by Matthew Hopkins

This is an account by a witchfinder not so much of his history but to answer questions and concerns among the authorities of his time.

Within his answers are details about methods for recognising witches and how to tell the difference between ordinary anomalies like marks on the skin and unusual ones that indicate a pact with the Devil.

Reading his explanations reminded me of some of the least logical troll discussions I've seen on line. I'm sure it all made perfect sense to Hopkins, but as we all know, witchfinders tended to have their own agenda and much of it was based either on greed, lust or superstition.

As a historical record, this is invaluable. It tells us the mindset of one of the best known witchfinders in an age of hysteria. I'm glad it was short though. I couldn't read through too much of that. If anything, it highlights some of the worst side of humanity and our potential for cruelty to our fellow creatures and each other.

Hopkins and Satomasso are quite a pair. From heart palpitations to the ever present frustration, they refused to hold back on the chemistry. Their delivery is flameworthy. McKenna James dishes out the emotions with her ever present flair and as always I was easily hooked. Lucky Inheritance sets emotions ablaze with passion, heart and humor.

Is this book perfect? No, it isn´t. But for me, this was a fantastic read.

The first half of the book is very quaint and slow moving and the author really takes his time to observe the behaviour of the people in this small village community, who are faced with a severe tragedy. I liked reading about the villagers and I really liked the narrator/writer of the manuscript, Edgar Hopkins, but at this point this book wasn´t "I cannot put this down" territory. But then the story took a turn (which I won´t talk about because I don´t want to spoil this book) and I was hooked.

This novel is just as topical back in 1939, upon its first publication, as it is today and the way in which the author uses the dystopian setting to explore human behaviour and its fallibility is simply amazing. 

My first five star rating of the year. I´m so glad I finally picked up this book.

The man who needs nothing from his fellows has a fortress impregnable: impregnable even against universal lunacy.

This novel took a turn, which I didn´t expect. This is such a great read.

Reading this book makes me feel melancholic, anxious and sad at the same time. And yet I´m really enjoying this novel, because it is a splendid examination of human behaviour while facing a catastrophe. 

But you know, I just really want to save these characters and their tranquil village life.