The Maiden is the debut novel by Kate Foster, published in 2023. It was a Sunday Times bestseller and winner of the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year 2023.
The Maiden has also been longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2024.
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
Plot
In October 1679 Edinburgh, Lady Christian is arrested and accused of murdering her lover, James Forrester. Her plight is splashed across the broadsides with the headlines depicting her as an adulteress, whore, and murderess. Despite having enjoyed a privileged and respectable life just a year before, Lady Christian now faces serious charges.
The mystery deepens as the story explores the motivations behind her affair and raises questions about her guilt, considering she wasn’t the only woman in Forrester’s life who might have had reasons to wish him dead.
The Maiden Book Review
I really enjoyed this book and especially liked that it was based on a true story. Upon completing the book, I promptly delved into researching Lady Christian and The Maiden.
I loved the feminist slant. This was very much the women’s story. Yes, James Forrester was murdered, but was he blameless? The book forces readers to question Forrester’s innocence, pondering what he might have done to these women that led to such drastic consequences.
The story was told from the viewpoints of both Christian and Violet, a prostitute turned maid who was also present at the scene of the murder. Christian and Violet were such contrasting characters and yet the paths crossed due to the actions of the same man.
I loved particularly loved Violet as a character. She was so tough on the outside but much softer than she’d have us believe on the inside. She was loyal to a fault and always seeking to protect those she loved. I also enjoyed how the author adopted a completely different writing style to present Violet. She would talk directly to the reader and her voice felt so authentic and real.
The tension in The Maiden is palpable and my mind was constantly flitting between Lady Christian, Violet, and my own theories about the murderer. The twists and turns kept me gripped as the mystery unfolded.
I don’t think I’ve previously read a book set in 17th Century Scotland but I loved the setting. Kate Foster’s vivid descriptions allowed me to immerse myself in the sights and smells of the time. I love Stacey Halls’ books and this very much felt like something she could have written.
If you enjoy historical fiction with a feminist twist, this book is a must-read. It gave a fascinating perspective on a gripping true story and I can’t wait to see what Kate Foster writes next.
What should I read after The Maiden by Kate Foster?
If you enjoyed The Maiden by Kate Foster, you may also enjoy The Familiars by Stacey Halls and Weyward by Emilia Hart. I would also recommend reading Kate Foster’s second novel, The King’s Witches.