Already a great historian, Tracy Borman proves with this thrilling debut novel that she is also a born storyteller.

As she helps to nurse the dying Queen Elizabeth, Frances Gorges longs for the fields and ancient woods of her parents' Hampshire estate, where she has learned to use the flowers and herbs to become a much-loved healer.

Frances is happy to stay in her beloved countryside when the new King arrives from Scotland, bringing change, fear and suspicion. His court may be shockingly decadent, but James's religion is Puritan, intolerant of all the old ways; he has already put to death many men for treason and women for witchcraft.

So when her ambitious uncle forcibly brings Frances to court, she is trapped in a claustrophobic world of intrigue and betrayal - and a ready target for the twisted scheming of Lord Cecil, the King's first minister.
Surrounded by mortal dangers, Frances finds happiness only with the precocious young Princess Elizabeth, and Tom Wintour, the one courtier she can trust.

Or can she?

'Watch out Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, I can see a new contender for the Queen of Historical Fiction!' Netgalley reviewer

'A fascinating read, felt very true to time period but with that personal touch . . . Five stars' Jeannie Zelos book reviews

About the Author
Tracy Borman is joint Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces and Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust. She studied and taught history at the University of Hull and was awarded a PhD in 1997. Tracy is the author of a number of highly acclaimed books including Crown & Sceptre, Henry VIII and the Men Who Made Him, The Private Lives of the Tudors: Uncovering the Secrets of Britain's Greatest Dynasty, Thomas Cromwell: The Untold Story of Henry VIII's Most Faithful Servant, Matilda: Wife of the Conqueror, First Queen of England, Elizabeth's Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen and Witches: A Tale of Sorcery, Scandal and Seduction. Tracy is also a regular broadcaster and public speaker, giving talks on her books across the UK and abroad. Follow Tracy on Twitter @TracyBorman

Reviews
The adventures of her courageous heroine put flesh on the bones of a fascinating historical framework. * Sunday Mirror *
Tracy Borman's debut historical novel has it all: conspiracy, betrayal, dark intrigues, bloody deeds, a poignant love story - and the most famous plot in English history. -- Alison Weir, author of the Six Tudor Queens series
An accomplished novel with a vivid historical setting . . . the scenes in which Frances defends herself accusations of witchcraft are particularly strong * The Times *
Exquisitely written, sumptuous in detail and thrillingly plotted . . . The first of what promises to be a magnificent trilogy. -- Kate Williams, broadcaster and author of Becoming Queen
The King's Witch is a superbly crafted story, and so great is Tracy Borman's skill that she really transported me back to the tumultuous days of the Jacobean court . . . I was both totally submerged and desperate for it not to end!' -- Nicola Tallis, author of Elizabeth's Rival: The Tumultuous Tale of Lettice Knollys, Countess of Leicester
A compelling tale of corruption, danger and coruscating suspicion, The King's Witch carries the reader right to the heart of James I's court - and casts a dazzling new light onto one of the most dramatic moments in British history.' -- Sarah Gristwood
Plunging the reader into the claustrophobic and corrupt world of the court, the sometimes grisly period detail is brilliant . . . First rate fiction - and best of all, the first in a trilogy! * The People *
A bewitching tale * Radio Times *
An accomplished novel with a vivid historical setting * The Times *



Book Information
ISBN 9781473662339
Author Tracy Borman
Format Paperback
Page Count 448
Imprint Hodder Paperback
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
Weight(grams) 320g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 130mm * 34mm