Description

Disgraced London doctor Henry Talbot arrives in a remote Welsh village and discovers both a suspicious death and a house full of secrets.

Henry has been forced to take an unappealing position as a village doctor in Penhelyg where belief in myth and magic is rife. The villagers mistrust him, and the mysterious death of his predecessor troubles him deeply.

Linette Tresilian, sharp, guarded and difficult to read, knows more than she first admits. As Henry and Linette begin to investigate, they discover that the village’s mysteries could be even darker than they suspected.

From the number one Sunday Times bestselling author of Pandora, The Shadow Key is a gothic historical mystery rich with Welsh folklore, secret societies, an eerie country house and a dark inheritance. It is perfect for readers looking for atmospheric historical fiction with slow-burn suspense and deeply buried family secrets.

‘A gripping, beautifully executed historical thriller, full of magic and mythology’ Rosie Andrews
‘An alluring, immersive Gothic mystery’ Jennifer Saint
‘A haunting, transporting mystery…kept me completely enthralled’ Elodie Harper
‘I was gripped… the story was so dark and clever’ Stacey Thomas

Publisher Review

A haunting, transporting mystery…kept me completely enthralled — Elodie Harper A gripping, beautifully executed historical thriller, full of arcane magic and Welsh mythology — Rosie Andrews, author of The Leviathan A mesmerising maze of a gothic Georgian mystery. Enter an eerie and liminal world steeped in superstition, Welsh folklore, and pagan cults. Gloriously atmospheric from the first dark page to the last — Essie Fox A novel to read under the covers with a flashlight…deliciously dark and romantic… Gloriously Gothic, and lovingly and carefully researched…an instant classic — Kate Heartfield, author of THE EMBROIDERED BOOK The mysteries and twists kept me turning the pages till the wee small hours – every character has something to hide. A sumptuous, dark feast of a novel — Susan C Wilson, author of CLYTEMNESTRA’S BIND Dark secrets unfold at galloping pace in this atmospheric and propulsive gothic mystery. With compelling, richly-drawn characters and clever, twisty plotting… an addictive and satisfying read from a masterful storyteller — Nikki Marmery, author LILITH A fantastic read! Dark and twisty, full of atmosphere, with a heroine I cheered for from the moment she appeared — Frances Quinn, author of That Bonesetter Woman Riveting, meticulously researched, hugely evocative… a page-turning plot and a compelling cast of characters that spring from the page. Susan Stokes-Chapman has done it again! — Annabel Abbs, author of THE LANGUAGE OF FOOD A marvellously evocative and tautly plotted treat, this book will have you longing to explore Welsh forests, rivers and mountains; folklore, fiendish villains, and fraught relations between classes all combine for a lush escape into a magical and macabre world. Loved it — Naomi Kelsey, author of THE BURNINGS A beautifully dark and mysterious read. Richly atmospheric and captivating. — M. A. Kuzniar, author of MIDNIGHT IN EVERWOOD