The independent women of Scotland stand up to a witch hunt, male fury and the power of the Church in a battle for survival in this compelling historical novel based on true events in early eighteenth century Scotland.

1703: The wild east coast of Scotland.

Returning to her home town of Pittenweem, fishwife and widow Sorcha McIntyre knows she faces both censure and mistrust. After all, this is a country where myth and legend are woven into the fabric of the everyday, a time when those who defy custom like Sorcha has are called to account.

It is dangerous to be a clever woman who ‘doesn’t know her place’ in Pittenweem – a town rife with superstition. So, when a young local falls victim to witchcraft, the Reverend Cowper and the townsfolk know who to blame. What follows for Sorcha and her friends is a terrifying battle, not only for their souls, but for their lives, as they are pitted against the villagers’ fear, a malevolent man and the might of the church.

Based on the shocking true story of the witch hunt of Pittenweem, this multi-layered novel is a beautifully written historical tale of the strength of women united against a common foe, by one of Australia’s finest writers.

Praise for Karen Brooks

‘The Darkest Shore is meticulously researched, taking a real historical event, and [Karen Brooks’] academic experience and merging it with exceptional storytelling. The characters are complex and compelling … a powerful novel, at times brutal, but always enthralling. The Darkest Shore is a major achievement for Karen Brooks.’ Better Reading

‘Meticulously researched and historically compelling… this fast-paced novel is a dramatic spy thriller that shines a spotlight on the inner workings of Elizabethan England.’ – BOOKS+PUBLISHING on The Locksmith’s Daughter