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A town gripped by fear. A woman accused of murder. Who can save Pale Harbour from itself?

Desperate to escape the ghosts of his past, Gabriel Stone takes a position as a minister in the remote Pale Harbour, but not all is as it seems in the sleepy town.1846.

As soon as Gabriel steps foot in town, he can’t escape the rumours about the mysterious Sophy Carver, a young widow who lives in the eerie Castle Carver: whispers that she killed her husband, mutterings that she might even be a witch.

But as strange, unsettling events escalate into murder, Gabriel finds himself falling under Sophy’s spell. As clues start to point to Sophy as the next victim, Gabriel realises he must find answers before anyone else turns up dead.

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The Times‘This debut recalls Georgette Heyer, with extra spookiness’

Lancashire Evening Post‘a story that tingles with danger, dark mystery, hints of the supernatural, and a sultry, simmering romance. Ideal reading for fans of thrills and chills…’

Lisa Hall, author ofBetween You and Me‘Beautifully written… will cast a spell over every reader’The Witch of Willow Hall

Nicola Cornick, author ofThe Woman in the Lake‘Steeped in Gothic eeriness it’s spine-tingling and very atmospheric.’

Linda Finlay, author ofThe Flower Seller‘With its sense of creeping menace… this compelling story had me gripped from the first page… ’

Cressida McLaughlin‘Creepy, tense, heartbreaking and beautifully, achingly romantic.’

‘I could NOT put this thing down!’

‘The ULTIMATE page turner!’

‘What a story! It absolutely captivated me’

‘Historical fiction with a side of romance and major helping of creepiness, this debut novel hits the mark!’

‘The book pulls you in from the beginning with many twists and turns. I didn't want to put it down, and could not wait to see what was going to happen next.’

‘[This] romance-cum-murder mystery moves at a brisk pace.’The Sunday Times ‘A perfect blend of gothic mystery, drama and romance.’ Cressida McLaughlin Everyone is spellbound by Hester Fox!