Titles in This Set:
The King’s Witches
The Maiden
The Mourning Necklace
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9789123864058
Overview:
Step into three richly imagined Edinburgh-era tales from Kate Foster, gathered here as a compelling trio of historical fiction. The Kings Witches (1589) follows Princess Anna of Denmark as she prepares for a high-stakes marriage to King James VI of Scotland, navigating a year-long test of alliance, duty, and desire under the watchful eye of her loyal companion Kirsten, with a tentative spark toward Lord Henry threatening the courts careful balance. The Maiden (1679) stitches a tense courtroom drama around Lady Christian Nimmo, accused of murder as headlines shout Adulteress. Whore. Murderess, while the citys beheading traditionThe Maidencasts a grim backdrop over every verdict. The Mourning Necklace (1724) centers on Maggie Dickson, the famous half-hanged woman, whose coffin-dragged memory haunts a seaside village and raises questions about justice, superstition, and resilience. Together, these three standalone novels form a vivid, era-spanning tapestry of Scotlands women who refuse to be silenced.
What Makes This Collection Special:
This collection shines by giving three distinct periods a shared heartbeat: women who confront power, peril, and public judgment with courage. Fosters storytelling melds meticulous historical detail with intimate, character-driven storytelling, letting readers live inside Edinburghs fog-filled lanes, candlelit chambers, and crowded markets. The books complement one another through a common lenswomen reclaiming agency in worlds that try to define them by rumor, reputation, or ritual. Readers who crave immersive settings, strong female protagonists, and a seamless blend of political intrigue, personal risk, and emotional tension will value the continuity and variety this trio offers, all from one beautifully packaged paperback set.
Books Included in This Collection:
The King’s Witches
In Edinburgh, 1589, a young princess prepares for a royal unin with King James VI, but the year-long marriage trial becomes a proving ground for loyalty, wit, and love. Anna is watched by her determined lady-in-waiting, Kirsten, and as she navigates guarded corridors of power, a dangerous attraction to Lord Henry tests her resolve. The narrative artfully shifts among perspectives, revealing a web of political maneuvering and personal loyalties that make every page feel urgent. Fosters voice brings history to life with clarity, warmth, and a fearless focus on womens inner lives in a world that underestimates them. The Maiden
Set in Edinburgh in 1679, Lady Christian Nimmos life spirals toward the infamous Maiden beheading ritual after she is accused of killing her lover, James Forrester. Headlines, public shaming, and the weight of moral judgment press in from every direction as Christians courage is tested in a city steeped in superstition and strict codes of conduct. Foster uses a tightly wound, atmosphere-rich approach to explore choice, consequence, and the thin line between scandal and truth, giving voice to a woman judged by society and history. The Mourning Necklace
1724 Edinburghs shadows fall over Maggie Dickson, a young woman condemned for concealing a pregnancy and alleged murder. Her near-death experiencesurviving a hangingbecomes a powerful lens on community memory, stigma, and the resilience of one woman who refuses to vanish from the record. This book blends folklore with grit, painting Maggies world in gritty detailfrom tavern gossip to the ache of marginalizationwhile asking what real justice looks like when public opinion holds court.
Who This Set Is Perfect For:
Ideal for readers who love Scottish history, feminist-leaning historical fiction, and mystery-set thrillers with real-world roots. Fans of immersive Edinburgh settings, tortuous courtrooms, and morally complex heroines will find three distinct experiences in one affordable collection. This set also suits gift buyers seeking smart, literary historical fiction for birthdays or special occasions, BookTok readers chasing stylish, character-driven reads, and classroom or book club discussions about historical accuracy, womens voices, and the politics of 16th18th century Scotland.
Key Benefits:
- Three immersive, era-spanning novels delivered in one premium paperback set.
- Strong, memorable female protagonists who drive every twist and decision.
- Authentic Edinburgh atmosphere across three distinct centuries, rich in detail and texture.
- Thoughtful exploration of power, reputation, and social judgmenttimely and endlessly compelling.
- High-quality storytelling with clear, vivid writing that balances history and emotion.
- Compact, gift-ready packaging that looks the part on any shelf or display.
- Great value for readers who want depth, variety, and a cohesive reading journey.
About the Author:
Kate Foster is a celebrated Scottish historical-fiction author known for giving voice to women whose stories have often been overlooked by history. Her acclaimed novelsThe Maiden (which won the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year award), The King’s Witches, and The Mourning Necklaceexplore real events and figures through immersive, feminist-tinged narratives. Fosters writing is praised for its vivid, atmospheric depiction of Edinburgh and its surrounding worlds, blending rigorous research with accessible, page-turning storytelling. Her work invites readers to reexamine familiar moments in Scotlands past through the eyes of decisive, resilient women.
Why Youll Love This Set:
Owning The King’s Witches, The Maiden, and The Mourning Necklace as a complete collection offers a richer, more expansive journey through Scotlands history than picking up each title separately. The set provides three distinct yet thematically linked experienceseach a doorway into Edinburghs dark corners, dramatic political plots, and intimate human moments. Its ideal for fans who enjoy binge-reading, collectors who value cohesive authorial voice and period authenticity, and gift givers seeking a striking, meaningful present for readers who crave thoughtful, well-researched historical fiction.
Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.
