The First Witch of Boston

A Novel

By: Andrea Catalano

Narrated by: Kevin Marron, Lucy Rayner

2025 Goodreads Choice Award Finalist for Readers’ Favorite Historical Fiction

“Andrea Catalano draws a tender, intimate portrait of a marriage and a bold defense of an independent woman ahead of her time.”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code

A gripping and intimate novel based on the true story of Margaret Jones, the first woman to be found guilty of witchcraft in seventeenth-century Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1646. Thomas and Margaret Jones arrive from England to build a life in the New World. Though of differing temperaments, cautious Thomas and fiery Margaret, a healer, are bound by a love that has lasted decades. With a child on the way, their new beginning promises only blessings.

But in this austere Puritan community, comely faces hide malicious intent. Wrong moves or words are met with suspicion, and Margaret’s bold and unguarded nature draws scorn. Soon, Margaret is mistrusted as more cunning woman than kind caregiver. And when personal tragedies, religious hysteria, and wariness of the unknown turn most against her, even the devotion Margaret and her husband share is at risk.

Inspired by actual diary entries and court records, The First Witch of Boston is at once the riveting story of a woman unjustly accused and a love story set amid the political and social turmoil of both Old and New England. Harrowing, and with a deep understanding of the human heart, history is brilliantly imagined.

©2025 by Andrea Catalano. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“Catalano’s character and world-building ably bring to life an era fueled by superstition, repression, and intolerance…I can see this book appealing to the many fans of Ariel Lawhon’s The Frozen River and Chris Bohjalian’s Hour of the Witch, and eagerly look forward to reading whatever Catalano writes next.”—Historical Novels Review

“Fans of The Frozen River will love The First Witch of Boston! Fiery, outspoken Margaret Jones and her husband, Thomas, find themselves outliers in straitlaced Puritan Boston, but trouble back in England leaves them no choice but to make a home in Massachusetts. When Thomas draws the spite of a local widow and Margaret’s skill with healing herbs rouses suspicion of black magic, both will find themselves battling witch-hunters in a court case destined to make history. Andrea Catalano draws a tender, intimate portrait of a marriage and a bold defense of an independent woman ahead of her time.”—Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Rose Code

“A sumptuous and heartrending tale of the dark power of fear, loss, and love against all odds, The First Witch of Boston is a moving and accomplished debut.”—Heather Webb, USA Today bestselling author of Queens of London

Love the voices and the story

Perfect read for this fall! Will def recommend to all! I got lucky and got the ebook and the audible version!

The man who stood by his wife

Wow I loved that Thomas was ride or die for Maggie through her time. Good book. I enjoyed this book for sure.

Fantastic narration

I loved the narration and voice acting from both actors, dual POV, and a wonderful story inspired by truth! One of my favorite books this year.

Gripping Story and Beautiful Historical Fiction

This is a beautiful story! I love stories that highlight how life was in the days of the witch trials. I learned so much, and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time! I love it! This book was happenstance for me. I'm glad I gave it a chance!

A book that stays with you.

This is one of those books that stays with a reader. The narration is fantastic and the book is well- written. i couldn't stop listening!