Massaquiot, now called Matthew by the English, is not particularly grateful at the reprieve. Mourning the death of his wife and child, he sees little to rejoice in at the life he is given. But this plump middle-aged Englishwoman, with an open mind so uncommon among the white men, interests him and he keeps in his heart hope for eventual freedom.

Catherine, a midwife, becomes involved when a baby dies under mysterious circumstances and a young servant girl is accused of murder. Superstition and prejudice seem to be the main evidence against her; as an Irish Catholic, the girl is seen as little better than a witch by the stern Puritans. Catherine is her only defender, and with the help of Massaquiot she must uncover the truth in time to prevent a hanging. The child's mother, made dumb by the tragedy, may be the only one who knows what really happened -- and Catherine must find a way to make her speak.

The rich historical background makes this an intriguing read; Lewis brings the place and the time to life in many small, vivid details. The independent, strong-minded Catherine and the somewhat enigmatic Massaquiot (who will never truly be a "Matthew") are both interesting as well, but I would have liked to know them better; the setting is in many ways the main "character" of the book.

The mystery is really more one of psychological suspense than traditional investigation, with a dark, moody feel and talk of evil and pacts with the devil. I enjoyed the way in which Catherine is able to use the townspeople's superstitions against them in an unexpected manner. I never felt deeply involved in the story or the characters, but I was continually interested, and all in all this was a good read.

--Jeri Wright