Description

Eerie and menacing, timely and moving, Impossible Causes is an unputdownable novel that examines the consequences of silence kept at young women’s expense.

‘A tightly told and powerful story of sins, lies and secrets long held’ i

‘This highly atmospheric tale is both thrilling and poignant’ Heat

For seven months of the year, the remote island of Lark is fogbound, cut off completely from the mainland. The arrival of three strangers is the cause of much speculation: the first is a charismatic young teacher – the only male teacher on the island – the other two, a mother and her teenage daughter, seeking a place to hide from unspeakable tragedy.

What have they come to escape? What will they find waiting for them on Lark?

And whose body will soon be found lying in the island’s stone circle?

Publisher Review

Atmospheric and disorientating ... A claustrophobic tale of outsiders versus insiders, religious fervour versus age-old paganism and, ultimately, women and men. A tightly told and powerful story of sins, lies and secrets long held -- Sarah Hughes * i * Dense and claustrophobic, this well-written novel reprises the old themes of men whose need to control women is so frenzied that they cannot see any female as an independent human being * Literary Review * This highly imaginative novel and its meticulously created community of characters was an addictive read with twists and turns and a wonderful sense of place. Beautifully written, beguiling and compelling -- Lisa Ballantyne, author of 'The Guilty One' A beautiful piece of writing - hypnotically convincing, eerie and disturbing. Mayhew's is a voice I long to hear more of -- Alex Marwood, author of 'The Wicked Girls' Exploring the consequences of staying silent at one woman's expense, this highly atmospheric tale is both thrilling and poignant * Heat * Pacey and original - Mayhew's characters will enthral and appal in equal measure * Woman * A clever, claustrophobic story of suspicion and superstition * Sunday Express *