The Yellow-Tail Moth

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.


“Not just a gripping mystery, The Yellow-Tail Moth by Margot Shepherd manages to weave wonder from the smallest wings and the strangest corners of the human psyche. A gem of a book, one that leaves you breathless but also one to make you fall in love with noticing.”

– Stephen May, Author of Sell Us the Rope

“I was gripped from the outset. Unlikely friendships, the healing power of nature, the danger of judgementalism, the goodness of people, all wrapped up in a fascinating story.”

– Fiona Curnow, Author of Before the Swallows Come Back