The Witchfinder

A failing witchfinder arrives in an East Anglian village in search of work. Desperate for the wealth and fame a big trial could bring, all he finds is an uncouth local woman accused of killing a pig. While he makes the most of this trivial case, an opportunity presents itself that could change his fortunes forever.

Bannister must travel to Chelmsford with Thomasine to put on a show trial for the Witchfinder General. But his captive is the worst possible travel companion and threatens to make a straightforward journey a life-changing ordeal. As civil war rages, a tense encounter with pissed up Cavalier soldiers might just stop their journey in its tracks. Meanwhile Hebble, Bannister's rival, sets off in pursuit.

Thomasine's interventions have taken them wildly off course and Bannister has to plot a route through Dedham Vale on foot. The locals are rumoured to be lawless savages but he has little choice if they are to get to Chelmsford on time. While Hebble continues to gain ground, Bannister, attempting to get a horse from villagers in Polstead, becomes embroiled in some terrifying festivities.

Bannister fears Thomasine might not make it to Chelmsford alive and she's no good to him dead. To keep the locals from killing her, they are forced to pose as husband and wife. As their charade is put to the test, and with Hebble right on their heels, they must take refuge with someone from Bannister's past. But Horkesley Hall might not be the sanctuary they had hoped for.

The Dedham ordeal has softened his hostility but when Bannister indulges Thomasine by letting her go for a swim, she is snatched and dragged away to a ransacked church. Bannister can't let someone else try her before he reaches Chelmsford and the Witchfinder General. When he attempts to get her back he discovers the man putting her on trial is none other than Matthew Hopkins himself. Has he final met his destiny? Either way, he no longer needs Thomasine.

Thomasine and Bannister's arrive in Chelmsford but no longer as travel companions. When Hebble gets Thomasine jailed, Bannister meets the Witchfinder General and is handed the opportunity he's been dreaming of - to put her on trial. After all that's happened, can he really stand in court, accuse Thomasine of witchery and see her put to death?