Days to the Gallows by Katherine Spada Basto
e-book & Paperback; 252 Pages
CreateSpace Independent Publishing
ISBN: 1536978043
December 6, 2016
Genre: Historical Fiction
Book Blurb:
Before the Salem Witch Trials...in 1662, a witch panic struck Hartford, Connecticut. Seventeen year old Hester Hosmer is a neighbor and friend to Ann Cole, despite Ann's reputation for being "strange" and a mooncalf. One night when Hester tries to drag Ann home from one of her moonlight walks, the girls stumble upon a strange fire-lit gathering on the South Green. But in 1662, such gatherings are strictly forbidden. When a child dies mysteriously, Ann's hysteria begins and she accuses certain townspeople of witchcraft. A witch panic envelopes Hartford and paranoia runs rampant. Hester tries to discourage Ann's hysterics and the more she discovers, the more conflicted she becomes about her own loyalties. Hester's budding romance with Tom, the peddler's son only makes Ann jealous and increases the tension. With the ruthless Marshal Gilbert, the Puritan Elders and the Acting Governor himself at her beck and call, Ann can prove to be a dangerous enemy. After all, anyone in Hartford might be a witch. After years of research, Ms. Spada Basto has brought to life a turbulent and disturbing period of Colonial Connecticut History. It is a time when wolves prowled near the town and superstitions about witches often brought people to an untimely death-hanging by a noose on Gallows' Hill.
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I came across this book/author while reading through my local newspaper – the headline was “Resident Publishes First Novel” – so of course I was intrigued. And even more so once I saw it was a historical novel set right here in our small state of Connecticut. The witch hysteria has always interested me and Connecticut has a rich history of it too, just not as well known as that of Salem. So I’m interested in checking this one out.
You can read more about the author and the book in this article from The Hartford Courant.
Copyright © 2017 by The Maiden’s Court
This one sounds interesting. I'm going to look for it. I've been fascinated by the Salem witch trials ever since I watch 'The Crucible' on tv when I was small.
ReplyDeleteI have LOVED The Crucible! I was excited to see this one in my local paper. I'm going to reach out and try and interview the author too.
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