The Yellow-Tail Moth

by Margot Shepherd

A riveting, literary mystery about two women, their hidden secrets, their friendship and the power of nature to heal

Accusations levelled against her husband force Lily to flee her pristine London home. She hides away in a rundown cottage near a Derbyshire village. She is deeply unhappy. She hates the countryside, the dirt, the smells and the creepy woodland next to the cottage.

Desperately lonely, Lily tries to befriend her neighbour Kathy, a naturalist and recluse who the villagers think is unhinged. Resistant at first, Kathy gradually mellows as Lily starts to share her interest in nature. A surprising connection develops between the two women.

Then a young teenager from the village goes missing and all fingers point at Kathy. Tensions escalate rapidly.

Lily defends Kathy against the villagers but when disturbing accusations are made about Kathy’s past, Lily is determined to uncover the truth.

"Not just a gripping mystery, The Yellow-Tail Moth weaves wonder from the smallest wings. A gem of a book, one that leaves you breathless..."
– Stephen May, Author of Sell Us the Rope

"I was gripped from the outset. Unlikely friendships, the healing power of nature, the danger of judgementalism, the goodness of people, all wrapped up in in a fascinating story."
– Fiona Curnow, Author of Before the Swallows Come Back

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

252 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 17, 2025

About the author

Margot Shepherd is a British author living in rural Sussex with her husband and Springer Spaniel, Jessie. She writes historical and contemporary literary fiction inspired by real events. They are standalone novels that explore relationships and the complexities of the human experience from a female perspective.

Having been a voracious reader of fiction since she was a small child she was determined that one day she would write a novel. The opportunity to fulfil that dream didn't come until she semi-retired. She studied for an MA in Creative Writing at West Dean College; an amazing experience which she will never forget.

She has no regrets about embarking on a writing career later in life. She loved her career in medical research and has a lifetime of experiences which she can bring to her novels. Her research on improving the treatment of people with diabetes, has given her many invaluable tools: a knowledge about science which she uses in her writing, the importance of attention to detail and a love of researching the subject she is writing about. Her scientific background was invaluable when writing her first novel, Never Closer.

When she is not writing you will find her gardening, walking in the English countryside where she lives or touring in her motorhome around Europe. A favourite summer destination being the Bavarian Alps, and to escape the cold English winter, the beautiful island of Sicily. Her travels provide her with more inspiration for her novels and while she’s travelling, she continues to write.

Her love of gardening creeps into her novels and gardens play an important role in her latest book, The Yellow-Tail Moth. Many of the plants in her garden feature in her novels.

Reviews

[Judy]

Deserves a 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️++ rating.
Such a lovely story. Such beautifully descriptive language when talking about nature, gardens, plants and bugs.
Women supporting women.

[Susan]

I enjoyed this book. I thought it was well written and the characters were well drawn. As well, the decriptions of plants and insects was really interesting.

Two women both escape to cottages in the English countryside and end up being neighbours. Both come from different backgrounds and are running away from the life that they once knew. Lily had a well-to-do and comfortable life in London which she left behind, and Kathy had a horrific history and came to her cottage to live as a recluse. Lily soon finds out that Kathy is considered to be crazy by the townspeople, and wonders why everyone dislikes Kathy so much. When a young girl from the town disappears, Kathy has to run for her life, and Lily comes to her aid. We slowly learn why both woman are running away.

During her seclusion in her cottage and yard, Kathy beomes immersed in the insect life and the plants surrounding her. The author has done a lot of research with this and her descriptions of the plants, birds, bees , insects and animals in the area is quite interesting.

Though not a true story, the author brings attention to post-partum depression and sudden infant death syndrome in The Yellow-Tail Moth.

[Anita]

This was a very easy read. It wasn't a book you'd tell someone to read, but I enjoyed it. I would give it 3.5 stars. It was easy to get into, and a different genre....we all need others.

[Sara Green]

Ehh. It was fine, but I felt there were too many irelrelevant details that hindered my ability to "get lost" in the story.

[Sharmeen]

A nice quick read, centering around the friendship of two women each with their own baggage. A nice character arc too, and a nice portrayal of drawing strength from those around us.

Would recommend as a read between heavier ones.

[Jan Lehman]

Wonderful story

I love the blend of each women's story ,was contrasted with the,study and,involvement of the natural world. I thought the detailed description of the insects was overpowering,but as,the book evolved the study and involvement with nature, it wove a kind,of mystical thread,around,the,terrors of life.Beautiful story,worth reading.

[Donna]

It was down to 7&1/2. It was interesting and I learned a lot about moths but couldn’t relate to the characters and it was slow to develop the plot.

[Sarah Messenger]

A beautiful story of women helping women. With a touch of mystery, suspense and nature.

[Heather]

The Yellow-Tail Moth by Margot Shepard is a beautifully written, quick read that left me genuinely touched, even though it isn't my usual genre. Margot’s descriptive writing style brings the world she built vividly to life.
The core premise of Lily fleeing to a rental home after her husband's arrest, only to end up next door to the reclusive Kathy, works exceptionally well. Their lives quickly intertwine when Lily stands up for Kathy against the village mob. While the main narrative highlights women supporting each other, I especially loved how both women share strong, positive relationships with their fathers, using those bonds to find inner strength. The author's inclusion of information about SIDS at the end was also a thoughtful and valuable addition.

[Arvilla]

A beautiful book about unlikely friendships and building trust once people have completely let you down. Lily, a London wife of a doctor, flees the city for a country cottage after the arrest of her husband. Afraid of the press, and afraid her husband may have tried to murder someone, Lily is confused and lonely -- then she meets her eccentric neighbor, Cathy. Cathy is the town pariah, the woman whom everyone thinks is crazy. But Lily likes this strange woman who loves caterpillars, butterflies, and moths. They form a friendship, each holding their own secrets. But when a local teen goes missing, and Cathy is accused of harming her, Lily finds herself in the position to defend a woman she barely knows. Told in past / present form, this books fills in details from each woman's past and does a lovely job of showing what can happen when bonds of trust are formed.

[Angela Smith]

Whilst not absolutely perfect, this enjoyable book deserves 5 stars. There are excellent descriptions of english village life, nature and countryside. There is emotional depth without hyperbole. There is a good balance of mystery and character exploration. The technical details seem very well researched.
I found myself looking forward to each chapter as the story unfolded and the lead characters developed.
Moreover, there are a number of themes and issues in the book which are ripe for a group discussion.
Very enjoyable indeed.

[Bookdragon (uk)]

i loved the friendship that cathy and lily had it shows although at times we say we don't need anoyone everyone needs a friend. They mystery missing gitl part honestly didn't grab my attention i cared more about lilly and cathy then that part.

There is alot of talk around moths and some on other insets what i found strange was i enjoyed that part and feel like i learned something about them.

[Beth]

Natural healing through storytelling

The intrigue in this novel is quite eclipsed by the brilliant descriptions of the natural world in which it is set. Each insect mentioned inspired direct research in order to truly appreciate. The natural world softened the hard truths of the plot and made it one to share and remember.

[Susan Grant]

Very wooden style of writing..."this happened, and this happened, and she thought, and she remembered..." And packed with too many details of the insect & plant life , essential to the story but disruptive to the narrative.
Plot too engineered with the 2 main characters with similar troubled back stories happening to live next door

[Ramona Jennex]

There were so many things I liked about this heart wrenching book but the one that stands out for me is that nature is such a powerful force. I really liked how nature created the 'language" for two souls to connect. And how nature impacted on such a wounded soul.
Once I opened this book- I was hooked. Gripping is a good word to describe it.

[Rosalie Nelson]

unique story of friendship, dealing with crisis and coming out more whole

Two women meet, one an avid collector of unusual insects, the other a woman seeking solace in the midst of a crisis. What they learn from each other
And from life.

[Amy]

A beautiful story of ups and downs of life, friendships, and the journey to find the truth. This is well-written, so lyrical you feel like you are among the flowers and wildlife. Strong women! Loved it.

[Kim Butterfield]

3.5 stars. Super wordy. Though the descriptions were beautiful it felt like they went on and on and it took forever to get to the plot. The plot was good and I was very invested in the characters. Good story overall!

[Janet A. Ward]

It’s a book worth reading. I enjoyed it but it wasn’t one I’d say is a “must” read. The main character was a little self-centered. I did feel there were unfinished threads left at the end. But enjoyable and easy to read.

[Holli Bobick]

It was ok, I wouldn't recommend to friends. I learned a lot about insects that's for sure. A little unbelievable, especially if your husband goes to jail and you never ask him what happened? The story could have been better.

[Karen E. Johnson]

Great story line. I loved all the connections to flowers and insects. Lots of science imbedded in the story.

[Amanda Hillier Hodny]

Wonderful character development, not my normal type of a read but was captivating and very well written. Wish the characters could live on in another book.

[karen noel]

I really enjoyed this book.

I was rooting for these characters right from the beginning. Make sure you get all your work done before you start to read.

[Red Car]

A compelling read. I listened to the audio.

[Jo]

Felt like the writing, characters, and imagery was beautiful. The story was interesting but, for me, wasn't super captivating.

[Marie]

Very enjoyable story

[Christina Blanton- Schmidt]

3.5 ⭐️

[Pat]

Margot Shepherd creates a touching story of the healing power of nature and friendship.

[Jennifer Schukis]

Excellent Beautiful Story

[Julia]

A great story of unfortunate events and selfishness that lead to two women building trust and an amazing friendship.