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Murder by Witchcraft: A Pendle Witch Short Story
Based on a true story.——————
Jennet Preston was an ordinary woman, with an extraordinary death. Pursued and vilified by her young lord and master, Thomas Lister, she was accused and tried – twice – for Murder by Witchcraft in 1612. This is the story of her second trial.
A friend of the Device family of Malkin Tower, Jennet Preston’s story starts and ends in Yorkshire, yet is inextricably entwined with the most famous witch trial in British history – that of the Pendle Witches.
——————
Inspired by the treacherous true events surrounding the Pendle Witch Trials, Murder by Witchcraft is a gripping historical short story, written with honesty and passion. Perfect for fans of Katherine Clements, Stacey Halls, Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Caroline Lea.
“The queen of this era, bar none” – Timothy Smith, Amazon reviewer
——————
What readers are saying about Karen
“Ms Perkins is a true artist of the spoken word” – Author JJ Toner
“Fantastically creepy ghost story” – Author Lee Franklin
“Karen Perkins is an excellent author and puts you right inside the Yorkshire Dales” – Mike McManus, Amazon reviewer
“Fantastic, atmospheric, tantalising, and edge of your seat read” – Jus, Amazon reviewer
Jennet Preston was an ordinary woman, with an extraordinary death. Pursued and vilified by her young lord and master, Thomas Lister, she was accused and tried – twice – for Murder by Witchcraft in 1612. This is the story of her second trial.
A friend of the Device family of Malkin Tower, Jennet Preston’s story starts and ends in Yorkshire, yet is inextricably entwined with the most famous witch trial in British history – that of the Pendle Witches.
——————
Inspired by the treacherous true events surrounding the Pendle Witch Trials, Murder by Witchcraft is a gripping historical short story, written with honesty and passion. Perfect for fans of Katherine Clements, Stacey Halls, Kiran Millwood Hargrave and Caroline Lea.
“The queen of this era, bar none” – Timothy Smith, Amazon reviewer
——————
What readers are saying about Karen
“Ms Perkins is a true artist of the spoken word” – Author JJ Toner
“Fantastically creepy ghost story” – Author Lee Franklin
“Karen Perkins is an excellent author and puts you right inside the Yorkshire Dales” – Mike McManus, Amazon reviewer
“Fantastic, atmospheric, tantalising, and edge of your seat read” – Jus, Amazon reviewer
- GenresHistorical Fiction
82 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2021
About the author
Karen Perkins
33 books244 followersKaren Perkins is the author of the Yorkshire Ghost Stories, the Pendle Witch Short Stories and the Valkyrie Series of historical nautical fiction. All of her fiction has appeared at the top of bestseller lists on both sides of the Atlantic, including the top 21 in the UK Kindle Store in 2018.
Her first Yorkshire Ghost Story – THE HAUNTING OF THORES-CROSS – won the Silver Medal for European Fiction in the prestigious 2015 Independent Publisher Book Awards in New York, whilst her Valkyrie novel, DEAD RECKONING, was long-listed in the 2011 MSLEXIA novel competition.
Originally a financial advisor, a sailing injury left Karen with a chronic pain condition which she has been battling for over twenty five years (although she did take the European ladies title despite the injury!). Writing has given her a new lease of – and purpose to – life, and she is currently working on A Question of Witchcraft – a sequel to Parliament of Rooks: Haunting Brontë Country.
To find out more about current writing projects as well as special offers and competitions, you are very welcome to join Karen in the her Facebook group. This is an exclusive group where you can get the news first, as well as have access to early previews and chances to get your hands on new books before anyone else. Find us on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/groups/karenperkinsb...
Her first Yorkshire Ghost Story – THE HAUNTING OF THORES-CROSS – won the Silver Medal for European Fiction in the prestigious 2015 Independent Publisher Book Awards in New York, whilst her Valkyrie novel, DEAD RECKONING, was long-listed in the 2011 MSLEXIA novel competition.
Originally a financial advisor, a sailing injury left Karen with a chronic pain condition which she has been battling for over twenty five years (although she did take the European ladies title despite the injury!). Writing has given her a new lease of – and purpose to – life, and she is currently working on A Question of Witchcraft – a sequel to Parliament of Rooks: Haunting Brontë Country.
To find out more about current writing projects as well as special offers and competitions, you are very welcome to join Karen in the her Facebook group. This is an exclusive group where you can get the news first, as well as have access to early previews and chances to get your hands on new books before anyone else. Find us on Facebook at:
www.facebook.com/groups/karenperkinsb...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 2, 2023
This novella is about the Yorkshire woman Jennet Preston who was executed for witchcraft in the early 17th century. It's such a sad little story although told exceedingly well.
August 28, 2019
Great read
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story. Gripping and historic. Leaves you wanting more of the story. Worth the time to read.
I thoroughly enjoyed this short story. Gripping and historic. Leaves you wanting more of the story. Worth the time to read.
June 20, 2019
I enjoyed this quick read story. It built an atmosphere and I could feel and smell the cloying dungeon. The fear jennet must have felt oozed off the page. To know the story is based on true events makes it doubly horrid.
It's always hard to tell a story in first person that ends the way this one does (a little vague but I'm avoiding a spoiler). Karen Perkins pulls it off well. The ending stayed with me and I imagined what must have taken place after the closing lines. That is good story telling.
I also liked the use of bits of dialect. I live in Yorkshire, so the odd words thrown in here or there actually made my brain translate the rest of it into full dialect. I know the author put a note at the start of the book indicating there would be a version of dialect in the story, but if people are completely unfamiliar with Yorkshire dialect or how to extrapolate meaning from context, then they might be a bit lost in some cases. Perhaps a small glossary might be helpful just for a few words like:
sennight = one week
hisssen = himself
mesen = myself
nowt = nothing (although that one is pretty obvious if you think of 'naught')
reet = right
summat = something
I am sure lots of people from a UK reading audience would not need this (although I've run a few things by Londoners in the past and they've looked at me gone out), but for a wider audience, say from the US or people who do not have English as a first language, it might be useful. Just a thought.
I enjoyed my read and I look forward to more in the series.
It's always hard to tell a story in first person that ends the way this one does (a little vague but I'm avoiding a spoiler). Karen Perkins pulls it off well. The ending stayed with me and I imagined what must have taken place after the closing lines. That is good story telling.
I also liked the use of bits of dialect. I live in Yorkshire, so the odd words thrown in here or there actually made my brain translate the rest of it into full dialect. I know the author put a note at the start of the book indicating there would be a version of dialect in the story, but if people are completely unfamiliar with Yorkshire dialect or how to extrapolate meaning from context, then they might be a bit lost in some cases. Perhaps a small glossary might be helpful just for a few words like:
sennight = one week
hisssen = himself
mesen = myself
nowt = nothing (although that one is pretty obvious if you think of 'naught')
reet = right
summat = something
I am sure lots of people from a UK reading audience would not need this (although I've run a few things by Londoners in the past and they've looked at me gone out), but for a wider audience, say from the US or people who do not have English as a first language, it might be useful. Just a thought.
I enjoyed my read and I look forward to more in the series.
June 16, 2019
Lovely little book, looking forward to reading the other books in the series.
July 10, 2019
Wonderful
Had me enthralled from page one. A really great short story. Frightening yet gripping poor jennet. Can't wait for more
Had me enthralled from page one. A really great short story. Frightening yet gripping poor jennet. Can't wait for more
August 31, 2024
I think I’m about to take a deep dive through Karen Perkins’s historical short story collection. Honestly, before I stumbled across this book I had never heard of The Pendle Witch Hunts. Now I have a new obsession- just in time for fall.
August 28, 2019
This is without doubt the best book I have read in a very long time, I really cannot express how good this short story is, I could read this book over and over.
Please, please write plenty more.
Absolutely brilliant.
Please, please write plenty more.
Absolutely brilliant.
July 23, 2019
This little book was a pleasure to read a real gem. I have a great appreciation of the infamous Pendle Witches, and this story hit all the right notes for me. It was very well written, I felt as though I had stepped back in time and was actually with poor Jennet as she faced her trials and tribulations, it was like reading a real diary of events, and there were beautiful moments, especially the touching moment between Jennet and her husband towards the end. I found myself thinking about the characters well after I'd finished reading the story. I have now discovered a new favourite author.
June 13, 2019
Haunting and Taunting Appetiser
This short story taunts us as it foreshadows forthcoming tales from this talented author. It is well written and captures the time period it is set in. Without divulging the plot, this story takes a rare perspective of witchcraft. Jennet Preston relates her story from the time when she is accused of witchcraft in the 17 th century. Her naivety is expose as she thinks well of most people at the outset. As the narration continues she becomes aware of societal influences and male domination. It is these prejudices that haunted me long after I finished this story. Can’t wait for the rest and her forthcoming book.
This short story taunts us as it foreshadows forthcoming tales from this talented author. It is well written and captures the time period it is set in. Without divulging the plot, this story takes a rare perspective of witchcraft. Jennet Preston relates her story from the time when she is accused of witchcraft in the 17 th century. Her naivety is expose as she thinks well of most people at the outset. As the narration continues she becomes aware of societal influences and male domination. It is these prejudices that haunted me long after I finished this story. Can’t wait for the rest and her forthcoming book.
December 27, 2019
Another awesome piece of work by Karen Perkins. A painfully realistic look at the senselessness of witch trials. Perkins reels you in to this harrowing account without forgiveness. I listened to it by Audible and loved it.
July 13, 2019
Could not put this book down
March 16, 2021
'Innocent I came to Gaol. Innocent I am tortured. Innocent I shall die.'
This story is inspired by the true story of Jennet Preston, an ordinary woman who died an extraordinary death.
Between the years 1563 and 1736 England saw the rise and the fall of belief in, the suspicion of and the persecution of those found guilty of witchcraft. During this turbulent time, less than 500 executions took place, and yet, they were and still remain a large part of England's history and the belief in witches remains deeply entrenched in society and have now, pleasingly, become a very acceptable part of modern society. The fear of witches and witchcraft led to actions that today seem barbaric, inexplicable and shameful, however, as the much documented evidence has shown us, the fear was very, very real.
It could be said that witchcraft provided an explanation for the unexplainable happenings of that time period ; a time period when religious, political and social tensions were rising to boiling point, a time when the past was being rewritten and reinterpreted, a time when society was looking for people to blame.
We will never know how many individuals were accused of witchcraft or even just how many were persecuted over the years. This beautifully written short story is just one tale of hundreds, possibly thousands. A tale about the persecution, torture and eventual death of Jennet Preston, found guilty of witchcraft and hung on 29th July 1612. These men and women have finally been given the voices they deserve. They are finally having their stories told and maybe finally getting the justice they so rightly deserve.
If you are interested an the English witch trials then please Google this fabulous author Karen Perkins. Her books are wonderful to read and she is a lovely, lovely lady, her knowledge on the subject is second to none. A fantastic little story. 📖📖
This story is inspired by the true story of Jennet Preston, an ordinary woman who died an extraordinary death.
Between the years 1563 and 1736 England saw the rise and the fall of belief in, the suspicion of and the persecution of those found guilty of witchcraft. During this turbulent time, less than 500 executions took place, and yet, they were and still remain a large part of England's history and the belief in witches remains deeply entrenched in society and have now, pleasingly, become a very acceptable part of modern society. The fear of witches and witchcraft led to actions that today seem barbaric, inexplicable and shameful, however, as the much documented evidence has shown us, the fear was very, very real.
It could be said that witchcraft provided an explanation for the unexplainable happenings of that time period ; a time period when religious, political and social tensions were rising to boiling point, a time when the past was being rewritten and reinterpreted, a time when society was looking for people to blame.
We will never know how many individuals were accused of witchcraft or even just how many were persecuted over the years. This beautifully written short story is just one tale of hundreds, possibly thousands. A tale about the persecution, torture and eventual death of Jennet Preston, found guilty of witchcraft and hung on 29th July 1612. These men and women have finally been given the voices they deserve. They are finally having their stories told and maybe finally getting the justice they so rightly deserve.
If you are interested an the English witch trials then please Google this fabulous author Karen Perkins. Her books are wonderful to read and she is a lovely, lovely lady, her knowledge on the subject is second to none. A fantastic little story. 📖📖
November 23, 2021
I read the book, it was ok, but to be honest, as a descendant of Yorkshire folk, I found the writing in “Yorkshire Dialect” to be neither nowt nor summat! I think I would have preferred a book written in modern English over this.
The story itself (its sen!) was fine, but neither explained enough about the Pendle witch trials or went into the character’s personal life enough to make it interesting enough for me.
Wouldn’t really recommend, but ok if you want a quick read!
The story itself (its sen!) was fine, but neither explained enough about the Pendle witch trials or went into the character’s personal life enough to make it interesting enough for me.
Wouldn’t really recommend, but ok if you want a quick read!
July 5, 2019
Good, creepy story
This was a good creepy story with many facts peppered throughout. I felt that the old-time language enhance the story but also slow down the read a little bit as I try to interpret the mean. That being said, it was a good creepy tale.
This was a good creepy story with many facts peppered throughout. I felt that the old-time language enhance the story but also slow down the read a little bit as I try to interpret the mean. That being said, it was a good creepy tale.
September 15, 2019
Murder by Witchcraft
Murder by Witchcraft is a great short story by Karen Perkins. It tells the story of the second trial of Jennet Preston.
The story is engrossing and enjoyable. Don't let the fact that it is short put you off.
Enjoyable.
Murder by Witchcraft is a great short story by Karen Perkins. It tells the story of the second trial of Jennet Preston.
The story is engrossing and enjoyable. Don't let the fact that it is short put you off.
Enjoyable.
April 1, 2020
Too Fast
Maybe I missed something in the background, but it feels like this book moves too fast. I know it’s part of a lead in to a series, but I feel like the author should give more to get and keep the reader interested.
Maybe I missed something in the background, but it feels like this book moves too fast. I know it’s part of a lead in to a series, but I feel like the author should give more to get and keep the reader interested.
July 1, 2020
Struggled with some of the old language as set in 1612. I thought it would be more about the acts she was accused of rather than how she was actually treated. Even so, glad I read it as I'm a fan of Pendle witches and the history behind them.
March 21, 2021
A new author and a great exciting book on witches. You become part of the story which I love . I could not put this down really exciting you want to know what happens right to the end, I will not spoil you need to read.
Hope you enjoy as much as I did .
June 19, 2023
I really enjoyed this short story!! It was difficult to pick up on what was happening (the Yorkshire twang and old English all together) so I stumbled a little with my reading but I loved hearing about what happened to Jennet and her love for her husband was really touching 🙆🏼♀️
June 5, 2021
A good short story, captures the atmosphere of the gaol very well and is based on true events.
March 23, 2022
This was a quick and powerful read. I enjoyed the tragic short story.
March 27, 2022
2.75/5
March 5, 2023
Jennet Preston 's story. Her imprisonment, her torture, her second trial and all her thoughts during all right up to her very last moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2023
An interesting short story.
January 27, 2024
Read for MA Dissertation research
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews