The Last Witch

By: C. J. Cooke

Narrated by: Olivia Vinall

A deeply compelling historical horror novel following a woman accused of being a witch who must use her voice to fight for her life—and the truth—from the acclaimed author of The Book of Witching

Innsbruck, 1485. Helena Scheuberin should be doing what every other young wife is doing: keeping house, supporting her husband, and bearing his children, but as an outspoken, strong woman, she sometimes has difficulty fitting in. Then she draws the unwanted attention of a malign priest who is just starting his campaign to root out “witches” from among the women of her town, and when her husband’s footman dies, she finds herself accused not only of murder but of witchcraft.

Helena must find the courage to risk her life and the lives of others by standing up to a man determined to paint her as the most wicked of all....

Based on the incredible true story of a woman who challenged a man who went on to become one of Europe’s most notorious and cruel witchfinders, this novel offers a jewel-bright portrait of female power.

Critic reviews

"A vivid and haunting portrait of a real-life heroine, told in beautifully immersive prose." - Emilia Hart, New York Times bestselling author of Sirens

“Another chilling, atmospheric novel.” - The Times (UK)

"C.J. Cooke expertly weaves the terrifying and real experience of witch persecution with dark magic and the power of sisterhood…An unforgettable read." - Anya Bergman, international bestselling author of The Witches of Vardo

"Utterly chilling and almost unbearably poignant…A beautifully written book that will stay with me for a long time." - Frances Quinn, author of That Bonesetter Woman

Feminine Rage

Five stars a must read. She really shows the gritty parts of the witch trials

Very interesting

This book was well researched and historically accurate. I enjoyed all of the characters even though some were sick and very, very twisted. Character development was good, the writing was gripping and the story pulled you in.

A Powerful Testament to Women’s Strength

The Last Witch tells the story of Helena Scheuberin, a woman in 1485 Innsbruck who refuses to conform to a society that punishes independence. Outspoken, strong, and fiercely human, Helena faces unimaginable cruelty from false accusations to physical and mental violence yet she persists. It’s frustrating and heartbreaking to see how women have been persecuted across centuries, yet this story is a testament to our resilience. Even in the direst circumstances, women endure, resist, and rise.

The writing is immersive, the characters vivid, and the story kept me captivated from start to finish. It’s more than a historical thriller it’s a reminder of the courage and strength women have always had to fight for.

The plot was excellent.

Good read / listen. Purely enjoyable as you meander along a serpentine path throughout the story. Highly recommend.

Pretty good.

This was my first "witchy" book. I like that it is based on true events. It's very upsetting to learn what women went tbrough at the hands of men. The problem I had was that I read the physical book along with the audio and there were a lot of changes and it was a little hard to follow at times.