Beatrice Scarlet, the apothecary's daughter, returns to 18th-century London to solve a murder case steeped in witchcraft.

They say the girls were witches. But Beatrice Scarlet, the apothecary's daughter, is sure they were innocent victims... London, 1758: Beatrice Scarlet, the apothecary's daughter, has found a position at St Mary Magdalene's Refuge for fallen women. The charity is supported by a wealthy merchant who offers the most promising girls steady work in his factory. But when seven girls go missing, Beatrice is uneasy. Their would-be benefactor claims they were a coven of witches, beholden only to Satan and his demonic misdeeds. But Beatrice is convinced something much darker than witchcraft is at play...

"Fans of Masterton's unflinching Katie Maguire det-fic [...] may wish to venture into the past with the author, where his craft as a bestselling horror writer is given freer rein" - The Sunday Times Crime Club

"[Scarlet Widow and The Coven] are amazing mystery thrillers that will have you hooked from page 1" - Love Books Group

"Highlights the conflict between superstition and science which underpinned just about everything three hundred years ago - and also tells a graphic, fast-moving tale with a large element of horror threaded through the battle between good and evil. Beatrice Scarlet is a heroine of her own time who could teach a lesson or two to women of ours" - Promoting Crime Fiction