Sometimes I can almost remember what it was like before— I was about God’s business— But I cannot even write my own story. THE TOWN OF WEM, SHROPSHIRE 1643 Civil war is ripping England apart. Families are divided, emotions run high.

Whether on the bleakness of the moors or in snug, wood-panelled rooms, danger lurks. A body is found, its mouth pierced with thorns. The Justice of the Peace, a godly man, is certain that witchcraft is involved.

Only his assistant, former cavalryman John Carne, looks for reason where others see demons and witches. But John has secrets of his own – secrets that concern his cold and distant wife. And it’s not long before the darkness that has engulfed Wem grows darker still…