We are proud to share some genuine and verified reviews of ‘The Worms in Fools’ Fingers’
We are proud to share some genuine and verified reviews of ‘The Worms in Fools’ Fingers’
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 September 2025
Overall Star Rating: 4.5 stars. The Worms in Fools’ Fingers is a huge volume at almost 600 pages that must have taken M J Watts a significant amount of time to craft. As a work of historical action and adventure fiction, the lengthy cast of characters means that this was never going to be a short novel. The author has weaved this story around historical events well, leading a realism to it on the whole. Such vastly different characters mix together surprisingly well, all thanks to the author’s way with words. Key relationships develop, realistic problems are faced and solved, empathy and understanding comes to the reader. Perhaps not a thrilling rollercoaster ride regarding pace for the whole book, thankfully as the reader would be worn out, and graphic descriptions of war and wounds, make this a book that is a little different. I wouldn’t necessarily have chosen to read this myself, but I did enjoy it. I do like the end of the author’s blurb – “The Worms in Fools’ Fingers is an historical adventure – a tale of ambition, greed, and betrayal that destroys lives and families, and renders formerly unbreakable friendships asunder.” That, to me, is a greater hook than the actual synopsis itself.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 July 2024
Format: Paperback
I loved the cover of this book and the blurb was interesting, so I took a chance. I was so tired of the ‘crime detective’ genre and this is different, to say the least. It is an exciting historical tale based around the witch persecutions of 17th century Europe, and it has everything – a cast of memorable characters, strong female characters that are most certainly not stereotypes, and a plot that builds to a gut-wrenching climax. It is rich in historical detail, including the people and customs of lands as different as England, Holland, Germany – and even a Caribbean island. I loved the writing style, the author’s use of dialect which is often poignant and even humorous. MJ Watts seems to have a playful side. I spotted veiled references to modern culture woven into the story. Whether he has done this for readers to find, I don’t know but it certainly spices up an already highly enjoyable read. My favourite novel of this year, by far.
Reviewed in Canada on 29 January 2026
Verified Purchase
Once in a while, you run across a novel that stands out in the crowd because of its memorable characters and fascinating storyline. And if it also is well written, you have the makings of a potential New York Times best seller. The Worms in Fools’ Fingers by English author Mal Watts is such a novel — worthy of notable status and also of being made into a movie if any motion picture directors should stumble across the book or this review………Kudos to the author for not shying away from telling it as it was and for weaving such an interesting tale that is based more on the personalities and how seemingly unbreakable friendships can change or disintegrate under extraordinary circumstances.
The author’s ability for descriptive details places the reader smack-dab in the scene. His expert use of flashbacks gives the reader glimpses into the past lives of the characters so we come to better understand why they do what they do. Furthermore, the author has mastered the use of dialogue that is realistic and true to each character and to the 17th century………In summary, I give The Worms in Fools’ Fingers a 5-star rating and look forward to reading more from this author.
