Bitter Magic

by Nancy Hayes Kilgore

Bitter Magic, inspired by the true story of Isobel Gowdie and her witchcraft confession, reveals a little-known corner of history—the lives of both pagan and Protestant women in the Scottish Reformation of the 1600s as witch trials and executions threatened their lives, values, and beliefs.The story is told by Isobel herself and also by Margaret Hay, a fictionalized seventeen-year-old noble woman. When Margaret stumbles across Isobel one day, it seems as though Isobel is commanding the dolphins in the ocean to dance. Margaret is enchanted. She becomes interested in Isobel’s magic, in fairies, and in herbal remedies; Isobel freely shares her knowledge. While Margaret worries that being around Isobel could be dangerous, she also respects Isobel’s medical successes and comes to believe that acknowledging the efficacy of herbal remedies or believing in fairies does not challenge her Christianity.But Isobel believes in more than cheery fairies and herbal medicine. She has dark wishes as well, unknown to most people. Isobel seeks vengeance against the local lord who executed her mother for witchcraft. More important, Isobel’s trance experiences (or are they dreams?) lead her to confess to a wide range of sins, including consorting with the devil. Then, during her trial, Isobel names thirteen others, calling them all witches. To her great shock, Margaret hears her own name. Can her tutor, a Christian mystic named Katharine, save them?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Witches, Scotland, 17th Century, Witchcraft, Fiction, Historical

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 10, 2021

About the author

Nancy Hayes Kilgore is the author of four novels, PENNSYLVANIA LOVE SONG (coming in 2025), BITTER MAGIC (Milford House, 2021,) WILD MOUNTAIN (Green Writers Press, 2017) and SEA LEVEL (RCWMS, 2011.) Awards include the Vermont Writers Prize, a Book of the Year through ForeWord Reviews, and a Pushcart Prize nomination.

Nancy Kilgore's background as an ordained minister and pastoral counselor underly her interests in spirituality and psychology, and, with her love of nature and poetry, coalesce in her fiction writing. She leads workshops and retreats integrating spirituality and creative writing.

Reviews

[8stitches 9lives · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bitter Magic is a historical novel inspired by the true story of the witchcraft trial of Isobel Gowdie in 1662 Scotland and reveals a little-known corner of history—the lives of both pagan and Protestant women in the Scottish Reformation. It tells the story of three strong women: Isobel, the “cunning woman”; Katharine, a devout Covenanter; and Margaret, a young girl torn between the two. Isobel is a psychic, folk healer, visionary and magic practitioner. She experiences trance-like states in which she communes with the dead and travels with the fairies. Katharine, a highly educated and earnest Covenanter, is a tutor to the Laird’s daughters and a Christian mystic who experiences the presence of Christ in visions. Margaret, the 17-year-old daughter of the Laird, becomes fascinated by the charismatic Isobel and secretly seeks her out to learn magic. But she also admires her tutor, Katharine, and feels torn between the two belief systems. Margaret apprentices herself to Isobel and in a subplot falls in love with Andrew, an English soldier.

But her meetings with both have to be clandestine, as her Covenanter family believes that magic is of the Devil, and her father hates the English who occupy his country. Scotland is aflame with wars over religion–English against Scots, Catholics against Protestants–and in the Scottish Highlands, the witch craze is at its height. As Margaret becomes more entrenched in Isobel’s world of fairies and healing and magic, her father and the minister are gathering evidence for Isobel’s witchcraft trial. They both believe that Isobel has an evil power capable of harming and killing them. Then Margaret becomes a suspect, too. Will Andrew, an English soldier and Margaret’s suitor, reject her now? Is Isobel a healer who uses her psychic powers for good, or is she a witch who practices magic to harm people? Are the Covenanters heartfelt and devout in their principles of love and mystical union with Christ, or are they so consumed by fear of the “other realm” of fairies and magic that they seek to kill its practitioners? And can her tutor, Katharine, affect the outcome for Isobel as well as Margaret? 

This is a captivating, richly detailed and beautifully atmospheric read with real darkness to it and a sinister dread underpinning the narrative throughout. Full of magic and mysticism and based in the remote Scottish Highlands, the book shifts between Margaret and Isobel's perspectives with an occasional interruption from a third party. As a Presbyterian minister herself, as well as a feminist, a mindfulness teacher and a Wicca explorer, Kilgore has penned a story of Christian visionaries who instigated the Reformation and raged against the oppression of the monarchy but who themselves tried to wipe out another belief system, the traditional folk culture led by women. This was a clash not only of beliefs but of whole cultures at a pivotal time in history. It goes beyond the typical good witch / bad Christian story and explores the passions, fears, ideals and complexities on both sides of this clash. Extensively researched, engagingly written and stuffed with rich, intricate historical detail, I thoroughly enjoyed this beguiling novel. An immersive, accurate and involving historical epic in which rich descriptions of the setting transport you to the wilds of Scotland. Highly recommended.

[Elizabeth McFarland · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love historical fiction and witches. So I was very excited to receive an egalley of this book. It is the story of Isobel Gowdie a 17th century Scottish witch. This book was very well researched and beautifully written. Sometimes the switches between character points of view were confusing and some characters were boring and I could have down without their chapters. My favorite part of the book was actually the author's notes. I enjoyed learning about how she learned about the real life people her characters are based on.

[Nancy Wanderer · Rating 5 out of 5]

After visiting Scotland with my family in 2019, I was eager to read Nancy Hayes Kilgore's historical novel "Bitter Magic," based on the true story of Isobel Gowdie, a confessed Scottish witch. Hoping to immerse myself in Scottish history and learn about 17th century Scotland, I was immediately drawn into this lively, well-told story.

Kilgore's in-depth research and her helpful author's notes, glossary of Old Scots language terms, map of the area, and lists of characters and places helped me follow the somewhat complicated story. I learned so much about the conflict between the religious and folk beliefs of the times. I particularly enjoyed the connections Kilgore made with Shakespeare's use of fairies and witches in his plays, especially in "Macbeth." The novel was all I had hoped for and more. I plan to give it to many friends and family members for Christmas.

[Mary Jo Doig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitter Magic by Nancy Hayes Kilgore is historical fiction based on the true story of a confessed witch, Isobel Gowdie.

Important in the backdrop of this time period is Oliver Cromwell, one of the most controversial figures in English history. He served as Lord Protector (head of state) of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland for five years until his death in 1658. Cromwell was a hero to many Englishmen—and to the Covenanter Scots to whom he’d promised to restore their church. Until, that is, he turned traitor and joined with the English Royalist Presbyterians to demolish the Covenanters at the bloody battle of Auldearn, Scotland.

On page one we meet our young, bright protagonist, seventeen-year-old Maggie of Inshoch Castle, on one of the highest points overlooking the sea in what is now known as County Moray. The castle is located on the northern peninsula shore above Inverness, Scotland. County Moray is also the location of the earlier terrible Battle of Auldearn, where a family member was murdered.

Maggie and her family--father John, mother Elizabeth, sister Lucy, and wee brother John--are all of the ancient clan of Hay. This evening, after dinner with her family, Maggie walks across the beachgrass blowing on the dunes down to the windy shore. There she sees a woman calling to the sea and raising her arms as if beckoning something. Two dolphins appear. Maggie has often seen them frolicking and named them Titania and Oberon.

The woman turns to see Maggie and the two sense they have common interests. They talk briefly before the woman, Isobel, turns back to the dolphins. She chants several lines of a verse, after which they leap happily and soon disappear beneath the surface.

Maggie understands that the dolphins clearly understand the woman in the water. How does Isobel communicate with them? Maggie aches to know. She and Isobel talk more. Isobel reveals she possesses two sights: the visible and the invisible world. Maggie yearns to learn more about life beyond the visible world. But Isabel needs to leave, so Maggie returns home to her Eden, as she calls it.

Maggie’s parents are deeply concerned that she’d been alone near dark at the edge of the sea. By doing this, she'd placed herself in danger of the English Royalists. Since the war, they still lurk in the area and often appear out of nowhere. They steal cattle, horses, murder people, and kidnap people who may never be seen again.

The times are turbulent as the Covenanters seek to restore their Covenanter faith. But that waits until Maggie's Uncle William escorts the banished Charles II back to Scotland. Meanwhile, Maggie and Isobel’s friendship grows.

Rumors of witches, women with seemingly supernatural powers, have been in the air for months. Isobel is one of several suspected of being a witch, Maggie soon learns. Her pastor condemns these witches; two women have already lost their lives and two more are in the early stages of trial.

I highly recommend Bitter Magic for anyone interested in learning about 17th-century Scottish culture, church roles, lives of women both poor and rich, and, of course, witchcraft, based on the true story of a confessed witch. This book came into my hands in an unusual way and I sensed this was no coincidence. I researched and found myself deeply drawn to both the story and the author’s beautifully detailed writing. I saw how the religious conflicts Scotland experienced in the 1600s thread into our conflicts. Without becoming a spoiler, I'll share only that Kilgore uses a sure solution to these horrific conflicts to end her story. And, thus, Bitter Magic becomes both a compelling and exceptional book of hope.

[Siâni · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you enjoyed The Familiars, Tidelands, or The History of Witches then this is a book you really need to read.

The main plot revolves around Lady Margaret, a teenager who does not quite fit the role of a lady. She does not like to ride her horse side-saddle and lets her hair fly wild behind her, and she also believes in fairies. She is curious and that curiosity leads her towards the local cunning woman, Isobel Gowdie. The book is set in Scotland in the 17th century where England and Scotland are fighting, the Catholics and Protestants and women against the patriarchal system, and the accusing of witches is starting to take hold.

The story starts quite innocently through the eyes of Margaret but as the story begins to unfold and we start to get other characters' points of view in the chapters, a more sinister plot emerges. We see how tough life in the 17th century is for a woman. We have Katherine who has lost so much but continues to try and do good and see good. Margaret’s parents are also dealing with their own grief at losing a child in the war and then go to lose another. The story highlights the troubles the lower- and upper-class face as the tragedy of losing a child is not something the lower or upper-class suffered.

Misogyny is, clearly, a very prominent theme throughout the novel. In the way in which Margaret wishes to ride her horse like a man, to much more serious offenses such as the minister Harry seemingly getting away with adultery whilst he is happy to shame women who have committed adultery outside the church.

Overall, the novel gripped me. I wanted the women to triumph, and my opinion of Isobel changed with every chapter! I liked that magic was ‘real’ within the novel as we see Isobel heal wounds to her face and Isobel herself truly believes she is seeing the devil and the fairy queen but at the trial, the account sounds so fantastic, and she seems to have no remorse. It almost becomes difficult to read but knowing a little of the history of accusing women of being witches and the torture they endured, I can understand why at that point, Isobel may not be the ‘perfect victim’. It then takes on an entirely new level when I got to the end of the book and realised that Isobel was a real woman. Her confession was real.

This is such a well-written and paced book and the blurred line between magic and realism added to the novel which balanced the discussion around religion and law quite well.

I will now be reading Emma Wilby’s The Visions of Isobel Gowdie.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bitter Magic, by Nancy Kilgore, is a historical fiction imagining of the witchcraft trial of Isobel Gowdie in Scotland in 1662. Thank you to NetGalley and Milford House Publishing for gifting me an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Set in the mid 17th century, the author uses extant historical documents from the trial of Isobel Gowdie to create a believable, richly embellished portrait of Scotland on the eve of Charles II’s return to the throne of England following the years under Cromwell’s rule. The story is told in multiple voices include Isobel herself, but primarily focuses on Margaret, a young woman who is the eldest daughter of the local laird, and is also a sort of coming-of-age story for her. Other characters who are featured in the story are Katharine Collace, Margaret's tutor, and the local minister, Harry Forbes. All four of these characters were real people, although much less is known about Margaret (not even her actual name) than the other three.

Tied into the history of the story is the fact that Margaret’s family, the Hays, and indeed the entire area in which they live were Covenanters. This was a religious group which came into favor in the 17th century, and was both a religious and political group who supported a Presbyterian church and renounced the papacy and the teachings of the Catholic Church. The Covenanters also supported a government run by their own church members. At the time of Isobel’s trial, the Age of Reason combined with the Scottish Reformation had many educated people (both men and woman) questioning traditional religious thought, and tending more towards the idea that religion and theology should be based on reason. Into this mix was the widespread belief system among the “common people” that there was a connection between the body, the earth and faith. Older pagan-based celebrations (such as Beltane or May Day and the ritual bonfire and dancing on May 1st, which appear as part of the story line) still prevailed, and many of the women who held onto these older rituals could find themselves accused of witchcraft, casting spells or making bargains with the Devil himself.

All of this political and religious change sets the stage for this story. Margaret, at 17, is on the cusp between childhood and adulthood. She becomes aware of Isobel Gowdie when the woman is called to help with a healing “spell” for another member of their community. She is fascinated by Isobel’s charms and chants, and seeks her out to find more about her powers. Isobel tells Margaret tales of seeing the fairies and of wild rides through the night where she goes to dance in the fairie rings beyond the eyes of mortal men. Margaret struggles between accepting the doctrines of her Covenenter faith and being enticed by the stories of faerie and the power that Isobel appears to have not only in her healing but also to call down retribution on community members who might have wronged her (and Isobel feels that the local minister, Harry Forbes, is one of those who has wronged her and other women in the community – based on some of the historical documentation, he probably had). Isobel is eventually charged with witchcraft and thrown into prison. She is tried by a council of church elders, including Margaret’s father, and winds up naming several other women in the community as witches who are part of her coven, including Margaret.

The character of Katharine Collace is harder to place into the story. She’s a less well-developed character for me and I wasn’t entirely sure of her place in the story the author is trying to tell. She’s sort of a moral touchstone, who understands why young Margaret would be fascinated by the stories of faerie Isobel tells and the power to be in charge of her own life, but who is a strong believer in the tenents of the Covenenters and a devout woman who hopes to help Margaret see that Isobel is a troubled woman who is struggling with visions and doubts about her own faith and place in society. (The character of Katharine is in some ways reflective of the author’s personal history of study into religious and mysticism.)

It’s obvious Kilgore has done a lot of research into what was, for me anyway, a lesser known time in Scottish history. She has lots of details about the countryside, the social structures of this very rural society, and the dichotomy between the ancient ways and the new thinking of the Age of Reason, even as it pertains to religious beliefs. I liked her approach to present the characters with their own individual chapters and points of view to advance the story forward. I do think most readers are going to have to head off to Wikipedia to do a little research before they understand the political and religious background of this book. I wish there had been a foreward of some kind (similar to the overview at the end of the book which answered a lot of questions for me) helping set the stage for the action to come. (As a personal note, I have 2 history degrees with research just following this period and still needed to Google the Covenenters.)

Isobel is a wonderful character and in reading the notes at the end of the book, I’m sure all of the trial transcripts that speak in Isobel’s voice helped bring her to life as the story was being written. Margaret is less of a win for me. At times, her dialogue and described behavior made her seem MUCH younger than she was, and I actually wondered if maybe this book was supposed to be young adult oriented rather than adult historical fiction (but there are also some sections I don’t think are necessarily appropriate for a YA audience that were taken from the trial depositions). The minister and Katharine Collace are more secondary characters, and seemed somewhat tepid. I would have liked to have learned more about Katharine as she seems like a very interesting figure for her time – well respected and well learned, with a good rational mind.

Overall I’m giving this one 3.5 stars – good writing, interesting main character, and wonderful descriptions of 17th century rural Scotland as the positives; some lackluster character building for the supporting characters and a bit confusing for casual “historical fiction” readers to understand the world the story lives in.

[JoyReaderGirl1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Book Maven’s Journal Reviews for Word Connoisseurs
REVIEWER: J.Hunt
STAR RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sincere Appreciation to NetGalley, Sunbury Press & Milford House Publishing for Providing this Advance Reader's Copy for Review

Coming Soon in August 2021…

By Nancy Hayes Kilgore
“Bitter Magic” – Historical Fiction – Inspired by the True Story of a Confessed Witch

The infamous 17th C. “Witch of Auldearn Scotland,” Isobel Gowdie, is featured in Nancy Hayes Kilgore’s, “Bitter Magic.” Author Kilgore provides a distinctive sense of place and compassionate point-of-view as she develops her characters and storyline in this novel.

This is especially true for the complex, multidimensional aspects of Isobel Gowdie’s personality and perspective. Kilgore gently balances the harsh realities of Gowdie’s daily life amid muck, starvation, abuse and misunderstandings, with the “wise woman’s” vivid imagination; lucid dreaming; charms and incantations; as well as her deviousness and desires for revenge.

"...These are her dreams and illusions, don’t you see? In her wretched life, the poor woman would escape to fairyland, where life is beautiful. And so, she imagines this place…” Nancy Hayes Kilgore, Bitter Magic

Margaret, a local Laird’s teenage daughter, although warned to stay away from the peasant folk, began sneaking visits to Isobel to hear stories about fairies and magic.

"...The educated people have come to understand that belief in fairies and magic and witches is superstition. This superstition was held by the common people, but also by the ruling class that executed them…”
Nancy Hayes Kilgore, Bitter Magic

Although Margaret knew that she was disobeying her parents by befriending Isobel, little did she dream that this association could have far-reaching, and even deadly, implications.

"Bitter Magic” in a compelling page-turner. This historical fiction is emotionally engaging and entertaining. I could hardly put the book down. It's that good. Furthermore, upon reading Author Kilgore’s extensive background information on the history of the story, it's characters and place, I was even more intrigued. A fascinating scholarly reading list of other books, poems and articles related to the “Witch of Auldearn” is also included.

"...Music and dancing were good, and the Earth and its plants and animals held many secrets, power to be discovered and used. Power for the good, for healing, and for spreading love, even the love of Jesus. Saints and angels and fairies, the dead . . . there was such a vast universe of life within and around, worlds within worlds, if only people could learn to see…” Nancy Hayes Kilgore, Bitter Magic

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Check-out some of my other favorite Books and their Reviews that I've posted on Goodreads at the above link. I’ve written and posted more than 300 book reviews with an average of 3.98 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Rating Average on Goodreads.)

[Steve Cran · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Audearn Scotland around the 1800's when catholics and protestant were still at each other's throat there lived in Scotland a certain cunning woman named Isobel Gowdie. This women had commerce wit the faery queen and king. Her charms would heal just about an sickness. In the end she was accused of practicing witchcraft and using baneful magic to harm her neighbors. Held in a tower witches were imprisoned, denied food and sleep and ultimately tortured. In the end everyone confesses just o escapre the torture, because once one was accused they were automatically considered guilty. The people of Auldearn were beyond dirt poor. they lived in hovels with mud as a floor. Oftentimes there was not enough food to feed the starving children. In each of these villages there was a lord who sort of owned everything. If there was a shortage they would often plunder from the peasants. the peasants were often oppressed by the lords and their only recourse was magic.

Nancy Kilgore did some serious research for this book, she researched Isobel Gowdie and Scottish witchcraft. She also studied the coventers who were part of the reformation. People's view on faeries and magic was in the process of change. Some of the religous people felt that the only power on earth was that of god and that devils and faeries was the stuff of mere fantasy. Other moched both religion and magic. Many of the Lutherans and presbyterians believed that Catholicism was filled wit superstition and the magic was a result of that. During this time there was much upheaval and the English had nominal control over scotland.

The story itself centers around three women. The first and most obvious is Isobal Gowdie. Next is Margaret she is the eldest daughter of the Hays family. Third is Katherine Collerace who is a deeply religious and compassionate woman who believes strongly in god and in kindness. For Margaret this is a journey into another world. Meeting with her friend Henrietta is a meeting that will change her life forever. As she was riding wit her horse she has a chance encounter with Isobel Gowdie. they exchange a few words and then as she is about to go back to her castle she hears the rustle of hooves . The MacDonald's raid the village an steal plenty of crops and cattle. At this point Margaret's life will change drastically. Her friend Henrietta is kidnapped and she meets and English soldier named Andrew. The English soldiers are tasked wit rescuing Henrietta but cannot find her. As the search progresses the soldier and Henrietta develop a courtship. No one can find her until Isobel gowdie uses her second sight. That is when her friend is found. This prompts more meeting between Isobl and Margarete. Margarete explores the reals of magic with Isobel. She learn charms to heal sick people and she gets great insight into the world of magic. But things come to end when isobel is accused of witchcraft and confesses. No one knows for sure the ultimate fate of the accused witch but the ending does put a more positive spin on things.

[Thomas Riddell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kilgore's words have a beauty and a rhythm all of their own and the pacing flows nicely- I was entranced by her prose. I didn't want to stop reading. It was pure magic by itself.

Isobel Gowdie was a 17th century woman who confessed to witchcraft during the Scottish Reformation of the 1600s. She is the main character in this riveting historical fiction novel that examines not only her life, but the lives of all of the people who were caught up in the witch trials during that period of time.

Margaret Hay, a fictionalized seventeen year old noble woman, who is filled with curiosity meets Isobel after watching her enchant several dolphins, causing them to dance in the waters of the ocean. Margaret becomes drawn to Isobel despite her Christian upbringing and this creates a great amount of conflict within her. She is afraid that it will estrange her from her family, who forbids her from involving herself with people like Isobel. Regardless of the consequences, Margaret becomes enthralled with Isobel's magic, fairies and herbal remedies.

As pleasant and helpful as Isobel is with Margaret, things turn much darker as Isobel soon becomes entranced by the devil and black magic begins to take hold. Isobel is put on trial and she confesses to her "sins" but she admits to having a coven of witches and she names Margaret as one of them.

I love historical fiction. It transports me back to a time where I can endeavor to understand people and the places that have gone before me. To journey back to the 1800s or even the late 1700s is enjoyable for me but to take me back to the 1600s? It's a little too far removed from the present for me, but I decided to take the leap with this one- and I am so glad I did! The author made me feel very comfortable as she walked me around inside of an old Scottish castle, visiting with the people of those times. Kilgore's words have a beauty and a rhythm all of their own and the pacing flows nicely- I was entranced by her prose. I didn't want to stop reading. It was pure magic by itself.

This story had me thinking a lot about religion, our views of the world and how we quickly jump to conclusions, without deeper introspection and examination of the world and the people around us. Even to this day, we are a deeply conflicted people. If we just took the time we could learn a lot from people like Margaret and the wonderful but tortured spirit that was Isobel Gowdie.

Bitter Magic is a must read!

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came across this book on a “hometown” group on Facebook. A group member posted a picture and said that the author, Nancy Hayes Kilgore, had grown up in my hometown, which piqued my interest. When I then found out that it was about witchcraft and fairies set in 1600’s Scotland, I was even more intrigued. The book did NOT disappoint!!
Getting in tune with the Scottish vernacular was a bit difficult at first, but Nancy graciously provides definitions in the back, which was very helpful!! Bitter Magic is beautifully written and carefully researched. The complex characters and vivid scenery, as described by Nancy, make you feel like you are right there in Scotland in 1662.
Margaret is the main character – she is a strong willed, young woman who has been raised as a Covenanter, but is struggling to uphold those beliefs. She becomes enchanted with Isobel Gowdie, a “cunning” woman who practices witchcraft and is able visit the land where fairies dwell. Isobel’s “charms” both heal and harm. Margaret befriends Isobel to learn all she can about these charms and the witchcraft that Isobel practices. At the same time, Margaret is also captivated by her tutor, Katharine, who holds fervently to her Christian beliefs and attempts to instill these beliefs in Margaret. Margaret admires Katherine, so she is torn between her religious beliefs and the spiritual beliefs of Isobel. This provides a fine look at the parallels between religion and witchcraft, which hit home for me, as I was raised Catholic, but could not relate to or hold onto those beliefs as I have aged.
I loved the book so much, that I chose it as my selection for my book club. I had trouble finding discussion questions online so, on a whim, I emailed Nancy herself to see if she could help. Not only did she send me discussion questions, but she also offered to do a Zoom meeting with my book club. We, of course, happily accepted that offer and had a “magical” evening!! Nancy provided a slideshow with more history from her research and helped lead a compelling discussion of themes from the book. It was definitely a book club to remember and we are so grateful to Nancy for that!
Bitter Magic is a fascinating and wonderful read! Highly recommended.

[Pril · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting historical novel of witchcraft and magic in Scotland, 1662, based on the author's own distant family history and a time of unrest, suspicion, and social and religious tension. Filled with poetic and detailed descriptions of the landscape, the day to day life, the history, and the inner thoughts of the characters, this is a beautifully written story. Each chapter takes on the point of view of one of the main characters, from Margaret, the teenage daughter of a laird, to Isobel Gowdie, the "cunning woman" who has the skill and magic to both heal and harm, and several others who help to weave the story lines. There are times when the story turns dark and disturbing. A deeply patriarchal society frightened and suspicious of strong women with powerful practices is a theme that still has resonance in current times. The author's personal interests and professional experience help provide a nuanced look at the conflict between religion of the time and lingering ancient beliefs and practices. An overview at the end of the book is helpful to read before delving in, describing each character, the places, and some of the history. There are also references and links available for more information on the witch trials of the period and of Isobel Gowdie herself. Last of all, it has beautiful cover art, and a helpful hand-drawn map of the location in Scotland.

[Steph Pomfrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've written before about my childhood obsession with witches, but I admit my knowledge of the witch trials in Scotland was scant. Of course, when I was offered the opportunity to read a novel based on the true story of Isobel Gowdie, a woman accused of witchcraft in the 17th century and said by some to be the last woman burnt for her alleged crimes (although there is no certainty about what became of her after her trial.) What makes Isobel particularly fascinating is that her testimony was incredibly detailed and vivid.

The novel takes us into Isobel's world- and expands on her clear talents as a storyteller- and that of local noblewoman Margaret, with some chapters also told through the eyes of Katherine, a devout Covenanter woman and Margaret's tutor. These three women are united in their existence in a world where men, religion and paranoia reign and answers are not always found in God or Church, no matter how hard you look. It's this that leads Margaret to Isobel, the local cunning woman, despite her family's disapproval. What Margaret doesn't realise is that she might have bitten off more than she can chew when the finger of suspicion is pointed at her new friend.

This was a fascinating and vivid novel that takes place against the backdrop of a country in the midst of unrest and uncertainty, where everything is interpreted as an omen or a sign from God. I loved Margaret as a character- feisty and determined, she does not allow her perceived position in society to hold her back. In Isobel, the author has combined a real woman with the folk tales of rural Scotland. It's a brilliant read to put on your list as we head into the smoky, darker evenings of autumn.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction as anyone who reads my reviews can surely figure out. But when it comes to time periods there are certain eras that interest me more than others and Bitter Magic hits one of my favorites. This period in English and Scottish history is rife with conflict and the worst of it was the way women were treated who were a little bit different or who were knowledgeable about herbs. The women who stood in for doctors and could treat the ills of the townspeople. When something didn’t go right or blame needed to be assigned it was easy to point the finger and call witch at these women.

Bitter Magic is the story of one such “witch”, Isobel Gowdie and a young girl , Margaret, who goes to her looking for help. Margaret’s friend has been kidnapped by a rival clan and she believes Isobel can help to bring her back.

What follows is an eminently readable book that kept me interested from the first page to the last. The characters are fascinating and tying in Isobel’s “truth” makes for a thoroughly engaging read. I found myself fully involved in the story. The only issues were some jarring uses of vernacular that sometimes just didn’t ring true but it didn’t do enough to ruin the story for me.

[Roger A Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

E. L. Doctorow famously said “a historian will tell you what happened. A novelist will tell you what it felt like.” When I read historical fiction, I hope to be transported back to a time and place that is unfamiliar to me, to feel like I’m there. Nancy Kilgore’s novel Bitter Magic did the trick. Seventeenth century Scotland? I knew very little about beyond a list of royal succession, even though I taught European history back in the day. Kilgore tied her characters--some real, some fictional--into the historical forces of the day: religious strife, warfare, regime change, witch trials, fear of “the other.” I was especially taken with Margaret Hay, Kilgore’s young protagonist, who comes under the sway of Isobel Gowdie. Isobel might or might not be a “cunning woman” who consorts with fairies, but she certainly thinks she is. She is a very complicated mentor, and even at the end, this reader was not sure whether he liked/trusted/admired/disdained her. I especially appreciated the author’s Afterword, in which she helped the reader understand the fact and fiction behind her engrossing tale.

[Kristabeth Atwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy Kilgore captures the magic and tragedy of the life of Isobel Gowdie in this captivating historical novel. The writing transports you into the sights, sounds, and smells of 17th century Scotland. Through the eyes of Lady Margaret, we come to appreciate the uncertainty of life in these times and the appeal of the 'cunning women' to provide a sense of hope in the midst of illness, war, and religious dogmatism.

Historical fiction is not my preferred genre, but this novel drew me in from the start. I began reading it while on vacation and I could barely put it down. Reading this book makes me want to know more about the 'cunning women' and the history of the persecution of 'witches' in Scotland and throughout the western world.

One thing I liked best about this book was the little surprises and twists in plot that were offered throughout. It is a beautiful book about hope, despair, faith, doubt, curiosity, and courage. I encourage the reader not to assume they know how it will end. 🖤

[Rose Guzman · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨3.5/5 Rating✨

Spoilers & Thoughts Below!!

•This was such a beautifully written historical fiction that incorporated real individuals and stories. A somewhat easy and quick read as well.

•The plot and story development was well done and flowed nicely. The description of 17th century rural Scotland was very beautiful as well.

•I also really enjoyed the magic and mysticism aspect of this book.

•There was a lot of religious and political discussions throughout this book that were a bit heavy and hard to understand for someone who necessarily doesn’t have a lot of historical knowledge of that time period.

•Additionally, the different POVs did get a bit hard to follow sometimes.

•Overall, an interesting book with well written characters and story that’s heavy on the historical content.

**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review.**

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy historical fiction that teaches me something brand new. That was the case with Bitter Magic. Set in 1660 Scotland, I was introduced to the Covenanters and their role during those turbulent times. I also learned that women could easily be accused as witches, just like what was beginning to happen in the American colonies.

The rich descriptions of Scotland’s land, weather and community pulled me in from the start. The evolving story of a strong, young woman drawn into mystical ideas weaved it all together.

Be sure not to miss the author’s extensive notes at the end, especially the connection of the novel’s characters with the actual people they were based on.

Recommended to all historical fiction readers, especially those curious about the impact of the Restoration Period on the people of Scotland.

[Karen Ruymann · Rating 3 out of 5]

The naive, breathless tone infused into the main character's perssona made me wonder if this should have been categorized as YA. The protagonist, a "Covenanter" in mid-century Scotland, is determined to investigate the extraordinary abilities of a particular woman in her village, and comes to believe that she herself possesses second sight. She is very aware of recent witch burning, but then is shocked and frightened when male community leaders male cause her to come under suspicion for the practice of witchcraft. Not a big surprise.... The romantic story line was limp, and ultimately the protagonist chooses safety for her future. As the novel wraps, the protagonist proclaim that she understands the intertwining of Presbyterian and earth centric theologies. The author's notes were the most engaging part of the book.

[Valsala Rajan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm afraid my problems with this book mainly stem from the writing and the way the story is told. It didn't grip me in the way most historical fiction does. So where I felt my emotions should have been a mix of fear and awe, they weren't satisfactorily engaged at all. This is based on a true story and hence should be all the more engaging. However, the book does seem to have been very well researched - even unto and including the various magical chants used by the so-called 'witch' so anyone interested in the historical evidence of witchcraft and trials in Scotland at the time of the Restoration should find it interesting.

[Ajs4books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing treatment of a difficult period in Scottish history

While women were most often suspected of witchcraft, we rarely hear the story from their point-of-view. In the intense emotionality of early Calvinism, widening divisions between men and women were aggravated by these suspicions. The writer handles this by contrasting a self-confessed witch with a young girl who is unsure of her way in these troubling times. An intriguing piece of historical magical realism, showing a dark and little understood period in accessible terms.

[Allyson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the publishing hosue and the author for the opportunity to read a copy of this book in return for a review based upon my honest opinion.

This was a lovely tale, a historical fiction story based upon a real life historical person, Isobel Gowdie, who faced a trial as a witch in 17th century, Scotland. I really enjoyed the way the author wrote the story and it is evident the amount of research that she did in preparation for this book. It was an interetsing look into the past and was a pretty quick read.

[DAVID W · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entertaining and well-researched tale of 17th century Scottish “cunning women” and the high and low societies in which they practiced, transports the reader on a magical mix of truth and imagination, not unlike the cunning women’s broomsticks. The extensive author’s notes at the end of the book, including biographies of the real people informing the characters, satisfies an historical fiction fan’s curiosity, while the author’s enthralling plotline enchants. I look forward to reading Nancy Kilgore’s other two books, Wild Mountain, and Sea Level.

[Lizl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book. It captures a period in British history when prejudice, fear, and confusion ruled the day. Each one of the characters bursts forth on the page richly textured and distinctive and the strong sensory details in every paragraph brought the period to life. I read it through in one sitting. How it all played out made it a book that asked me think.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitter Magic, a historical novel, compellingly tells the story of a dark era in Scottish history. Kilgore’s writing draws one into the moody landscape, and her well-captured dialect and idiosyncrasies of speech lend an authentic energy to this intriguing tale. The author has an intimate knowledge of the subject matter, the history, and the land, which makes for a beautiful read.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enchanting tale!

I very much enjoyed this work of historical fiction based on the real life Isobel Gowdie and the witch trial she faced in the 17th century Scotland. I was drawn into the spirit world of faeries and mystics and surprised by the ending. Charming and delightful story.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly researched novel, Bitter Magic offers up strong female characters who view the world from very different perspectives, and it offers the reader a fascinating look at the psychological and theological complexities of witchcraft and witch trials. It's a story that is well told and hard to put down.

[Barbara B. Sulier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting look at history!

Great descriptions of this part of Scotland and its clash of religions. Also a good reminder of the separation of classes

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction, witches and magic wrapped in a world similar to Gabaldon's (Outlander)! Great read, and for those interested in theology, Kilgore has deep knowledge and conveys issues of religion percolating during that period at a much deeper level than typical historical fiction.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting read and one I would recommend for anyone who loves books on the witch trials.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This story takes place in Scotland during the 1600s and follows a confessed witch, Isobel Gowdie. This story is based on true events and provides a great deal of knowledge about these terrible times. I enjoyed the way the author described the land amongst other things; I was transported.
I highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys historical fiction and witches.