Witch Hunt

A chilling, gothic ghost story that delves into the dark past of the 16th century Essex witch trials.

To find the truth, she’ll risk her life…

Sadie Asquith has been fascinated by the Essex Witch Trials for as long as she can remember. And for good reason too: between 1560 and 1680, hundreds of innocent women were tried for witchcraft.

She begins researching the subject, but soon starts to experience strange, ghostly visions. Dark shadows haunt her every step, sobbing sounds wake her in the night, and black moths appear from nowhere.

It’s as if by digging up history, she has opened an unearthly connection to the women who were tortured and killed centuries before.

And when a long-buried secret entwines Sadie’s own past with what she has discovered, she’ll risk everything – even her life – to uncover what really happened all those years ago…

A haunting and atmospheric read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Perfect for fans of The Lost Notebook and The Familiars.

Reviews

‘Moore's merging of horror, ghost story, detective fiction and psychogeography is a heady addition to Jeanette Winterson's book about the witches of Pendle and increasingly popular genre mash-ups.’ Guardian

‘Thrilling, chilling … An intriguing read for lovers of history, the supernatural, detective fiction and horror.’ Lancashire Evening Post

Praise for The Drowning Pool by Syd Moore:

‘A stunning reinvention of the ghost story and an exploration of a 19th-century Essex witch hunt.’ Guardian

‘A goose-pimply old-fashioned ghost story.’ Christopher Fowler, author of the Bryant and May series

‘A must for any intelligent Essex girls out there and a gripping ghosty read for everyone. Hurry up and write the next one please Syd…’ The Women’s Room Blog

About the author

Syd Moore has worked extensively in publishing and the book trade and presented Channel 4’s late night book programme, Pulp. Witch Hunt was her second novel.