Cursed Wife

The Cursed Wife is a psychological thriller set in Elizabethan London, following Mary, who lives a contented life as wife to a wealthy merchant, but is cursed for causing the death of a vagrant child. Her carefully curated world begins to falter when her past catches up with her, and she must face the truth about herself.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 08 March 2018
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

The Cursed Wife, penned by the talented Pamela Hartshorne, is a captivating and suspenseful novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the enigmatic streets of Elizabethan London. This gripping psychological thriller delves deep into the intricate web of secrets and lies that lurk beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect marriage.

At the heart of the story lies Mary, a contented wife who leads a comfortable life alongside her wealthy merchant husband in the bustling city of London. However, there is a dark secret hidden deep within her past, a secret that she has been unable to forget. As a young girl, Mary was cursed for causing the tragic death of a vagrant child, a curse that portends her eventual hanging. Despite the weight of this curse hanging over her, Mary has managed to maintain a façade of happiness and contentment.

However, as time passes, Mary's carefully curated world begins to unravel. Strange occurrences and unsettling events start to plague her, casting doubt on everything she has ever believed in. She begins to question her own identity and the woman her husband believes her to be. One rainy day, Mary ventures to London's Cheapside, a bustling marketplace where her past catches up with her in a chilling way.

As Mary navigates through the crowded streets, she encounters a series of people who hold the key to unlocking the truth about her past. She meets a mysterious stranger who claims to know the whereabouts of the child she was cursed to kill. He offers to help her break the curse, but at a price.

As Mary delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers that the curse is not just a simple superstition, but a dark and powerful force that has been manipulating her life for years. She learns that her husband has been hiding a shocking secret from her, one that could change their lives forever.

The Cursed Wife is a masterfully crafted tale that blends mystery, suspense, and psychological depth. Pamela Hartshorne's writing is vivid and evocative, transporting readers to the heart of Elizabethan London and immersing them in the intricate web of Mary's life. The characters are well-developed, with each possessing their own unique motivations and secrets.

The novel explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of truth. Mary must confront her past and come to terms with the consequences of her actions to break the curse and reclaim her own identity. The story also sheds light on the societal pressures and expectations of women in the Elizabethan era, highlighting the sacrifices they were forced to make to maintain their social status and reputation.

In conclusion, The Cursed Wife is a must-read for anyone who loves psychological thrillers and historical fiction. Pamela Hartshorne's masterful storytelling and vivid prose will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page. This gripping novel will leave you pondering the nature of truth and the consequences of our actions long after you have turned the last page.

Weight: 262g
Dimension: 131 x 198 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509859320