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Solstice

By: Helen Steadman
Narrated by: Christine Mackie
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Summary

The Newcastle Witch Trials Trilogy: Book 3

England, 1673. Still a world of witches, witch trials and witchfinders. When a new vicar arrives to take over the parish of Mutton Clog, the village finds itself in the grip of puritan fever, and suspicious eyes are turned on Rose Driver. Rose’s mother, brother and grandmother were all put to death by the fanatical witchfinder, John Sharpe. Almost quarter of a century after the Newcastle witch trials, Sharpe is no longer a threat. Rose should be safe in her quiet village, but is history about to repeat itself?

Find out in Solstice, the powerful conclusion to the trilogy, which tells the story of one woman’s struggle for survival in a hostile and superstitious world. The Newcastle Witch Trials Trilogy was inspired by the little-known 1650 witch hunt where fifteen women and one man were hanged for witchcraft on a single day.

©2023 Helen Steadman (P)2024 Helen Steadman

What listeners say about Solstice

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A great little tale

I really enjoyed this story about how simple tasks in the 17th century were often misconstrued and taken for witchcraft. But a great ending

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A little too similar to the first two.

If you LOVED the first 2 you'll like this. Personally I'd liked to have seen a different idea

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Perfect End

I have thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy, the narrator for the first 2 books was superb and reading this one, I could hear her reading it too.

Set in Newcastle during the witch trials, this last part is the story of Rose, the daughter of one of the women accused by John Sharpe in the previous books. She is being persecuted in this one not by John but by Patience, the bizarre daughter of the local minister. Rose knows how to look after herself and her flock, and gets lead astray by Earnest, Patience’s twin brother who she’ll protect with her life.

Patience is unreal, so devout and over the top with her ideas and religion. She sees the worst in everything before understanding what is actually happening. Her vengeance seems to know no bounds either,I hope she gets what she deserves.

Brilliantly written and researched, this trilogy is a must for historical fiction fans, and one I’d listen to/read again.

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recommend.

Solstice by Helen Steadman.
Narrated by Christine Mackie.
The Newcastle Witch Trials Trilogy: Book 3.
6 hours and 34 minutes.
England, 1673. Still a world of witches, witch trials and
witchfinders. When a new vicar arrives to take over the parish of Mutton Clog, the village finds itself in the grip of puritan fever, and suspicious eyes are turned on Rose Driver. Rose's mother, brother and grandmother were all put to death by the fanatical witchfinder John Sharpe. Almost quarter of a century after the Newcastle witch
trials, Sharpe is no longer a threat. Rose should be safe in her quiet village, but is history about to repeat itself?
I did enjoy listening to this audiobook. I loved the narrator. Easy to listen to. Very well written and well researched. Especially the different herbs and potions that was used. It did feel like I was there watching everything. The characters too. I loved Rose. I did feel for her. This was very easy to listen to. Patience I didn't like for how she was with Rose. But I did feel for Tom. I did like the end. 5*.

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Sublime Historical Fiction

Book Three in the Newcastle Witch Trials series continues the excellent work of the previous two historical novels.

Time has moved on since the horrific happenings in book two but is history about to repeat itself? A young girl accuses villagers of evil doing and the witch trials begin again in earnest.

Great characters, an excellently well written story and a level of research that adds a high degree of depth to this and the previous books in the series

Add in the brilliant audio narration and you've got a trilogy that will easily stand a re-read or listen

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I finished (listened) to the entire series...

WOW. I JUST finished Solstice, the last book of the Widdershins / Newcastle Witch Trials Trilogy, and I enjoyed every book. I think my favorite was book 2, but this book, Solstice, was amazing. Each book was told from different points or view with different villains and heroes but they were all closely connected. Well done.
I like stories/authors that aren't afraid to kill off characters (even their leads) if it fits and adds to the story (not just for shock value).
This final book of the series focuses on a woman who must face the accusations and troubles of her family and her childhood (detailed in the previous books). While a general feel of "history repeats itself" is present, these books are far from "cookie cutter" reprints of themselves. Excellent research, excellent writing...and AMAZING narration.

I'm a new Helen Steadman (author) and Christine Mackie (narrator) fan.

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