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Title: The Vanishing Witch

Author: Karen Maitland

Narrator: Jonathan Keeble

Format: Unabridged

Length: 17 hrs and 16 mins

Language: English

Release date: 08-14-14

Publisher: Headline Digital

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 3 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

The critically acclaimed Queen of the Dark Ages, author of Company of Liars, introduces a chilling novel set against the backdrop of the Peasants' Revolt.

Take one wealthy merchant. Add one charming widow. And one dying wife.

The reign of Richard II is troubled, the poor are about to become poorer still and landowners are lining their pockets. It's a case of every man for himself, whatever his status or wealth. But in a world where nothing can be taken at face value, who can you trust? The dour wool merchant? His impulsive son? The stepdaughter with the hypnotic eyes? Or the raven-haired widow clutching her necklace of bloodstones?

And when people start dying unnatural deaths and the peasants decide it's time to fight back, it's all too easy to spy witchcraft at every turn.

Members Reviews:

My first read of Maitland but not my last!

What did you like most about The Vanishing Witch?

The characterisation and the period

Who was your favorite character and why?

The narrator

Have you listened to any of Jonathan Keebles other performances? How does this one compare?

Don't know

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

a clever woman had to be a witch in the middle ages!

Any additional comments?

Well worth a read, the characters were all engaging and the story rich and captivating.

A bit disappointed with this one

What did you like most about The Vanishing Witch?

I love Karen Maitland books and was so excited when this one was published as it seemed a long time coming. However, this book was disappointing and didn't have the "excitement" and surprise element of previous books. I did not sympathise with many of the characters and it appeared that the book was completed in a hurry. Was there a deadline?

Would you be willing to try another book from Karen Maitland? Why or why not?

I love Karen Maitland's books and have her full collection and would always give another of her novels another go.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

None really entranced me

Entertaining Medieval Tale of Good versus Evil

If youve listened to earlier books by this author youll know how she weaves a strong story into a backdrop of mysticism and creates a powerful atmosphere of medieval life. Set in the 12th C this book has rulers and employers mercilessly exploiting the hard-working poor as they try to scrap a living burdened by taxes and low wages. Corruption is everywhere and superstition haunts all walks of life. Death and witchcraft abounds in the central story as rich cloth merchant, Robert, is captivated by a widow newly arrived in Lincoln and his troubles begin. Dont expect subtle characterisation or nuanced morality: this is good old-fashioned good versus evil battling it out: simplistic but enjoyable nevertheless. I was intrigued by the references at the beginning of each chapter to superstitious beliefs of the period which seem preposterous to modern ears but held sway in medieval times.

Theres some pacey writing in this book, particularly the description of the rampage through London during the Peasants Revolt led by Wat Tyler

The narrator is outstandingly good.

spellbinding

The plots twist and thicken ... who will survive, who will die? Loved the ending.

Maitland at her best

I love her books but this one had as many twists and turns as a twisty turny thing.