Thanks to Book Whisperer and Casa Croce Press for gifted access via NetGalley. All opinions below are my own.

I love historical fiction set in colonial America. The Salem witch trials always make for compelling reading. This story takes place in a small suburb of Salem where Resolve is living with a wealthy merchant family. There is a first book of this series which I did not read, but I don't think you need to, we get pieces of her backstory as this novel progresses. The accusations of others scares Resolve but they are all mostly peripherally related to her until she crosses the wrong person. The fervor grows closer and closer and she is forced to face the realities of a trial.

Resolve was a bit of a modern woman set in this antiquated time. She did not closely follow religion, had lived with the natives and certainly had opinions. Several times she makes dangerous choices to help others at the risk of her own safety. This story is more about the ripples on the pond of the trials and the accusations than being in the actual trials themselves but it definitely gives you an emotional view of what it was like to live in the time.

Read this one if you liked Hour of the Witch.

I previously read the first book in the series, The Devil's Glove. I got sucked into the history of the Salem witch origins with that book. This book continues the story, following Resolve and those around her. This book would be compelling on it's own, but what truly hooks me is the actual history that was researched and written on these pages. The personalities and positions in society, the hysteria of the times, the fear, cowardice and cunning culpability of the accusers. It is astounding to me that this could have ever occurred, but to read about how the fear and prejudice morphed into hatred and savagery is heartbreaking. Reading history in this manner is fascinating but also etches it in the mind and heart; maybe in this way we can ensure that fear never transitions to hatred and brutality again. I appreciate all of the research evident in the book; If the series continues, I'm committed to the tale!

The second installment in Grindel's Salem Witch series delivers a faster-paced, more intense dive into the Salem Witch Trials. While the first book laid the groundwork, this sequel wastes no time ramping up the tension and stakes.

Our protagonist Resolve shows marked growth, facing increasingly difficult choices as hysteria grips colonial Massachusetts. The author skillfully balances historical detail with rapid plotting, creating an engaging thriller that's hard to put down.

The mounting paranoia of the period comes alive through sharp writing and authentic period details. This makes for a quick yet satisfying read that surpasses its predecessor in both pacing and intensity.

*Recommended for fans of historical thrillers and witch trials*

Transport yourself back in time to 1692 and experience the events at Salem through the pages of this book. I guarantee you won’t be able to put it down.

Thanks for bring this period of history to life. Thank you Lucretia for writing this and to Book whisperer for the ARC.

Absolutely loved this. It is well written and I felt the emotions running high with fear as I too was there, amongst those who were unjustly accused and suffered at the hands of children. I couldn't read it fast enough. Highly recommend. I received an ARC copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I didn't realise that this was part of a trilogy but now I will investigate more.
This wasn't an easy read and I really hard to concentrate on the people involved and their backstories, I did have a little note next to me to make notes. This book was incredibly well researched. I decided to take a chance on this book as this genre is not my usual but it worked and I think I might investigate more.
Normally I can read a book in one sitting but because of the complexity of the book I had to take time to read it and think about the characters and how it all fitted together.

This Work of Darkness by Lucretia Grindle second book in the series
I had a challenging time getting into this book because I could not understand the connection between Resolve and the native population. This became clearer as I continued reading. I did not realize it was the second book in the series which would have been a tremendous help if I read the first book prior to the second one. Once I cleared the cobwebs, I enjoyed the story and was fascinated by what was happening. It is terrifying how paranoia can reduce humans to turn in their neighbors to be jailed and executed. How religion was used to condemn these poor souls. I am determined to read the first book in the series and hope to get the third one when it becomes published

I had no idea this was part of a trilogy, but I’m hooked and definitely want to explore more of the series! That said, the novel can be read as a standalone, so you won’t feel lost if you jump in here first.

Set during the Salem Witch Trials, this book is gripping, atmospheric, and meticulously researched. Resolve Hammond is a character you can’t help but root for. The historical detail is incredible, capturing the paranoia, desperation, and cold realities of the time while weaving in a supernatural thread that adds even more tension. The story balances the fictional and historical elements beautifully, making it immersive and thought-provoking.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this advanced reader copy. If you’re a fan of historical fiction with strong female leads, dark settings, and a touch of mysticism, this book is worth your time.

My heart was in my throat the whole way through this book. It is not for the faint-hearted reader! I wanted to tell my mind that this is only fiction. However, much of the narrative was based on true, historical events. That is, the witch hunts in Salem Village, and Salem, Massechusetts (1692-1693), with many of the trials held in Boston.

Superstitious Puritans lost reason and hunted down supposed witches on the say-so of very young girls they termed, 'the afflicted'. Afflicted, that is, by 'witches'. The story centers around Resolve Hammond, the Englishes, Ned Morrill, Abigail Hobbs, Mercy Lewis, the Putnams and others.

I found the author of This Work of Darkness to be very masterful, as despite it taking me time to read through the story, it strongly held my attention when I was reading. I'd definitely say it's a page turner that could keep a reader up all night in suspense of what would happen next. Those happenings with twists, turns and plots that galvanize the reader to the next page.

Truly a very worthwhile read in my opinion. I give this author a 5 Star rating and thumbs up! I hope to read more of her work in the future.

~ Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger ~

January 2025

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the complimentary review copy sent by Net Galley and the publisher.

Loved reading the captivating and amazing story. After Resolve lost her mother and her home, she lives with and works for Mary English, and now things are getting dangerous for Resolve and the family she lives with because the children in Salem are accusing people of witchcraft. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and engaging storyline. Can't wait to read the next story in the series!

This was a strong sequel in the Salem series, it had that element that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this. It had that historical fiction element that I was looking for and was engaged with what was happening. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the way they worked in a historical setting. Lucretia Grindle wrote this well and was glad I got to read this.

This Work of Darkness by Lucretia Grindle

The Works of Darkness is Book Two in The Salem Serious. This book starts in December 1691 in Salem Massachusetts, just before hysteria of the Salem Witch trials.

Here we learn more about Resolve Hammond, she is now twenty years old and runs the shop for Mary English, a distant relative.

If you enjoyed reading The Crucible by Arthur Miller at school, you are going to love this book. All the characters in the play are in this book as they were real people that lived in that time.

I would like to thank Net Galley and Book Whisperer for a copy of this eBook in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the first book by Grindle. This is a continuation of that story. The Salem witches but told in a different perspective. It was a bit slow starting out, but it was enjoyable once things started happening. Look forward to more by this author.

This is the second book in the Salem series. It’s set in Salem in 1692, and is based on true events. This is a haunting and atmospheric book set against the backdrop of a brutally cold winter. The writing is sharp and captures the tension of a community trapped not only by the brutal weather but its own escalating paranoia. Resolve once escaped a past full of brutality and fear, now she must face the present filled with condemnation, bitterness and spite. A great read! Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author, for an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

This was really good!!! I loved the atmospheric ambience of the whole novel, thanks to the excellent characterisation and writing!! Once I started reading it was difficult to put the book down! I have not read (yet) the first book, however this novel can be read as a standalone book. The story is poignant (based on real people and events) pointing out the ignorance of people as well as the outrage of colonisation and much more still... Highly recommended!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.