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The Wise Witch of Orkney
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 the 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.
But they are already within his court.
Disguised as a lady-in-waiting, Elspet Balfour has been sent from Orkney to serve the 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.
384 pages, Hardcover
Published February 26, 2026
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171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
March 2, 2026
I rate this 3.90
This book takes you right back into the days where you had to be careful about who you were as a woman and be careful who you trust ! Very atmospheric and informative and I tell no lie I had to google a fair few Scottish words at the start to bring myself up to speed with what meant what . I listened on audio and read the physical book together as that’s my thing to do . The story plot itself was a great idea with the Queen and for me it was just a little too slow paced and so I enjoyed the book more once I got half way in . I would still recommend because anyone who loves these historical atmospheric books where any good woman can be accused of being a witch is always worth a read and I still found this very educational as I do all historical books .
This book takes you right back into the days where you had to be careful about who you were as a woman and be careful who you trust ! Very atmospheric and informative and I tell no lie I had to google a fair few Scottish words at the start to bring myself up to speed with what meant what . I listened on audio and read the physical book together as that’s my thing to do . The story plot itself was a great idea with the Queen and for me it was just a little too slow paced and so I enjoyed the book more once I got half way in . I would still recommend because anyone who loves these historical atmospheric books where any good woman can be accused of being a witch is always worth a read and I still found this very educational as I do all historical books .
October 30, 2025
It’s 1592. The Queen of Scotland, Anna, is in Edinburgh, pregnant with the much wanted heir to the Scottish throne. Once the child is born they will be taken from her to be raised by another woman, as is the custom. Anna is determined that she will keep the baby with her despite her husband’s insistence that custom will be followed. Her husband being King James VI. Indecisive and weak. Terrified of treason all around him, terrified of “witches” he has ordered his subjects to expose anyone they suspect of “witchcraft”. Suspicion and fear is everywhere. No woman feels safe. No man feels safe either-whether noble or poor, anyone can be accused and face horrific death.
Against this dangerous and terrifying background Anna orders two of her most trusted ladies to travel from Edinburgh to Orkney to bring back the famous spae wife Elspet Balfour. Healer and midwife. Anna’s care under the King’s physicians is causing her health to deteriorate. But of course, as the reader knows, spae wives, midwives and healers are in very great danger of being accused of witchcraft.
I loved the character of Elspet and all the players in the story were brought alive as real believable people, engaging or vile as some were. The tension as the story develops is ratcheted up to the point where Elspet and the Queen’s ladies devise a desperate dangerous plot to help the Queen which, if discovered, would certainly end in their deaths for treason or witchcraft, or both. They need to trust some people to help them but who can they trust. Who will not betray them?
This is a great read. There is a real sense of place whether in the description of the clothes worn or the environment, natural or political. As the reader I felt transported to 16th century Scotland. I also loved how the author included Scottish words.
I have only one quibble. The author writes one character’s POV in the first person. A sort of stream of consciousness which, for me, didn’t really work as it was so different from the rest of the text. However this did not diminish my enjoyment at all. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction but also to readers who enjoy an involving story with brilliantly portrayed characters.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for my kindle. This is my honest review after a full read of the book.
Against this dangerous and terrifying background Anna orders two of her most trusted ladies to travel from Edinburgh to Orkney to bring back the famous spae wife Elspet Balfour. Healer and midwife. Anna’s care under the King’s physicians is causing her health to deteriorate. But of course, as the reader knows, spae wives, midwives and healers are in very great danger of being accused of witchcraft.
I loved the character of Elspet and all the players in the story were brought alive as real believable people, engaging or vile as some were. The tension as the story develops is ratcheted up to the point where Elspet and the Queen’s ladies devise a desperate dangerous plot to help the Queen which, if discovered, would certainly end in their deaths for treason or witchcraft, or both. They need to trust some people to help them but who can they trust. Who will not betray them?
This is a great read. There is a real sense of place whether in the description of the clothes worn or the environment, natural or political. As the reader I felt transported to 16th century Scotland. I also loved how the author included Scottish words.
I have only one quibble. The author writes one character’s POV in the first person. A sort of stream of consciousness which, for me, didn’t really work as it was so different from the rest of the text. However this did not diminish my enjoyment at all. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction but also to readers who enjoy an involving story with brilliantly portrayed characters.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC for my kindle. This is my honest review after a full read of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A latest offer of #witchlit and one not to be missed.
A moving story which shows the struggles and strife of women from all walks of life in late medieval Scotland, but also the power and determination wielded when women come together for a cause.
I loved the rich detail, from the Orkadian landscape to the Scottish court, to the herbal remedies used by the spae-wife. Beautiful touches which didn’t affect the pace, which was compelling from the start. The tension building throughout had me tied in knots. The author shone a light not only on the sexism of the witchcraft trials, but also the political manoeuvrings which just makes the whole business and injustice of it all that more enraging.
The POVs from women from different walks of life added layers as I felt empathy towards all of them despite the difference in privilege and attitudes. This was a beautifully written story and a powerful one that had me chewing over the social complexities of the age.
I’d highly recommend The Wise Witch of Orkney as a brilliant historical fiction and hope to see more histfic from @annacaig in the future.
A moving story which shows the struggles and strife of women from all walks of life in late medieval Scotland, but also the power and determination wielded when women come together for a cause.
I loved the rich detail, from the Orkadian landscape to the Scottish court, to the herbal remedies used by the spae-wife. Beautiful touches which didn’t affect the pace, which was compelling from the start. The tension building throughout had me tied in knots. The author shone a light not only on the sexism of the witchcraft trials, but also the political manoeuvrings which just makes the whole business and injustice of it all that more enraging.
The POVs from women from different walks of life added layers as I felt empathy towards all of them despite the difference in privilege and attitudes. This was a beautifully written story and a powerful one that had me chewing over the social complexities of the age.
I’d highly recommend The Wise Witch of Orkney as a brilliant historical fiction and hope to see more histfic from @annacaig in the future.
November 19, 2025
I tend to approach debut novels with a little trepidation. Is it an author cutting their teeth? Or one with next to no understanding of what writing a novel entails, producing an enthusiastic but poorly written piece? Or someone who has delved deep, researched well, has a natural way with story, narrative and characterisation? Fortunately this falls into the latter category. This very difficult part of history has been well explored by other experienced novelists, to impressive effect, so there’s lots of comparison that can be made, and a goodly amount of competition. I’ve been fortunate enough to read and review some of the best. This compares well. While it doesn’t outshine or match those, it comes close. I believe this author will continue to deepen and mature in their abilities, but this debut is a forerunner of things to come. It is interesting, enjoyable, chilling, insightful of how women have been treated over the centuries (and in large part still informs the way we are seen). The characters are well conceived and crafted. The Scottish dialect adds to the atmosphere and narrative. The story is intriguing and keeps you engaged. It gives you pause for thought, again, as to how women have been used and abused throughout history, how the power men seem to crave almost always seems to trump the love and wisdom women may bear. That is sadly the case even now. But this is a hopeful tale, where despite all that we may succeed and bring about right and caring outcomes. My only criticism is that the pace could be a little brisker, that some elements are over explored or repetitious. Overall an enjoyable and insightful historical read.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love me a work set in the homeland; makes me realise how much I miss it and want to return. All big cheer for written Scots; it needs more rep in the literary world.
As someone who studied, and got top marks in, Scottish History during Uni, I just had to read King James VI to know what I was getting into. The book circles around the pregnancy of Anne of Denmark. Anne sends for what she believes to be her best chance of surviving the upcoming months, healer and midwife Elspet Balfour. It takes place at a time where there is mounting suspicion of wise women and their crafts, with King James VI being at the head of the hunt.
It shows the attitudes of the time around women and ancient medicine. A twitch in a direction seen as ‘wrong’, judged so by the powerful white man, and that was the end. Vilified as a witch all for doing your job. Even if healing was not your job, all it took was a well placed rumour and suddenly you were under scrutiny of being ‘unholy’. All because a man thought you were too powerful, too learned, for a woman and needed to take you out.
Actually a lot more non-fiction than I’d usually read; real places and people is not my usual style. I picked this book because: most of the world thinks ‘witchcraft’ they think of Salem and al, the American witch trials. It’s important to read and remember that is was sometime that plagued women all over the world. Good book for those into reading about witchcraft, history and how attitudes towards women have evolved (and in some cases stayed the same).
As someone who studied, and got top marks in, Scottish History during Uni, I just had to read King James VI to know what I was getting into. The book circles around the pregnancy of Anne of Denmark. Anne sends for what she believes to be her best chance of surviving the upcoming months, healer and midwife Elspet Balfour. It takes place at a time where there is mounting suspicion of wise women and their crafts, with King James VI being at the head of the hunt.
It shows the attitudes of the time around women and ancient medicine. A twitch in a direction seen as ‘wrong’, judged so by the powerful white man, and that was the end. Vilified as a witch all for doing your job. Even if healing was not your job, all it took was a well placed rumour and suddenly you were under scrutiny of being ‘unholy’. All because a man thought you were too powerful, too learned, for a woman and needed to take you out.
Actually a lot more non-fiction than I’d usually read; real places and people is not my usual style. I picked this book because: most of the world thinks ‘witchcraft’ they think of Salem and al, the American witch trials. It’s important to read and remember that is was sometime that plagued women all over the world. Good book for those into reading about witchcraft, history and how attitudes towards women have evolved (and in some cases stayed the same).
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Anne of Denmark is pregnant, frightened, and running out of options. The woman she turns to could save her - or hang for it.
The plot revolves around James VI’s Queen Anne and her pregnancy. The pressure she is under to bring a healthy baby boy to term is immense, and she requests the help from a midwife and wise woman from Orkney, Elspeth. However, the suspicion and hysteria around witchcraft threatens to embroil many people into a dangerous game.
I’ve always been interested in sixteenth century Scotland’s place in the European witch trials, but I especially loved the detail in this story - the specific plants used for different purposes, the difficulties navigating power, suspicion and the patriarchy in the royal court, and the use of women’s agency where it was possible.
I enjoyed the way Elspeth’s voice was told through English and Scots - not so much that you couldn’t understand her thoughts and dialogue but enough to bring her story and the remoteness and difference of Orkney - even to mainland Scotland - to life.
For anyone that’s enjoyed books by Kate Foster, you’ve found another must buy author with Anna Caig!
Thank you to @bonnierbooks_uk for an advanced, #gifted copy of The Wise Witch of Orkney for review, which is out now!
Are you drawn more to the witchcraft hysteria angle or the court politics? Tell me in the comments… I find it hard to choose!
The plot revolves around James VI’s Queen Anne and her pregnancy. The pressure she is under to bring a healthy baby boy to term is immense, and she requests the help from a midwife and wise woman from Orkney, Elspeth. However, the suspicion and hysteria around witchcraft threatens to embroil many people into a dangerous game.
I’ve always been interested in sixteenth century Scotland’s place in the European witch trials, but I especially loved the detail in this story - the specific plants used for different purposes, the difficulties navigating power, suspicion and the patriarchy in the royal court, and the use of women’s agency where it was possible.
I enjoyed the way Elspeth’s voice was told through English and Scots - not so much that you couldn’t understand her thoughts and dialogue but enough to bring her story and the remoteness and difference of Orkney - even to mainland Scotland - to life.
For anyone that’s enjoyed books by Kate Foster, you’ve found another must buy author with Anna Caig!
Thank you to @bonnierbooks_uk for an advanced, #gifted copy of The Wise Witch of Orkney for review, which is out now!
Are you drawn more to the witchcraft hysteria angle or the court politics? Tell me in the comments… I find it hard to choose!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
At the court of James VI of Scotland, Queen Anna is expecting another baby. Her previous pregnancies have failed, and James is growing impatient for a male heir. What makes this story so lively and distinctive is the involvement of Elspet, a wise woman from Orkney whom Anna has secretly summoned to aid in the safe delivery of her child, yet nothing is simple, as intrigue and subterfuge abound.
The story is told mainly from Elspet’s wistful point of view, interspersed with chapters from Kitty, a peasant girl, as well as from Queen Anna herself. This is a well-researched, well-written and thoroughly enjoyable debut. The characters are vividly drawn, and the present-tense prose places the reader right beside them, living, breathing, and feeling all the tension, secrets and machinations as they unfold.
The role of women in a world ruled by men lies at the heart of the novel: smile and nod by day, but act as you will when the shadows fall. Women’s power is wisdom, and it takes many forms, often succeeding where men fail.
This is an accomplished and impressive debut, which I highly recommend. I look forward to Ms Caig’s future books.
The story is told mainly from Elspet’s wistful point of view, interspersed with chapters from Kitty, a peasant girl, as well as from Queen Anna herself. This is a well-researched, well-written and thoroughly enjoyable debut. The characters are vividly drawn, and the present-tense prose places the reader right beside them, living, breathing, and feeling all the tension, secrets and machinations as they unfold.
The role of women in a world ruled by men lies at the heart of the novel: smile and nod by day, but act as you will when the shadows fall. Women’s power is wisdom, and it takes many forms, often succeeding where men fail.
This is an accomplished and impressive debut, which I highly recommend. I look forward to Ms Caig’s future books.
October 31, 2025
Queen Anna, Danish wife of Scottish King James VI, summons Orkney wise woman Elspet Balfour to court to help deliver her unborn baby. It's a mission fraught with difficulty. King James is persecuting witches, and Elspet must pretend to be a lady in waiting. The Queen has another demand which will put Elspet and the noblewomen helping her at grave risk.
I found this hugely enjoyable. At first I was out off by Elspet's use of local dialect but I found it lent something special to the narrative.
Set hundreds of years ago, this is historical fiction that still resonates in terms of how women are treated, and how we occasionally have to pretend to be naive in order to outwit tyrannical men. Thousands of women were put to death for essentially curing medical conditions with plants and herbs. It was a way of eliminating women with strong views and intelligence. We see women stifled in countries all round the world.
I found this hugely enjoyable. At first I was out off by Elspet's use of local dialect but I found it lent something special to the narrative.
Set hundreds of years ago, this is historical fiction that still resonates in terms of how women are treated, and how we occasionally have to pretend to be naive in order to outwit tyrannical men. Thousands of women were put to death for essentially curing medical conditions with plants and herbs. It was a way of eliminating women with strong views and intelligence. We see women stifled in countries all round the world.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Set in Scotland under King James VI this is a novel about women, and the risks they ran in aiding others with herbs and remedies at a time of increasing paranoia. Witchcraft here is twofold, the skills women used to help, particularly with pregnancy and childbirth, and the acts of superstitious people trying to gain power or influence. The plot revolves around Queen Anne's pregnancy and it’s future, and once I understood what that was I found it reasonably easy to see where the story was heading. However, this in no way affected my enjoyment of the story. the characters were really well developed, as was the sense of time and place. I enjoyed the exploration of the very real perils women faced at this time, alongside the subtle uses of power they employed. This was an enjoyable story and a good debut, I look forward to the authors next novel.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Overall, I found this a decent read. The setting is interesting and the lead characters are distinct and generally engaging. There are just a few drawbacks for me that prevented this coming out at a 4 star.
The addition of Scottish dialect does settle in as the book goes on - and is a nice way to enhance the setting - but since these words are more distinct, some of the frequently used phrases can feel noticeably repetitive.
Possibly due to the use of the prologue - which I do think comes back into play nicely - the stakes don't feel particularly high for a lot of the story. I did find elements of the conclusion unsatisfying, but you could also argue that's part of the point.
As a whole, the story is very readable and it's nice to have such a variety of women depicted amongst a historical setting (even if a few aren't particularly likeable). It definitely feels like the author has done her research and understands the place and time the story takes place in.
The addition of Scottish dialect does settle in as the book goes on - and is a nice way to enhance the setting - but since these words are more distinct, some of the frequently used phrases can feel noticeably repetitive.
Possibly due to the use of the prologue - which I do think comes back into play nicely - the stakes don't feel particularly high for a lot of the story. I did find elements of the conclusion unsatisfying, but you could also argue that's part of the point.
As a whole, the story is very readable and it's nice to have such a variety of women depicted amongst a historical setting (even if a few aren't particularly likeable). It definitely feels like the author has done her research and understands the place and time the story takes place in.
March 10, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley.
This story is about Elspeth, Queen Anna, her ladies in waiting, and others. They each play a role in ensuring that the Queen's pregnancy safely comes to term. And as the end-papers describe, the risks that each takes in playing their part.
I liked the historical foundation of the book, particularly the description of clothes and living arrangements. And especially the wilder landscapes and the herbal medicine aspects. I also found the language interesting.
I did feel that there was over much talking. Also I would have very much appreciated a glossary of the Scottish words used, to save having to break off to look them up.
Overall it was an interesting story that I enjoyed. A good book with a good story. Well written and enjoyable to read. Recommended to readers of the genre
I am thankful to the author, Bonnier Books UK | Black & White Edinburgh and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book for free.
This story is about Elspeth, Queen Anna, her ladies in waiting, and others. They each play a role in ensuring that the Queen's pregnancy safely comes to term. And as the end-papers describe, the risks that each takes in playing their part.
I liked the historical foundation of the book, particularly the description of clothes and living arrangements. And especially the wilder landscapes and the herbal medicine aspects. I also found the language interesting.
I did feel that there was over much talking. Also I would have very much appreciated a glossary of the Scottish words used, to save having to break off to look them up.
Overall it was an interesting story that I enjoyed. A good book with a good story. Well written and enjoyable to read. Recommended to readers of the genre
I am thankful to the author, Bonnier Books UK | Black & White Edinburgh and Netgalley for allowing me to read this book for free.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to the author, publishers Black and White Publishing and NetGalley UK for access to this as an advance reader’s ebook. This is an honest and voluntary review.
The skills of healing Elspet Balfour inherited from her grandmother have made her a respected member of her Orkneyjar community. While she knows the risks of the King of Scotland’s campaign against witchcraft it’s her own reputation and wishes of the Queen of Scotland that being her into the heart of the danger as a Lady in Waiting in the Palace of Holyrood.
A historic novel set against the background of the very real witch hunts which terrorised learned women and political enemies in Scotland. The story is well-written, with well developed characters, and works whether you choose to look up the historical influences or accept it as a standalone piece of fiction.
The skills of healing Elspet Balfour inherited from her grandmother have made her a respected member of her Orkneyjar community. While she knows the risks of the King of Scotland’s campaign against witchcraft it’s her own reputation and wishes of the Queen of Scotland that being her into the heart of the danger as a Lady in Waiting in the Palace of Holyrood.
A historic novel set against the background of the very real witch hunts which terrorised learned women and political enemies in Scotland. The story is well-written, with well developed characters, and works whether you choose to look up the historical influences or accept it as a standalone piece of fiction.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is lively historical fiction, exploring accusations of witchcraft and exploring women’s lives in 1593-4 Scotland. Elsbet treads a fine line in these witch heightened times , as she is a healer. When the queen requires her services , she ends up in Edinburgh, with a big problem to solve. Anna Caig has done a good job of showing how difficult life could be for people from all walks of life, including the king and queen. I enjoyed the exploration of female friendships and solidarity, while being aghast at some of the treatment of women. And of course, the question of whether the plot would work. For lovers of historical fiction, this comes highly recommended. Thanks to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for bringing this author to my attention.
February 25, 2026
Elspet is taken from her home in Orkney to Edinburgh to help Queen Anna with the birth of her child while avoid accusations of witchcraft. This is a wonderful story of strong women with a mind of their own. While the men are plotting and planning the overthrow of King James, the ladies have to keep a low profile whilst looking after the queen. The ladies of the story are amazing women particularly Lady Jean at Dunrobin. This is a good and interesting way to learn history with some fiction thrown in. Thoroughly recommended.
With thanks to the author, Bonnie Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book
With thanks to the author, Bonnie Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book
March 8, 2026
An assured debut vividly recreating times long ago and telling a fictional witchy tale that could just as well be true, based as it is on real accounts from the time. Anna’s clever use of local language roots her Orkney character in her culture without becoming difficult for the reader, her evocation of landscape and weather are wonderful and her description of the wise woman’s herbal remedies are inspiring.
December 31, 2025
I love a book based around the witchcraft trials and this was no different. I loved the storyline and the characters, and the multiple POV. I think the best part for me is showing the strength of women, and what we can do when we join forces. Historical girl power books are definitely my thing, and this one is definately my number 1!
December 31, 2025
I enjoyed following the journey of Elspet and her new friends, seeing how bonds developed over time, between them.
Caig really captures the atmosphere of 1500’s Scotland, and I look forward to her next novel.
March 1, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers.
I enjoyed this historical dive into the times of wise woman during the Scottish reign of James VI (before he was James I). It was interesting and thought provoking. I do wish there had been more of Orkney, as that is what initially grabbed my attention.
I enjoyed this historical dive into the times of wise woman during the Scottish reign of James VI (before he was James I). It was interesting and thought provoking. I do wish there had been more of Orkney, as that is what initially grabbed my attention.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Review to follow nearer the publication date.
Published today 26th February.
I have read a lot of historical books about witches and this one is good but not my favourite. I couldn’t get into the dialect that the author chose to add in now and again and it spoilt the story for me. An okay read for me, probably more suitable for readers who like reading about royalty. I don’t.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Published today 26th February.
I have read a lot of historical books about witches and this one is good but not my favourite. I couldn’t get into the dialect that the author chose to add in now and again and it spoilt the story for me. An okay read for me, probably more suitable for readers who like reading about royalty. I don’t.
Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews