Palace of Shadows

In Ray Celestin's Palace of Shadows, a penniless artist is hired to work on a mysterious house on the desolate Smugglers' Coast of North Yorkshire. As he delves deeper into the mysteries, he discovers the sinister details of the house's past and the owner's chilling obsession. The book is a beguiling standalone historical thriller with a jaw-dropping finale that will leave readers reeling.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

A captivating standalone historical thriller that will leave readers breathless with its jaw-dropping finale. This absolute triumph has been hailed by the Sunday Express as "chillingly gothic" and "best crime and thrillers of the year."

Set in the eerie and atmospheric world of 19th-century London, Ray Celestin's "Palace of Shadows" weaves a tale of mystery, suspense, and gothic horror. Samuel Etherstone, a penniless artist struggling to make a name for himself, finds himself drawn into the enigmatic world of Mrs. Chesterfield, a mysterious heiress who is building a grand mansion on the desolate Smugglers' Coast of North Yorkshire.

As Samuel begins to work on the commission, he is warned of the dark secrets that lurk within the walls of the Chesterfield house. He is told of the fate of the house's original architect, Francisco Varano, who mysteriously disappeared while working on the project. Chilling tales of folk driven mad by the house, of young girls vanishing and their ghosts now calling others to their deaths, fill Samuel's ears.

Despite the warnings, Samuel cannot resist the allure of the house and spends more and more time there, delving deeper into its mysteries. As he works, he begins to realize that the project is not what it seems, and the nature of the house's obsession becomes terrifyingly clear.

"Palace of Shadows" is a masterfully crafted historical novel that blends elements of mystery, horror, and romance into a seamless and captivating narrative. Celestin's writing is rich with detail, and his vivid descriptions bring the world of the Chesterfield house to life. The characters are well-developed, with each having their own motivations and secrets, and the tension between them builds steadily until the explosive finale.

This book is not for the faint of heart, as it contains some graphic and disturbing scenes. However, for fans of historical fiction, gothic horror, and suspenseful mysteries, "Palace of Shadows" is a must-read. It is a glorious and haunting tale that will leave readers breathless and craving for more.

Weight: 562g
Dimension: 162 x 244 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781035019076