Goodreads Top Salem Books

Goodreads readers rate six historical fiction books set in Salem as top reads for fall.

The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Arthur Miller's play set during the Salem witch trials follows young girls accusing one another of witchcraft.

Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman

Alice Hoffman's prequel to 1995's Practical Magic follows Maria raised by Hannah Owens in rural England.

The Heretic's Daughter by Kathleen Kent

Kathleen Kent's novel follows Sarah Carrier Chapman writing to her granddaughter near death.

A Break with Charity by Ann Rinaldi

Ann Rinaldi's novel follows Susanna English discovering Ann Putnam spreads lies about people in town.

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

Katherine Howe's dual-timeline novel follows Connie Goodwin investigating Deliverance Dane accused of witchcraft.

The House of the Seven Gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne

Nathaniel Hawthorne's novel follows Hepzibah Pyncheon and her family haunted by Salem witch trials.

Goodreads Reader Reactions

Readers praise The Crucible as a classic play about Salem witch trials that shows dark humanity.

“You know when you’re reading a five star book. You are so engrossed you might just forget to eat.”

Goodreads Reader Reactions

Readers praise Magic Lessons as a magical tale perfect for fall that connects to Practical Magic.

“Alice Hoffman read from her Grimoire and brewed up something special when she wrote this book.”

Goodreads Reader Reactions

Readers praise The Heretic's Daughter as a novel of Kathleen Kent's heritage tied to Salem witch trials.

“Kathleen Kent is a direct descendant of Martha Carrier, the novel’s heroine who was hanged in 1692”

Goodreads Reader Reactions

Readers praise A Break with Charity as a book giving outsider perspective on Salem witch trials.

“I love this book because it gives a different perspective to the Salem Witch Trials.”

Goodreads Reader Reactions

Readers praise The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane as a story highlighting women wrongly accused in Salem witch trials.

“This story pairs a modern day mystery to the Salem witch trials in most unexpected ways.”

Goodreads Reader Reactions

Readers praise The House of the Seven Gables as a Gothic masterpiece tied to Salem witch trials.

“A Gothic masterpiece with direct ties to a real-life Gothic event, the Salem Witch Trials!”