Title: The Shadow Key

Author: Susan Stokes-Chapman

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: Harvill Secker

Publication Date: 18th April 2024

Rating: 5/5

Cover:

Summary:

There’s something mysterious about the village of Penhelyg. Will unlocking its truth bring light or darkness?

Meirionydd, 1783. Dr Henry Talbot has been dismissed from his post in London. The only job he can find is in Wales where he can’t speak the language, belief in myth and magic is rife, and the villagers treat him with suspicion. When Henry discovers his predecessor died under mysterious circumstances, he is determined to find answers.

Linette Tresilian has always suspected something is not quite right in the village, but it is through Henry’s investigations that a truth comes to light that will bind hers and Henry’s destinies together in ways neither thought possible.

Review:

Susan Stokes-Chapman describes The Shadow Key in her eloquent and fascinating authors note as her ‘love letter to Wales’ and nothing could be more apt. It is a stunning, compelling, elegant and deeply engaging piece of gothic historical fiction. It is a fairly long book but doesn’t feel it at all – I genuinely could not put it down, reading well into the small hours because I was completely and utterly captivated by the beautiful writing and the gripping plot. The 18th century Welsh setting is like a character itself, revealing the grandeur, majesty and harshness of the landscape. There’s also a great deal of folklore and legends that play into the storyline beautifully.

Along with the evocative setting, I found both main characters, Henry and Linette, deeply likeable and easy to root for. Both are layered with determination and intelligence whilst also dealing with different, yet connected, traumas in their lives. Linette subverts the expectations and restrictions of being a woman in the 18th century in a way that made me feel so much compassion for her. Also – big shoutout for Merlin the dog, whom I adored! I really cannot praise The Shadow Key enough, it is definitely one of my favourites of the year so far. There is nothing I would change – it is simply exquisite.

★★★★★

Huge thank you to the publisher for sending me a proof copy of the book. My review is entirely my own honest opinion.

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