The Three Witches

by Elena Collins

Utterly gripping historical fiction from bestseller Elena Collins - perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Outlander and Weyward. When Ruthie gets the part of one of Macbeth's famous three witches she can't wait to get started. Inspired by the beauty of the film's Scottish locations and the camaraderie of the cast and crew, she can leave behind the expectations of her family and her lacklustre love life, at least for now. But as echoes from the past begin whispering in Ruthie's ear and a restless spirit draws her further into its centuries-old secrets, it soon becomes clear that only she can uncover the truth of a terrible injustice.

1050 Isobel and her two sisters have learnt about healing from their loving mother Sidheag, and she in turn has kept them safe. But without the protection of their late father, Sidheag knows that her daughters must find husbands or their futures are at risk.

Isobel believes in love over duty and when she catches sight of King Macbeth's stepson Lulach she can picture a happiness she had hardly dare imagine. But as heir to a Scottish throne that is drenched in blood, Lulach's destiny is to be a warrior. When Isobel's actions leave her and her sisters vulnerable to accusations of witchcraft there may be nothing that can keep the three women safe, not even the great Macbeth himself.

As the calls from the past grow ever louder, Ruthie has no choice. Macbeth's witches have a story that needs to be told and the truth can no longer stay hidden...

Truly unforgettable timeslip historical fiction, perfect for fans of Emilia Hart, Clare Marchant and C.J. Cooke.

Readers love Elena

'Captivating from start to finish. It's not a story, its a moving tale of mystery, lost loves, which may have been true...'

'Another great page turner, "oh, just read another chapter" . Will not give the story line away, just go out and buy it yourself, you won't be disappointed and you'll be supporting one of the best U.K authors of today.'

'I loved this book to the extent I have now purchased The Witch's Tree and plan to purchase all her other books in this genre. If you like time travel, ghost stories with witches thrown in, then you should enjoy The Cornish Witch.'

'I almost didn't want this book to finish. Part ghost story and historical romance, I really enjoyed it. A perfect companion for a winter night.'

'One of the best books I've ever read. It's virtually impossible to put down. It evokes all types of passion from sadness to joy.'

Praise for Elena

'The emotionally powerful story of Katherine Ferrers really gripped me and the spooky sightings of her ghost were spine-tingling. Elena writes so beautifully and weaves the threads of the stories together so masterfully. Both heartbreaking and hopeful, it's a brilliant read.' Nicola Cornick

'A wonderful book by a fabulous author. Very highly recommended.' Louise Douglas

'A fantastic page-turner! There's romance and heartache, joy and grief, darkness and light and everything in between, including ghosts in the mist. Brilliant. Will be looking out for more from this author.' Rachel Sweasey

'The Lady of The Loch held me spellbound from the first page to the last. With two storylines beautifully woven together to create a seamless tale of love, loss, betrayal and, above all, hope, it's a must-read. Collins's detailed knowledge of the period trickles through the tale wrapping the reader in a vivid shifting world as it moves between the 14th century and present day. Cleverly researched and exquisitely written, The Lady of The Loch is a timeless story of hope, family and love. I loved it.' Alexandra Walsh

306 pages, Hardcover

Published March 2, 2026

Reviews

[Jane Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a fan of Macbeth, and in particular the witches, I really enjoyed this fresh perspective. Flicking between the present day and Scotland in 1050 this feels like a mix of history, romance, healing based witchery and a ghost story! What’s not to love?! A good early Autumn read for a dark evening.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by the Scottish Play, this fascinating dual time / time slip novel takes us right back to the time of Macbeth’s three witches and gives us the tragic story of Isobel Druimeinach and her sisters, Ysenda and Merraid who lived in eleventh century Scotland and whose destiny was forged and immortalised in Shakespeare’s ill-fated play. Running alongside is the present day interpretation of a documentary being filmed in the beautiful Scottish landscape and of the actors who were charged with bringing history, and the witches, to life.

The story is so beautifully atmospheric that as I read about Isobel and her sisters, so the jealousy and superstition of the people started to swirl around me and I found that I was whisked back to a dark and dangerous time in Scottish history. Time became suspended and I was back in 11th century Moray watching as Isobel made her potions and danced with her sisters. Likewise the modern day story is equally fascinating and Ruthie’s involvement, as one of the witches, becomes all the more powerful as she becomes ever closer to discovering the truth about Isobel.

I’ve absolutely loved reading The Three Witches and flew through the story in a couple of days. Each of the time narratives is compelling, and with neither one trying to outshine the other, I was soon as comfortable in 1050 with Isobel as I was with Ruthie in the present day, both are strong female characters who deserve to have their stories heard. With each successive story this author seems to go from strength to strength with The Three Witches being the best yet.

[Claire Morrison]

I loved this book. It was intriguing, atmospheric and riveting. The characters were well built, relatable and you become truly invested in their stories. One if those books that you think about days after finishing it.