Having bought this book for someone else as a gift I couldn’t resist the lure of the witches and just had to read it myself. The Familiars is a well-written book written from the point of view of Fleetwood Shuttleworth, a noblewoman who is with child.
Having failed to bring her previous pregnancies to term she is desperate to find someone capable of helping her through her pregnancy. Someone who can guarantee the baby survives.
After finding a hidden doctors letter to her husband, she is willing to put her trust in an unknown woman with a skill of herbs, determined to give her husband an heir. But as she relies on this woman, Alice Grey, to save both her and her baby, she must risk everything to save Alice Grey and prove her innocent.
Written by Stacy Halls
Growing up in Rossendale, Lancashire, Stacy was always fascinated by the Pendle witches. Studying journalism at the University of Central Lancashire she then moved to London aged 21. The Familiars is her first novel. You can find more about The Familiars on the website: thefamiliarsbook.com.
The Familiars Review Conclusion
The Familiars by Stacey Halls
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An interesting story with a different spin, a woman not directly part of the witch trials but whose life is directly affected by them. Coming into contact with one of the group soon to be accused, the way she sees the station of women and her own life, in particular, begins to change. Undergoing a lot, she clings to what she knows, does her best with little help to right wrongs, and to manoeuvre her husband to work on her behalf. A fascinating view of the Pendle Witches from the side of those who sought to imprison them.