The Fifth Petal by Brunonia Barry

In a return to modern Salem, Brunonia Barry's latest starts with a Halloween death, which sets afire rumors and speculation about witchcraft and occult. Callie, the daughter of a woman murdered 25 years earlier, returns to town amidst the media coverage connecting the tragedies.

Everybody's obsessed all over again with the "Goddess Murders" from 25 years ago: Three women died violently, a child was orphaned, and a respected local scholar required institutionalization for years due to mental upset. The crime was never solved, and it seems to be related to the current death.

Add in a love story or two, some strong personal demons to conquer, and a maybe-mystical-or-maybe-bunk storyline and this is a rich, complex story.

You don't have to have read Barry's other books to enjoy this one - although if you've read The Lace Reader or The Map of True Places you'll recognize the local citizenry.

Wicked Girls

by Stephanie Hemphill

The Salem Witch Trials are my favorite part of history. I was first captivated by them when I read The Witch of Blackbird pond for a class assignment in 5th grade. Ms. Hemphill has brought them back with a new fictional perspective. This novel is written entirely in verse (read on fans of Ellen Hopkins) from the viewpoint of the accusing girls. Best of all, Hemphill suggests that the girls faked all the afflictions. This book is a fascinating account of the girls lives and reasons for seeking so much attention.