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Witches

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About this listen

September 1613. In Belvoir Castle, the heir of one of England's great noble families falls suddenly and dangerously ill. Within a few short weeks he will suffer an excruciating death. Soon the whole family will be stricken with the same terrifying symptoms. The second son, the last male of the line, will not survive. It is said witches are to blame. And so the Earl of Rutland's sons will not be the last to die.

©2013 Tracy Borman (P)2013 W F Howes Ltd Europe Historical Fiction Fiction Magic Witchcraft Magic Users England

Critic reviews

"Borman has expertly forged an absorbing biography from fragments of her personal history" ( Independent on Matilda)
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Was really looking forward to hearing this as have come across the story in various Stuart history books and fancied listening to something a bit macabre in the run-up to Hallowe'en, not disappointed by the book itself but the narration has driven me a bit mad - Maggie Mash has a lovely voice but for some reason every single historical quote (and they happen very often as you would expect) is delivered in a strange croaky stage voice - often in regional accents - which I found deeply distracting and a bit ridiculous at times. Others may not find it an issue and it's quite possible I'm being fussy but I really did find the delivery distracting me from the words themselves which is a real shame.

Interesting story, distracting narration

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Thoroughly enjoyed this history. Gives a well rounded account of the witchcraft scares of England as well as touching on Europe and America. Very well narrated too.

Very engaging and interesting history

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This is a brilliant detailed book, a good summary of witch prosecutions in England as well as on the Continent incorporated into telling of a specific case. One learns a lot about the concepts people held at the time, how accusations arose and who were likely to be accused, as well as King James I's interest in the subject and the development of the belief in witchcraft throughout the rest of 17th century and beyond.

You don't lose, however, the story of Joan Flower and her daughters. Needless to say, none of the ever accused of witchcraft deserved death and the kind of treatment at the hands of justice system as they received, but I personally felt that their obnoxiousness, stealing from their employer and then promising a revenge in return for, fairly understandable, dismissal didn't help them either.

Maggie Mash is a great reader and I think she imitates the voices of the pompous male authors very well. She could have spared herself a bit this time though, as the quotes are numerous (as in any good historical work) and I almost worried for her voice and the strain she put herself under.

Excellent book

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A riveting book mellifluously read by Maggie Marsh. A chilling indictment of the position of the vulnerable in the early 17th century and an intriguing insight into court and dynastic politics in the Jacobean court.

Fascinating and beautifully rendered

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As others have said, this extremely fascinating account of the Belvoir witches is spoilt by all quotations being spoken in some form of croaky, pantomime, voice over. Such a shame as the regular narration is soothing, engaging and lively. It is enough to bring the story to life without this constant, annoying interjection. The book itself, however, is well worth a listen... if you can get used to such a style.

Fascinating story, annoying narration.

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