Death and the Conjuror

The historical backdrop feels so vividly realized—I'm curious whether the author based it on real events or built it from imagination. How did this setting influence the story's dark tone?

The supernatural elements add a layer of tension, but they also made me question how much is real and how much is illusion. Did this blend enhance or detract from the suspense for others?

The rich descriptions really brought the past to life, but I wonder if that slowed down the pacing at times. Was this a deliberate choice to immerse the reader?