1
of
1
The Wise Witch of Orkney
A spell-binding debut novel about Scotland’s 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...
Read More
Format: Hardback
TEMPORARILY OUT OF STOCK
Please add to wishlist to be notified when back in stock
Sorry, we're currently out of stock of The Wise Witch of Orkney. Please add to your Wishlist and we'll send you an email as soon as it's back in stock.
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.
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.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
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.
More from Historical Fiction
View all-
New ReleaseThe Parisian Chapter
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Paris Library and The Librarians of Rue de Picardie comes a charming and cinematic novel following a young woman from Montana who lands a job in the American Library in Paris, where she discovers the power of storytelling and writes her own Parisian chapter.'Stirring and rich with detail' New York Times...Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
New ReleaseInferno
AD 60. Nero Claudius Caesar is Emperor. He is feared for his temper. He is known to be intoxicated by the power he wields. And why not? The Roman Empire stretches from the wilds of Britain to the deserts of Parthia. Nero is god of all he surveys. Yet dangerous traitors lie close at hand. Generals commanding legions. Senators whispering...Paperback$3100Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
Circle of Days
From the master of epic fiction comes the deeply human story of one of the world's greatest mysteries: the building of Stonehenge. A FLINT MINER WITH A GIFT Seft, a talented flint miner, walks the Great Plain in the high summer heat, to witness the rituals that signal the start of a new year. He is there to trade his...Hardback$4499Elsewhere:$6000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Soldier's Daughter
The heart-stopping new blockbuster by the bestselling author of The Fallen Woman. Violet Nash has grown up in the shadows of her father Charlie's shattered dreams. It's been years since he walked away from the battlefields of France, a WWI hero but his heart in tatters, only to see it broken all over again in the worst way possible. In...Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Girl with the Suitcase
The enthralling new novel from the 10-million-copy, No. 1 bestselling author. London 1941 When Mary meets a glamorous stranger named Elizabeth, she realises their lives couldn't be more different. But when an air raid forces them to take shelter underground, Mary's life is set to change forever. After waking up in hospital, injured but alive, the nurse mistakes her for...Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Lost Bookshop
Evie Woods' stunning new novel The Story Collector is available now. The Echo of Old Books meets The Lost Apothecary in this evocative and charming novel full of mystery and secrets. ‘The thing about books,’ she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.’ On a quiet street in...Paperback$2200Elsewhere:$2500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
All the Diamonds in Paris
Kristin Harmel is firmly in the top echelon of WW2 storytellers - HEATHER MORRIS A master storyteller - SANTA MONTEFIORE The best at sweeping historical drama - KELLY HARMS A dazzling diamond of a novel - HAZEL GAYNOR * Paris, 1942: Anabel Martinet is a jewel thief, descended from a family that has spent centuries stealing from the unkind and...Paperback$2999Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Listeners
‘By turns a beautiful love story, a fascinating glimpse into the horrors of history and a haunting tale of loyalty and courage. A marvel of storytelling’ CHRIS WHITAKER, bestselling author of All the Colours of the Dark The Avallon Hotel offers unrivalled luxury in the wild Appalachian Mountains, its curative sweetwater washing away the troubles of high society. June 'Hoss'...Paperback$3600Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Song of Achilles
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is a brilliantly crafted retelling of the ancient Greek epic of Achilles and Patroclus, transforming the classical myth into a profoundly moving love story. Set against the richly depicted backdrop of Greece during the heroically tumultuous age, the narrative follows Patroclus, an awkward and exiled young prince, who is taken to the court...Paperback$2100Elsewhere:$3999Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
The Cardinal
Step into the thrill and intrigue of Tudor England in the rich, compelling new novel from Sunday Times bestseller Alison Weir. Alison Weir makes history come alive as no one else BARBARA ERSKINE AN EXTRAORDINARY RISE TO POWER. A TRAGIC FALL FROM GRACE. It begins with young Tom Wolsey, the bright and brilliant son of a Suffolk tradesman, sent to...Paperback$3400Elsewhere:$3799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
Mythos
Mythos by Stephen Fry is a compelling retelling of the classic Greek myths, reimagined with a wit and elegance that only Fry can deliver. This volume transports the reader to a world where mortals intertwine with the divine, and the timeless tales unfold in a spellbinding narrative that captures the imagination. From the cosmogony—the birth of the cosmos—to the exploits...Paperback$2200Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow -
15% offThe Four Winds
Kristin Hannah is a classic storyteller and The Four Winds sees her at the top of her game - Matt Haig Powerful and compelling - Delia Owens, number one international bestselling author of Where the Crawdads Sing A story of love, family, unbreakable bonds, bravery and hope. I loved this book so much! - Christy Lefteri, bestselling author of The...Paperback$1700Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips tomorrow
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
