I love a well written historical fiction and this one hits the spot. Set at the end of the 17th century in Salem at the time of the witch trials, this is a captivating novel that really brings to life the events that unfolded at the time. As the protagonist, Resolve brings a very interesting lens given her history and status in society. The characters are multidimensional, the prose is beautiful and evocative and there is the right amount of suspense and mystery. The degree of research is clearly evident in the writing which I believe is such an important part of writing a good historical fiction novel.

I read this without having read the first book in the series and didn't find many issues with broadly catching up with what had happened with Resolve's flashbacks. However not that I know there is a first book, I'll be putting that on my to read list.

In the second novel in her Salem Witch Trials trilogy, Lucretia Grindle brings readers back to Salem in 1692 where Resolve Hammond is trying to rebuild her life after she was accused of witchcraft four years ago, but the dramatic events in Salem and the possession of local girls might just cost her her life. With her sanctuary at the Englishs’ home in Salem Harbor not enough to protect her, Resolve and her friends must survive this hysteria and these new accusations before they too end up arrested, questioned, and killed. With incredible historical detail and visceral emotional and psychological stakes, Grindle’s sequel is as powerful and moving as the first book in the trilogy. Resolve’s individual development and reactions to the trials is particularly fascinating to follow because so much is happening and the events in Salem are so infamous. With a host of new characters and familiar historical figures featured in this brilliant, compelling, and immersive novel, readers will be drawn into this novel and the high stakes that Resolve faces. Intense, emotional, and gripping, readers will struggle to look away from this book and the events of the Salem Witch Trials as experienced by Resolve and her friends.

The Salem witchcraft trials are not the usual type of historical fiction. Lucretia Grindle breathes life into a topic that seems cut and dried. Resolve Hammond is living in Salem. Her family co-owned a store with Phillip and Mary English. Resolve is a Puritan name, taken to fit in with society. Her mother is deceased and her father is busy with the business of supplying the store. Resolve works in the store and lives with the English family. In her twenty years of life she has lived with an Indian community and now with Puritans. Life in the colonies is ever-changing.

Ann Carr Putnam is a customer at the store. A dispute will put the Putnams against the English and Hammond families. Young girls are claiming to be bewitched. Before this can spread, the elders of the community must determine the cause. Resolve wants to see what the girls are doing to be declared bewitched. Her interest could be viewed as satanic. The witch fascination spreads. A request for help is sent to Cotton Mather. He can recognize witches and will help discern those who have lost their souls to the devil. Resolve is well-known by shop customers. Can she maintain her innocence given the fever gripping the town?

This coverage is very well written and researched. While facts are known about the trials, Grindle gives the reader more than dates and names. Her descriptions of the store, clothing, food, and people make this era come to life. The dialogue explains how and why people became so wrapped up in the madness of the time. Resolve is intelligent and walks a fine line in the Puritan community. As a character, she is someone you understand and want to succeed. Lucretia Grindle shows how group hysteria can overwhelm and envelop a community. This is an excellent historical, psychological thriller that history buffs and horror fans alike will enjoy.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Lucretia Grindle for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for This Work of Darkness coming out January 16, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series. I’m obsessed with the Salem Witch Trials. I love the time period and visiting Salem was a dream. I liked this book, but I don’t think I really enjoyed it as much as I did the first book. I think it felt similar, but was missing something for me. I would check out more books by this author.

I was transfixed by this novel from the first page to the last. I didn't want the story to end! Told in the first person by Resolve, a young woman in 1600s New England, I felt she was relatable even today. Strong, level headed, thoughtful and kind, she had suffered a hard past which was explained briefly in this second book. I had not read the first one, which I most certainly will do now, but I didn't feel like I missed anything, because her story from this point on is a cracking good one. As Resolve and the other characters navigate the strange and horrible mine field that we know as the Salem witch hunts and trials, it hardly seems real that this period of time existed in history. The latter part of the book is gripping and tense. I appreciate the author offering enough detail to make you feel as though you are present in the time period, yet not so much detail as to bog it down.

Highly recommended. I am grateful to the author and publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy.

Thanks to Book Whisperer and Casa Croce Press for gifted access via NetGalley. All opinions below are my own.

I love historical fiction set in colonial America. The Salem witch trials always make for compelling reading. This story takes place in a small suburb of Salem where Resolve is living with a wealthy merchant family. There is a first book of this series which I did not read, but I don't think you need to, we get pieces of her backstory as this novel progresses. The accusations of others scares Resolve but they are all mostly peripherally related to her until she crosses the wrong person. The fervor grows closer and closer and she is forced to face the realities of a trial.

Resolve was a bit of a modern woman set in this antiquated time. She did not closely follow religion, had lived with the natives and certainly had opinions. Several times she makes dangerous choices to help others at the risk of her own safety. This story is more about the ripples on the pond of the trials and the accusations than being in the actual trials themselves but it definitely gives you an emotional view of what it was like to live in the time.

Read this one if you liked Hour of the Witch.

I previously read the first book in the series, The Devil's Glove. I got sucked into the history of the Salem witch origins with that book. This book continues the story, following Resolve and those around her. This book would be compelling on it's own, but what truly hooks me is the actual history that was researched and written on these pages. The personalities and positions in society, the hysteria of the times, the fear, cowardice and cunning culpability of the accusers. It is astounding to me that this could have ever occurred, but to read about how the fear and prejudice morphed into hatred and savagery is heartbreaking. Reading history in this manner is fascinating but also etches it in the mind and heart; maybe in this way we can ensure that fear never transitions to hatred and brutality again. I appreciate all of the research evident in the book; If the series continues, I'm committed to the tale!

The second installment in Grindel's Salem Witch series delivers a faster-paced, more intense dive into the Salem Witch Trials. While the first book laid the groundwork, this sequel wastes no time ramping up the tension and stakes.

Our protagonist Resolve shows marked growth, facing increasingly difficult choices as hysteria grips colonial Massachusetts. The author skillfully balances historical detail with rapid plotting, creating an engaging thriller that's hard to put down.

The mounting paranoia of the period comes alive through sharp writing and authentic period details. This makes for a quick yet satisfying read that surpasses its predecessor in both pacing and intensity.

*Recommended for fans of historical thrillers and witch trials*

Transport yourself back in time to 1692 and experience the events at Salem through the pages of this book. I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down.

Thanks for bring this period of history to life. Thank you Lucretia for writing this and to Book whisperer for the ARC.

Absolutely loved this. It is well written and I felt the emotions running high with fear as I too was there, amongst those who were unjustly accused and suffered at the hands of children. I couldn't read it fast enough. Highly recommend. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I didn't realise that this was part of a trilogy but now I will investigate more.
This wasn't an easy read and I really hard to concentrate on the people involved and their backstories, I did have a little note next to me to make notes. This book was incredibly well researched. I decided to take a chance on this book as this genre is not my usual but it worked and I think I might investigate more.
Normally I can read a book in one sitting but because of the complexity of the book I had to take time to read it and think about the characters and how it all fitted together.

This Work of Darkness by Lucretia Grindle second book in the series
I had a challenging time getting into this book because I could not understand the connection between Resolve and the native population. This became clearer as I continued reading. I did not realize it was the second book in the series which would have been a tremendous help if I read the first book prior to the second one. Once I cleared the cobwebs, I enjoyed the story and was fascinated by what was happening. It is terrifying how paranoia can reduce humans to turn in their neighbors to be jailed and executed. How religion was used to condemn these poor souls. I am determined to read the first book in the series and hope to get the third one when it becomes published

I had no idea this was part of a trilogy, but I’m hooked and definitely want to explore more of the series! That said, the novel can be read as a standalone, so you won’t feel lost if you jump in here first.

Set during the Salem Witch Trials, this book is gripping, atmospheric, and meticulously researched. Resolve Hammond is a character you can’t help but root for. The historical detail is incredible, capturing the paranoia, desperation, and cold realities of the time while weaving in a supernatural thread that adds even more tension. The story balances the fictional and historical elements beautifully, making it immersive and thought-provoking.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this advanced reader copy. If you’re a fan of historical fiction with strong female leads, dark settings, and a touch of mysticism, this book is worth your time.

My heart was in my throat the whole way through this book. It is not for the faint-hearted reader! I wanted to tell my mind that this is only fiction. However, much of the narrative was based on true, historical events. That is, the witch hunts in Salem Village, and Salem, Massechusetts (1692-1693), with many of the trials held in Boston.

Superstitious Puritans lost reason and hunted down supposed witches on the say-so of very young girls they termed, 'the afflicted'. Afflicted, that is, by 'witches'. The story centers around Resolve Hammond, the Englishes, Ned Morrill, Abigail Hobbs, Mercy Lewis, the Putnams and others.

I found the author of This Work of Darkness to be very masterful, as despite it taking me time to read through the story, it strongly held my attention when I was reading. I'd definitely say it's a page turner that could keep a reader up all night in suspense of what would happen next. Those happenings with twists, turns and plots that galvanize the reader to the next page.

Truly a very worthwhile read in my opinion. I give this author a 5 Star rating and thumbs up! I hope to read more of her work in the future.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

January 2025

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.

Loved reading the captivating and amazing story. After Resolve lost her mother and her home, she lives with and works for Mary English, and now things are getting dangerous for Resolve and the family she lives with because the children in Salem are accusing people of witchcraft. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and engaging storyline. Can't wait to read the next story in the series!

This was a strong sequel in the Salem series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this. It had that historical fiction element that I was looking for and was engaged with what was happening. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the way they worked in a historical setting. Lucretia Grindle wrote this well and was glad I got to read this.

This Work of Darkness by Lucretia Grindle

The Works of Darkness is Book Two in The Salem Serious. This book starts in December 1691 in Salem Massachusetts, just before hysteria of the Salem Witch trials.

Here we learn more about Resolve Hammond, she is now twenty years old and runs the shop for Mary English, a distant relative.

If you enjoyed reading The Crucible by Arthur Miller at school, you are going to love this book. All the characters in the play are in this book as they were real people that lived in that time.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Book Whisperer for a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the first book by Grindle. This is a continuation of that story. The Salem witches but told in a different perspective. It was a bit slow starting out, but it was enjoyable once things started happening. Look forward to more by this author.

This is the second book in the Salem series. It’s set in Salem in 1692, and is based on true events. This is a haunting and atmospheric book set against the backdrop of a brutally cold winter. The writing is sharp and captures the tension of a community trapped not only by the brutal weather but its own escalating paranoia. Resolve once escaped a past full of brutality and fear, now she must face the present filled with condemnation, bitterness and spite. A great read! Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author, for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

This was really good!!! I loved the atmospheric ambience of the whole novel, thanks to the excellent characterisation and writing!! Once I started reading it was difficult to put the book down! I have not read (yet) the first book, however this novel can be read as a standalone book. The story is poignant (based on real people and events) pointing out the ignorance of people as well as the outrage of colonisation and much more still... Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.