Innsbruck, 1485. Helena Scheuberin should be doing what every other young wife is doing: keeping house, supporting her husband, and bearing his children, but as an outspoken, strong woman, she sometimes has difficulty fitting in. Then she draws the unwanted attention of a malign priest who is just starting his campaign to root out “witches” from among the women of her town, and when her husband’s footman dies, she finds herself accused not only of murder but of witchcraft.

Helena must find the courage to risk her life and the lives of others by standing up to a man determined to paint her as the most wicked of all….

Based on the incredible true story of a woman who challenged a man who went on to become one of Europe’s most notorious and cruel witchfinders, this novel offers a jewel-bright portrait of female power.

The Last Witch by C.J. Cooke is a compelling historical that evokes horror and terror simply using the truth of the time. In her latest novel, C.J. Cooke delves fully into historical fiction, telling the true story of the incredible events surrounding Helena and the other women who challenge a powerful and cruel witchfinder. Just as with her previous novel, the writing evokes the emotions of the women and the cruelty of the events, weaving between Helena’s voice and a priest determined to aid the women. The voice of the novel is powerful as it leads the reader to experience the horrors the women felt as they were falsely accused. 

What is most compelling is the courage of Helena and how she stands up for the others to the witchfinder, against the mob that are determined that the women are guilty and the horror of the times, that every woman must be tainted with evil, that women are property and must obey. It is horrifying but powerful.

If you  like historical fiction about witch hunters and women, this is worth reading. It has some powerful moments in the story and a great deal that is the real history of the time. I loved the bravery of the women and the incredible ending. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 tortures

Penguin RandomHouse

CJ Cooke website