"A fascinating and enthralling tale focusing on three women as accusations of witchcraft run rife during the royal union between Denmark and Scotland in 1589."
A fascinating and enthralling tale focusing on three women and accusations of witchcraft during the royal union between Denmark and Scotland in 1589. Author Kate Foster’s debut The Maiden, a retelling of a real murder case in 17th century Edinburgh, was chosen as a LoveReading Star Book by reviewer Joanne Owen, and longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction in March 2024. The King’s Witches offers another reimagining, this time taking in two royal courts as Princess Anne is betrothed to King James VI of Scotland, and witchcraft claims sweep Europe. This novel focuses on three very different women, from princess, to lady-in-waiting, to housemaid. Chapters are headed by one of them, and they narrate, each voice vividly distinct. It is intriguing to see the different viewpoints and how each chapter and individual story spills into the next. Fear stalks the pages, creating eddies within the plot of artifice and manipulation. The strength of women is celebrated, hope somehow survives. It is so very easy to see how this dreadful time in history unravelled as the atmosphere and sense of place is vibrantly expressive and so I’ve chosen this novel as a Liz Pick of the Month. The historical note at the end confirms the dreadful killings of tens of thousands of people suspected of witchcraft, and the King who was well known for his involvement in the demonising and punishment of those thought to be involved. Memorable and moving, The King’s Witches is a dramatically rich and absorbing tale.
'A masterpiece . . . I literally didn't look up from the first page to the last' - Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal
The King's Witches by Kate Foster is a compelling and beautiful novel that gives voices to the women at the heart of the real-life witch trials in sixteenth-century Scotland.
Edinburgh, 1589. Princess Anna of Denmark is to wed King James VI of Scotland. First, she must pass the trial period: one year of marriage to prove herself worthy. Under the watchful eye of her loyal lady-in-waiting, Kirsten, Anna resolves to be the perfect royal bride. Until she meets Lord Henry . . .
Meanwhile, young housemaid Jura has recently fled to the capital, seeking protection and anonymity. But her newfound safety is soon threatened when she is caught up in the witchcraft mania that has gripped the country - and the new queen.
'Enthralling, compelling and at times chilling . . . An utterly timely tale' - D. V. Bishop, prize-winning author of A Divine Fury
'A beautifully written tale of love and duty, fear and courage' - Jenny Ashcroft, bestselling author of The Echoes of Love
'A gripping, poignant novel that gives voices to those so often unheard in historical accounts' - Elizabeth Lee, author of Cunning Women
*The Maiden was longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction on 05/03/2024
