The Yellow-Tail Moth

By: Margot Shepherd

Narrated by: Elizabeth Bower

A riveting, literary mystery about two women, their hidden secrets, their friendship and the power of nature to heal

Accusations levelled against her husband force Lily to flee her pristine London home. She hides away in a rundown cottage near a small rural town. She is deeply unhappy. She hates the countryside, the dirt, the smells and the creepy woodland next to the cottage.

Desperately lonely, Lily tries to befriend her neighbour Kathy, a naturalist and recluse who the locals think is unhinged. Resistant at first, Kathy gradually mellows as Lily starts to share her interest in nature. A surprising connection develops between the two women.

Then a young teenager from the town goes missing and all fingers point at Kathy. Tensions escalate rapidly.

Lily defends Kathy against the locals but when disturbing accusations are made about Kathy’s past, Lily is determined to uncover the truth.

©2025 Margot Shepherd (P)2025 Margot Shepherd

Critic reviews

“Not just a gripping mystery, The Yellow-Tail Moth weaves wonder from the smallest wings. A gem of a book, one that leaves you breathless...” —Stephen May, Author of Sell Us the Rope

Mystery that is slowly solved

Loved the use of nature threaded through as the story of the 2 women is slow reveled.
The use of nature’s ability to heal is so true.