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This Fearful Thing
Southwold, Suffolk, 1645. Ann has fled from her past but when her childhood tormentor finds her in a busy street, those times she thought long-buried come back to haunt her. When rumours of witchcraft begin she knows that he will stop at nothing to destroy her…
Inspired by true events, this dark and compelling historical thriller is set at a time when the witchcraft persecutions in East Anglia were at their height and the English Civil War was raging. It tells the sometimes harrowing story of Ann Camell, accused of witchcraft, not once, but three times and her fight to survive.
How would it feel to be accused? What could you do? Will you ever be free?
Inspired by true events, this dark and compelling historical thriller is set at a time when the witchcraft persecutions in East Anglia were at their height and the English Civil War was raging. It tells the sometimes harrowing story of Ann Camell, accused of witchcraft, not once, but three times and her fight to survive.
How would it feel to be accused? What could you do? Will you ever be free?
256 pages, Paperback
Published May 13, 2021
27 people are currently reading
227 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
July 19, 2025
Really enjoying L.M. West's books based on real Suffolk women who were accused of witchcraft.
"men rage, bullying their way to notoriety, thundering and inciting those who are gullible to rise against those who are vulnerable.
Afraid of women who are older, alone, who have wisdom and experience and knowledge. They feel threatened because women such as I cannot be controlled by fathers, husbands, childbirth, so, instead, they seek to punish and destroy us."
"men rage, bullying their way to notoriety, thundering and inciting those who are gullible to rise against those who are vulnerable.
Afraid of women who are older, alone, who have wisdom and experience and knowledge. They feel threatened because women such as I cannot be controlled by fathers, husbands, childbirth, so, instead, they seek to punish and destroy us."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 15, 2023
This was an enjoyable, immersive and unique read! I love that it was inspired by true events that occurred in the 1600's. It was fantastic right up until the last few pages - I felt that ending was so jarring to the overall tone of the book which left me feeling somewhat confused and disappointed. Whilst the writing style was not extraordinary (plus there being quite a few grammatical errors/typos), it was gripping and had lovely descriptive prose. The author did a brilliant job at making me feel as if I was walking in Ann's shoes and empathise with her trials and tribulations on another level. I think that including key historical events (such as what happened to King Charles I) also helped with the immersion. Reading this book has certainly reignited my interest in the history of witchcraft and I can't wait to check out the author's other two books. They have covers that look just as great as this one!
March 18, 2022
This debut novel from L M West tells the story of Ann Camell, an historical woman who was indicted for witchcraft in 1646, tried no less than three times, and finally acquitted. It's told in first person and in the present tense, so we are with Ann though the whole of her ordeal, from her chance meeting with a childhood abuser who has never got over her rejection of him to her old age and final moments. It's so vividly and compassionately written, and so thoroughly researched (most of the characters are historical, though a few are fictional) that the reader can't help but share in the fear, the trauma and the despair that 'this fearful thing' of witchcraft visits upon one poor woman and her family.
Ann is held in captivity, brutally 'searched' for 'witches marks' (spots on the body that do not respond to pain), 'watched' for 36 hours during which she's made to stay in one position to see whether any imps or familiars approach her (many poor women were undone by a mouse or an insect scuttling across the floor towards them during such an ordeal), and traumatised to the extent that at one point she loses the power of speech. But thanks to the constant love of her husband Thomas, her children and her devoted servant Jennet, she survives to tell her tale.
This is, ultimately a tale of survival against a barrage of misogyny and superstition - one woman's tale, but there were so many accused of witchcraft who did not survive, and who suffered death by hanging or burning during the 17th Century. In bringing Ann Camell to life for us, L M West has given these women a voice, and she does use an historical event to give her heroine one final (fictional) moment of revenge upon her persecutors. A brilliant read!
Ann is held in captivity, brutally 'searched' for 'witches marks' (spots on the body that do not respond to pain), 'watched' for 36 hours during which she's made to stay in one position to see whether any imps or familiars approach her (many poor women were undone by a mouse or an insect scuttling across the floor towards them during such an ordeal), and traumatised to the extent that at one point she loses the power of speech. But thanks to the constant love of her husband Thomas, her children and her devoted servant Jennet, she survives to tell her tale.
This is, ultimately a tale of survival against a barrage of misogyny and superstition - one woman's tale, but there were so many accused of witchcraft who did not survive, and who suffered death by hanging or burning during the 17th Century. In bringing Ann Camell to life for us, L M West has given these women a voice, and she does use an historical event to give her heroine one final (fictional) moment of revenge upon her persecutors. A brilliant read!
November 12, 2022
1645, Suffolk. After fleeing her childhood tormentor, Ann moves to Southwold where years later she marries and has children. Content with her life, she believes the past is behind her. But when a familiar face returns to torment her, Ann finds herself accused of witchcraft. With women in nearby towns put on trial and hanged as witches, Ann has plenty to be fearful about.
Inspired by actual events, this is a historical thriller and is Ms West’s first book (a second, The Unnamed, is out now). The story is set in East Anglia, an area I lived in for several years, so I’m familiar with Southwold and the surrounding countryside. The story is told from Ann’s point of view and gives a vivid account of what it must have felt like to be accused of witchcraft at a time when suspicion, gossip and fear could send a woman to the gallows simply for looking at someone. For the most part, Ms West’s prose is a delight – her descriptions of the landscape, changing seasons and the day-to-day routine of village life are beautifully recreated and wholly authentic, her use of language filled with imagery and clever wordplay. Having said that, the book could do with another edit as there are lots of missing full stops, capital letters and several missing words. However, this did not spoil my enjoyment of the book and I’m looking forward to reading the next one.
Inspired by actual events, this is a historical thriller and is Ms West’s first book (a second, The Unnamed, is out now). The story is set in East Anglia, an area I lived in for several years, so I’m familiar with Southwold and the surrounding countryside. The story is told from Ann’s point of view and gives a vivid account of what it must have felt like to be accused of witchcraft at a time when suspicion, gossip and fear could send a woman to the gallows simply for looking at someone. For the most part, Ms West’s prose is a delight – her descriptions of the landscape, changing seasons and the day-to-day routine of village life are beautifully recreated and wholly authentic, her use of language filled with imagery and clever wordplay. Having said that, the book could do with another edit as there are lots of missing full stops, capital letters and several missing words. However, this did not spoil my enjoyment of the book and I’m looking forward to reading the next one.
October 20, 2024
This is LM West's first book and I went to it after reading her latest, The Red Barn. They are both set historically and her writing style is clear and accessible. This Fearful Thing is set during the civil war and at the time when the witch trials are growing in number. This means that anyone who holds a grudge against a woman can accuse her of witchcraft. Ann Camell has one such man in her life. She ran away from him when she was very young and now he pops up again. It seems not to matter that there is no proof. Ann is subjected to humiliating 'trials' but in spite of the case being unproven, mud sticks and her fellow villagers behave as though she were actually a malevolent witch.
There's been much research done for this novel and many of the characters actually existed. This, to me, is LM West's great talent. She can breathe life into old documents and the characters leap out of the page and into our imaginations and memories. An excellent book.
There's been much research done for this novel and many of the characters actually existed. This, to me, is LM West's great talent. She can breathe life into old documents and the characters leap out of the page and into our imaginations and memories. An excellent book.
May 20, 2021
You will not be disappointed
What can I say, apart from I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It evokes such wonderful scenes in your mind, faces to the names are easily imagined thanks to the brilliant writing. I love Southwold and have visited many times however I can feel another trip coming up. A visit to the places mentioned to see them through Ann's eyes. Well done Laina fabulous work as
What can I say, apart from I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. It evokes such wonderful scenes in your mind, faces to the names are easily imagined thanks to the brilliant writing. I love Southwold and have visited many times however I can feel another trip coming up. A visit to the places mentioned to see them through Ann's eyes. Well done Laina fabulous work as
May 29, 2023
This was really depressing.
May 16, 2021
An immersive read
I throughly enjoyed this book, it was an emotive and engaging read . I appreciated the historical notes included in the novel and I still found myself drawn to google to broaden my knowledge of the time period. This for me is an indication of a well written historical book. An exceptional first novel, I am looking forward to adding another LM West book to my shelf in the future.
I throughly enjoyed this book, it was an emotive and engaging read . I appreciated the historical notes included in the novel and I still found myself drawn to google to broaden my knowledge of the time period. This for me is an indication of a well written historical book. An exceptional first novel, I am looking forward to adding another LM West book to my shelf in the future.
February 9, 2023
Great read!
February 18, 2025
This novel, set in the 17th century, is based on the real-life persecutions for witchcraft, specifically of one woman, Ann Camell, who was tried three times (the afterword gives details of the historical research which underpins the story).
As the story opens Ann is a respectable matron, wife of a prosperous merchant and mother of several children, including two step-children by her husband's first wife. Gradually, Ann's history is woven into the tale. As a young child, her mother had died and she was groomed, leading to abuse, by an older boy in the household who took her in. She had run away to relations at Southwold and made a new life there, becoming a servant, and then rising to become wife of the master of the house following the death of his first wife. Despite her good fortune - and the envy it inspired in one of her fellow servants - she has had her share of tragedy, with the loss of children, common at the period. She also still works hard, despite having servants, and the day-to-day activities of a busy 17th century housewife are well evoked.
As she nears her sixth decade, her life is shattered when she is confronted by a man in the marketplace: he is the one who abused her and now promises to make her suffer. From then on, he and his wife, who is bitterly envious of Ann's loving husband and comfortable home, conspire to have her executed for witchcraft. The subservient position of women works against her: when she tries to speak in her defence at her first examination, she makes an enemy of a vainglorious and spiteful official who becomes determined to see her hang. The descriptions of the various torments and indignities heaped upon those who were accused of witchcraft are harrowing, but from historical accounts I've read are very true to life.
The situation worsens with the Civil War and resulting breakdown of authority. This leads to vigilantes stirring up witchcraft scares, such as Matthew Hopkins who roams Essex and adjacent counties selling his services to town and village authorities as the Witchfinder General. The only thing that keeps him away from Southwold is the pride of the official who is Ann's enemy and who doesn't want to share the 'glory' of having her convicted.
The story is a vivid account of what it must have been like to be accused and to live day to day with the fear of being arrested and then, when imprisoned and tortured, of being executed. The only thing for me that held the book back from a full rating was the wish-fulfilment ending which took a turn into fantasy that I hadn't anticipated. So overall I would rate this at 4 stars but will be looking out for the author's other books.
As the story opens Ann is a respectable matron, wife of a prosperous merchant and mother of several children, including two step-children by her husband's first wife. Gradually, Ann's history is woven into the tale. As a young child, her mother had died and she was groomed, leading to abuse, by an older boy in the household who took her in. She had run away to relations at Southwold and made a new life there, becoming a servant, and then rising to become wife of the master of the house following the death of his first wife. Despite her good fortune - and the envy it inspired in one of her fellow servants - she has had her share of tragedy, with the loss of children, common at the period. She also still works hard, despite having servants, and the day-to-day activities of a busy 17th century housewife are well evoked.
As she nears her sixth decade, her life is shattered when she is confronted by a man in the marketplace: he is the one who abused her and now promises to make her suffer. From then on, he and his wife, who is bitterly envious of Ann's loving husband and comfortable home, conspire to have her executed for witchcraft. The subservient position of women works against her: when she tries to speak in her defence at her first examination, she makes an enemy of a vainglorious and spiteful official who becomes determined to see her hang. The descriptions of the various torments and indignities heaped upon those who were accused of witchcraft are harrowing, but from historical accounts I've read are very true to life.
The situation worsens with the Civil War and resulting breakdown of authority. This leads to vigilantes stirring up witchcraft scares, such as Matthew Hopkins who roams Essex and adjacent counties selling his services to town and village authorities as the Witchfinder General. The only thing that keeps him away from Southwold is the pride of the official who is Ann's enemy and who doesn't want to share the 'glory' of having her convicted.
The story is a vivid account of what it must have been like to be accused and to live day to day with the fear of being arrested and then, when imprisoned and tortured, of being executed. The only thing for me that held the book back from a full rating was the wish-fulfilment ending which took a turn into fantasy that I hadn't anticipated. So overall I would rate this at 4 stars but will be looking out for the author's other books.
August 20, 2025
As I've mentioned in the past, I love to pick books up on holidays about the local area. Usually, they're fiction books but can occasionally be books about the area. This book sort of falls into two camps, one it's a fiction book, yet its story is rooted in fact. I saw in in the window of Southwold Bookshop (a great shop, by the way) and had to have it. No books left in store, so the window was raided. This isn't my usual read; historical novels can leave me cold. This one however was a bewitching read.
Set in Suffolk during the seventeenth century, it follows the story of Anne Camell, a woman of the parish of Southwold who is accused of being a witch. Told in a first-person perspective, it follows her life as she slowly goes from being a respected member of the town, to being a pariah.
The writing is first class, words flow, and the pages turn as you plunge yourself into the seventeenth century. At times you can smell the odours that must have existed at the time. I really did enjoy the style of writing. As a say historical novels aren't my usual fix, yet this one held my attention right to the end, a testament to the writer.
I loved that this is based on one of the women accused of witchcraft in puritan England. It was an unsettling time, with women all over the country being accused of being witches. Often it was that they were herbalists, helping those in need and pain. It could even be that they got on the wrong side of the authorities and then charges were brought about them.
As a book based on events nearly four hundred years ago, it rings true about society today. It made me thing of those refugees trying to come to this country. We fear those that we don't understand, those who only wish to help. We turn them into pariahs and fear them. Yet they have a valuable role to play in our communities, yet those in power demonise them and turn public opinion against them.
The ending of the book is surreal, brilliantly told. A fitting end to a thoroughly entertaining book. LM West has since written another book, which I hope to read soon. A five-star read.
June 5, 2021
Based on the 17th century witch trials, this is the story of just one woman caught up in the persecution of innocents during those dark days. A victim of circumstance, her past & good fortune, Ann is initially victimised by a man whom she once thought of as a brother. Now, many years later, his jealousy & obsession rear their heads once more, leaving the townsfolk in doubt as to Ann’s motives. This is a sad tale which the author has captured perfectly in the telling, giving the reader a real sense of the era & the fear that haunted many of the accused. A brilliant debut novel & an author to watch out for.
August 16, 2021
What a book! Such an immersive read. West creates such stunning imagery, whether it be dark or light. You’re rooting for Ann Cammell from the very first page. It’s hard to imagine just how much she was ostracised and victimised by her peers, and yet, even at her lowest point(s), she found the strength to live.
I can find no fault in This Fearful Thing, and I particularly loved the historical research notes at the end of the book. L M West really has left no stone unturned and this really adds to the reading experience.
I highly recommend this book to all and I sincerely look forward to reading more from the author.
I can find no fault in This Fearful Thing, and I particularly loved the historical research notes at the end of the book. L M West really has left no stone unturned and this really adds to the reading experience.
I highly recommend this book to all and I sincerely look forward to reading more from the author.
May 28, 2021
For a while now, I have been searching for a book that truly encapsulates the terror of being accused as a witch during the height of their persecution. This book does just that. With fantastic attention to detail, immersive writing, and a fascinating storyline, I highly recommend This Fearful Thing to anyone looking to experience the extraordinary pressures women were subjected to.This Fearful Thing
March 26, 2022
I was given this as a gift as I’m interested in the history of witches and love visiting Southwold. I enjoyed parts of the book, but I would’ve liked to have seen more character building with others in the story and world building. Apart from Ann I didn’t care about anyone else and struggled to empathise with her feelings towards others. I also found it difficult to visualise the characters.
The story itself was good - I would’ve liked a longer story I think with more detail and descriptions. I will give this author’s newer book a go too as this was a decent first attempt.
The story itself was good - I would’ve liked a longer story I think with more detail and descriptions. I will give this author’s newer book a go too as this was a decent first attempt.
January 13, 2023
Addictive!
I read this book in just as few evenings, I hated putting it down to go to sleep. I'm fascinated in the history of witches and it always amazes me that women could be so easily accused and sentenced to death for the smallest of reasons. I've read a few books now like this but This Fearful Thing has been my favourite one. I can only imagine the fear Ann felt and many other women also. Truly terrifying times.
A brilliant book, well written, engaging, and very difficult to put down.
I read this book in just as few evenings, I hated putting it down to go to sleep. I'm fascinated in the history of witches and it always amazes me that women could be so easily accused and sentenced to death for the smallest of reasons. I've read a few books now like this but This Fearful Thing has been my favourite one. I can only imagine the fear Ann felt and many other women also. Truly terrifying times.
A brilliant book, well written, engaging, and very difficult to put down.
January 1, 2025
I enjoyed the first person perspective in this story, which was particularly engaging when Ann Camell, a woman accused of witchcraft, is searched for signs of the devil. Potentially due to my over saturation of historical research on the topic, the book lacked innovation and excitement in its story telling. I liked the focus on the female perspective, which is rarely covered in historical documents of the time, but felt the relationships between the characters were disappointing and lacked a relatability and interest for the reader.
June 3, 2021
Historical fiction at its best !
I read this book in two sittings. It's beautifully written and immediately takes you on Ann's journey as she is repeatedly accused of being a witch in the very turbulent 1645 Suffolk. It captures the darkness, fear and dangers of just living in this time. A fabulous narrative and so well researched that makes it even more of a compelling read. You will not be disappointed.
I read this book in two sittings. It's beautifully written and immediately takes you on Ann's journey as she is repeatedly accused of being a witch in the very turbulent 1645 Suffolk. It captures the darkness, fear and dangers of just living in this time. A fabulous narrative and so well researched that makes it even more of a compelling read. You will not be disappointed.
August 5, 2021
Beautiful characters that stay with you - from the jealous housekeeper who becomes a dear friend to the supporting husband. It may be a ‘story’ but the research is thorough enough to make you realise as a woman today things have come a long way, thankfully - and yet we may not torture woman physically any longer but we use a different medium to continue our witch hunts!! Recommend- it’s very enjoyable and that ending!!!!
February 18, 2023
I found this a remarkable book, mainly because I cared so much about the central character that there were a couple of times I had to stop reading. The ending I found a little perplexing and I wasn't completely sure about it but then I thought 'How else?'
The historical notes at the end were an eye opener and explain why the historical detail in the work were so satisfying.
Looking forward to more by L.M.West!
The historical notes at the end were an eye opener and explain why the historical detail in the work were so satisfying.
Looking forward to more by L.M.West!
June 1, 2021
This is a beautifully written, highly compelling historical novel. The time and place is captured perfectly and the f act that it is based on a true story really adds to the suspense. The characters are so richly drawn and the end very moving. It’s hard to believe this is a debut, as the prose is so accomplished .
October 17, 2021
Really interesting
Fantastic read, I've read a few books based on the facts of witch trials but this book really brings to life the anguish and fear accused people would have felt. I really enjoyed it and I'm sure it gives Ann Cammell some justice and respect for the hardships she endured.
Fantastic read, I've read a few books based on the facts of witch trials but this book really brings to life the anguish and fear accused people would have felt. I really enjoyed it and I'm sure it gives Ann Cammell some justice and respect for the hardships she endured.
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November 5, 2021Não é uma leitura empolgante porém curiosa pois se baseia na vida de uma mulher real que foi acusada de bruxaria na Inglaterra da era da Restauração e guerra civil em 1600... A escritora conseguiu ficcionalizar sua vida ,seu julgamento e absolvição através de documentos preservados. Por isto acho fascinante, viva a Arquivologia rs
March 13, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyable debut
Brilliantly researched story of an accused woman in the 1600s. Really enjoyed the writing style. I loved that this was a story of love and trust too, along with more insight into life as a woman in the 1600s accused of witchcraft. Brilliant
. I’ll be reading more from LM West. PS the book cover also drew me in
Brilliantly researched story of an accused woman in the 1600s. Really enjoyed the writing style. I loved that this was a story of love and trust too, along with more insight into life as a woman in the 1600s accused of witchcraft. Brilliant
. I’ll be reading more from LM West. PS the book cover also drew me in
July 19, 2023
Amazing!
How much I love this author and her way of storytelling. You are living through Ann, everything she goes through, you see and feel. I love that her story has been written, even in fiction, her life can be remembered. This is an author I will definitely read anytime she releases a book.
How much I love this author and her way of storytelling. You are living through Ann, everything she goes through, you see and feel. I love that her story has been written, even in fiction, her life can be remembered. This is an author I will definitely read anytime she releases a book.
March 13, 2025
LM West is my go to for a depressing, anger inducing witch trial tale that is incredibly well researched and based on true events!! She always makes for an immersive read. Poor Ann, tried for witchcraft 3(!!!) times and suffered so much loss. Unfortunately, I didn’t love the ending (vv wish fulfilment)
June 22, 2021
An absolutely stunning debut from L.M West. The writing is lyrical, poignant and they capture the beauty of the landscape so well. I felt for the Ann, and found her a poignant, stoic and relatable character which made the events all the more harrowing. A fabulous read!
January 16, 2022
I downloaded a free sample of this book because I’m interested in Southwold, history and witchcraft. I was only a few pages into it (or not in this case) and deleted it. Definitely not my bag. Hurray for Kindle samples. Again, I wish Goodreads gave a “Did not finish” option.
May 23, 2021
This is a very good book! A well researched subject rendered as an engaging novel. The main character, Ann, is completely credible as she goes through almost incredible injustice and torture when accused of witchcraft. A strong character, she endures it with fortitude and with the love and support of her family. Although the subject is distressing (the title is apt) I enjoyed this book and I would not hesitate to recommend it.
August 3, 2021
Well written and obviously well researched!
Infuriatingly thought provoking as a professional woman with free will and freedom of speech!
A brilliant, if not always easy read
Infuriatingly thought provoking as a professional woman with free will and freedom of speech!
A brilliant, if not always easy read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews