Book Review: The Peruke Maker: The Salem Witch Hunt Curse by Ruby Dominguez

I read The Peruke Maker by Ruby Dominguez on Halloween night and it was the perfect book to read on that windy, dark and creepy night! The Peruke Maker starts us off in the 17th century at the height of witches being hunted down and tortured and put to death at Gallows Hill. Witchcraft was the worst possible crime and even being suspected of it for any reason would lead you to your death.

The Peruke Maker takes place in two different times; back in the 17th century and then in modern times. The modern times is told with flashbacks to the past but it’s not confusing at all. This book is also written as a screenplay and that’s ok, it makes it a very fast read. However, you never get the in depth character analysis that you would get with a full length book and this story would have made a terrific one. Still, it keeps you enthralled at every turn and on the edge of your seat waiting for what is to come.

We are first introduced to Bridget Cane. She’s a beauty with long and beautiful red hair. She makes the mistake of getting lured into a illicit situation with another couple and that is enough to deem her a witch and to be condemned. Her father is a wig maker and her mother Kate was put to death already for being a witch. She haunts the town as the Banshee.

Next we meet Sarah Cane in the present day. She’s been in a horrible car accident and is disfigured. She withdraws herself from everyone and hides out in her apartment with her dog. One day she happens upon an advertisement for a wig – a beautiful, long haired red wig – and is moved to order it. This sets her on a journey where the present weaves into the past and Sarah and Bridget forge a connection that transcends time.

This book is not only about the horrors of the Salem Witch Trials and believe me the torture these women were put through is unimaginable. It is also about love and forgiveness as Sarah, in the present time, meets Michael, the paramedic who had been at the scene of her accident. He refuses to give up on her telling her he loves her – he doesn’t see her scars, he only sees her. Sarah has to choose between the past and evil or the future and love. Which road will she take?

I enjoyed this book and although I think it would have made an excellent novel, there is definitely enough said to make you fully aware of the situation and what is happening to the people involved. It’s a quick read and perfect for a late night scare! I also have to mention how much I love this cover -the picture of the girl is so haunting -it’s really fitting for the novel itself.

I read The Peruke Maker for Ruby Dominguez’s Pump Up Your Book Promotion Book Tour. You can buy The Peruke Maker here in the US and here in Canada.

My Thanks…

To Dorothy at Pump Up Your Book for my review copy of The Peruke Maker by Ruby Dominguez.

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