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The Maiden

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The Maiden

By: Kate Foster
Narrated by: Paula Masterton, Samara MacLaren, Angus King
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About this listen

This audio edition includes an exclusive conversation between narrator Paula Masterton and author Kate Foster.

Inspired by a real-life case and winner of the Bloody Scotland Pitch Perfect Award, Kate Foster's The Maiden is a remarkable story with a feminist revisionist twist, giving a voice to women otherwise silenced by history.

"In the end, it did not matter what I said at my trial. No one believed me."

Edinburgh, October 1679. Lady Christian is arrested and charged with the murder of her lover, James Forrester. News of her imprisonment and subsequent trial is splashed across the broadsides, with headlines that leave little room for doubt: Adulteress. Whore. Murderess.

Only a year before, Lady Christian was newly married, leading a life of privilege and respectability. So, what led her to risk everything for an affair? And does that make her guilty of murder? She wasn't the only woman in Forrester's life, and certainly not the only one who might have had cause to wish him dead . . .

©2023 Kate Foster (P)2023 Macmillan Publishers International Limited Crime Fiction Historical Mystery Fiction Crime Exciting Scotland

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Critic reviews

The Maiden is a masterpiece. A thrilling historical murder tale but so much more. Vivid, evocative and full of humanity. I took each and every character to my heart. The fact this is inspired by a true story makes it all the more chilling and relevant. I was transported to 17th Century Edinburgh so completely, I’m sure a part of me is still there (Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal and The Twyford Code)
A gripping read with strong, compelling and unusual female characters - and a twisty plot that keeps the reader guessing. It cast a fresh light on a period of history when women have too often been seen merely as victims and brought them to life as protagonists in their own right (Sally Hinchcliffe, author of Hare House)
Threat hangs over every page like the awaiting guillotine, but the women in this book gleam sharper. Witty, gritty and full of heart, their voices rise through the brutality and hardship of 17th century Edinburgh, battling to be heard (Cari Thomas, bestselling author of Threadneedle)
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I loved the premise of this book, a novel based on a real set of events which took place, but reimagined by the author.
It is beautifully written and very well read by the narrators. For any lover of historical fiction or historical fact, this is a marvellous read.

Extraordinary story based on real events

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A mix of fact and fiction producing a gripping story of passion and disappointment leading to disaster. Excellent narration bringing the characters to life.

Enthralling story

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I enjoyed the plot, characters and the narrators’ accents. The author comments on social and sexual injustice without distracting from the story so it’s both entertaining and thoughtful.

Good storytelling

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Loved everything about this book, the Scottish history, the characters, the Scottish dialect, the elements of humour, the strength and resilience of all the woman.
I felt so emotional at the end, a really horrendous moment written so beautifully.

Fabulous story, fabulous narration, hooked from start to finish.

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I enjoyed hearing the tale of love, status and the demise of the laid. I am fascinated with historical romance and loved that I learnt as I listened.

Engaging story of women's truths from years gone buy.

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I enjoyed the depth of the characters and settings, which emerge through clever layering of narrative and changes of perspective. All seen through modern eyes but with historical sensitivity. Beautifully rendered in the audio version.

Small doubt: I am not sure they would have known the keys of a piano back then, maybe a harpsichord? :) Anyway, very good read, thank you!

A gentle story with kind twists

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A well characterised story, helped by a great narrator. The different perspectives kept the narrative moving and the descriptions were evocative of the period.

A rollicking story

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This is a great story based on true events. I loved that it is set where I live and it had so many twists and turns. I listened to it over 2 days. I would highly recommend this book.

Brilliant story!

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I really loved this authors work. I hope she does more stories on violet as I just love the charecter and her sassy feminist personality.

loved it

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One of the best stories and performances I have listened to in a while. thoroughly recommend if you are interested in the era and women's lives

loved the story, the characters, the performances.

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