Kirkyard Moon

by Rhys Shaw

Imagine how surprised 20th century Janet Murray is to meet her 18th century flatmate, Elspeth. It isn’t everyday you discover a spirit lives inside you.

Shy, socially awkward, and confused—Janet is just trying to find a place in the world where she belongs. Performing medical procedures on strangers whilst in a kind of daydream, isn’t helping her confidence at all. Can she tell anyone what she’s going through without them thinking she’s gone mad?

Elspeth endures spousal abuse and is accused of being a witch by those who claim to love her. The women form an unlikely friendship that defies time and death. There is much to learn from one another if they can figure out how to communicate.

Will Elspeth’s history inspire Janet to step outside her comfort zone, learn to trust, and even help others?

Kirkyard Moon is a historical fantasy fiction book bringing two very different women together, all set in the natural beauty and brutal reality of Scotland’s history with witchcraft. Rhys Shaw’s novel blends the plight of women from the past and present day, reminding us of our strength when we support one another.

Buy Kirkyard Moon today in solidarity of women, both living and dead.

Genres: Historical Fiction

267 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2025

Reviews

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book flows, despite changing centuries every chapter or two. Women healers imprisoned, tortured, and burned alive as witches cavorting with satan. As healers, they had a different approach than doctors of the 18th century. Women abused by spouses; call her a witch and try another wife. In 20th century Scotland, before cell phones, internet and home computers, Janet feels isolated, until one incident leads to her becoming a healer. But she never remembers after she saves random lives, nor does Janet have any medical knowledge. What is happening?
A wonderful historical fiction novel.

[David P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shaw's story about a young woman possessed by benevolent spirits, is more than just a wonderful read. She weaves a tapestry of two timelines, Scotland in the 18th and 20th centuries.
In the 18th century we are met with the horrors of witch burnings and the culture which allowed it to thrive. In pre new age/internet 1970’s Edinburgh we see both worlds through Janets eyes.

The comparisons are stark, but in 2025 can we really say we’re doing much better? Instead of witch burnings we now have internet trolls using hatred and abuse, to sometimes fatal ends. Shaw does not ask us to remember the witches who were persecuted, she asks that we remember the women who were persecuted.

As with Shaws previous novels The Welexia series, strong female characters feature prominently, never far from danger, often betrayed but always resilient.

[Annette Summerfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the whole premise of the story. The two datelines and really just everything about it. I really hate to say that I wasn’t enjoying it. I don’t really know why. I just felt kind of bored. This is the type of story that I would really enjoy, but I just don’t seem to be enjoying it. I just feel like it’s dragging or something. I don’t know. Maybe it’s just me.