Katherine Howe

Katherine Howe (born 1977) is an American novelist best known for her historical fiction works that explore themes of belief, reality, and the supernatural. Her debut novel "The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane" (2009), which deals with the Salem witch trials, became a New York Times Bestseller and established her as a prominent voice in historical fiction. Howe's works include several acclaimed novels such as "The House of Velvet and Glass," "Conversion," "The Appearance of Annie Van Sinderen," and "A True Account." Her writing has resonated internationally, with translations appearing in more than 20 languages. With academic credentials from Columbia University (BA) and Boston University (MA), Howe brings scholarly depth to her historical narratives. She currently serves as a faculty member at Cornell University, where she continues to blend her academic background with her creative work. A Texas native raised in a culturally rich environment, Howe's connection to the arts was influenced by her mother's work as a curator at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Her work frequently examines historical events through a contemporary lens, particularly focusing on how beliefs and perceptions shape human experience.

Readers praise Howe's detailed historical research and ability to weave supernatural elements into period settings. Many note her skill at connecting past and present storylines, particularly in "The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane." One reader commented: "Her description of colonial New England feels authentic down to the smallest details." Readers appreciate: - Rich historical atmosphere - Complex female characters - Educational value about witch trials - Blend of academic and mystical elements Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in middle sections - Some find protagonists frustrating - Historical details can overwhelm plot - Predictable romance subplots Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "The Physick Book" - 3.7/5 (76,000+ ratings) "The House of Velvet and Glass" - 3.4/5 (5,000+ ratings) Amazon: "The Physick Book" - 4.3/5 (1,200+ reviews) "Conversion" - 3.8/5 (200+ reviews) Several reviewers mentioned abandoning books midway due to pacing issues. One noted: "Beautiful writing but takes too long to get anywhere."

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane (2009) A Harvard graduate student discovers her family's connection to the Salem witch trials while researching colonial folk magic and uncovering a mystery surrounding an ancient key and a missing spell book.

The House of Velvet and Glass (2012) Set in 1915 Boston, this novel follows a woman seeking answers about her family's fate aboard the Titanic through supernatural means while confronting class expectations and romance.

Conversion (2014) A modern-day mystery parallel to the Salem witch trials unfolds when students at an all-girls prep school begin experiencing inexplicable symptoms and strange behaviors.

The Appearance of Annie van Sinderen (2015) A film student in contemporary New York becomes entangled with a mysterious young woman whose connection to a 19th-century tragedy slowly comes to light.

The Daughters of Temperance Hobbs (2019) A modern-day academic races against time to break a colonial-era curse affecting the women in her family line while balancing her career and relationships.

A True Account: Hannah Masury's Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates (2023) Based on historical documents, this novel tells the story of a young woman who joins a pirate crew in 1719 after escaping indentured servitude.

Deborah Harkness writes supernatural historical fiction that combines academic research with magical elements. Her All Souls trilogy connects modern-day scholars with historical witchcraft and ancient mysteries.

Sarah Waters creates historical fiction set in Victorian England with supernatural undertones and Gothic elements. Her works explore themes of identity and belief systems while maintaining historical accuracy.

Alice Hoffman writes stories that blend historical settings with magical realism and family dynamics. Her Practical Magic series and historical novels deal with witchcraft, belief systems, and generational connections.

Diane Setterfield produces Gothic-influenced historical fiction that incorporates elements of mystery and the supernatural. Her works explore the boundaries between truth and fiction while maintaining connections to historical periods.

Brunonia Barry sets her novels in Salem, Massachusetts, incorporating historical elements with contemporary storylines. Her works deal with witchcraft, family secrets, and the intersection of past and present.