Kate Foster

'Exceptional — a tense, thrilling investigation, with a decidedly feminist slant' — Daily MailLonglisted for the Women's Prize for FictionWinner of the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year Shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger Inspired by a real-life murder trial, The Maiden is a remarkable feminist revisionist novel that places the forgotten women of history firmly centre stage. In the end, it did not matter what I said at my trial. No one believed me. Edinburgh, 1679. Lady Christian is arrested and charged with the murder of her lover, James Forrester. News of her imprisonment and subsequent trial is splashed across the broadsides, with headlines that leave little room for doubt: Adulteress. Whore. Murderess. Only a year before, Lady Christian was newly married, leading a life of privilege and respectability. So, what led her to risk everything for an affair? And does that make her guilty of murder? She wasn't the only woman in Forrester's life, and certainly not the only one who might have had cause to wish him dead . . .'A masterpiece' — Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Appeal'Riveting . . . the tension persists until the last page’ — The Times*The Maiden was longlisted for the Women's Prize for Fiction on 05/03/2024

In an endearing story about an autistic boy and his steadfast furry pal, Alex is convinced that winning a trophy at the dog show will help him make a real friend at last. Eleven-year-old Alex knows that starting middle school will be a big change, and for an autistic person, change can be terrifying. He is sure that having a friend by his side will help. But how can he make one? Alex devises a plan to impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin the cockapoo. This should be a walk in the park, right? If only. It turns out that finding a friend is harder than Alex thought--unless, maybe, friendship is about something more than popularity. This charming story, told through Alex's clear and honest voice, navigates relationships of all stripes between classmates, new neighbors, family, and, of course, a kid and his dog. After all, friendship isn't one-size-fits-all--maybe it's found in the small things where you least expect it.

Collins Big Cat supports every primary child on their reading journey from phonics to fluency. Top authors and illustrators have created fiction and non-fiction books that children love to read. Levelled for guided and independent reading, each book includes ideas to support reading. Teaching and assessment support and eBooks are also available. Billie Nicks loves gymnastics. Her brilliant memory lends itself perfectly to remembering routines, and best of all, she gets to compete alongside her best friends. But Billie has found it difficult to get through a whole competition due to her anxiety and sensory sensitivities. Today, it’s her third attempt, and this time she’s determined to succeed! Diamond/Band 17 books offer more complex, underlying themes to give opportunities for children to understand causes and points of view. Pages 54 and 55 allow children to re-visit the content of the book, supporting comprehension skills, vocabulary development and recall. Ideas for reading in the back of the book provide practical support and stimulating activities.

Based on the real life trial and execution of Lady Nimmo in seventeenth century Edinburgh, this gripping, feminist debut historical novel is perfect for fans of Stacey Halls and Sara Collins.

The Times bestseller and winner of the Bloody Scotland Pitch Perfect Award and the Bloody Scotland Crime Debut of the Year.'A masterpiece' – Janice Hallett, author of The AppealInspired by a real-life case, Kate Foster's The Maiden is a remarkable story with a feminist revisionist twist, giving a voice to women otherwise silenced by history. In the end, it did not matter what I said at my trial. No one believed me. Edinburgh, October 1679. Lady Christian is arrested and charged with the murder of her lover, James Forrester. News of her imprisonment and subsequent trial is splashed across the broadsides, with headlines that leave little room for doubt: Adulteress. Whore. Murderess. Only a year before, Lady Christian was newly married, leading a life of privilege and respectability. So, what led her to risk everything for an affair? And does that make her guilty of murder? She wasn't the only woman in Forrester's life, and certainly not the only one who might have had cause to wish him dead . . .'Exceptional – a tense, thrilling investigation, with a decidedly feminist slant' – Daily Mail'Riveting . . . the tension persists until the last page’ — The Times'Threat hangs over every page like the awaiting guillotine, but the women in this book gleam sharper' — Cari Thomas, bestselling author of Threadneedle

At home, Alex's best friend is Kevin the cockapoo, although what he wants most of all is a friend at school. But that is harder than he ever expected. A touching story about learning that friendship isn't one size fits all and is often found where you least expect it. Everything is changing for 11-year-old Alex and, as an autistic person, change can be terrifying. With the first day of high school only a couple of months away, Alex is sure that having a friend by his side will help. So, he's devised a plan - impress the kids at school by winning a trophy at the PAWS Dog Show with his trusty sidekick, Kevin. This should be a walk in the park . . . right?