In Melissa Shubha Abbott’s historical novel, The Witches of Gloucester, readers are immersed in the Revolutionary War era in Gloucester, Massachusetts. The story follows five clairvoyant women—singles and widows—who seek refuge at the Common, later known as Dogtown, escaping pirates and British warships.
Endowed with extraordinary abilities, they rely on their instincts and their dogs for protection, creating a sanctuary protected by psychic barriers. They charge tolls on roads leading to their haven, threatening curses for non-compliance.
As they engage in mystical practices and use information as magical currency, their lineage reveals a fey heritage rich in ancient wisdom, with some descendants still embracing these traditions today. This novel blends adventure, mysticism, and historical intrigue, making it a riveting read for those fascinated by the intertwining of the supernatural and the real during one of America’s most challenging eras.
About the author:
Melissa Shubha Abbott is the author of several non-fiction books on Yoga, Healing, Tibetan Buddhism, and Cooking. The Witches of Gloucester is her first historical novel. She is a yoga and meditation teacher in the North of Boston area and a native of Cape Ann.
