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The Wise Witch of Orkney

A spell-binding debut novel about Scotland’s witch-hunting hysteria
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( 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
$3799
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Releases 23rd June 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "The Wise Witch of Orkney" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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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

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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