Kate Foster

I am a Scottish author with books translated into several languages.
 
My debut novel, The Maiden, (Mantle Books, 2023) is a feminist retelling of a 17th century Edinburgh murder. It won Bloody Scotland’s Crime Debut of the Year 2024 and was Longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction.
 
My second novel, The King’s Witches (Mantle Books, 2024) explores the origins of witch mania in 16th century Scotland.
 
My third novel, The Mourning Necklace (Mantle Books, 2025) is a reimagining of the fascinating case of Maggie Dickson, who survived her own execution in 1724.
 
I am inspired by the local folklore of my childhood and I write books that centre the female experience.
 
I was previously a journalist for around 25 years writing for national newspapers.
 
I have extensive experience in pitching, writing and editing both in fiction and journalism and I love working with other writers and readers. I have appeared at events and panels across the UK and enjoy chairing and taking part in talks, Q&As, book groups, workshops and mentoring. I became a debut author at the age of 48 and I am happy to talk about my experience of the writing and publication process as an older debut. I enjoy exploring themes of historical retellings and women in history.