In 1672, two young women share a similar social position. Their parents are financially comfortable, their homes secure. But life works out differently for Sarah Solart Poole Good and Ann Carr Putnam. Sarah suffers increasing financial hardship before falling into vagrancy and madness. Ann marries the son of the richest man in Salem Village and lives an ordinary life until her daughter falls victim to alleged witchcraft.

Thomas Putnam, the Younger also has a promising future. As the eldest son, he expects to inherit the bulk of his father’s estate. He marries a woman who should receive a good inheritance from her own father. But life has other plans. Ann’s inheritance is small. Tom’s father leaves everything of value to his brother.

In February 1692, witchcraft infects Thomas Putnam’s home. Ann Putnam, the Younger suffers inexplicable fits. She says Sarah Good afflicts her, and Thomas Putnam accuses Sarah Good of witchcraft.

In June, Sarah Good is convicted of witchcraft. In July she is hanged.

This is a story of three people caught up in forces beyond their control, and the witchcraft hysteria that gripped Salem, Massachusetts in 1692.