Dear Reader, the man I love is trying to kill me…

1932. Emily Blackwood, a young adventuress and plant hunter, travels north for a curious new commission. A gentleman has written to request she catalogue his vast collection of taxidermied creatures before sale.

On arrival, Emily finds a ruined castle, its owner haunted by the memory of a woman who disappeared five decades before. And when she discovers the ripped pages of an old diary, crammed into the walls, she realises a dark secret lies here, waiting to entrap her too…

‘Beautiful writing, thrilling plot and a literary treasure hunt – all my favourite things’ ANNA MAZZOLA
‘Outstanding. Lovers of crime, mystery and intrigue should order this immediately’HARPER’S BAZAAR
‘Wonderfully gothic and immersive’ NEW EUROPEAN
‘An atmospheric read – add in a literary treasure hunt and this is irresistible’ GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
‘Very clever. Keeps you glued until the final twist’ WOMAN & HOME