Description

‘An alluring, immersive Gothic mystery from an impressively talented writer…. A simmering, splendid novel’ Jennifer Saint

There’s something devilish going on in the quiet Welsh village of Penhelyg. Will the shadow key unlock its dark secrets?

After a grave mistake, Henry Talbot has been forced to take an unappealing position as a village doctor in remote Wales where he can’t speak the language and belief in myth and magic is rife. When Henry discovers his predecessor died in mysterious circumstances, and starts to notice an arcane symbol appearing in odd places, he sets out to find answers.

When Henry meets the lady of the manor, Linette Tresilian, he finds her vexingly unhelpful at first. She seems to know little about the shelves of occult books he notices in her family’s library. But Linette has suspicions of her own about what’s happened in the village and, together, their investigations will bind their destinies in ways neither thought possible.

*Reveal the secret golden symbol that haunts Henry and Linette when you take off the book jacket. Only available on the first printing.*

PRAISE FOR THE SHADOW KEY

‘A haunting, transporting mystery…kept me completely enthralled’ Elodie Harper

‘I was gripped… the story was so dark and clever’ Stacey Thomas

‘Wonderful. . . an intricate plot, beautiful writing, and a clever exploration of evil. If you like my books, then you’ll love [this]’ Laura Shepherd-Robinson

‘A gripping, beautifully executed historical thriller, full of arcane magic and Welsh mythology’ Rosie Andrews

‘A tale of chilling suspense, occult secrets and cunning folklore that delicately captures that entanglement of the Welsh landscape and the myths that inhabit it’ Cari Williams

Publisher Review

A haunting gothic mystery, set in the lush landscape of Georgian Wales... The evocation of time and place is just astounding in this novel...a stunning, transporting novel, full of dark magic, which keeps you completely gripped as the sinister mystery unfolds -- Elodie Harper 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. I adored this deliciously dark and romantic journey to Georgian Wales, and stayed up far too late uncovering its secrets. Gloriously Gothic, and lovingly and carefully researched, The Shadow Key is an instant classic -- Kate Heartfield, author of THE EMBROIDERED BOOK The Shadow Key transports readers into a world of deception, superstition and harsh reality, in a richly imagined rural Georgian Wales. Guided by a convention-flouting heiress and a physician struggling for acceptance, we travel along scenic country paths, into impoverished villages, perilous mines and the most unsettling manor house. 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, The Shadow Key is an addictive and satisfying read from a masterful storyteller -- Nikki Marmery, author LILITH