The First Witch of Boston: A Novel
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(as of Oct 05, 2025 13:58:47 UTC – Details)
A gripping and intimate novel based on the true story of Margaret Jones, the first woman to be found guilty of witchcraft in seventeenth-century Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1646. Thomas and Margaret Jones arrive from England to build a life in the New World. Though of differing temperaments, cautious Thomas and fiery Margaret, a healer, are bound by a love that has lasted decades. With a child on the way, their new beginning promises only blessings.
But in this austere Puritan community, comely faces hide malicious intent. Wrong moves or words are met with suspicion, and Margaret’s bold and unguarded nature draws scorn. Soon, Margaret is mistrusted as more cunning woman than kind caregiver. And when personal tragedies, religious hysteria, and wariness of the unknown turn most against her, even the devotion Margaret and her husband share is at risk.
Inspired by actual diary entries and court records, The First Witch of Boston is at once the riveting story of a woman unjustly accused and a love story set amid the political and social turmoil of both Old and New England. Harrowing, and with a deep understanding of the human heart, history is brilliantly imagined.
Customers say
Customers find this historical novel to be a compelling beach read with a gripping story that skillfully integrates historical context. The writing is well-crafted, and the characters are well-developed, with one review noting how the author brings them to life. Customers describe the narrative as heart-wrenching and emotionally evocative, while appreciating the beautiful portrayal of love between friends. The book maintains interest throughout, with one customer noting how it lingers within the reader’s heart.
Gwendalyn A –
Excellent Historical Fiction.. A Must Read! ðð¯ï¸ðð
ððððð: The First Witch Of Bostonðððððð: Andrea Catalano.ððððððððð: Lake Union Publisherððð ðððð: â£9.1.2025ððððð: American Historical Fiction{ðð ðððððððð}I was completely pulled into 1646 Massachusetts Bay Colonyâthe air thick with fear, faith, and suspicion. Margaret Jones is a fierce heroine: a healer with boldness and intuition that put her at odds with a rigid, unforgiving Puritan society. Andrea Catalano blends meticulous historical research with haunting magical realism to create a world thatâs both vivid and unsettling.What struck me most was how deeply personal Margaretâs story feels amid the political and religious turmoil. Her witch trial scenes are gut-wrenching and raw, laying bare the cruelty of a system built on fear and hysteria. This novel isnât just about witch huntsâitâs about the resilience of women fighting to keep their identity and love alive.If you love historical fiction with complex characters and a dark, atmospheric vibe, this oneâs a must-read. It stayed with me long after I turned the last page.______ð From The Publisher: Based on the true story of Margaret Jones, the novel reimagines her story as told by her husband Thomas, who discovers her diary after her execution. Through his eyesâand her diary entriesâwe become an unseen party to their marriage, witnessing the small moments and seemingly insignificant choices that led to her death, and how it was Margaretâs refusal to be anything other than her authentic self, rather than witchcraft, which truly sealed her fate.â£â£â£â£â£â£{ðððððððð}#TheFirstWitchOfBoston #AndreaCatalano #MaggieJones #witch #witchyreads #witchybooks #historicalfiction #suzyapprovedbooktours #lakeunionsuthors
big reader –
Hard to read in places, but I enjoyed it
I got this book as my First Reads.I enjoyed reading First Witch, but because of the subject matter, it was hard to read in places–places that infuriated me on occasion.The story is well-written, and pulled me in from the very beginning–I cared about these people (well, most of them).Although ostensibly about “witches” and “witchcraft,” The First Witch of Boston is about so much more: friendship, family, justice, bigotry, fear, religion. That may sound intimidating, but each is well handled and the story doesn’t come across as preachy.Usually when I read a book like this (based on real people and true events), I like to do research afterward, which I did this time as well. This was made easier–and more enjoyable, by the author’s notes and historical references.I would read another book by this author.
CrazyAboutBooks –
Loved this book!!
THE FIRST WITCH OF BOSTON: A NOVEL by Andrea Catalano is based on a true story of an actual witch hanging in mid 17th century Boston. Ms. Catalano used documents from that time to build a wonderful fictional story around Margaret Jones, the “witch,” and her husband Thomas. The voice of those two as well as all other characters is impeccable. The writing itself as well as conversations are reminiscent of the mid 1600’s. And finally the hypocrisy is spot on. The love story between Thomas and Margaret who left London under a cloud hoping to start afresh in Massachusetts is tastefully presented.To be sure this is not a book about place but rather about human beings and their contrasting behaviors. Margaret is outspoken and finds watching her tongue quite difficult. While Thomas respects and even loves her for her fiery ways, certain townspeople take offense. After all, a woman should be respectful, circumvent and most of all mind her place and her husband. It did not help that as a healer of long standing she often sensed an approaching illness or pregnancy. She never hesitated to pass along this information even when the other person was not yet aware of such pending situations.Once I started reading I could not put the book down. The ending is both sad and happy with a nice surprise. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page. Indeed it is a book to cherish and perhaps reread someday. Another thanks to Amazon’s First Read program which gives readers an opportunity to learn of authors they may not be aware of. Finally, a huge congratulations to Ms. Catalano for this terrific 10 star book!!
John –
Thank you Andrea for bringing these historical characters alive, and creating a story around them that is authentic and enjoyable to read, though tragic in the story it tells. I look forward to more…
Jess –
Fantastic book! Maggie is the type of woman I strive to be, every day. If only I could find my own “Thomas”. The main characters had such unique voices and I loved them both equally. This is also one of the very few books where I found the epilogue to be perfectly suited to the rest of the story and a beautiful ending for the characters. Loved this.
Amazon Customer –
Excellent story, really enjoyed the read
StevenF –
This is a solid piece of historical fiction that brings early Puritan Massachusetts to life. The novel tells the story of Margaret Jones, the first woman to be found guilty of witchcraft in Boston, through the perspectives of both Margaret and her husband, Thomas. I liked the way the two viewpoints balanced each otherâMargaretâs boldness and Thomasâs more cautious nature make for an interesting contrast.Because the book is based on real events, the plot feels a bit predictable at timesâyou know where things are heading with Margaretâs trial. That said, thereâs a twist near the end that gives the story a bit of extra punch.What stood out most to me was the sense of place: the fear, suspicion, and rigid rules of Puritan society felt real, and you get a good sense of how quickly people could turn against someone who stood out. At the same time, the relationship between Margaret and Thomas gives the novel some warmth amid all the tension.Overall, Iâd call this a very enjoyable readâthoughtful, well-researched, and easy to get absorbed in, even if not entirely surprising.
Marly47 –
Interesting read! Well written book