Fyneshade: A Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of 2023

In the book "Fyneshade," Marta, a governess, arrives at Fyneshade, a mysterious and crumbling house in Derbyshire, to care for the young daughter of Sir William Pritchard. She soon discovers that the house is haunted by dark secrets and that her pupil, Grace, is possessed by a malevolent spirit. Marta must navigate the treacherous waters of the house and confront her own dark past to save Grace and uncover the truth behind the mysteries of Fyneshade.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2024
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Marta, a young woman, finds herself in a peculiar situation on the day of her beloved grandmother's funeral. She is appointed as the governess to the young daughter of Sir William Pritchard, a wealthy aristocrat residing in the remote and eerie Fyneshade house in Derbyshire. Marta, heartbroken after being separated from her lover and abandoned by her family, has no choice but to embark on this daunting journey.

Upon arriving at Fyneshade, Marta immediately senses that something is amiss. The house, once grand and majestic, now appears dark and crumbling, with its unseen master and silent servants adding to the air of mystery and foreboding. However, Marta is not afraid. She possesses a dark gift, inherited from her grandmother, that sets her apart from others.

As she begins her duties as governess, Marta realizes that her pupil, Grace, is a lost cause. She cannot be taught anything, and the silent servants who inhabit the house refuse to meet her eye, further deepening the sense of unease. What is more intriguing is the absence of Sir William, who is mysteriously absent, and the forbidden nature of his son, Vaughan, to enter the house. Marta finds herself drawn to Vaughan, despite the warnings of the housekeeper that he is a danger to all around him.

Marta soon discovers that Fyneshade holds a family secret that is bound to unravel. As she delves deeper into the history of the house and the Pritchard family, she uncovers a web of murderous secrets and lies that have been hidden for generations. With her own plans in motion, Marta is determined to stop at nothing to bring justice to those who have been wronged.

Fyneshade is a dark and twisted gothic novel that will captivate readers who enjoy the genre. It is perfect for fans of Laura Purcell, Jessie Burton, and Stacey Halls, as it offers a unique and suspenseful take on the traditional gothic tale. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is intricate, with unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

In conclusion, Fyneshade is a must-read for anyone who loves gothic fiction and is looking for a thrilling and suspenseful story. With its dark and atmospheric setting, intricate plot, and well-developed characters, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

Weight: 304g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788168779
Edition number: Main