The Witchfinder's Assistant by Ruth Goldstraw

Date read: 11th March 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Historical Murder Mystery (17c Witch hunt)

Buy link: Amazon 

Ahhh, I love this book! 

So, we have Wem in England during the 17th century (& the civil war) as a backdrop. Excellent; a time period not explored enough imho. 

Then we have a dashing hero, John Carne, who has the patience of a saint. Poor man is shunned by his wife, set apart from society, and has been cornered into helping the 'godly man' of a magistrate. 

And then weird dead bodies are found in The Moss - the town is turned upside down as superstition and rumour infect all. 

Can John remain the calm voice of reason? Will anyone listen? 

~ This story starts of suitably slowly. One gets to feel the difficulty of daily life through the pacing as well as the plot. And then you're rewarded with plenty of action towards the end.

All the characters are all well-written, even if some are downright unlovable. There are definitely some you will love to hate! And I don't want to give anything away by naming those I adore.

The character arcs are wonderful. 

The real vibes of the dangers of witch hunts and bigotry are incredible. 

And the historical accuracy is portrayed in such a way as to make you feel like you're inhabiting the book. 

Excellent!

Read this book now if you enjoy murder mysteries and/or historical fiction.

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - ABOMINATION - heartbreakingly beautiful

Abomination by Jeza Belle

Date read: 15th January 2026

My rating: 5*
Genre I reckon: Bible Story Retelling (m/m)

Buy link: Amazon 

Caution: this is not a romance story - it has no HEA. But nor does it pretend to be. It is a retelling, and thus is constrained by the real Bible story (found in the Book of Samuel). It takes these soulmates and gives them a fuller story full of love and violence and tragedy. 

David is a humble son of a sheep farmer - a very pretty, blond one. His talent: playing the lyre (harp). 

Jonathan is the son of Saul, King of Israel. And a brown-haired warrior.

When David famously slays Goliath he is supposed to be rewarded by King Saul. But the king gets jealous, and is a little bit cray-cray. 

In the KJV Bible, we read, "Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul." Their souls were knit. They are not condemned for this. 

This story is excellently written. It gives Bible vibes without being bogged down by its tedious narrative doctrine. 

The steam is high. And there is an acceptance of these guys being bi. They must take wives to procreate; it was the way of things, and it was refreshing to bring love into those relationships too.

The story is brought to life in vivid, gut-wrenching detail in the most marvellous way.

The various meetings and partings of David and Jonathan rent my heart in pieces! Oh, these two!!! 

If you want a read that'll change your brain chemistry, and possibly alter your views on the Bible, you should definitely pick this one up. 

Always in love and light,

TL