The Last Witch

 

By C. J. Cooke

Review

In the year 1485, Helena Scheuberin is accused of killing her lover by means of witchcraft. She's imprisoned and awaits trial. Crammed into a cell with six other women who also stand accused of witchcraft, conditions are squalid. With little food and rats scurrying around, the women's mental and physical wellbeing quickly deteriorates as the desperation of their situation sets in. With their last hope pinned on an artifact smuggled into prison, the women use it to summon a malevolent goddess, Hecate. But in return for their freedom Hecate demands they pay a terrible price.

Inspired by real events, The Last Witch is another good read from author C. J. Cooke. I think she captured this period in history vividly. Although there was little evidence against the accused, it didn't seem to matter. They suffered near-starvation and torture before their trials had even begun. Yes, parts of the book make you wince but despite the cruelty inflicted upon her, Helena always maintained her innocence and stood her ground. It's a poignant story of tragedy, injustice, resilience and rebirth.         

★★★★☆

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication Year: 2025
• Author: C. J. Cooke
• Genre: Horror

Synopsis

Innsbruck 1485

Helena should be doing what every other wealthy young wife is doing: keeping her husband’s house, bearing his children. But when their footman is found dead, Helena is accused of killing him. Worse, she is accused of being a witch.

Imprisoned with six other women, Helena is plunged into a world of terror. When a cursed witch totem is smuggled into the prison, the prisoners attempt to use it to escape only to unleash a malevolent spirit which places all their lives in danger.

Does Helena risk her life and the lives of others by standing up to the terrifying witchfinder and risk death at the stake if found guilty? Or is the real threat the world beyond this one…?