‘Masterful . . . I literally didn’t look up from the first page to the last’ – Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal Discover this fiercely propulsive historical novel that gives voices to the women at the heart of Scotland’s sixteenth-century witch trials, from the Women’s Prize-longlisted author of The Maiden . 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. ‘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