This was the perfect spooky read to kick off the season of the witch .  I've been a fan of C J Cooke since reading A Haunting in the Artic last year.  Also I love books featuring witches, especially when they are based on real history as this book is.  I quite enjoyed reading the authors note about the research that went into bringing this story to life.

The plot unfolds over two separate timelines, modern day Glasgow and Orkney in 1594.   I enjoyed both story lines equally and trying to work out what links the witch trials to the events centuries later.  How does the book of witching play a part? 

I found the witch trial harrowing to read but also compelling at the same time.   Alison Balfour was a real person who was executed on charges of witchcraft.  It angers me at the way these trials were conducted and the tortures used to extract a confession.

This book was a haunting and atmospheric read that had me hooked from start to finish.  It's the perfect tale to read during the dark nights ahead.   Thank you to Harper Collins UK and Netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC.