Review – The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe(4/5 stars)

Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Length: 384 pages
Publisher: Hachette Books
Release Date: April 6, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1401341336
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: Gift
Rating: 4/5 stars

“A crime lost to time. A secret buried deep. One book unlocks an unimaginable truth.

Salem, Massachusetts, 1681. Fear and suspicion lead a small town to unspeakable acts. Marblehead, Massachusetts, 1991. A young woman is about to discover that she is tied to Salem in ways she never imagined.”

I really enjoyed this book a lot. It was an interesting blend of modern day, historical fiction, and magical realism. I liked the writing style and found the mystery to be very engaging.

This book jumps between Salem in 1681 and Marblehead, MA in 1991. Connie is trying to pick her thesis topic when her mom asks her to refurbish her grandmother’s house. In her grandmother’s house Connie finds a mysterious piece of paper with the name of “Deliverance Dane” on it. As she does some research into the past of Deliverance Dane she discovers some very interesting things.

Meanwhile in 1681 Deliverance Dane is a cunning woman who is trying to raise her family, help the folks of the village, and dodge being accused of witchcraft. As things get more and more panicked in Salem, Deliverance finds herself hunted and accused.

The two different plotlines are masterfully woven together. I enjoyed all the history and research that Connie does and loved Connie as the protagonist. The book was beautifully written and I enjoyed how the mystery was revealed. I also enjoyed the small magic elements throughout the story.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend to those who are interested in witchcraft and the history of early Colonial America. This is an engaging mystery and a beautifully written book that was a joy to read!

This book goes towards the following reading challenges:
– Goodreads Reading Challenge
– Mount TBR Reading Challenge