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The Wise Witch of Orkney
A spell-binding debut novel about Scotlandβs witch-hunting hysteria
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 46 ratings, 22 reviews)
Brief Description
1593, Scotland. King James VI launches a bloody witch hunt across the length and breadth of the country to rid the land of evil. But they are already within his court. Disguised as a lady-in-waiting, Elspet Balfour has been sent from Orkney to serve Queen Anna...
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Format: Hardback
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See moreSet in Scotland at the court of witch-hunting King James VI, this is the story of three women - born to follow very different paths - whose lives become dangerously intertwined as they attempt to defy the will of a King.
Set in Scotland at the court of witch-hunting King James VI, this is the story of three women - born to follow very different paths - whose lives become dangerously intertwined as they attempt to defy the will of a King.
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Description
1593, Scotland. King James VI launches a bloody witch hunt across the length and breadth of the country to rid the land of evil.
But they are already within his court.
Disguised as a lady-in-waiting, Elspet Balfour has been sent from Orkney to serve Queen Anna of Denmark, the witch-hunting king's new bride, at court in Edinburgh. For Anna is pregnant and, against her husband's decree, wishes for her highly anticipated baby to remain with her after birth. She seeks a binding spell from Elspet, a 'spae wife', a wise woman and herbalist, to protect her unborn child.
While Elspet struggles to keep her identity secret in a court that wishes her dead, another woman seeks her aid - Kitty Muirhead, unwed and impoverished, desperate to rid herself of her burdens past and present. Kitty and the queen could not be more different, but they may yet be each other's salvation.
The hunt is closing in on the three women. They must concoct a reckless plan to save one another before that fearful death sentence is cast upon them - witch.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781785308499
Publisher: Bonnier Books Ltd
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 26 February 2026
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Black and White Publishing
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 34.0mm
Width: 166.0mm
Height: 243.0mm
Weight: 594g
Pages: 384
Collections
About the Author
Anna Caig has worked in communications for over 20 years. A former Head of Communications and MA Journalism tutor, she runs a business training creative people in how to do their own marketing. Anna's submission The Spae-Wife was shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger prize in 2020 and was the springboard for The Wise Witch of Orkney. She lives in the Hope Valley in Derbyshire with her family. The Wise Witch of Orkney is her first novel.
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