A review by beckys_book_blog
The Maiden by Kate Foster

emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This evocative, gritty murder mystery set during the Seventeenth Century in Edinburgh (and based on a true story) had me hooked from the first page. I loved it!
In October 1679, Lady Christian is arrested and charged with the murder of her lover (and Uncle) James Forrester. Only a year before Lady Christian was respectably married. What caused her to begin this affair? Did she actually commit murder or was it one of the other women that also had a motive to  end his life? 
The brutality and hardships that some women faced at this time (even those who were privileged in society) was brilliantly brought to life. I loved the dual narrative by both Lady Christian and Violeta who is first introduced working at Mrs Fiddes whorehouse. Both have very different backgrounds but their two lives collide as the story progresses. 
Interspersed in these two narratives are clippings from the newspapers from the time, reporting on all of the sordid details!
The characters in this story were so well written and historic Edinburgh was vividly brought to life. The tension and drama is unrelenting and I read this in just two sittings!

This was a captivating story, made even better by the knowledge it was based on true events. A definite 5 star read for me. I would highly recommend it!