The Shadow Key

A Gothic mystery steeped in Welsh folklore and dark secrets

Susan Stokes-Chapman author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Vintage Publishing

Published:18th Apr '24

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The Shadow Key cover

In a remote Welsh village, a doctor uncovers dark secrets linked to his predecessor’s mysterious death in The Shadow Key, leading to an unexpected partnership.

In the quiet Welsh village of Penhelyg, something mysterious and possibly sinister is afoot. The Shadow Key follows Henry Talbot, a doctor who has reluctantly taken a position in this remote area, where the local language is foreign to him and folklore runs deep. After a grave error in his past, Henry finds himself navigating a world filled with myths and legends. His curiosity is piqued when he learns about the mysterious death of his predecessor and starts to notice an enigmatic symbol appearing throughout the village, prompting him to uncover the truth behind these dark happenings.

As he delves deeper into the village’s secrets, Henry encounters Linette Tresilian, the enigmatic lady of the manor. Initially, she seems unhelpful, but as their paths intertwine, it becomes clear that she has her own suspicions regarding the strange occurrences. Together, they embark on a journey to piece together the puzzle of the village's dark history. Their investigation not only leads them to unexpected revelations but also intertwines their fates in ways neither could have anticipated.

The Shadow Key is a captivating blend of Gothic mystery and folklore, exploring themes of destiny, magic, and the hidden evils lurking within seemingly tranquil settings. With rich character development and an atmospheric backdrop, this novel invites readers into a world where the past and present collide, revealing the haunting truths that bind them together.

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

ISBN: 9781787302907

Dimensions: 240mm x 160mm x 40mm

Weight: 696g

464 pages