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The Vanishing Witch

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The Vanishing Witch

By: Karen Maitland
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
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The critically acclaimed Queen of the Dark Ages, author of Company of Liars, introduces a chilling novel set against the backdrop of the Peasants' Revolt.

Take one wealthy merchant. Add one charming widow. And one dying wife.

The reign of Richard II is troubled, the poor are about to become poorer still and landowners are lining their pockets. It's a case of every man for himself, whatever his status or wealth. But in a world where nothing can be taken at face value, who can you trust? The dour wool merchant? His impulsive son? The stepdaughter with the hypnotic eyes? Or the raven-haired widow clutching her necklace of bloodstones?

And when people start dying unnatural deaths and the peasants decide it's time to fight back, it's all too easy to spy witchcraft at every turn.

©2014 Karen Maitland (P)2014 Headline Digital Historical Fiction Fiction Thought-Provoking Magic Witchcraft
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If you’ve listened to earlier books by this author you’ll know how she weaves a strong story into a backdrop of mysticism and creates a powerful atmosphere of medieval life. Set in the 12th C this book has rulers and employers mercilessly exploiting the hard-working poor as they try to scrap a living burdened by taxes and low wages. Corruption is everywhere and superstition haunts all walks of life. Death and witchcraft abounds in the central story as rich cloth merchant, Robert, is captivated by a widow newly arrived in Lincoln and his troubles begin. Don’t expect subtle characterisation or nuanced morality: this is good old-fashioned good versus evil battling it out: simplistic but enjoyable nevertheless. I was intrigued by the references at the beginning of each chapter to superstitious beliefs of the period which seem preposterous to modern ears but held sway in medieval times.

There’s some pacey writing in this book, particularly the description of the rampage through London during the Peasants’ Revolt led by Wat Tyler

The narrator is outstandingly good.

Entertaining Medieval Tale of Good versus Evil

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The plots twist and thicken ... who will survive, who will die? Loved the ending.

spellbinding

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Gripping story and excellently read. The narrative illustrates the life and colour of the time (Richard II) and brings it all to life.
Highly recommended.

Happy to read again

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The Vanishing Witch is another masterpiece by this author. I listen to audio books when driving to work and Karen Maitland is lovely to listen to ,you find yourself cheering on your favourite character and wanting the villain to get their comeuppance,the superstitions of the time make you glad you live in a more enlightened time!

I loved this book

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Just brilliant. Love the story love the narration. Perfect in every way. I would go as far to say that if you brought this you would not be disappointed!

Brilliant!

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