A Hunt for Justice
Reviewed By Janet Mawdesley July 25, 2026
Author John Pilkington
Distributor: Amazon
ISBN: 978-1807346089
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Release Date: 25 July 2026
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/boldwoodbooks/
YouTube:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldwoodbooks/
X Formally Twitter: https://x.com/BoldwoodBooks
In 1617 to be tried as a witch was not unusual. The King was actively seeking out any witches and making sure they died. To be accused of murder and then being a witch, using the evil powers commanded by said witch to cause the death, was a guaranteed death sentence.
When Suzanna Corbett, daughter of a neighbour of Justice Belstrang is found drowned in a small pool known locally as the Witching Pool, not far from her home, he finds he is irresistibly drawn into a situation which will once again, see him pit his wits, and his life, to seek out truth and justice.
Her father is a powerful landowner in the District who immediately says she has been bewitched by healer Agnes Mason. He calls her a witch, and it takes very little to convince members of his community that Agnes Mason is indeed a witch!
Her family come to Justice Belstrang, recovering from his Year of Astonishment the previous year, now once again enjoying country life and reluctant to become involved in any more mysterious events.
He finds the story of Suzanna Corbett’s death somewhat interesting and when he talks with is old friend Doctor Boyd, he is told the inquest was a ‘comedy’ barely lasting two hours, which increases his curiosity about what really happened to Suzanna Corbett and why.
Attending the girl’s funeral with Hester, his wife, they are astonished at what occurs. This makes Belstrang, now more curious than ever, commit to finding out the truth of the matter which leads him on a strange, often dangerous and winding pathway through superstition, fear and tragedy.
A second death occurs, once again a drowning at the Witching Pool; with every turn he and Boyd take in trying to discover the truth behind what is obviously a fabrication of lies and deceit, places them both in danger.
A Hunt for Justice is the second book in the Justice Belstrang Mystery series and certainly does not disappoint with a well-researched historic timeline, strong characters and excellent plot
John Pilkington captures the ambience of the 1600’s well; a time when superstition was a terrifying component of everyday life, mob violence was easy to generate, and mistruth very easily became truth.
Another gripping and informative read from John Pilkington and his protagonist Justice Belstrang, a man out to right wrong, help a neighbour if possible and seek justice for all.
*This title was previously published as The Witching Pool