The First Witch of Boston

The First Witch of Boston is a historical fiction debut inspired by the true story of Margaret "Maggie" Jones, the first person to be hanged as a witch in Massachusetts. This is my favorite kind of historical fiction - grounded in careful research; diary excerpts, court testimony, and the social and legal procedures around witchcraft trials.

In 1646, Maggie and her husband, Thomas, arrive in Massachusetts from England, hoping to start a new life. Maggie is a bold person and has skills as an herbalist and midwife, which soon attract attention in the strict Puritan community nearby.

The book is a love story and a courtroom drama. It tells the story from the viewpoints of Thomas and Maggie. This helps you see the challenges of their Puritan community and understand Maggie's strength. Their marriage feels real, with both tender and sad moments.

I also loved how Maggie was good at understanding people; however, she didn't see the bigger dangers around her. Maggie's strength was being true to herself and not following what society expected of her. But this choice led to her downfall.

Readers who like character-driven historical fiction, especially fans of The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon or Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian, will likely find this book engaging and emotional.