700s … Small town horror … Curses
Also See: The Maker’s Box
~
Snow- Capped Press (www.snowcappedpress.com / Website under construction / Magazine expected 2022)
Review by Aiden Merchant (Closed to review requests at time of posting / Refer to social media accounts or website for changes to availability)
Reviewer’s Information: (e) contact@aidenmerchant.com / www.aidenmerchant.com
March 20, 2021
As a horror lover and frequent reader of historical fiction nothing could pique my interest quicker than a story of witchcraft in the 1700s. It brought to mind the Witch movie by Robert Eggers in that Isabella was not a witch when she was accused and tortured. What she was, was desperate. What wouldn't we do to keep a loved one healthy for a little bit longer? Isabella was desperate to keep her father among the living. She was desperate to be free of an unwanted marriage to a vile and foul excuse for a man. It seems the good and godly people of Blackfriar see nothing wrong in bearing false witness against her, as long as it serves their purpose. When her friends and neighbors turned their backs on her, she found acceptance elsewhere. Together with the Lady of the Hill she will seek her revenge on those who have tormented her, and I can still hear their screams!
I received an advance copy for review.
I received an advance copy for review.
April 8, 2021
I enjoyed this semi-historical tale of misplaced rage, young love, and fierce vengeance. Isabella is a character who is easy to sympathize with, just as it's easy to hate those who hate her (especially her betrothed, whose sadistic nature is very reminiscent of Ramsay Bolton from Game of Thrones). The story assumes a leisurely pace in the beginning, but then takes quite the violent turn when Isabella is taken prisoner and accused of witchcraft. Needless to say, this is when the story really gets good.
I really liked the emphasis on historical accuracy and how the author took his time with the witch trial scenes (showing exactly how this might have gone down in the past, and including a skeptical judge to play up the tension between religious superstition and scientific reason). Then the final third takes even another turn, lurching into a strange and chaotic revenge story. Overall I liked the pacing and what happens in the book, as well as the author's attempt to write in a style that is more historically accurate while also feeling brisk and modern. Though there are some moments and plot points that I'm still a little unclear on, I would still recommend this if you're into historical horror, witchcraft, and revenge tales.
(3.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads)
I really liked the emphasis on historical accuracy and how the author took his time with the witch trial scenes (showing exactly how this might have gone down in the past, and including a skeptical judge to play up the tension between religious superstition and scientific reason). Then the final third takes even another turn, lurching into a strange and chaotic revenge story. Overall I liked the pacing and what happens in the book, as well as the author's attempt to write in a style that is more historically accurate while also feeling brisk and modern. Though there are some moments and plot points that I'm still a little unclear on, I would still recommend this if you're into historical horror, witchcraft, and revenge tales.
(3.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads)
April 5, 2021
The Devil’s Mistress is David Barclay’s new novel from Silver Shamrock. Set in 1705 in the town of Blackfriar, it is a great read for someone like myself who has an interest in the witch trials in both the UK and Europe, and the US.
The language Barclay uses is fitting with the period but is balanced insofar as you are able to understand it – it isn’t all ‘olde worlde’ or written in iambic pentameter (thank goodness). The prose reads like he had done his homework, as it feels authentic and atmospheric. There is great descriptive language using all the senses – I was able to smell the dampness in the woods and mead in the tavern.
You can read Janine's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
The language Barclay uses is fitting with the period but is balanced insofar as you are able to understand it – it isn’t all ‘olde worlde’ or written in iambic pentameter (thank goodness). The prose reads like he had done his homework, as it feels authentic and atmospheric. There is great descriptive language using all the senses – I was able to smell the dampness in the woods and mead in the tavern.
You can read Janine's full review at Horror DNA by clicking here.
March 22, 2021
I absolutely LOVED The Devil's Mistress by David Barclay. The Devil's Mistress is published by Silver Shamrock Publishing so you know it's already going to be excellent writing.
In 1705 Virginia, Isabella is facing a dillema, after a visit with a strange woman in the woods,two events immediately transpire. With her ailing and wealthy father dead, and her arranged marriage to a cruel man falling through at the same time, the entire town believes her to be a witch. When the entire town engages in mass hysteria, and chaos arrives in the town it's up to two men to salvage what they can; a Native American man captured in the town square, and the boy in love with Isabella.
I really enjoy stories set during the Salem Witch Trial Hysteria and the years that led up to it, as well as the years after. This historical fiction piece has so much background knowledge woven into it, the details are rich. You feel as though you are walking through Blackfire among the villagers. Barclay's characters are intense. Some you hate for their cruelty and racist and sadistic violence, while others you fall in love with immediately. I read this book in a day, it was that good. This story was so cool. I especially loved the character Hunter of Shadows of the Shawnee tribe. I really liked how he was incorporated into the story, and would love to see another novel from Barclay based on that character.
This story really had everything a reader like me could ask for. I think Silver Shamrock does a great job of appealing to a wide array of horror fans. Fans of historically accurate literature will enjoy this. The witch trial in this is much like the ones I have read about, although this one had a unique tool I won't give away. Barclay did a lot of background research for this work, and it definitely pays off.Also for readers who like some romance and adventure, you will find that here as well. If you enjoyed AHS: Coven, you will no doubt find some things in common between Delphine LaLaurie and one of the main characters in The Devil's Mistress.
Because this is a shorter novel, I can't discuss much more without giving away some major plot line twists that are best left to the reader to discover. I am so glad I had the chance to read this book. Thank you to Silver Shamrock Publishing for sending me a copy for an honest review.
You can find more of my reviewing here at ScareTissue:
https://www.scaretissue.com/author/th...
You can also find me on Twitter here:
https://twitter.com/itsweevildead
In 1705 Virginia, Isabella is facing a dillema, after a visit with a strange woman in the woods,two events immediately transpire. With her ailing and wealthy father dead, and her arranged marriage to a cruel man falling through at the same time, the entire town believes her to be a witch. When the entire town engages in mass hysteria, and chaos arrives in the town it's up to two men to salvage what they can; a Native American man captured in the town square, and the boy in love with Isabella.
I really enjoy stories set during the Salem Witch Trial Hysteria and the years that led up to it, as well as the years after. This historical fiction piece has so much background knowledge woven into it, the details are rich. You feel as though you are walking through Blackfire among the villagers. Barclay's characters are intense. Some you hate for their cruelty and racist and sadistic violence, while others you fall in love with immediately. I read this book in a day, it was that good. This story was so cool. I especially loved the character Hunter of Shadows of the Shawnee tribe. I really liked how he was incorporated into the story, and would love to see another novel from Barclay based on that character.
This story really had everything a reader like me could ask for. I think Silver Shamrock does a great job of appealing to a wide array of horror fans. Fans of historically accurate literature will enjoy this. The witch trial in this is much like the ones I have read about, although this one had a unique tool I won't give away. Barclay did a lot of background research for this work, and it definitely pays off.Also for readers who like some romance and adventure, you will find that here as well. If you enjoyed AHS: Coven, you will no doubt find some things in common between Delphine LaLaurie and one of the main characters in The Devil's Mistress.
Because this is a shorter novel, I can't discuss much more without giving away some major plot line twists that are best left to the reader to discover. I am so glad I had the chance to read this book. Thank you to Silver Shamrock Publishing for sending me a copy for an honest review.
You can find more of my reviewing here at ScareTissue:
https://www.scaretissue.com/author/th...
You can also find me on Twitter here:
https://twitter.com/itsweevildead
May 20, 2021
California based David Barclay’s novella The Devil’s Mistress is a quick and involving read that left with me with a ton of questions I need answering, the most relevant one being: Is that it? Yes, I know it’s a novella, but there is so much mythos to explore in the story’s setting that I hope the author comes back for more.
The year is 1705, the town is Blackfriar, Virginia, in a country that has yet to shake off its British colonizers and puritanical roots. Isabella Ashcroft is in fear for her father’s life and when the story begins she’s making a dangerous late-night dash to the legendary and feared Lady of the Hill. The Lady offers to help Isabelle with her problem, but there will be a price–there’s always a price to pay when you deal with forces you can’t even begin to understand, and when words have more than one meaning.
Isabelle’s worries are not just confined to her father’s failing health, but she’s also betrothed to a man with such callous disregard for human life. Don’t forget, this is a time when rich white people had slaves and treated them abominably. For me, this is and will always be the real horror. Thomas Huxley and his mother, Marianne, are characters that are without redemption and will deserve their fate when it arrives. But I digress.
Events overtake Isabelle and she finds herself accused not only of murder but of witchcraft. The novella then races towards its grisly and brutal climax. Barclay finely balances his writing, mixing historical accuracy with the necessary components of a horror/revenge story. Overall I liked it, but for me, I would like to see a deeper exploration of the themes. Particularly in the story behind the story: there is so much to written and characters to be developed even before The Devil’s Mistress begins. In my opinion, the most interesting aspect of the novella is what we don’t yet know. I ask David Barclay to give us more.
The Devil’s Mistress was published on March 16, 2021, by Silver Shamrock Publishing, and I thank them for providing me with a copy to review here.
May 12, 2021
Also reviewed on www.curiosityboughtthebook.com
(rounded up from 3.5 stars)
Isabella Ashford wants nothing more than for her father to overcome his mysterious illness, and to be free of her terrible fiancé. She asks their servant Jacob to take her to the woods to meet with The Lady of the Hill, a curious woman that is said to have certain powers. Of course, this is 1705 so these powers are not seen kindly to.
Soon after her visit, Isabella’s father ends up dead, and the whole town wants nothing more than for her to hang for her supposed witchcraft.
I have always immensely enjoyed the history of witchcraft. I’m well versed with the Salem Witch Trials and the way women used to be treated during that time. It comes at no surprise to me that I also appreciated Barclay’s novel.
I really liked the way the author described the witch trial scenes, and made it a point to give a detailed visual. He also showed his readers how terrible servants and strangers were treated by the affluent. After reading this, I know Barclay spent a great deal of time researching what he was writing about. So while this book might be considered fiction, it is somewhat true to history as well.
The let down was that the book was too short. There were many instances where I just wanted more clarification or content. In the end, I needed more details on The Lady of the Hill, and her mysterious coven.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the review copy.
(rounded up from 3.5 stars)
Isabella Ashford wants nothing more than for her father to overcome his mysterious illness, and to be free of her terrible fiancé. She asks their servant Jacob to take her to the woods to meet with The Lady of the Hill, a curious woman that is said to have certain powers. Of course, this is 1705 so these powers are not seen kindly to.
Soon after her visit, Isabella’s father ends up dead, and the whole town wants nothing more than for her to hang for her supposed witchcraft.
I have always immensely enjoyed the history of witchcraft. I’m well versed with the Salem Witch Trials and the way women used to be treated during that time. It comes at no surprise to me that I also appreciated Barclay’s novel.
I really liked the way the author described the witch trial scenes, and made it a point to give a detailed visual. He also showed his readers how terrible servants and strangers were treated by the affluent. After reading this, I know Barclay spent a great deal of time researching what he was writing about. So while this book might be considered fiction, it is somewhat true to history as well.
The let down was that the book was too short. There were many instances where I just wanted more clarification or content. In the end, I needed more details on The Lady of the Hill, and her mysterious coven.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for the review copy.
March 24, 2021
Twelve years after the Salem witch trials, the town of Blackfrair Virginia is still hunting and burning their witches. The cheer of the townsfolk can be heard above the screaming of the accused as they are tortured and killed. They believe they are winning the war against the devil.
Isabella has been falsely accused of witchcraft. After being tortured and left for dead, she gives in to the evil they all fear. Powered by the rage of the falsely accused before her, and the her own need for revenge, Isabella is about to show her hometown what terror really is.
The Devil's Mistress is a dark tale of revenge that holds on to you from the first page. What starts off as a carriage ride through the woods, in the middle of the night, becomes a fateful meeting with evil that starts the story on its bloody path.
There is no lack of blood and gore in this book. From the blood dripping fangs of wolves to the horrible torturing of the innocent, I was horrified and delighted. Barclay introduced me to new methods of torture that made me cringe. Its been a while since a book has made me want to unsee the image created in my mind.
This was a very fast read, at only 155 pages. The book is a great quick horror fix that should satisfy all your bloody needs.
Isabella has been falsely accused of witchcraft. After being tortured and left for dead, she gives in to the evil they all fear. Powered by the rage of the falsely accused before her, and the her own need for revenge, Isabella is about to show her hometown what terror really is.
The Devil's Mistress is a dark tale of revenge that holds on to you from the first page. What starts off as a carriage ride through the woods, in the middle of the night, becomes a fateful meeting with evil that starts the story on its bloody path.
There is no lack of blood and gore in this book. From the blood dripping fangs of wolves to the horrible torturing of the innocent, I was horrified and delighted. Barclay introduced me to new methods of torture that made me cringe. Its been a while since a book has made me want to unsee the image created in my mind.
This was a very fast read, at only 155 pages. The book is a great quick horror fix that should satisfy all your bloody needs.
April 20, 2021
I feel like I haven't read or seen a horror like this in a long time. The horror isn't in the witch, or the wolves, or even Isabella's wrath. For me, this was more of psychological horror. What really scared me was the vile acts of the townspeople, how reason was rejected in favor of cruelty and how I, as the reader, wanted to see them punished for it.
I read this in a group read with the author, David Barclay. He said that as he was coming up with the idea for the book he would think of it as "Carrie meets The Crucible" which is a pretty great way to describe it, but there's more to it than that. Take Carrie and place her at the turn of the 18th century in between the madness of the salem witch trials and the legislation which ended it, and add in some real hocus pocus. By the way, just 8-12 generations separate the modern-day from these witch hunts. Has the distance in time been enough separation?
This was a great, short read. And available on Kindle Unlimited!
I read this in a group read with the author, David Barclay. He said that as he was coming up with the idea for the book he would think of it as "Carrie meets The Crucible" which is a pretty great way to describe it, but there's more to it than that. Take Carrie and place her at the turn of the 18th century in between the madness of the salem witch trials and the legislation which ended it, and add in some real hocus pocus. By the way, just 8-12 generations separate the modern-day from these witch hunts. Has the distance in time been enough separation?
This was a great, short read. And available on Kindle Unlimited!
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March 25, 2021Rating/Review to come...
April 9, 2021
It's a beautiful book cover.
April 27, 2021
I admit I have barely read any horror books but the gem of this story is within Part III. The book was well written and it contained good storytelling.
July 22, 2021
review to follow
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