DNF at page 50 (≖_≖ ). No rating.Based on the true story of Margaret Jones, the first woman found guilty of witchcraft in seventeenth-century Massachusetts, and inspired by actual diary entries and court records. Told posthumously from the POV of her loving husband, Thomas. Ooph, this *could've*/*should've*/*would've* been a 5-star story in the hands of another, more skilled writer, like Ariel Lawhon, author of *The Frozen River*, or Sarah Penner, author of *The Lost Apothecary*.I was expecting ...

This book bills itself as being based on a true story, opening in 1646 with Thomas Jones attempting to sail to Barbados. Thomas is the husband of Margaret Jones, a woman who was hanged as a witch (the book spoils its own ending right in the prologue… seriously). He's kept a memento of his wife – her wedding gown. While reminiscing over the dress, he discovers a journal written by Margaret hidden inside. Excerpts from these entries are sprinkled throughout the narrative. The story then flashes b...

4.0☆ Andrea Catalano's *The First Witch of Boston* tells the story of Maggie Jones, the first woman executed for witchcraft in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, from the perspective of her husband, Thomas Jones. This was a truly unique and compelling narrative choice. Too often, witch trial stories are told solely from the woman's perspective, with the husbands relegated to the sidelines. Reading how Thomas grappled with the suspicions and accusations leveled against the woman he deeply loved was r...

Okay, so first things first: Margaret Jones was a real woman who was actually hanged for witchcraft back in the day. Her husband, Thomas Jones, was also a real person. Most of the people in Andrea Catalano's *The First Witch of Boston* were real, living, breathing people. But, there are fictional characters thrown in, and honestly, they don't really add anything to the story of the real Margaret and Thomas Jones, their friends, or their accusers. Fair warning, there are spoilers ahead, but after...

Absolutely awful. Poorly written, badly researched, and just plain badly done.Seriously, don't bother. You'll regret wasting your time. I'm just relieved I didn't actually pay for this.The point of view jumps all over the place, the sex scenes feel completely unnecessary, and the language is randomly dotted with a few "olde worldy" words (thee, sup, etc.). But the secret diary, supposedly written by a woman who would've barely been able to read, is suddenly in perfect Queen's English. I think it...

EDIT: Good grief, folks, never in all my years of reviewing, not even when I had thousands of followers on Tumblr, did anyone care this much about what I had to say about a book. Apparently I've offended people by not wanting to read detailed sex scenes, lol. What a thing to come after someone about. For those who are obviously confused, I've put a few definitions down."Explicit" (as pertaining to sexual content): describing or representing sexual activity in a graphic fashion."Graphic": giving ...

Contrary to some opinions, "The First Witch of Boston" doesn't rely on unnecessary sex or explicit content. Instead, Andrea Catalano delivers a story rich in love and devotion, qualities that will resonate with most readers. While taking some creative license with characters and settings, the core of the story remains historically grounded. It's a truly captivating read, an emotional rollercoaster that will break your heart and then mend it again. Settle in and prepare to be completely absorbed ...

Historical Sex

While "The First Witch of Boston" does incorporate historical fiction elements, the near-constant sex scenes don't advance the narrative and ultimately detract from the storyline. DNF. If you're looking for in-depth historical book reviews, this might not be the best choice, but fans of Andrea Catalano might still enjoy it.

Stunning, Terrifying, MaddeningAndrea Catalano's *The First Witch of Boston* is a stunning novel built around the true-life character, Maggie Jones, a healer and midwife in England and the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Puritanical Massachusetts was suspicious of any woman who didn't know her place. Women were expected to remain subservient to men – powerful men, men of station, and their husbands.Thankfully, Maggie married well, to a kind, goodhearted man named Thomas, who adored the very things in ...

Beautifully written and meticulously researched, THE FIRST WITCH OF BOSTON is a captivating and personal look into a marriage—and an independent woman who was daringly before her time. The tragedy Andrea Catalano reveals in this outstanding debut novel will break your heart. It also feels all too relevant in a world where The Handmaid’s Tale has become uncomfortably prophetic. Highly recommended as a great historical fiction read!