The Trial of Gwen Foley — Jane O'Connor

A woman accused of witchcraft and murder will need the help of a sleuthing magistrate's wife is she is to escape the hangman's noose . . .

Lichfield, England, 1723: Hester Albright, the wife of an acting magistrate, is fighting for a cause. Sickened by the hanging of a woman who had been brutalized by her husband, and still deeply affected by her own childhood experiences, Hester now feels compelled to help women who face the death penalty, and seeks justice along with the Lunar Society.

When Hester's husband is summoned to the scene of a murder, Hester accompanies him. They discover that the victim, Lady Aston, is clutching a witch's bottle. Lord Aston is convinced that Gwen Foley, a woman in the village, has murdered his wife. Gwen is branded as a witch and is dragged from her cottage to gaol to await trial. But Hester believes Gwen is innocent and promises to help. Is Gwen a witch and a murderer who deserves to hang? With the help of the Lunar Society, Hester is about to find out.