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The Shadow Key

The gripping new historical mystery from the #1 Sunday Times bestseller

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The Shadow Key

By: Susan Stokes-Chapman
Narrated by: Richard Harrington
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

A remote village, a mysterious death, a secret cult – a gripping gothic mystery from the author of number one bestseller Pandora

After a grave mistake, Henry Talbot has been forced to take a position as 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 a cryptic symbol appearing in odd places, he sets out to find answers.

The lady of the manor, Linette Tresilian, is vexingly unhelpful at first. She seems to know little about the shelves of occult books Henry 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.

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

‘An alluring, immersive Gothic mystery’ Jennifer Saint

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

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

©2024 Susan Stokes-Chapman (P)2024 Penguin Audio

 Gothic Historical Horror Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Village

Critic 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)
All stars
Most relevant
A good story with lyrical prose and some likeable characters, enhanced by the beautiful voice of the narrator, I didn’t want it to end .

Loved this book

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Plenty of atmosphere. Great sense of menace especially early on. Well read throughout. Very enjoyable.

Great gothic novel

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Absolutely gripping gothic, beautifully read and written. If you like this genre, or even if you don't, I would highly recommend as it is a great story.

Gripping Gothic

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This was a good listening book. I enjoyed it a bit slow at times though like the Ending.

Good listen

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This is my second Susan Stokes-Chapman novel and I have to say, I absolutely loved it. From the Welsh the setting, the folk story’s embedded in the Welsh culture and the how the characters went from being abandoned, lost, facing impossible odds and without any hope; find solace, peace and sense of home. The choice of narrator was perfectly done and with the Welsh accent, added depth and humanity to the characters.

A truly remarkable story and I can’t wait to read my next Susan Stokes-Chapman

5 Star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A beautiful, immersive and haunting story

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