The Shadow Key

A haunting, transporting mystery…kept me completely enthralled – Elodie HarperA gripping, beautifully executed historical thriller, full of arcane magic and Welsh mythology – Rosie Andrews, author of The LeviathanA 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 FoxA 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 BOOKThe 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 BINDDark 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 LILITHA 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 WomanRiveting, 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 FOODA 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 BURNINGSA beautifully dark and mysterious read. Richly atmospheric and captivating. – M. A. Kuzniar, author of MIDNIGHT IN EVERWOOD

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. Her most recent novel is the gothic mystery, The Shadow Key.