A review by myreadingcorner
The Brampton Witch Murders by Ellis Blackwood

funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is a fairly quick read, being about 244 pages. Simultaneously as the Great Fire of London begins to take hold in 1666, diarist Samuel Pepys despatches his two inquisitors – namely his protégé Jacob Standish and housemaid Abigail (Abby) Harcourt to Brampton where Pepys’ sister Paulina lives with their parents. Paulina has been accused of witchcraft. The infamous ‘Witchfinder General’ Matthew Hopkins has passed away however the mantle has been picked up by his son Simon Hopkins. Just as pious and unforgiving as his father, Hopkins is also on his way to Brampton and its a race against time for Jacob and Abby to get there to begin their investigations before he arrives.

I certainly felt that whilst Jacob had the wealth and status and the occasional flash of inspiration, Abby was the brains of the outfit. She may have been a mere housemaid but Jacob often appeared clumsy and inarticulate in comparison. It was a shame that Abby was frequently disregarded by others due to her lowly status because she was much quicker of mind. They did make a great pairing though, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.

“From what the inquisitors knew, Brampton did not possess a wise and balanced magistrate. It had Bulstrode Bennett. The situation was serious indeed”.

Paulina wasn’t the only woman to be accused of being a witch and local magistrate Bulstrode Bennett, an odious man who seemed to be in cohorts with Hopkins was no help when it came to protesting their innocence. Jacob and Abby definitely had their work cut out in trying to save these women, and in particularly Paulina. Having now read two author’s witch books, one after the other, I was by now familiar with the word ‘poppet’, the historical meaning of which is a small human figure used in witchcraft and sorcery. There were plenty of these appearing in the village to both frighten and be used as evidence of guilt.

Samuel Pepys makes only fleeting appearances in his historical cosy mystery but however helpful the use of his name and influence may be to his inquisitors, this alone is not always enough to save them from danger. With its well drawn cast of characters and enough deaths to rival Midsomer Murders, I enjoyed this entertaining, intriguing and descriptive story. A great start to the series.