The King's Witches

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

About the Author

Kate Foster has been a national newspaper journalist for over twenty years. Growing up in Edinburgh, she became fascinated by its history and often uses it as inspiration for her stories. Her debut novel, The Maiden, won the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year in 2023 and was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2024. The King’s Witches is her second novel. She lives in Edinburgh with her two children.