The Woman in the Wallpaper

Spellbinding and decadent, this is an utterly original novel with taut evocative prose and a plot of stunning and intricate complexity, making THE WOMAN IN THE WALLPAPER an astounding debut of true turn-paging quality. – SUSAN STOKES-CHAPMAN, author of PANDORAAn enthralling story, deftly plotted, with a mystery that winds ever more tightly around the characters, as relentless as the advancing French Revolution with all its hopes and terrors. – HESTER MUSSON, author of THE BEHOLDERSA brilliant debut: vivid, passionate and beautifully woven, which completely transports us back to 18th century France – HARRIET CONSTABLE, author of THE INSTRUMENTALISTAn epic, elaborate plot told with exquisite, captivating detail. Political intrigue and personal mysteries unfold through the eyes of three riveting female characters searching for some kind of freedom even as they are held in traps beyond their making. An astonishingly accomplished debut. – CARI THOMAS, author of SHADOWSTITCHA gorgeous, haunting story of how love, ideals, and art can become twisted but also how they can survive – SARAH BROOKS, author of THE CAUTIOUS TRAVELLER’S GUIDE TO THE WASTELANDSSumptuous, mysterious and so beautifully textured. Each scene is crafted with the same care as the wallpaper vignettes. What a debut! – ALEX HAY, author of THE HOUSEKEEPERSExquisite writing and a riveting plot. As beautifully crafted, and mysterious, as the wallpaper that seems to mirror the characters’ lives. A truly brilliant book. – ANNA MAZZOLA, author of THE CLOCKWORK GIRLExtraordinary. Lora Jones’s storytelling is exquisite, her characters as intricately drawn as the images on the detailed wallpaper patterns that appear throughout the book. The Woman in the Wallpaper is sweeping and yet intimate, powerful and passionate and yet subtle and unnerving. Full of atmosphere and intensity, it’s a glorious read and I loved it - I predict great things for Lora Jones! – LIZ HYDER, author of THE GIFTSImmediately swept away into the tumultuous world of revolutionary France, I was captivated from the opening pages by the three young women whose lives are thrown into turmoil by events both personal and political. Skilfully written, we are gifted a platter of intriguing, unpredictable characters and an expertly-plotted narrative that delights and amuses despite the darkly unsettling mystery that urges the story on at a pace. – JOANNE BURN, author of THE HEMLOCK CUREThe Woman in the Wallpaper by Lora Jones is that rare delight: a work of historical fiction that makes you consider anew the past you thought you understood, and see it through fresh eyes. An immersive tale of the French Revolution through the eyes of three women and their personal tragedies, The Woman in the Wallpaper will keep you guessing until the end. – LAURA SHEPPERSON, author of THE HEROINESThe Woman in the Wallpaper is a beautifully crafted novel, filled with the kind of exquisite historical details that make a story sing. Perfection. – POLLY CROSBY, author of VITA AND THE BIRDSBeautifully written with a heart-stopping plot – THERESA HOWESA dark mystery set against the backdrop of revolutionary France. An exquisite page-turner that will keep you up at night. – DR LINDSEY FITZHARRIS, author of THE BUTCHERING ARTSpellbinding, chilling and utterly mesmerising. A twisty portrayal of sisterly devotion and a moving exploration of generational trauma set during the turmoil of the French Revolution. This stunning debut is not to be missed. – JESSICA BULL, author of MISS AUSTEN INVESTIGATESSet during the French Revolution, this sweeping historical debut is a gripping and beautifully woven tale of intrigue and darkness that is hard to put down – REBECCA NETLEY, author of THE WHISTLINGLora Jones is a remarkable new talent in the world of historical fiction. An utterly spellbinding novel. – ESSIE FOX, author of THE FASCINATIONAs detailed as a Toile de Jouy designs, The Woman in the Wallpaper is an impressive historical novel about sisters, tragedy, & the dangers of harbouring bitterness and seeking revenge. – RACHEL LOUSE DRISCOLL, author of NEPHTHYSA gorgeously atmospheric story about three women grappling to find their place amidst tumultuous social changes. Witty, moving and nail-biting in equal measure, this is a perfectly crafted novel. – CARMELLA LOWKISPerfectly plotted and beautifully drawn, The Woman in the Wallpaper is a triumph of a debut. A blazing tale of destiny and revolution in 18th century France. – ELLE MACHRAY, author of REMEMBER REMEMBERA deeply emotional and beautiful debut. The combination of exquisite writing and a page-turning plot line, with unexpected twists throughout, had me hooked right from the start. Most of all though, I was pulled into the close, complex relationship between sisters Sofi & Lara- and the men in their lives. The setting is so interesting too - the French revolution - but the family at the centre of it all, really had my heart. It made me cry on the tube! – ALIYA ALI-AFZAL, author of WOULD I LIE TO YOUSpellbinding – Books to look out for in 2025 * Daily Mail *The Woman in the Wallpaper combines all the tension of a story set during the French Revolution with all the intrigue of a twisty gothic mystery, in what makes for a compelling and atmospheric debut. – KATIE LUMSDEN, author of THE SECRETS OF HARTWOOD HALLReaders who enjoy a Gothic tale will absolutely love this * Historical Novel Society *A highly visual, immersive novel … Lora Jones delivers a sweet turn of phrase and demonstrates a deft touch when it comes to developing character – Henrietta McKervey * IRISH TIMES *Jones’ debut is a seductive swirl of sisterly secrets, class war, supernatural wallpaper and women’s role in the French Revolution – Eithne Farry * DAILY MAIL *Atmospheric and slightly supernatural, this assured debut is a gift of a book – Zoe West * WOMAN & HOME *

After studying English Literature at Durham University, Lora Jones began her career working in the TV industry in London, writing factual programme content and comedy material for the BBC, Channel 4 and others. She now lives high amongst the rugged hills of North Wales, where she is currently rewilding an ex-sheep farm. In her spare time she paints wildlife. The Woman in the Wallpaper is her first novel.