In *The Once & Future Witch Hunt*, Alice Markham-Cantor offers a poignant, rigorous, and deeply personal reckoning with one of America’s most infamous moral panics: the Salem witch trials. But this is not merely a historical retelling. It is a layered narrative—part memoir, part cultural critique, part historiographical meditation—that reaches from 1692 to the present, tracing the haunting reverberations of the witch hunt across generations.

A descendant of Judge John Hathorne, one of the chief interrogators during the Salem trials, Markham-Cantor approaches her subject with the gravity of inherited memory and the responsibility of moral inquiry. The result is not only a reckoning with familial legacy, but a bold interrogation of how structures of persecution, fear, and scapegoating manifest in new guises—from religious extremism to gendered violence and institutionalized bigotry.

The audiobook format enhances the emotional and rhetorical cadence of the work. Rebecca Gallagher’s narration is steady, evocative, and appropriately somber, capturing the reflective tone of Markham-Cantor’s prose. The intimacy of the audiobook amplifies the work’s most compelling elements: its fusion of archival research, ethical questioning, and personal vulnerability.

Markham-Cantor draws sharp parallels between the past and the present—particularly regarding the policing of women’s bodies, the weaponization of religious rhetoric, and the social appetite for vilifying the “other.” Her voice is firm, clear, and urgent, yet never strident. She avoids anachronism while making it unmistakably clear that the logics of the witch hunt remain with us: rebranded, re-institutionalized, and dangerously familiar.

What is particularly admirable is her refusal to collapse witch trials into metaphor. Instead, she honors the specificities of the historical record while exploring their symbolic and cultural afterlives in American consciousness, media, and myth. Her tone is neither indulgently confessional nor overly academic—rather, it occupies a powerful middle ground where storytelling and inquiry meet.

**Final Verdict:**
*The Once & Future Witch Hunt* is a beautifully written, intellectually courageous, and morally resonant work. Alice Markham-Cantor brings the past into sharp, often uncomfortable focus, asking what it means to reckon with inherited guilt and collective amnesia. The result is a powerful meditation on justice, memory, and the enduring cost of silence.

**Rating**: ★★★★★

The Once & Future Witch Hunt was an interesting listen linking the past and present/future. I would love to see other books like this.

This is an interesting take on an historical investigation. The style of this book was fairly unique, but for me it was that style I did not like. As a work of non-fiction the book is split between a modern author's journey to investigate this story which has a straight forward non-fiction style, and the historical details that she uncovers which is written almost like fiction. This is where the book did not work for me. In retelling the historical parts of the story the book was almost like historical fiction, but based in good solid research. It sounds like an interesting way to tell the story, but the shifts in style didn't really work for me and the dramatizing of the story was not what I was looking for out of the book. Not necessarily bad, just not for me in this case.

An interesting combination of historical story and present day investigation as Alice digs into the history of the Salem Witch trials and the death of her ancestor, Martha, during this dark time. Alice is determined to discover why and how the Salem Witch Trials happened, and tells of her research intertwined with the historical story of Martha.

I’ve always been fascinated by the Salem Witch Trials and was very excited for this book. Growing up in Massachusetts, this local history was a major piece of my upbringing. This was a unique take and a fun weaving of history, research, and story telling. I’ve seen others refer to the Salem Witch Trials as women’s Roman Empire and I cannot agree more!

I enjoyed the audiobook, though I listened to it at 3x speed because the pace was far too slow.

I received the audio book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, but I also purchased the audiobook via audible because I wasn’t able to listen to it before it was archived.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC—I loved the book! I think the Salem witch trials are such a fascinating thesis topic. It heart breaking to read about something I know I was taught about in high school, but to be an adult and have such grown up anger towards the accusers of the convicted persons.

Markham-Cantor does an excellent job adding fact-based narrative to the real people who lived through this nightmare embarrassment in US history. As a descendant of a convicted witch, she writes her heart on the page and allows the reading to feel every sorrow that Martha Carrier shouldered. Thank you Alice for naming the victims from over the past 300 years and giving them a place of remembrance. May we learn for our past and do all we can to make sure people are never treated so poorly ever again.

I highly recommend to anyone interested in US history or the Salem witch trials. It’s an entertaining listen! (The audiobook was excellent!)

Exceptionally thoughtful exploration of the Salem witch trials from the perspective of a descendent of one of the killed accused. Author does her best to put herself in her ancestors shoes and consider how it muddy have all felt. This is dovetailed with an explosion of witch trials in general and how they are definitely not a thing of the past.

Audiobook ARC from the publisher via NetGalley but the opinions are my own.

From the intro and description, I was very interested in this book and its concept. However, with the narration it was difficult to tell which part was the non-fiction portion and which was the fictionalized account, as there was no variation in tone. Otherwise, there were some interesting facts I learned about the ever-popular Salem witch trials. I commend the author for this unique concept.

By far, this is one of my favorite books about the witch hunts in Salem, and I’ve read maaaaany.
This book is well researched and the organization goes through two storylines as they meet up in modern day. I loved all the little synchronicities near the end and how the story of Martha, Queen of Hell, just keep pulling the author back until the story is done. What I loved more was the deep research that went into this book, not just about the witch hunts and trials but more so about the ideal of the woman then and now and the creation of the witch symbol as a way to further subjugate and isolate those who were seen as liminal. Along with this, the current day witch hunts taking place around us that aren’t given attention as they should. “Witches” (whether they do or don’t identify as such) are still being named, put on trial, and murdered today; this book lists several cases at the end of the book including what they were accused for and the outcome. Interestingly enough, the large majority are women.

If you are curious about the witch hunts or a seasoned reader like me, give this one a try. The two narratives side by side are fascinating, and then when they combine it is like fireworks!

The audiobook reader was great; the reading and diction was clear and it was easy to listen to.

What a brilliant telling as the author switches back and forth between her historic interpretations of the trials and accused as well as modern day research shared both regarding the Salem witch trials but also and sadly, current witch hunts. Too many to even grasp.

I know most of the surface tellings of Salem but supplemented with how women in history were in a lose lose situation as well as used as scapegoats anytime someone fell ill or found themselves in any kind of trouble - a true horror story.

Being a fan of outlander and all Claire is subjected too is brought to life in this novel. After all this time, women cause so much fear simply by being forward and intelligent and beautiful.

In this semi-historical, semi-contemporany investigation of her family story, Alice Markham-Cantor invites readers and listeners alike to take a deeper look at we now know as the “Salem witch trials”. What I found interesting is that the story explores the trials beyond the “she said, she said” usual narrative and looks at the wider context of the times to get a better understanding of what the event entailed from a social, political, and economical view point. I see it as a good read both for historians and students of sociology who are interested in the topic of witch trials beyond the mainstream media narratives.

Special thanks to NetGalley, Tantor Audio and the editorial team for giving me the opportunity to review the ARC in audiobook format and to you, my reader, for taking the time to read this honest personal book review.

If you are interested in other of my book reviews, make sure to follow me on GoodReads! #TheOnceFutureWitchHunt #NetGalley #LifeLongLearning

The Once & Future Witch Hunt: A Descendant’s Reckoning from Salem to the Present
Alice Markham-Cantor, Rebecca Traister (Forward)
Author Alice Markham-Cantor’s ancestor was Martha Carrier. Martha was accused of being a witch in 1692 she was executed by hanging. Alice wanted to know more about her ancestor and the history behind the witch trials.
This is a very interesting book. The atrocities that were committed in the search for a witch were terrifying. Author Alice Markham-Cantor not only looks back on the past, but she breathes life into it. I was surprised to discover the search for witches has not ended.
Thank you NetGalley for suppling me with a review copy of this book.

This story has been confusing for some reason. They alternate fiction and non-fiction chapters. Though it has some interesting stories but I decided to not finish it. I am so sorry.

Thank you NetGallet and Tantor Audio for an advanced copy of the book.

As I teach Shakespeare, witch hunting is a topic I have some knowledge about. I did not, however, have a good insight into one of the most famous witch hunts in history: Salem. We all have heard of the trials; be it through conversation or the hundreds of references in popular culture. This book offers something completely different: an accurate portrayal and demystifying of the inherently human experience of those involved in such a dark in American history.

Trying to connect with her past and the events that led to the tragedy, Alice Markham-Cantor sets off in search of Martha Carrier, an ancestor executed during the Salem witch trials. The story delves into the historical significance of the witch trials, seamlessly weaving past and present through a meticulous gathering and recollection of historical records and data. Through this, she aims to recreate the stories of those involved in the trials, both victims and executors, seamlessly mixing fiction and non-fiction.

Apart from being entertained, I have learnt some interesting facts about how witch hunts are still prevalent in some parts of the world, as well as the socioeconomic background behind them, connecting the end of feudalism with the marginalisation of women from landownership to exclusion from certain professions.

A great read!

Absolutely fascinating! I know very little about the Salem Witch Trials, just the basics everyone else knows. Alice Markham-Cantor has presented her research in an easy to follow account, alternating between what feels like a historical fiction novel and her thoughts while working on her dissertation. I learned so much while feeling immersed into the time, seeing things through the eyes of her several times removed great-grandmother, and really understanding the travesty that was carried out for these women. I found the comparison to other countries interesting and this added a nice touch to the overall story. Highly recommended for a deeper dive into witch trials all over.

I really enjoyed this book! The subject matter has always fascinated me and I enjoyed the side by side journey of the writer and her ancestor. The writing was very smart and the narrator in the audiobook did an excellent job. I’d definitely recommend this book for anyone who is interested in learning about witchcraft history, both fact and fiction, from the days of Salem to today.

I would have preferred a younger narrator for the audiobook. I kept picturing Markham-Cantor's college days as being pre-internet, based on the middle-aged voice, only to find out that it was much more recent. I understand the choice to dramatize the story of Martha based off of court transcripts, but feel like it made the book less scholarly and more "here is a retelling of history as I imagined it".

A Fast-paced adventure about the author's ancestor during the infamous Salem witch trials. I found myself transported to the past during an unbelievably scary time for women. The narrator did a good job bringing the characters to life. I found this to be an interesting audio book, and very thought provoking.

To say something can be both haunting, illuminating, and enthralling is an exciting combination. That is precisely how I describe The Once & Future Witch Hunts by Alice Markham-Cantor. I equally loved the research and archival information rationales and the emotive story-telling in the historical fiction context of this dual point-of-view narrative. Even though I knew the inevitable was happening to Martha, given the historical record and knowledge of the Salem Witch Hunts, I could not escape how the story took hold of my subconscious. I understand the author's search for answers and to give voice to those whom the patriarchy has silenced.

This audiobook inspired me to do more profound research of my own, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn more about Martha's tale and Alice's journey to uncover it. Thank you to Alice Markham-Cantor, NetGalley, and Blackstone Publishing, Inc. This narrative was an incredible journey to witness.

I was excited to receive the arc copy of this audiobook. The Salem Witch Trials have always been an interest of mine, and I enjoy learning more. . I’ve read one or two nonfiction and lots of historical fiction about them, and still learned new things in this book. I really actually enjoyed the book and the way it combined the nonfiction with the historical fiction part. It was interesting to have the author's POV as a descendant and a researcher, both of which added a really great voice from the author, I enjoyed immensely her insight and sharing of the things that she learned while researching, I found some of the current witch trials that she shared fascinating and the fact that still so many connections as to why women are accused of being witches hasn't changed in hundreds of years. I had been discussing the Crucible recently with students and the times and the reasons that some of these things happen and then reading the book I wished I had read before the discussion as it would have been a wonderful book to help expand the knowledge of the students and provided real life examples. Given how often women are demonized in all societies to this day, this will likely never not be a timely read. I am excited to share it with students and teachers at our school.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tantor Audio, and Alice Markham-Carter for the advance release of this audiobook, I really enjoyed it and learned a lot!

I didn't get very fair into this book before I decided it was not for me. When there are so many books out there on the subject of the history of witchcraft, I feel I could find one better suited to me. I am sure there are plenty of other people out there who will really enjoy this.