A Cruel Twist of Fate

In this gothic YA mystery-thriller, Helena is sent to be a governess at Archfall Manor, but soon discovers the Cauldwell family are hiding secrets and dark powers beyond her control. Intricately plotted and luminously written, this is a powerful story of family, fate, and writing your own destiny.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 18 January 2024
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK

In this captivating YA mystery-thriller, "And Then There Were None" meets "The Inheritance Games," with a delightful twist of "The Woman in Black." Eighteen-year-old Helena finds herself appointed as a governess at Archfall Manor, a picturesque yet decaying manor house perched on the edge of a causeway in the North Sea. She confidently anticipates navigating the esteemed but peculiar Cauldwell family, who own the manor. However, it becomes evident that the Cauldwells harbor secrets far more profound than Helena could have imagined.

A sequence of unsettling events culminates in a grisly demise, swiftly followed by another. Moreover, with the mainland cut off by a devastating storm, and no means of seeking assistance, suspicions and paranoia surge. However, the Cauldwells are not the sole keepers of secrets. Helena possesses her own significant revelations, which prompt her to question whether malevolent forces beyond her control are orchestrating her actions to shape the family's fate and her own destiny irrevocably.

"A Dark Inheritance" has garnered widespread praise for its powerful and heart-pounding narrative, delving into themes of family, fate, and the ability to write one's own destiny. The novel is meticulously plotted and exquisitely written, captivating readers from start to finish. Author Laura Steven, known for her acclaimed work "The Society for Soulless Girls," has crafted a tale that is both intriguing and emotionally resonant, leaving a lasting impression on all who dare to immerse themselves in its pages.

Weight: 224g
Dimension: 128 x 197 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241629642