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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 Fiction Mystery 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)

What listeners say about The Maiden

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Profile Image for Mrs. K. M. Bailey

Extraordinary story based on real events

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.

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Profile Image for Catriona Duncan

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

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.

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Profile Image for Mrs W. McArthur

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

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.

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Profile Image for Blondie

Good storytelling

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.

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Profile Image for Nicola J.

Wonderful story

I loved how this true story was brought to life while giving an insight into 17th century Edinburgh.

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gripping right to the end

very well written, fascinating story. I loooved the voice and Scottish accent of the narrator

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Profile Image for Anonyme

Excellent performance, Interesting story.

I really enjoyed this audible book. The Christian and Violet were really brought to life by the narrators. No criticism for the third narrator, who was also good, but that role didn't require characterisation. The story was interesting, and as with all those with a connection to something historical, I checked the facts. There was, however, a slight blip near the end of one of the chapters towards the end, where it cut out before the end of one narrator speaking and then there were just two or three words by another narrator before the next chapter began. It didn't really affect the story (at least I don't think it did).

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Profile Image for mjc

Actor’s interpretation

I cannot fault the story but it is extraordinarily bought to life but the brilliant actors. I love the women, Lady Christian and Violet. Their strength of character and determination for different reasons. How clever of the author to weave feminist aspects and stalking. There’s not many books I’d listen to again but this one I definitely will.

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Profile Image for ZoZoZo

Amazing story!

Such a brilliant story, every chapter is so interesting. Really well written and well performed. The story takes you back to a totally different era and makes you feel connected to the characters, the narrators are so brilliant too. I couldn’t stop listening!

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Profile Image for Amazon Customer

Brilliantly written and narrated

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Very interesting and will look out for other books written by this author.

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