The King's Witches

The lives of three very different women in sixteenth-century Scotland become intertwined as the first rumours of witchcraft grip the country. From Kate Foster, the prize-winning author of The Maiden.

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'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 its 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