I’ve been fascinated with “witches” being burned or hanged as a way to control women for whatever reason for a long time, so I was excited to read this historical novel by Beth Underdown. It’s told from the point of view of the sister of the embittered Mathew Hopkins, who found a legal way to murder women.

Hopkins was a real man, but much else of the story was conjecture or fabrication on the part of Underdown because there was so little documentation to go on. Still, it makes for a fascinating story of the horrors of the way this claim of “witch” was to get rid of “drunken women, women who had inconvenient babies or bawled insults in the streets.”

Set in 1645, sister Alice Hopkins comes home widowed and pregnant and doesn’t want to believe her brother is spearheading this effort, but when he drags her along to find proof of these witches, she tries her best to thwart his efforts, but she has no power.

When a woman miscarried, a woman that she or her husband might have had a resentment toward might be accused of being a witch. To prove this, the women would be tortured for hours by being put in uncomfortable positions without sleep until they “confessed.” Similarly, bad crop yields could be blamed on someone the farmer didn’t like.

I found this an intriguing glimpse into the horrors of this time in our history.

Thanks to NetGalley for an opportunity to review this novel.

When I read the description of The Witchfinder’s Sister by Beth Underdown I was immediately drawn to the story based on the life of the 1640s witchfinder Matthew Hopkins. As well as a good story it is a fascinating look at life in England during the Civil War, set in 1645, a time of great change and conflict in politics, religion and philosophical ideas, coinciding with a growth in the belief in witchcraft.

I enjoyed it immensely. It’s historical fiction that combines fact and fiction, told through the eyes of Matthew’s sister, Alice, a fictional character. Beth Underwood has researched and used the historical sources so well. What is so chilling about this book is that the events it describes really did happen.

There is a glossary at the end of the book describing, among other terms, the methods used to investigate women accused of being witches, such as ‘searching‘ where their bodies were inspected for ‘teats’, ‘swimming‘, an ordeal by water in which women were bound and lowered into a pond or river; they were innocent if they sank, and ‘watching‘ in which a suspected woman would be tied to a stool in the middle of a room, kept awake and observed for hours. Women were treated in this way if they were accused of causing harm to their neighbours for such things as the death of a neighbour’s horse or for the unexplained deaths of children. For the superstitious every sudden death, or accident, every miscarriage or illness, was considered to be caused by witchcraft.

There is a pervading sense of fear and terror as Alice discovers what Matthew is doing, intensified when he forces her to help with his investigations, travelling throughout Essex. She tries to stop him, but fearful of him accusing her mother-in-law, Bridget, she has to go along with him. She also discovers family secrets about their parents and Matthew’s birth. The witch hunts escalated as grief-stricken and angry women accused other women and their names were added to Matthew’s list. After his investigations the women were then sent to prisons to await their trials.

It is clear that the women accused were vulnerable, often widows living isolated lives, some suffering with what we would consider to be a mental illness, with no male family members to keep them safe from persecution. Matthew’s own mother showed signs of mental illness, subject to many strange habits and obsessive compulsive behaviour. But Matthew is unable to accept the facts and grows ever more fanatical.

It all hangs together as a piece of fiction, with clearly described and defined characters, making their feelings and actions perfectly believable – even Matthew comes across as a well-rounded character – and set against the background of a country in the midst of civil war. It makes harrowing reading and I found it deeply moving.

I grew very fond of Alice and her maid Grace but was appalled by the final twist at the end of the book.

The Witchfinder’s Sister is based on true life witch hunter Matthew Hopkins that grew to fame during the English Civil War around East Anglia, hunting and killing “witches”. This book isn’t non-fiction, it’s fiction based around non-fiction! I love these sorts of books that create their own stories from something that was very much real. Not only does it make for good reading, they also bring in some true history facts, so you’re being educated on the subject as you read.

High praise goes to Underdown for this novel. I feel like historical fiction can be hard genre to get right, and considering this is a debut novel, I’m amazed at how well put together and beautiful this has turned out to be! I love reading historical fiction, every once in awhile, and this is the sort of book that keeps my love for the genre burning.

The writing in this novel was haunting and beautiful. Nine times out of ten, it was exactly as you would have imagined the 17th Century to be, but I felt there were a few slips that made the book feel modern. For example, would a lady in 1645 say the phrase “shitting herself”? Correct me if I’m wrong, but that feels like a reasonably modern phrase to me.

I loved our main character, Alice. Me and my mum were talking about historical fiction novels and how we find it hard to understand why women make the decisions they make in these books, because we’re so used to having some equality and independence. But I noted that in this book, even though Alice is inferior to her brother and his counterparts, she is still a risk taker; going against her brother's wishes & sneaking around. I liked that she was strong and a little rebellious, it was so much easier to connect with her because of this.

On the other hand. I hated Matthew. He was a despicable character. I can rarely hate a character in a book, even if I’m supposed to. I tend to find the good in them at some point, or have some sort of sympathy for them, but I absolutely despised Matthew. Well done to Underdown for creating such a hate-inducing character. It’s quite a hard feat, but she managed it perfectly. The same goes for Mary Phillips.

The tension was built so well in this novel, you could feel the mystery growing and growing with every page and I loved it! Though the story moved reasonably slowly, the book was still absolutely riveting and I found it extremely hard to put down when I knew it was time to get some rest.

I am so, so excited to read more from Underdown. This was an amazingly well put together and researched.

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Books UK for giving me the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

The Witchfinder's Sister by Beth Underdown

It is 1645 and England is torn apart by Civil War. But young woman Alice Hopkins has her own private suffering to endure. Alice’s husband Joseph has died unexpectedly and violently, leaving her alone in London, struggling with grief and poverty. When she discovers that she is pregnant, Alice realises she has little choice. She must return home to the small town of Manningtree in Essex and seek refuge in the house of her young brother, Matthew. They haven’t spoken for years but Alice hopes that she might find a welcome there, especially since their mother, just like her husband, is also so recently in her grave.

Mannigtree is not as Alice left it. The town is divided by superstition and fear, ruled over by a few rich and powerful men, led – Alice is surprised to discover – by none other than Matthew. Their mission is to seek out witches and, wherever they look they are bound to find guilt, for how could an elderly widow not confess to devil worship when tormented by the cruel methods of the witchfinder, Matthew Hopkins?

Alice finds herself caught in the middle of a situation almost impossible to escape. She loves her brother, she wants to heal him from whatever pain has changed him, but above all else she wants to help these women, particularly as Matthew searches closer and closer to home for his victims. And it is Alice’s story, told in her own words, that we hear in The Witchfinder’s Sister and it is an engrossing one. It is as if Alice has been thrown back into a distorted version of her past – she is reunited with friends and enemies that she knew as a girl, she relives memories of her time with her mother, father and brother, of her early days with her now dead husband, she wanders through familiar houses, rooms and streets. She must deal with grief, as well as the worry of carrying a fatherless child, but above all else she cannot escape the fear of Matthew. And there are moments in this novel when I felt afraid, too.

Matthew is a fascinating, dark character. Beth Underdown constructs his character perfectly from his weaknesses, failings and superstitions. He appears truly menacing and evil. But the author widens her picture to take a broader look at society during these troubled, lawless times in the mid 16th century and shows how dangerous a weapon power can be when placed in the hands of a weak man. Because it isn’t just Matthew Hopkins at fault here. And too many of the women we meet here have difficult lives, while some face tragic ends.

I thoroughly enjoyed the portrait of rural life in England’s eastern counties during the 1640s. There are plenty of the incidental details that I love in historical fiction, particularly here in regards to housekeeping, including clothing, furniture and possessions. But there is also an appealing timelessness and strangeness about The Witchfinder’s Sister‘s setting, which seems so cut off from the rest of England, including from the Civil War. Events here are not normal, even for the period, and we should be shocked by what happened. And this is, of course, based on a true story. Matthew Hopkins was a monster and through Alice’s eyes we see the devil revealed.

It’s not often that I read a book in one day, barely moving an inch, but that’s what happened with The Witchfinder’s Sister. This is a beautifully written, stunning debut novel from Beth Underdown, combining historical fiction with psychological thriller – the result is compelling and thrilling. Don’t miss it!

I have to admit that I was a little reluctant to pick up this book simply because I worried that it being set in 1645 would make it difficult to read.
I was very pleased to be proved wrong! I loved this book. Based on the real life Witchmaster General Matthew Hopkins I was fascinated by the fear and suspicion that must have pervaded communities as he arrived. I thought setting the book from his half-sisters point of view was powerful as she watches his actions with increasing horror. I found myself stopping during the book to look up events of the time and the book has certainly inspired me to read more about the events described. A really engrossing read.

This a very enjoyable and engrossing story about the witch trials that took place in East Anglia, England, in the 1640s, and is loosely based on the activities of Matthew Hopkins, 'Witchfinder', told through the eyes of his sister, Alice.

While the story is largely fiction many of the events and characters are taken from actual events of the time, and it is these horrific truths that are often the most compelling parts of the story. Highly recommended.

It's a little hard to get my thoughts in order about The Witchfinder's Sister. Up until about 60% into the book, I had quite a "meh" feeling about the story because it read so very slow. A lot of the times I had to force myself to pick the book up to read. I didn't think it was totally bad, I just didn't love it and I wasn't sure if I liked it all that much either.

BUT... those last 40% did save the book for me. That's where the story started picking up a whole lot more and where I got really into it. As hard as it was to pick up the book before, now I didn't want to put it back down. And I liked the story even more for how the author ended it.

Throughout that first half of the book I wasn't sure what to think of the characters. I thought all of them were a little bland to read about and the pace of the story was slow so it was hard to connect with them, especially the main character Alice. I did warm up to her as the book progressed, especially during the second half.

Alice's brother, Matthew (who is the "witchfinder" from the title) was hard to pin down at first for me. But in those last few chapters he gave me honest-to-god chills because of what he did to all those women. In a way it was good he gave me chills but damn, he sure was creepy at times. Some parts in the book really creeped me out.

Overall, The Witchfinder's Sister by Beth Underdown was nothing like I had expected. It was hard to get into the story and to connect with the characters at first but I did think it was very well-written and like I said, I liked how the story ended. I would say it's worth a read just for that ending alone, actually. But of course I wished I had liked it more from the start and not just those last 40%. Still, it's a pretty unique story that I'm glad I read.

This book is based on the real-life of Matthew Hopkins who during a period in the 1600's instigated himself as a notorious witch finder.
The story itself is a work of fiction told through the eyes of his younger sister Alice who has been recently widowed from her husband and childhood sweetheart Joseph. Alone she seeks her brothers house for refuge.
Unbeknownst of her brothers activities she is gradually drawn into helping her him gather information against poor women have been suspected of witchcraft.
The story dramatically outlines the ignorance and suspicion of the times that lead to women who might have been mentally ill branded as witches and subsequently convicted and either hanged or had a lingering death in prison.
Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will love this book a really good read.

I was totally enthralled by this book and couldn't put it down. I read it in one afternoon. Read my full review at https://journalingonpaper.com/2017/02/13/book-review-the-witch-hunters-sister-by-beth-underdown/

Long before the Salem witch trials, there were the Manningtree witch trials in Essex England, and for many women it was a time of pure terror.

London 1645, and Alice Hopkins finds herself pregnant, and having to return to her home village of Manningtree, Essex, after the death of her husband. She will be living with her brother Matthew Hopkins,' The Witchfinder General'. Matthew is a cruel, troubled, sullen individual, with a persona of evil about him.

Alice discovers that not only is Matthew a man of influence these days, but he is also a merciless hunter of witches! His very name incites terror in the hearts of ordinary people for miles around.

Alice does her best to reign Matthew in, but he won't be thwarted in his quest to bring these so called witches to trial. In trying to understand his motives, she also uncovers some dark secrets going back to when they were very young, but in doing so, she puts her own life in peril.

Oh boy, this was a harrowing tale, made more so by the fact that Matthew Hopkins actually existed, and the trials are well documented. He took the office of Witchfinder General upon himself, very much self appointed, and he was never officially recognised by parliament.

Women were tried as witches for the most menial of things - some were just a bit different, a little eccentric, some were lonely individuals unable to fend for themselves, or perhaps some of them had mental health problems - some were even reported for witchcraft by neighbours with a score to settle. But whichever means brought them to Hopkins attention, one thing was for certain, they were doomed. He and his henchmen were responsible for over 100 women going to the gallows.

Though this story is based on fact, the author has woven a fictional tale around it, for it isn't known whether Matthew Hopkins actually had a sister. All I can say is that Beth Underdown has created a wonderful historical thriller, and though the subject matter is really heartbreaking to read at times, it is SO worth it. An excellent debut novel!



*Thank you to Netgalley & Penguin UK for my ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review*

This book felt like a fresh taste on an old fashioned story. I enjoyed it very much.

The Witchfinder’s Sister is a captivating historical novel about the real life witch hunter Matthew Hopkins, as told by his imagined sister Alice. The narrative occurs during the English Civil War, with a backdrop of mistrust and religious difference, though this is only the context to the more personal story of Alice Hopkins and how she is drawn into her brother’s world against her will. Mystery and intrigue are wound throughout the book as Alice tries to discover exactly what her brother is doing and secrets about their family’s past.

The style is easy to read and feels fitting to the time, without being bogged down in historical detail or attempts at accurate speech that fall flat. The novel is framed as Alice’s written account of events, printed afterwards, and in this way it acts as a fictional version of giving a woman a voice in the context of events that preyed upon vulnerable women, those who were mentally ill or lonely or confused. Alice herself has lost babies and, just before her narrative begins, her husband, and is a character trying to do good, but without the freedom or position to be morally unblemished. Though the novel does not actively condemn power hierarchies and the abuse of power, it is clear throughout the book that money, gender, and social position are playing an important part.

Using witch hunting fiction as a parallel to contemporary unjust persecution is well known since The Crucible and this novel does not need to be compared to any modern events to be a gripping read. However, it is easy in this time of seemingly rising prejudice to see even greater interest in books which show those caught between trying to help and also being trapped by those with the power of persecution. The Witchfinder’s Sister is therefore both a rich historical mystery and a tale of power injustice and preying on the weak.

Thanks Penguin Books (UK) and netgalley for this ARC.

Wicked, real, and nail-biting. This novel shows a different side of life for women, and the power men had over life.

This is a book based on the life of Matthew Hopkins, (aka the Witch-finder General) who meticulously hounded and condemned in excess of a hundred women for witchcraft. The finding and uses of imps being the predominant focus. The story is told through the eyes of Alice Hopkins, Mathews, presumed sister, who returns to Mathew's home when her husband dies. Alice is seeking safety but finds a town full of whispers and fear: she soon realised that her brother has grown into a monster. Alice reluctantly becomes becomes embroiled in Mathews work and sees first hand the horror of witch finding, watching, and verdicts. As a character Alice is both gutsy and reserved, which is fitting for the time line.

Mathew as a character has a chip on his shoulder: this is no ordinary chip.....more like a bag of maris pipers! The author has depicted a terrifyingly cold and driven man with no mercy. I had the urge to harm him and i'm sure you will too! Mathew is a menace, not a man - the author has captured him to perfection.

You feel a real sense of dread and building tension reading this book: I loved the descriptions and attention to detail.
One of my favourite book combinations is the history of this period with a slant, so I loved this book. I read it in two nights and suffered a book hangover at work today. It sits with my favourites for this period - (CJ Sansom and Hilary Mantel) as a debut novel it's a great read. Beth Underwood has weaved historical fact and the fiction into a memorable story. In my view this is an author to follow, if you like the historical fact and fiction mix then give this one a go.

This book was all the best things that you can find in a historical fiction novel.

The story is told from the perspective of Alice, fictional sister of Matthew Hopkins, the infamous witch finder general. It’s a story about the lives of women from the perspective of a woman, it talks about being at the mercy of the men in their lives and other factors which made them vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft.

Alice is an excellent narrator for this story, she’s a kind, educated woman who has lost everything she once future on. She’s returned home after the loss of her husband and is now at the mercy of her unstable younger brother who has moved up in the world in her absence. What makes her so perfect is that she is part of the proceedings while at the same time set apart from them so that she can see everything that’s going on.

Underdown is a storytelling genius, she’s a master of the art of subtlety and has found the perfect balance to make the language come across as authentic without being face meltingly dull as I’ve learnt to be wary of in historical fiction.

This book kept my attention all the way through, the second half picked up the pace and shifted from ‘sad’ to ‘downright traumatic’ as Hopkins’ activities start to escalate and people just let him destroy the peace in their villages and torment their most vulnerable women. What makes it so harrowing to read is that the author has clearly done her homework on the history… which means that these events are based on a true story. Regardless of motive or the specifics, dozens of women were tortured, abused and hanged for witchcraft during this time frame.

If you like historical fiction or have even a passing interest in the 1600s witch hunts, pick up this book and read where it all began before the hysteria travelled overseas to Salem, Massachusetts. From this point on, I’ll be picking up anything written by Beth Underdown and relishing it!

I really liked this novel. While most people know about Salem's witch trials, the history of witch hunts in Europe is seldomly addressed in history class. This book focuses on the witch hunts in England led by Matthew Hopkins. "The Witchfinder's Sisters" somewhat humanizes him but it doesn't try to downplay the atrocities he committed. The novel focuses on his fictional sisters and her experiences living through the witch hunts he initiated.

I really liked Alice even though she never really takes any action and when she does, she is always thwarted and put back in a passive Position. Alice's slow realization that her brother is dead serious about killing these "witches" and her inability to do anything about it is conveyed really well.

The only thing I didn't really like was the ending (by which I really only mean the last couple of sentences) because it was a little to ironic for my tastes. What I really liked were the historical accounts sprinkled throughout because they added even more realism to a really well researched novel.

The number of women my brother Matthew killed, so far as I can reckon it, is one hundred and six...

1645. When Alice Hopkins' husband dies in a tragic accident, she returns to the small Essex town of Manningtree, where her brother Matthew still lives.

But home is no longer a place of safety. Matthew has changed, and there are rumours spreading through the town: whispers of witchcraft, and of a great book, in which he is gathering women's names.

To what lengths will Matthew's obsession drive him?
And what choice will Alice make, when she finds herself at the very heart of his plan?

Not a subject I would normally read about but it held me and I really enjoyed it.