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The Strange Woman
A new novel about an old story - The Timble Witches – then and now
The Strange Woman is the new novel by Timble writer and sheep farmer Stephanie Shields. Stephanie learned about the Timble Witches from one of their descendants. This man was indignant about the way these women were treated then and have been ever since.
Over the years, thoughts of these women kept coming into the author’s mind. How horrible it must have been for them - to be taken off to York Castle, incarcerated, interrogated, tortured - even though they were acquitted. Twice they, and their families, went through this ordeal, and each time the women would have been terrified, expecting to be hanged at Knavesmire.
Reading the Daemonologia by their accuser Edward Fairfax aroused the author’s suspicions. Why did this ‘man of quality’ – a poet with a high reputation - become obsessed with these local women, accusing them of witchcraft and devil worship? Why was he prepared to risk his own young daughters’ health, safety, and sanity by allowing these girls to testify?
After careful research Stephanie came up with an alternative tale. She tells it from the women’s point of view, especially that of Margaret Hall, the strange woman of the title. In Margaret, Fairfax has certainly picked on the wrong woman.
But this is not solely a tale about Timble between the years 1621-1623. Four hundred years later, the descendant of the strange woman, curmudgeonly sheep farmer Foster Hall, seeks a wife. The Timble Witches are still here to help him in his quest for love. The witches choose a perfect candidate – Izzie, a modern woman from Hebden Bridge. But the path to true love is not a smooth one and there is a demon to take on and worse.
The Strange Woman is the new novel by Timble writer and sheep farmer Stephanie Shields. Stephanie learned about the Timble Witches from one of their descendants. This man was indignant about the way these women were treated then and have been ever since.
Over the years, thoughts of these women kept coming into the author’s mind. How horrible it must have been for them - to be taken off to York Castle, incarcerated, interrogated, tortured - even though they were acquitted. Twice they, and their families, went through this ordeal, and each time the women would have been terrified, expecting to be hanged at Knavesmire.
Reading the Daemonologia by their accuser Edward Fairfax aroused the author’s suspicions. Why did this ‘man of quality’ – a poet with a high reputation - become obsessed with these local women, accusing them of witchcraft and devil worship? Why was he prepared to risk his own young daughters’ health, safety, and sanity by allowing these girls to testify?
After careful research Stephanie came up with an alternative tale. She tells it from the women’s point of view, especially that of Margaret Hall, the strange woman of the title. In Margaret, Fairfax has certainly picked on the wrong woman.
But this is not solely a tale about Timble between the years 1621-1623. Four hundred years later, the descendant of the strange woman, curmudgeonly sheep farmer Foster Hall, seeks a wife. The Timble Witches are still here to help him in his quest for love. The witches choose a perfect candidate – Izzie, a modern woman from Hebden Bridge. But the path to true love is not a smooth one and there is a demon to take on and worse.
Paperback
Published November 2, 2020
About the author
Stephanie Shields
4 books5 followersGOLD MEDAL WINNER
THE WISHING SHELF AWARDS 2025
The past presses on the present in the writings of Stephanie Shields. She injects magical realism into her intriguing plots. She is praised for her skill in developing character through dialogue, her adeptness at presenting pacey and unpredictable plotlines and her dark humour.
GOLD AWARD WINNING After Amba is Stephanie’s second novel. Amba’s short life story spans the late Edwardian Era, the Great War, the Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age, and the Second World War. The contemporary part of the novel begins in 2018, covers the Covid years and beyond. From lesbian love in the Roaring Twenties to a significant age gap relationship, and a calamitous hen party in contemporary times, and a fine full-circle finale, this novel will surprise and captivate readers.
Stephanie’s first novel, The Strange Woman, a Wishing Shelf Finalist 2021, is a fusion of feminism, farming and the fantastical. It is based on a Yorkshire witch trial in held 1622. The Strange Woman has been very successful, is held in high regard by readers and is well reviewed on Goodreads and Amazon.
Stephanie’s first book, a short story collection called Swan Landings was published in 2017. Her short story, The Watershed, was selected by Sarah Waters for the Jane Austen Bi-centenary collection, entitled Dancing with Mr Darcy published in 2009 by Honno Press and Chawton House in the UK and later by Harper Collins in the USA. Her short stories have been broadcast on local radio and, along with her poems, have been included in literary magazines and anthologies Her flash fiction and poetry have been well-received both in national and international competitions.
THE WISHING SHELF AWARDS 2025
The past presses on the present in the writings of Stephanie Shields. She injects magical realism into her intriguing plots. She is praised for her skill in developing character through dialogue, her adeptness at presenting pacey and unpredictable plotlines and her dark humour.
GOLD AWARD WINNING After Amba is Stephanie’s second novel. Amba’s short life story spans the late Edwardian Era, the Great War, the Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age, and the Second World War. The contemporary part of the novel begins in 2018, covers the Covid years and beyond. From lesbian love in the Roaring Twenties to a significant age gap relationship, and a calamitous hen party in contemporary times, and a fine full-circle finale, this novel will surprise and captivate readers.
Stephanie’s first novel, The Strange Woman, a Wishing Shelf Finalist 2021, is a fusion of feminism, farming and the fantastical. It is based on a Yorkshire witch trial in held 1622. The Strange Woman has been very successful, is held in high regard by readers and is well reviewed on Goodreads and Amazon.
Stephanie’s first book, a short story collection called Swan Landings was published in 2017. Her short story, The Watershed, was selected by Sarah Waters for the Jane Austen Bi-centenary collection, entitled Dancing with Mr Darcy published in 2009 by Honno Press and Chawton House in the UK and later by Harper Collins in the USA. Her short stories have been broadcast on local radio and, along with her poems, have been included in literary magazines and anthologies Her flash fiction and poetry have been well-received both in national and international competitions.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
January 17, 2025
Wow, what a fabulous read.
A failed witch trial in 1621, a love story 400 years later, a demon, magick, nature, friendship, and family. The power of women when they pull together is shown time and again through this book.
A failed witch trial in 1621, a love story 400 years later, a demon, magick, nature, friendship, and family. The power of women when they pull together is shown time and again through this book.
November 5, 2020
This is a star of a first novel the characters and setting engage from the first page the research is brilliant. Your there at the York Assises with the women of Timble.Then we slip seamlessly to the present again characters and settings are top notch if you loved Swan Landings you will love this!! Don't just take my word for it read it it won't disappoint
August 4, 2022
A WISHING SHELF BOOK REVIEW
27th February 2021
TITLE: The Strange Woman
AUTHOR: Stephanie Shields
Star Rating: 5
‘A magical story, dark with just a hint of humor. Very enjoyable.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
The Strange Woman is, in many ways, a strange novel. It is a mix of so many things, from witchcraft to the life of the inhabitants of the Washburn Valley in Yorkshire. It also brings forth a mix of feelings from the reader; there are moments of laughter and moments of horror. But throughout the novel, from its 1600s beginning to the present day, it is always superbly written with a strongly crafted plot and interesting, often charismatic characters.
From the opening – and very powerfully written – first chapter, this is a compelling narrative. The plot is cleverly constructed, the Timble setting is splendidly described, and the pacing is, for the most part, spot on. In terms of writing style, the author's very talented. She works well with speech, and she knows when to keep a sentence short; this is not an author who's fallen into the trap of purple prose. I was particularly impressed by her ability to develop her characters through speech – the Yorkshire dialect I know so well - and also the extent of her knowledge of the Yorkshire setting.
So now to the important bit. Who is this novel for? Well, if you are interested in the county of Yorkshire, specifically the witch trials of the 17th century, you will probably find this a compelling read. Also, if you enjoy strong characterisation and depth to a novel’s historical setting, this is very much for you. It’s the sort of book that would go down well in a book club; the sort of book that stays with you after you finished it; the sort of book you discuss over coffee and recommend to others. And, to top it all off, it’s often ‘darkly’ funny too.
All in all, it's a bit of a gem. Enjoy!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Strange Woman
Author: Stephanie Shields
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 17 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
17 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A compelling, often brutal tale looking at witchcraft in the 1600s and the present day. The story is cleverly plotted but it´s the characters which bring the novel to life.” Female reader, aged 48
“I think anybody who has an interest in the county of Yorkshire and its turbulent history will find this book thoroughly enthralling.” Female reader, aged 47
“A fantasy novel of sorts which also happens to be set in a stunning landscape which the author puts over very well. A mix of myths, legends, magic, and even a little humour, this is a fab read. It´s a rather lengthy novel and I did feel a little cutting, particularly of the modern day events, might help the pacing. But I still thought it was a fantastic read!” Female reader, aged 32
“I don´t know much about witchcraft in British history, so this was an eyeopener for me. I also liked the Yorkshire sense of humour!” Female reader, aged 67
To Sum It Up:
‘A compelling novel of witchcraft with a strong cast of fascinating Yorkshire characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
27th February 2021
TITLE: The Strange Woman
AUTHOR: Stephanie Shields
Star Rating: 5
‘A magical story, dark with just a hint of humor. Very enjoyable.’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
The Strange Woman is, in many ways, a strange novel. It is a mix of so many things, from witchcraft to the life of the inhabitants of the Washburn Valley in Yorkshire. It also brings forth a mix of feelings from the reader; there are moments of laughter and moments of horror. But throughout the novel, from its 1600s beginning to the present day, it is always superbly written with a strongly crafted plot and interesting, often charismatic characters.
From the opening – and very powerfully written – first chapter, this is a compelling narrative. The plot is cleverly constructed, the Timble setting is splendidly described, and the pacing is, for the most part, spot on. In terms of writing style, the author's very talented. She works well with speech, and she knows when to keep a sentence short; this is not an author who's fallen into the trap of purple prose. I was particularly impressed by her ability to develop her characters through speech – the Yorkshire dialect I know so well - and also the extent of her knowledge of the Yorkshire setting.
So now to the important bit. Who is this novel for? Well, if you are interested in the county of Yorkshire, specifically the witch trials of the 17th century, you will probably find this a compelling read. Also, if you enjoy strong characterisation and depth to a novel’s historical setting, this is very much for you. It’s the sort of book that would go down well in a book club; the sort of book that stays with you after you finished it; the sort of book you discuss over coffee and recommend to others. And, to top it all off, it’s often ‘darkly’ funny too.
All in all, it's a bit of a gem. Enjoy!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: The Strange Woman
Author: Stephanie Shields
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 17
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 8/10
Cover: 4/5
Of the 17 readers:
16 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
17 felt it was easy to follow.
16 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
17 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
16 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“A compelling, often brutal tale looking at witchcraft in the 1600s and the present day. The story is cleverly plotted but it´s the characters which bring the novel to life.” Female reader, aged 48
“I think anybody who has an interest in the county of Yorkshire and its turbulent history will find this book thoroughly enthralling.” Female reader, aged 47
“A fantasy novel of sorts which also happens to be set in a stunning landscape which the author puts over very well. A mix of myths, legends, magic, and even a little humour, this is a fab read. It´s a rather lengthy novel and I did feel a little cutting, particularly of the modern day events, might help the pacing. But I still thought it was a fantastic read!” Female reader, aged 32
“I don´t know much about witchcraft in British history, so this was an eyeopener for me. I also liked the Yorkshire sense of humour!” Female reader, aged 67
To Sum It Up:
‘A compelling novel of witchcraft with a strong cast of fascinating Yorkshire characters. A FINALIST and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
February 10, 2021
Stephanie Shields has written a stunning debut novel. She weaves together the harrowing seventeenth century story of seven women from Timble, Yorkshire who were tried and acquitted of witchcraft at the York assizes with a modern day love story also set in Timble. This resonates with the twenty first century "Me too " movement, the powerful man and society's treatment of those living on the edges.
Throughout the well researched and wonderfully descriptive novel flows the author's love of the beautiful landscape of the surrounding Washburn Valley and indeed the natural world.
The novel describes how the seven women used their knowledge of the healing powers of nature to improve the lot of their community and highlights why the present generation must bend its mind to healing nature itself for those who come after.
A real page turner with magic , wit and romance combined to produce a satisfyingly good read.
Throughout the well researched and wonderfully descriptive novel flows the author's love of the beautiful landscape of the surrounding Washburn Valley and indeed the natural world.
The novel describes how the seven women used their knowledge of the healing powers of nature to improve the lot of their community and highlights why the present generation must bend its mind to healing nature itself for those who come after.
A real page turner with magic , wit and romance combined to produce a satisfyingly good read.
January 4, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed The Strange Woman. It's a beautifully crafted novel about the Timble witches or women as they wanted to be called.Based in the Washburn Valley it tells the story in two parts. Firstly from the view of the Timble women in 1621 who were taken to York to be tried as witches, not once but twice and were eventually acquitted. It then goes on 400 years to descendants of these women.
It contains elements of magic realism, love, hope, nature and so much more. The descriptions of nature and surrounding countryside are so vivid you can imagine you are there. Lots of interesting information about sheep farming . But the main story is about how women rise up against the cruelty of men, which is still relevant today.
Totally deserving of 5 stars.
It contains elements of magic realism, love, hope, nature and so much more. The descriptions of nature and surrounding countryside are so vivid you can imagine you are there. Lots of interesting information about sheep farming . But the main story is about how women rise up against the cruelty of men, which is still relevant today.
Totally deserving of 5 stars.
October 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this book - a lovely example of the past and present intertwining. Really nice character development and shows the strength of female friendship and comradery. The book being split into parts works well and the book is paced nicely, you want to read on and the story not to end!
January 11, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ Loved the historical story but felt the modern day story needed to create more atmosphere. Enjoyable’WitLit’
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March 5, 2021I should declare an interest – I live in Timble, the village in which this inventive novel is set, and part of the great attraction of the book for me is the way it brings to life locations I know and pass regularly. In fact, I consider the passages that linger on the moors and dales around the village to be a vivid example of nature writing that was been woven into a wider narrative that that takes us from the infamous trial of the Timble ‘Witches’ to the present day.
You’ll get the basic plot and premise from the blurb and other reviews, I’m sure. It’s a story linking events from the seventeenth century with present day Timble, describing the way the two are linked through the lives of its families and their descendants.
A quick search on Google will tell you more about the ‘Witches’ (Shields prefers to call them the Timble Women who were accused of witchcraft) and about Edward Fairfax’s bitter vendetta against them. Finding out about the history might help a reader appreciate just how much the author has mined real events to create these new imagined ones.
The real joys of the book for me, however, were the evocations of landscape, the descriptions of the valleys and the moors here and roundabout where:
“the westerlies bend the heather and baffle the broken bronze bracken.”
Every time I take the dogs for a walk, I now look out for possible locations from the book!
“The spot the women chose was by the beck. A flat space, like a beach but grassed almost to the water’s edge. A narrow strand of silt, like a fine ochre sand” (I’ve still got to find that one for sure, though!)
You’ll get the basic plot and premise from the blurb and other reviews, I’m sure. It’s a story linking events from the seventeenth century with present day Timble, describing the way the two are linked through the lives of its families and their descendants.
A quick search on Google will tell you more about the ‘Witches’ (Shields prefers to call them the Timble Women who were accused of witchcraft) and about Edward Fairfax’s bitter vendetta against them. Finding out about the history might help a reader appreciate just how much the author has mined real events to create these new imagined ones.
The real joys of the book for me, however, were the evocations of landscape, the descriptions of the valleys and the moors here and roundabout where:
“the westerlies bend the heather and baffle the broken bronze bracken.”
Every time I take the dogs for a walk, I now look out for possible locations from the book!
“The spot the women chose was by the beck. A flat space, like a beach but grassed almost to the water’s edge. A narrow strand of silt, like a fine ochre sand” (I’ve still got to find that one for sure, though!)
November 20, 2020
I rattled through this novel in 3 days, which was amazing for me after a period of not reading books for a couple of years. It's a hell of a ride through 400 years of life in Yorkshire, predominantly focussing on the Yorkshire witch trials of the 17th century and a setting in the modern day Washburn Valley. I did not know much about the witch trials before I read this book, but they are something I definitely need to find out more about now. The Washburn Valley, however, is something I know very well indeed, and the descriptions of individual areas are so incredibly vivid.
I enjoyed the first half of the book a lot. This is the part set in the past, and includes some period Yorkshire dialect which can be challenging, but the narrative and characterisations sweep you away with the plight of the "witches" providing a grip which is maintainted throughout the novel.
But the second half defied my expectations as the pace accelerates toward the climactic final chapters.
The themes of love, time, change, mysticism, history and nature merge perfectly throughout the book.
The characters in the book were all so well formed and individual, giving such life to the work.
The final act - well, I'll keep that one under wraps but there are a range of emotions that emerge that will stay with me.
I enjoyed the first half of the book a lot. This is the part set in the past, and includes some period Yorkshire dialect which can be challenging, but the narrative and characterisations sweep you away with the plight of the "witches" providing a grip which is maintainted throughout the novel.
But the second half defied my expectations as the pace accelerates toward the climactic final chapters.
The themes of love, time, change, mysticism, history and nature merge perfectly throughout the book.
The characters in the book were all so well formed and individual, giving such life to the work.
The final act - well, I'll keep that one under wraps but there are a range of emotions that emerge that will stay with me.
December 4, 2020
I loved this book.
It is a gripping and beautifully written novel based on the true story of The Timble Witches, a group of women living in the Washburn Valley in the 1600’s who were tried for witchcraft at York assizes.
This is a magical but at times brutal and disturbing tale which moves us seamlessly across the centuries into the present day.
Stephanie has vividly and lovingly brought the valley and its inhabitants to life with the occasional dose of her trademark irreverent humour! It really is a wonderful read.
It is a gripping and beautifully written novel based on the true story of The Timble Witches, a group of women living in the Washburn Valley in the 1600’s who were tried for witchcraft at York assizes.
This is a magical but at times brutal and disturbing tale which moves us seamlessly across the centuries into the present day.
Stephanie has vividly and lovingly brought the valley and its inhabitants to life with the occasional dose of her trademark irreverent humour! It really is a wonderful read.
November 4, 2020
A well researched and excellently written novel that brings the history of the Timble valley, North Yorkshire to life from the 1600's when a group of women were accused of witchcraft, up to modern times. Really enjoyed the well observed blend of modern life including sheep farming, the natural world, and romance, mixed with historical fact and magic realism. I couldn't put it down, read it straight through in two sittings. I highly recommend this book.
November 6, 2020
Good Read definitely applies to this unique book. It combines a plot with surprising twists, subtly drawn characters that the reader soon cares about, and a balance between a seventeenth century story based on carefully researched gripping local events, and a modern love story. Then add magic, the author's deep knowledge of the Washburn Valley, and sheep farming, and you have a book you can't put down.
November 7, 2020
A brilliant debut following on from her short story collection ‘Swan Landings’ Stephanie Shields brings to us a fabulous melding of the past and present, based on historical people and events. The modern (and fictional) characters zing with life and humour which perfectly work alongside the supernatural horror of the plot.
This novel is a triumph of research, a wonderful evocation of place and an examination of female power, defying categories. Wonderful!
This novel is a triumph of research, a wonderful evocation of place and an examination of female power, defying categories. Wonderful!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 4, 2024I bought this book for my daughter for Christmas and she loved it. I was, of course, compelled to read it as well. I too thought it was a really good mix of fantasy and reality. I loved the fact that it was based in the area where I live. The mix of old English and present day pros was excellently executed. I look forward to reading her next novel and will be dipping into her short stories and poems.
May 14, 2025
First half was pretty good. I was invested in the storyline despite the grammatical errors and spelling mistakes. Second half was truly awful. Quite laughable and unrealistic dialogue throughout. The narrative took a massive nose dive and made no sense. It's a miracle I made it to the end. Would have preferred more focus on what Margaret had been up to over the years. Really awful characters in the modern day story.
January 26, 2023
Loved the setting of this book. Bought it in the Yorkshire Dales at a local bookshop and read it in a few days.
I loved the whole past - present idea and the way facts of the past been used throughout the novel.
Did struggle a bit with the some of the pov changes throughout, especially in the 'past' part of the book. But overall, I thought it was a captivating story. Good read!
I loved the whole past - present idea and the way facts of the past been used throughout the novel.
Did struggle a bit with the some of the pov changes throughout, especially in the 'past' part of the book. But overall, I thought it was a captivating story. Good read!
January 28, 2024
A fantastic dual timeline story based around a failed witch trial in North Yorkshire.
Beautifully written invoking crystal clear imagery of the land and local residents, and featuring both factual and fictional people, it brought to mind (very strangely) shades of Practical Magic and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
I loved it (and it's a signed copy, too).
Beautifully written invoking crystal clear imagery of the land and local residents, and featuring both factual and fictional people, it brought to mind (very strangely) shades of Practical Magic and A Midsummer Night's Dream.
I loved it (and it's a signed copy, too).
May 26, 2023
I bought this book on a trip to England and loved every minute of the story. The author handles the time-bending aspects expertly, and we are there with the characters as they endure and triumph over challenges medieval and modern. Highly recommended.
July 26, 2024
The first half of this book was amazing, I was ready to say it was the best book I’d read this year. But then I just really didn’t get the second half. I didn’t think the love story was believable at all, but I don’t know if the point was that Margaret had made it happen?
March 2, 2025
A really good and interesting read and a page turner - the 17th century witch trial section of the book is brilliant and slightly better I think than the second half set in modern times but it’s all really good and readable. It just brilliant to read a book set locally to me
September 2, 2025
4 for the historical part, loved that aspect & would have happily read more. Modern day element surprisingly didn't feel as real (even though I know the area well) & really struggled with 'reckoning' event as felt rushed & unclear & spolit it all for me.
May 6, 2023
Magical!! ✨🍃🪴🪶🕯️
March 7, 2024
“ The Strange Women “ was a “ Strange Book “
I read it but it did absolutely nothing for me !
Would I read it again…. A resounding No
Would I recommend it ….. No
I read it but it did absolutely nothing for me !
Would I read it again…. A resounding No
Would I recommend it ….. No
May 19, 2024
I enjoyed this book as it was well researched and based on fact even though the story was fictional.
March 2, 2026
A strange tale but I really enjoyed it. Very daft in places but loved the imagery and descriptive writing.
January 5, 2021
I loved this novel. The Strange Woman is part history, part mythology and part love story, which spans several centuries in a remote North Yorkshire Valley. The author's deep knowledge and love of the landscape shines through. The novel speaks of misogyny and devaluing women, the strength and importance of female friendships and the value of allies in fighting oppression. We are made aware of how much we owe to those who went before us and their struggles and fortitude in the face of extreme prejudice. All this and witches, sheep-farming and a love story too.
March 3, 2022
A really interesting story! Loosely based around fact, with a really interesting story which keeps you invested throughout! Loved it, took me on such a lovely journey into the past!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews