The First Witch of Boston by Andrea Catalano captivates with its lush historical setting and strong character development. Readers praise the novel’s vivid depiction of 17th-century Boston and its engaging plot. However, some criticize its pacing as slow in parts. Overall, it is a compelling read for fans of historical and paranormal fiction.

Readers who enjoy The First Witch of Boston by Andrea Catalano are likely fans of urban fantasy and strong female protagonists, akin to those in Deborah Harkness's A Discovery of Witches or Charlaine Harris's Sookie Stackhouse series. They thrive on witchcraft, historical intrigue, and supernatural elements woven into modern city settings.

Mysterious / Fantastical / Suspenseful / Dark / Adventurous

**Margaret Jones**  
The protagonist known for her work as an apothecary, midwife, and herbalist, possessing an extensive knowledge of medicine that makes her both respected and suspected in her community.

**Thomas Jones**  
Margaret's husband, a skilled carpenter with a calm demeanor, who carries the secret of his Irish Catholic roots in a society that stigmatizes both.

**Widow Hallett (later Goodwife Longfellow)**  
An antagonist to Margaret, she is wealthy, manipulative, and uses her social standing and sexuality to her advantage within the community.

**Alice Stratton**  
Margaret's only real friend, known for her strength and assertiveness, who is willing to defend Margaret against accusations despite societal risks.

**Samuel Stratton**  
Alice's husband and Thomas's friend, he is generous and perceptive, aware of the rigid gender politics of their society but supportive nonetheless.

**Mary Doyle**  
A young Irish indentured servant under the Halletts, representing the socio-historical context of indentured labor and religious discrimination of the time. 

**The Townswomen**  
Community members who seek Margaret's medical help but also contribute to public suspicion against her during her later trials.

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About The First Witch of Boston

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Background

The First Witch of Boston Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

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Part 1: “Thomas”

Prologue-Part 1, Chapters 1-10

The First Witch of Boston Prologue-Part 1, Chapters 1-10 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of child death, death by suicide, and gender discrimination.

Part 1, Chapters 11-20

The First Witch of Boston Part 1, Chapters 11-20 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of sexual assault, child death, and gender discrimination.

Part 2: “Maggie”

Part 2, Chapters 21-25

The First Witch of Boston Part 2, Chapters 21-25 Summary & Analysis

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of sexual assault, child death, death, death by suicide, and gender discrimination.

Part 2, Chapter 26-Epilogue

The First Witch of Boston Part 2, Chapter 26-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

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Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of sexual assault, child death, death, and gender discrimination.

The First Witch of Boston

The First Witch of Boston

Book Brief

The First Witch of Boston

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