The First Witch of Boston

A Novel

De: Andrea Catalano

Narrado por: Kevin Marron, Lucy Rayner

A gripping and intimate novel based on the true story of Margaret Jones, the first woman to be found guilty of witchcraft in seventeenth-century Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1646. Thomas and Margaret Jones arrive from England to build a life in the New World. Though of differing temperaments, cautious Thomas and fiery Margaret, a healer, are bound by a love that has lasted decades. With a child on the way, their new beginning promises only blessings.

But in this austere Puritan community, comely faces hide malicious intent. Wrong moves or words are met with suspicion, and Margaret’s bold and unguarded nature draws scorn. Soon, Margaret is mistrusted as more cunning woman than kind caregiver. And when personal tragedies, religious hysteria, and wariness of the unknown turn most against her, even the devotion Margaret and her husband share is at risk.

Inspired by actual diary entries and court records, The First Witch of Boston is at once the riveting story of a woman unjustly accused and a love story set amid the political and social turmoil of both Old and New England. Harrowing, and with a deep understanding of the human heart, history is brilliantly imagined.

©2025 by Andrea Catalano. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Catalano’s character and world-building ably bring to life an era fueled by superstition, repression, and intolerance…I can see this book appealing to the many fans of Ariel Lawhon’s The Frozen River and Chris Bohjalian’s Hour of the Witch, and eagerly look forward to reading whatever Catalano writes next.”—Historical Novels Review

“Fans of The Frozen River will love The First Witch of Boston! Fiery, outspoken Margaret Jones and her husband, Thomas, find themselves outliers in straitlaced Puritan Boston, but trouble back in England leaves them no choice but to make a home in Massachusetts. When Thomas draws the spite of a local widow and Margaret’s skill with healing herbs rouses suspicion of black magic, both will find themselves battling witch-hunters in a court case destined to make history. Andrea Catalano draws a tender, intimate portrait of a marriage and a bold defense of an independent woman ahead of her time.”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code

“A sumptuous and heartrending tale of the dark power of fear, loss, and love against all odds, The First Witch of Boston is a moving and accomplished debut.”—Heather Webb, USA Today bestselling author of Queens of London

Excellent all around!!

This is an excellent story, but the narration really stands out. Both the narrators were excellent, but the female narration was outstanding. A gripping love story, written very well. Captivated me until the end. Would definitely recommend.

Gripping

This was a a gret listen! The accents, the characters! Everythigng sbout this book called to me!

Love the voices and the story

Perfect read for this fall! Will def recommend to all! I got lucky and got the ebook and the audible version!

The man who stood by his wife

Wow I loved that Thomas was ride or die for Maggie through her time. Good book. I enjoyed this book for sure.

Well told, engaging.

Narrators and story were all excellent. This was an unexpected, but pleasant surprise. I recommend!

Amazing

I can’t wait for her to write another book! This one was fantastic! Hopefully it will be soon

Riveting

I could not stop listening to this fast paced story about Maggie Jones and her fate about being accused of witchcraft and finished it the same day. What makes this ven more heartbreaking is that this is based on history. Definitely recommend.

Interesting history

I enjoyed reading how it might happen that a woman might come to be accused of witchcraft - quite believable. I could do without the histrionics, but listened through the end anyway. I did not much care for the male narrator, whose intonation was rather tedious.

Intriguing and captivating

I loved the intricacies and twists in this story of love and mystery. It grabs you at the start and keeps you in the lives of these characters

Horrible men, strong women

Loved the entire book. Weak men, strong women. Makes me wonder how humans still exist.