This novel was a recommendation from Amazon, but it was the cover that really caught my eye, and the title was so unusual that I wanted to know more. I loved it from beginning to end - so original, funny at times (the character James Wylam is excellent), and builds to a thrilling finish where no character is left untouched by the climatic events.

I loved the fact that the story is very character driven, and what great characters they are, certainly no stereotypes here. You will either love them or hate them - then you may well change your mind! We have strong, determined women, well-meaning but flawed men, an ambitious but corrupt bishop and loads of minor characters that move in and out of the plot. There is even an Arawak from the Caribbean - how many times have you seen that before?

The horrors of the witch trials are vividly described but never gratuitous, and are all the more shocking for being true. This is a very satisfying read. Do things work out as you expect them to? You will have to wait for the end and see.

The pace of the writing is brisk and you are drawn into this world before you know it. I am sure the author has enjoyed himself inserting references to popular culture here and there. I might be wrong, but what about this from the chapter ‘Fit and Proper Judges’:

Even as summer ended, autumn passed by in glorious red and gold colours, warm and dry weather and gentle breezes. It felt as though the winds of winter would never arrive. 

I wonder what Mr Martin would think if he ever saw this. There are loads of others, or maybe it is just me. Read and enjoy it and find out for yourself.