Author Kathleen Kent, who is a direct descendant of Martha Carrier has created a emotional, heart wrenching story. While the witch trials were a big part of the story, it was mother and daughter that are the heart of this book. I don't read Historical Fiction often but, I very much enjoyed this book. It's thick with history and you get a real sense of what Puritan life was like. ( )

This story of the historic witch trials is told through the perspective of a young girl whose mother was taken and eventually hanged for witchcraft. The book was loosely based on a real life ancestor of the author. It's incredible to read about how little it took to convince the masses that people were doing the devil's bidding, regardless of any logic to the contrary. Those who lied and admitted to witchcraft were the lucky ones....they were imprisoned and put into cells to rot. Children were not spared, because even a four year old could be possessed by the devil. It's hard to believe that there was ever such a time that inhumanity and paranoia could control a society the way it did during that time. The Heretic's Daughter is a chilling read, if for nothing else, because of the intimate look at a society gone mad. ( )

An absolutely fascinating portrayal of the families' perspectives of a world renowned episode in history. The portrayal of the effect of hysteria also makes this a must read book.

It is rare that I want a book just from seeing one advert (in fact the advert missed the publication date and I found I had a very long week to wait to own this superb book) ... and only the second time in my life I have bought a book on the day of publication (the other was the fifth in an epic series).

This was definitely an unputdownable book. The historical links for the character of Thomas Carrier were of particular interest and I am looking forward to his story being published once the prequel is written ... ( )

I started this book because of a review I read. I was quick to find out that the reviewer had no idea what they where talking about (no one on this site). However, we both enjoyed it very much.
The story gives you a fresh angle on an "old" subject. You get wrapped up in the characters' lives and you feel for them all in a way you just don't think is possible. That time in our history, as with so many, people felt trapped between doing the right thing and their freedom. Just be prepared to be sad and upset.
I have given my copy to several people to borrow and everyone of them have liked it for different reasons. It seems to have something for everyone. ( )

This book had some great character development. I really liked the growth shown by the main character and the relationship she had with her family members. I was shocked to hear how pitiful the conditions were in the jail for those accused of witchcraft in Salem and the surrounding areas. ( )