Ecumenical spy, Jere Wakely tackles troubled Salem Village Parish, but he fears most he has lost Serena Nurse's love, a love he once abandoned.
When ecumenical spy, Jere Wakely pulls duty sending him to troubled Salem Village Parish, he tries to dissuade his superiors as he fears prejudice in going back to the village of his youth, and that it may lead back to Serena Nurse, his childhood sweetheart. He is sure, after ten years, she's married with children. But Increase Mather will not be dissuaded and more important than personal matters is the outbreak of dissent in Salem, all of it surrounding the new mysterious minister, Samuel Parris. When witchcraft accusations flare up, Jeremy washes his hands of the village and seeks out Serena, who he discovers has in fact remained single. While their meeting is stormy, they rekindle their love amid the witch hunt, but things go awry when Serena's family is targeted, her mother and aunts arrested, accused of witchcraft. They're excommunicated even before a trial. They don't stand a chance against the firebrush madness of the mob.
And Serena may be next.
Historically accurate and detailed, this historical romance is also a thriller. It makes 1692 accessible. Early reviews: "Walker's at the top of his game" -- JA Konrath. "Whip-smart dialogue/great characterization make (it) a terrific read" -- Tess Gerrisen.