In sixteenth century England, fear of witchcraft abounds. But witches are not the only source of evil, as Dr William Gilbert will discover . When Dr William Gilbert is caught in an Essex snowstorm, his life is saved by a strange, wolf-like dog. Taken in by the strange family that owns the animal, he is nursed back to health in an eerie, isolated building with a terrible history, where the cries of a child echo through the corridors at night. Having recovered, William is very pleased to leave the Old Priory, but equally grateful to the husband, wife and daughter that saved him. So, when the women are accused of witchcraft and seem certain to be burned, he feels duty-bound to help them, despite the dire warnings of his own father. To the people of sixteenth-century Essex, witches are everywhere and to associate with them is destruction. Nevertheless, William is driven to seek justice for his saviours, and as he delves into the case, discovers there there is evil at play, of a type far worse than any invented tale of witchcraft.

But can he prove that, before the next victim dies, and the innocent burn? The Kindness of Witches is a welcome addition to Leonard Tourney's acclaimed Dr William Gilbert series of mysteries; it is a compelling and immersive murder-mystery that will delight readers already familiar with the lead character, as well as those who enjoy high-quality historic crime novels.