The Repentants

A powerful historical thriller with believable characters and a wonderful sense of place * The Times *Kate Foster is a rare and extraordinary talent. While bringing history to life, she can shock you, make you laugh, cry and gasp, but you never lose sight of the story or the important themes behind it. The Repentants is a remarkable tale that moves between Scotland and Iceland, on an emotional journey as wild as the waves between them. It’s nothing short of a masterpiece and Kate Foster’s best yet – Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The AppealA small town in in Fife, Scotland, and the unforgiving landscape of Iceland are the perfect settings for a devious tale of revenge, betrayal and survival, beautifully crafted by Foster * Daily Mail *Foster tells a gripping story of exile, betrayal and the need to survive in this gripping narrative * Radio Times *This tense and utterly addictive read cements Foster’s reputation as one of our best historical fiction authors * Heat *A deeply evocative story of two women and the men who tried to humble them. From the salt sting of Iceland’s air to the deftly drawn characters of Florrie and Eliza, woven together masterfully, I was utterly immersed inside Foster’s finest novel yet – Cathryn Kemp, author of A Poisoner’s TaleI loved it! Original, fascinating and hugely compelling, The Repentants leaves a taste of salt, sulphur and a lust for life against all odds that lingers long after the last page – Hester Musson, bestselling author of The BeholdersI raced through The Repentants, as the plot twisted and turned in unexpected ways. This tale of three very different women all battling to reclaim some agency over their fate has many modern parallels without ever losing sight of its historical setting. A most enjoyable read – Sally Hinchcliffe, author of Hare HouseA gripping read. The lives of three very different women become entangled in the harsh Icelandic landscape. Each struggles to find agency in the 18th century world where men’s needs are met, but their own must be fought for. Refreshingly different – Sarah Maine, author of The House Between TidesThe Repentants will take you to the edge - to the remote wilds of Iceland and the remote wilds of a woman’s heart, both under siege by the men who wish to use them. A fight for survival that is witty, sharp and savage – Cari Thomas, author of ThreadneedleA gripping tale of three women’s struggles to break free from a patriarchy that treats them as chattels of little value. The environment is bitter, but revenge can be both cold and sweet … Foster’s best yet – Alison Belsham, author of The Girls on Chalk HillThe Repentants is a compelling story of secrets, betrayals and triumphs, as three women battle to exert control over their own fates. A beautifully written, atmospheric page-turner of a novel – Elizabeth Lee, author of Cunning WomenA tense drama, full of twists and turns * Historical Novel Society *A chilling tale of betrayal, exile and survival * Platinum *Packed with danger and determination, revelations and revenge, suspense and plot twists, The Repentants sees Foster at her masterful storytelling best! * Lancashire Evening Post *

Kate Foster has been a national newspaper journalist for over twenty years. Growing up in Edinburgh, she became fascinated by its history and often uses it as inspiration for her stories. Her previous novels include The Maiden, which won the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year in 2023 and was longlisted for the Women’s Prize for Fiction in 2024, and The King’s Witches. The Mourning Necklace is her third novel. She lives in Edinburgh with her two children.

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