The Last Witch of Scotland cover art

The Last Witch of Scotland

A bewitching story based on true events

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The Last Witch of Scotland

By: Philip Paris
Narrated by: Samara MacLaren, Steven Cree
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About this listen

'Compelling, evocative, heart-wrenching and beautifully written. Highly recommended.' - Fiona Valpy, author of The Storyteller of Casablanca

Being a woman was her only crime.

Scottish Highlands, 1727.

In the aftermath of a tragic fire that kills her father, Aila and her mother, Janet, move to the remote parish of Loth, north-west of Inverness. Blending in does not come easily to the women: Aila was badly burned in the fire and left with visible injuries, while her mother struggles to maintain her grip on reality. When a temporary minister is appointed in the area, rather than welcome the two women, he develops a strange curiosity for them that sets them even further apart from the community.

Then arrives a motley troupe of travelling entertainers from Edinburgh, led by the charismatic but mysterious Jack. It is just the distraction Janet, and particularly Aila, needs: for the first time in a long while, their lives are filling with joy and friendship, and a kind of hope Aila hasn't known since her father's death. But in this small community, faith is more powerful than truth, and whispers more dangerous even than fire.

Haunting and deeply moving, The Last Witch of Scotland is a story of love, loyalty and sacrifice, inspired by the true story of the last person to be executed for witchcraft in Britain.

Perfect for fans of Outlander, The Mercies and The Witches of Vardo, or for anyone with an interest in the history of witchcraft, late renaissance Scotland and Highland history.©2023 Philip Paris (P)2023 Bonnier Books UK
Fiction Great Britain Historical Historical Fiction Occult Other Religions, Practices & Sacred Texts Romance Witchcraft Highlander Scotland Heartfelt Magic Users
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Featured article: Witches in fiction: 12 historical fiction books to listen to this Halloween


Throughout history, women have been branded as witches by people scared of their power, confidence and independence. In days past, accusations of being a witch – thrown at women for everything from being talented at working with herbs to being in the vicinity of a death – could result in banishment or even death. These 12 audiobooks, perfect for the longer nights, colder weather and the Halloween season, tell the stories of women through history, from goddesses to regular women, through a mix of horror, fantasy and historical fiction.

What listeners say about The Last Witch of Scotland

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Absolutely brilliant!

I couldn’t stop listening! Binged this book in 2 days. Definitely recommend, fantastic book. And enjoyed the narrators voices as well 😊

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Heartbreaking story

What a story, what a stunning performance, I could not put it down, got myself immersed in the feelings of the narrators and now am sure this story will follow me for very very long. A definitely must read!

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One of the best books I have read

This heart wrenching tale is beautifully written and narrated. It is based on the truth, which makes it more compulsive listening. The horrific description of burning was so compelling. I actually finished it in two sessions, the last one taking 4 hours, because I just had to listen until the end

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Heartbreaking

I loved this book. I was instantly back in time and feeling the pain of these people. Well researched and pieced together to make a wonderful novel. Definitely a book I will now buy in physical copy.

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Fantastic Story

Totally captivating. Loosely based in historical fact. Superbly told story as much about life at the time as an exploration of friendship, love, tribal psychology and human failing.

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Great story, weird narration at times

Found the story and its historical background really interesting. I liked the female narrator but found that while the male narrator did interesting accents/voices for dialogue, the uplifts at the end of each of his sentences made it sound like a 20-something delivering a TED talk… really irritating! This bothered me for the first half of the book but I learned to ignore it eventually and was glad when the female narrator took on the bulk of the story.

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mezmerizing, heartbreaking yet fringed with light and hope

It has been a while since a book has had me shed a tear, and at a certain point I was weeping as though for a friend. Each character is brought to life in just the rjght way. The story an important one to tell and although based on true events, much has been curated as history has left many gaps to be filled in Janet Hornes tale. I believe the gaps have been tenderly and respectfully filled by the author. I must note that the book has been narrated beautifully too.

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Ripping yarn

Excellent story full of historical detail. Fascinating. Makes my blood boil that so many poor women were executed

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Fascinating

A great story that is performed extremely well. I fell in love with the characters.

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Loved every second of it

Gripping, emotional, funny.
Beautifully defined characters and a story with twists and turns. You'll laugh, cry, be angry, then happy, then hopeful.
Absolutely brilliant.

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