Overview

There's something mysterious about the village of Penhelyg. Will unlocking its truth bring light or darkness? 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 'An alluring, immersive Gothic mystery from an impressively talented writer.... A simmering, splendid novel' Jennifer Saint '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

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9781787302907

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Reviews

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 Steeped in Welsh folklore, this atmospheric, beautifully written (and paced) tale of myth, murder and magic in the depths of rural Georgian Wales was my perfect escape. A true gothic delight. -- Kate Griffin, author of FYNESHADE An atmospheric and accomplished gothic mystery, it reveals its secrets layer by tantalising layer, offering glimpses of untold stories and histories -- Anne Corlett, author of The Theatre of Glass and Shadows

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

Author Information

Susan Stokes-Chapman was born in 1985 and grew up in the historic Georgian city of Lichfield, Staffordshire. She studied for four years at Aberystwyth University, graduating with a BA in Education & English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing. Her debut novel, Pandora, was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction prize 2020 and the Glass Bell Award and became an instant Sunday Times number-one bestseller. You can find Susan on Instagram and Twitter under the handle @SStokesChapman. Her website is www.susanstokeschapman.com.

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