Gretge, "related to witches, burned as a witch," is the 17-year-old girl Margarethe Meinken from Westeresch on the edge of the Lüneburg Heath, whose poignant story is told in this book. Gretge was found guilty of witchcraft based on an expert opinion from the University of Helmstedt and was ultimately burned at the stake in Rotenburg (Wümme) on September 9, 1664. The gripping novel is based on all available historical facts of the case, including the surviving court records. Jürgen Hoops from Scheessel skillfully brings the world of the 17th century to life before the reader's eyes and becomes the eloquent biographer of Gretge's short life. The reader accompanies Gretge on her moving life journey from baptism to her horrific death at the stake.