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David W. Thompson

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Sister Witch: The Life of Moll Dyer (Legends of the Family Dyer Book 1) Kindle Edition

by David W. Thompson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.3 131 ratings

Book 1 of 3: Legends of the Family Dyer

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Moll Dyer prays she can leave her troubles behind when she immigrates to the new world, but a paranormal threat grows, and soon follows her across the ocean to Maryland.

Colonial life in the Old Line state was tough on both man and woman. Hunger, disease, Indian attacks, and drought tested the resolve of the settlers daily, but troubles for the Dyers included the threat of a succubus on a mission! Will the demonic call initiated by her family prove too much to resist as she labors to rebuild her life in a distant land?

The legend of Moll Dyer originated in earliest colonial Maryland. Despite 300 years of civilization, and scientific reason, Moll's name is still often heard there, especially around campfires late at night, or as a warning to misbehaving little people. Her spirit is often seen as a wisp of unnatural fog in the swampy woodlands near her homestead, with her half wolf companion at her side. This is her story.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Sister Witch has an outlandish, brave plot, enthralling characters and an incredibly well thought out backstory that will keep the reader wanting to read for hours on end. The plot of this novel is something I never read or heard of before, it reads like a movie, piecing together myth with historical accounts of the time and seamlessly integrates into one book of intrigue... If you are looking for a historical fiction read that is unlike anything you have read... a read that will keep you entertained for hours on end - then this sensational book is for you! 5 stars from me! RED HEADED BOOK LOVER BLOG****************************************************************************"a knack for crafting clear, yet engaging prose with a suitably historical feel, and we immediately want to know Moll's story." TCK Pub***********************************************************************
"This is definitely a story everyone should read." Michelle Randall for Readers' Favorite***********************************************************************Sister Witch: The Life of Moll Dyer (Legends of the Family Dyer) by David Thompson is a paranormal tale with a dark edge, a story that powerfully demonstrates the irresistible pull of evil and allows the reader to follow one woman's journey as she struggles to find a suitable response to her family's evil and mysterious legacy. Compliments of Readers' Favorite***********************************************************************There is a darkness that whispers through the narrative, a sense of the tragic that is both unsettling and attractive...gripping and pulsating. 5 Stars from Romuald Dzemo for Reader's Favorite

From the Author

Sister Witch is my first full length novel. It is inspired by a historical figure's life- a sordid tale that's been near and dear to my heart since the campfires of my youth. Some of the greatest tales I've known, I first heard there. Moll Dyer led a tragic life and was cast as a pariah for her non-conformance. After 300 years, perhaps we are finally able to shine the light of reason on the horrors done to her. Stare them in the eye and plead for forgiveness. This seems to be the case, and I thank my loyal readers for making Sister Witch the winner of the Golden Quill award for fantasy and the winner of the Ed/Pred poll for Magical Realism. I'm confident that Moll would be pleased.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B076KR626G
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Solstice Publishing - Solstice Shadows Imprint (October 31, 2017)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 31, 2017
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 1580 KB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
Print length ‏ : ‎ 265 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #1,225,952 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #1,128 in Historical Fantasy Fiction
- #27,326 in Paranormal & Urban Fantasy (Kindle Store)
- #41,419 in Paranormal & Urban Fantasy (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.3 131 ratings

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David W. Thompson

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David W. Thompson is a multiple award-winning author, an Army veteran, and a graduate of UMUC (now UMGC). He claims his first writing efforts were "Dick and Jane" fan fiction when he was a child- no doubt with a unique twist. As a multi-genre writer, he's been awarded membership in the HWA--Horror Writers' Association, the MWA--Mystery Writers of America, and the SFWA -- Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association. He lives in picturesque southern Maryland, blessed with nearby family and dear old friends.

After his family and cheesecake, reading was his first love. It was a gateway to the people, cultures, and ideas he would never experience otherwise. Writing was a natural extension of this "out-of-body" experience, as his characters acted as tour guides to their worlds and possibilities. He hopes to honestly convey the stories they've whispered in his ears.

When he isn't writing, Dave enjoys time with his family, kayaking (flat water, please), fishing, hiking, archery, gardening, winemaking, and pursuing his other "creative passion"- woodcarving.

Occasionally twisted...always honest and original!

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4.3 out of 5

131 global ratings

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Natasha L. Guy

Great Series! Be Sure to Read All Three!

Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2023

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I read this book in the Kindle format. I was hooked from start to finish. I am from St. Mary's County, Maryland, and it was super neat reading about some of the history and local lure that has been passed down through generations. But even if you are not from the area, the story is thoroughly enjoyable.

David W. Thompson is a very talented and masterful storyteller. He pulls you in and makes you truly feel for the characters in the story. Although this is a fairly quick read, it is packed with entertaining imagery that transports you back in time. Not too much detail, and not too little - just the right amount to set the stage for your imagination to fill in the blanks.

This is book one of three, and all three were a joy to read. It was very interesting to take a trip through time with the Dyer family.

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Joy Cagil

Well-written Historical Fiction

Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2019

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Sister Witch is a fictionalized, historical story. Its main character Moll Dyer is a real person who lived during the seventeenth century and was considered to be a witch.

The book is not much fun to read because it is full of the suffering of its main character through possibly no fault of her own. Still, it was a very interesting book, and I couldn’t put it down until I read it to the end.

The story begins with Moll Dyer and her family in Kinsale in County Cork, Ireland. While going walking on a moonlit night, Moll meets up with someone she knew who attacks her and leaves her pregnant. Upon her family’s concerns of Moll’s reputation and their standing in the community, Moll agrees to travel to the USA with her uncle who is about to go on a voyage in a galleon named Mary Regina.

On the ship, she makes friends with a couple, Gideon and Beth, and makes friends with them. Beth and Moll become fast friends. Beth is also pregnant, but her pregnancy is more advanced than Moll’s. During the voyage, some hardships occur and Beth dies. Gideon, losing his senses with grief, blames Moll for Beth’s demise and insists the baby Moll is carrying she stole from Beth through witchery. Gideon’s delirium will hurt Moll in the States, much later.

When they finally make it to the shore, Moll and her uncle claim land in Maryland and become settlers. On a slave sale, Moll asks her uncle to buy an abused black woman named Nema about her age, but she is against slavery and eventually, they let Nema be free, but by then, Nema and Moll have become friends and Nema never leaves her until Nema’s death. The same is true of Bluebird, the native woman, who becomes friends with Nema and Moll.

Their land is secluded, close to an Indian reservation, and far away from town, Newtown to be exact, and after Moll gives birth, they pass her son as Moll’s brother.

Most of the turns and twists in the story come after this, and just the thought of how people can be cruel just based on their assumptions but not facts makes this story a success. Some of that success is based on the scenes that show the life in colonies, Indian and American relationship, and toward the end of the book, a few somewhat supernatural events.

What is most amazing is the author’s treatment of Moll’s character. Moll may have been born with some precognition, faulty though it may be, and she has learned to heal the sick with plants and herbs from her mother while in Ireland. She is also brave, headstrong, and much more progressive in her thinking that the times can allow. She can also work very hard and can withstand a lot of difficulties, even when she is wronged by some people and, later in the story, by the entire society. The reader comes out feeling awed by the strength of this woman’s character.

The other characters are drawn adequately enough to support their roles, but the main character is a very strong one. What I didn't like is the changes in Gideon's character. The first change on the ship is understandable, but after all the harm he has done to Moll, Gideon (being cured almost overnight) tries to help her at the end, which felt a bit off to me.

The language, thoughts, and beliefs of the time are splendidly presented and the story flows well without a hitch.

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Leonard T

5 Unearthly Stars for this one! *****

Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2018

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Are you a fan of historical fiction? Perhaps you enjoy action, adventure and even the supernatural? If you answered in the affirmative to any of these questions, then Sister Witch: The Life of Moll Dyer, may be just what you are looking for!

The story is focused upon the main character, Moll Dyer, who travels to Maryland from England with her Uncle Sean. She is basically forced to leave as she had been assaulted and left pregnant by her attacker. For an unwed woman to be in such a state would only bring shame and persecution to her family, and a new life in America was the only viable option. For the sake of her family, both Moll and her Uncle needed to escape from their past so they could start anew.

During the journey to America, Moll befriends a couple named Beth and Gideon who were expecting their first baby. However, it becomes a disastrous trip for Beth who is often ill and in a very poor state of health. Moll attempts to help Beth by teaching her about the medicinal benefits of roots and plants. Tragically, both Beth and the baby pass away leaving the husband Gideon totally distraught. In such a state he accuses Moll of being a witch and causing his wife’s death. These accusations are a pivotal point in the novel as they will follow Moll to her new home in America.

After a journey filled with hardship and heartache, Moll and Sean settle in Maryland and begin to build a farm together in which to raise Moll’s unborn child. Moll soon gives birth to a boy she names Zachary and passes him off as her brother to the villagers. The unorthodox family continues to farm their land and grow their presence in the area. However, times are difficult for the colony and when a devastating illness and epidemic arise, “Moll the Witch” becomes and easy scapegoat.

Will Moll and her family survive such persecution? Will the colony drive her from the life she has tried so hard to build? Or will Moll convince them otherwise and help to heal their ills? The answer is both intriguing and provocative.

Undoubtedly, the author has done very diligent research when composing this novel. The story of Moll Dyer is legendary and actually inspired the plot of the film “The Blair Witch Project.” However, this story is about much more than witchcraft and persecution. While it is certainly reminiscent of the Salem Witch Trials, the plot and setting is far more variegated. In his work, Sister Witch, David Thompson aptly explores a variety of historical issues such as slavery, religious intolerance and the issue of women’s rights. Such significant and perplexing topics are expertly weaved into this spellbinding and fascinating story which comes to us from the mind of the author. It takes a great deal of skill to make that happen. Moll as the heroine of the story, who is maliciously maligned throughout, is very believable and she grows in her credibility with each passing page. The secondary characters whether they be friends such as Nema and Bluebird, or foes in the form of Peter or Gideon at the outset, are also very well presented and and add elements of love, loyalty, hatred and revenge.

In regards to an appropriate audience for this novel, I would place it at a young adult and up. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read for that group, but certain explicit scenes make it inappropriate for younger readers. History buffs and fans of the supernatural alike will find a lot to enjoy in this work. Also, the theme of sacrifice for others stands out as very prominent and convincing.

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Zane Summerfield

Powerful story, a must read.

Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2018

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I’ve had this sitting in my kindle for far too long and I finally got around to reading it. Boy was I pleased I did. What an amazing tale. I got to travel around with Moll Dyer, the main character of this tale. Let me tell you, this story has emotions coming out of every dam pore. The backstory is very well researched.

An extraordinary tale that had me on the edge of my seat, wanting to know more, learn more and travel with Moll, to understand her and the mystery that has captivated the interest of Maryland residents of the past few hundred years.

I suggest you have some tissues handy because there will be some moments you’ll need them. The story evolves at such a great pace, keeping the pages turning.

In my opinion this is one historical book that you do not want to pass by. I highly recommend Sister Witch: The Life of Moll Dyer, you’ll be thrilled you did.

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Top reviews from other countries

HM Holten

Human Spite and Violence Bring Madness

Reviewed in Germany on March 7, 2021

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Moll Dyer and her family leave for England, hoping to prosper. There they face hardship and intolerance, as Irish nationals and Catholics. Things get worse for Moll, as she gets raped – and defends herself. Left pregnant, her family gives her the choice of going back to Ireland to live with an aunt, or to follow her uncle Sean to Maryland. Both she and Uncle Sean have become outcasts but leaving for the colony gives them hope to forge a new life. Sea travel is no pleasure trip in the 17th Century, and the travellers experience both stormy and becalmed seas. A newlywed couple befriends Moll, and she helps the young woman, Beth, with her troublesome pregnancy. Still, the journey ends disastrously for Beth and through her, for her husband Gideon.
On the arrival in the virginal world of Maryland, it looks like Sean and Moll will create a better existence for themselves. Society accepts them, and they settle down to farm the land. They get to know and love several indigenes. This idyll doesn’t last long and rumours about Moll’s presumed witchcraft.
Written in the first person – Moll’s voice – Sister Witch touches many themes from slavery to witchcraft, and from fear of outsiders, to hate and spite. This is a masterly executed piece of historical fiction. Thompson studies the living circumstances, intolerance, religion (aboriginal as well as Christian). He points out how easily people become a mob and how love and tolerance can be found only with open eyes and hearts. Thompson explores women’s situation, early medicine, and how easily that could be misunderstood in a society that fears the supernatural. The characters, especially Moll, are vivid and convincing. It springs to mind that the ultimate sacrifice is a motivating theme for the entire novel.

Mags Gooden

Colonial America, magic, and family

Reviewed in Canada on April 21, 2018

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While not the kind of book I usually read, the description on this one drew me in and I was more than happy with what I had found. A gem of a colonial witchcraft story, I found myself feeling as though I was right there with Moll, through everything. Excellent story and now I plan to learn more about the legend

Jacky D.

A wonderfully written historic novel with hints of the paranormal!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 29, 2018

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Sister Witch is, as the title explains, a story about the life of Moll Dyer. Moll is a young, Irish lass whose family take her to England to find a better future. There, she gets raped and, to save her family name, she is shipped to Amerca with her uncle. The trip overseas is crucial for what happens to Moll in the New World.
I found the story very well written, drawing you in from the beginning, with hints of the paranormal and witchcraft. These hints are dispersed through the whole of the book, coming to a climax at the very end. Most of all, the book describes what it was like to live in the seventeenth century as a woman. It is extremely well researched and the knowledge is woven into the story with ease.
Topics as rape and slavery come up in the book and are wonderfully challenged by the strong women in it.
I wouldn't call this urban paranormal fiction as this would imply current times, but certainly a historical novel with paranormal hints. I would recommend this book to anybody interested in colonial life, witchcraft, and stories about strong women.

R.H.Hale

Excellent and engaging story

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 6, 2019

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Without giving any spoilers, Thompson’s writing reels you in like thread and before you know it you’re already halfway through the book and wonder where on Earth the time went.
The protagonist, Moll Dyer, is written in such a way that you instantly root for her: the more you read, the more you want to find out, plus the more you’ll be fizzing with rage at some of the...less appealing characters in the novel. A juicy trickle of horror runs throughout the story in an ever-present undercurrent of mounting doom, coupled with some very creepy prophetic dream sequences to keep you on your toes.
A difficult book to put down, a wonderfully written tale and thoroughly engaging story!

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Sister Witch: The Life of Moll Dyer (Legends of the Family Dyer Book 1) Kindle Edition

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