The Last Witch

C. J. Cooke
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A deeply compelling historical horror novel following a woman accused of being a witch who must use her voice to fight for her life—and the truth—from the acclaimed author of The Book of Witching.

Synopsis

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.

Reading Updates

I've read several books so far this year:

• Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson, an adult mystery where the main character has 7 days to live and needs to solve her murder before she dies.
• The Sky Was Once A Dark Blanket by Kinsale Drake, beautiful Indigenous poetry collection.
• The Last Witch by CJ Cooke, a haunting tale of how men weaponize religion as a means of controlling women.

Current Reads

• This is Not A Test by Courtney Summers, a Bindery spring release and Women in Horror Book Club February pick.
• Rebecca by Daphne DuMaurier, a classic that I am annotating.
• Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado, Women in Horror Book Club read for January.

On Deck

• To The Moon and Back by Eliana Ramage, a Good Day to Read Indigenous book club selection for January!