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

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

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.

‘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


Readers love The Shadow Key

''Deliciously dark, atmospheric, and brimful of folklore, magic and myth, this Gothic thriller held me spellbound from start to finish''

''Devoured this book over two days''

''What begins as a murder mystery turns into a gothic classic which is not to be missed. Highly recommend''

''I loved the feel of this book and I was hooked from the first chapter''

''A breathtaking gothic fiction with an unforgettable finale, Stokes-Chapman is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors''