The Residency

Life in London is hard for Ginny as a single mother barely scraping by. Once she was a promising artist with a glittering future ahead. On a whim, she applies for an artist’s residency – all expenses paid – and is astonished to be accepted.

Soon, Ginny is on a boat to a remote Scottish island, her daughter by her side. But was she too hasty, attracted by the promise of security and a chance to make art again? Locals she meets are tightlipped about the man who is Ginny’s benefactor, but she senses underlying fear. Her contract contains odd rules about avoiding the gallery at the vast property where she is living, and there is an undeniable eeriness to the place. If she didn’t know better, she’d swear she could hear whispers, and that the people in the paintings were changing overnight…

By the time Ginny realises what a grave mistake she has made, she is stranded. Accepting the invitation has sealed her fate and the only way to survive is through escape – or sacrifice.

An atmospheric gothic suspense novel to send a chill down your spine and keep you reading late into the night.

Praise for The Residency

'Skin crawlingly good. I was screaming at the page as the boat approached the island. C.D. Major has written a belter. Claustrophobic, isolated, unnerving ... I was on edge from the first page. Loved it.' Rachel Wolf

'An unsettling, atmospheric mystery you'll race through right to the chilling supernatural twist. Loved it!' Ellery Lloyd, NYT Bestselling author of The Club

'Atmospheric, compelling, genuinely chilling. The only thing that stopped me staying up all night to finish was being too scared to read it in the dark!' Tammy Cohen

‘Beautifully written and utterly chilling’ Susi Holliday

‘This modern gothic tale has it all. Creepy, atmospheric, and scarily addictive, you’ll never look at a painting the same way again’ Amanda Jennings

What readers are saying about The Residency

‘Compelling, atmospheric and impossible to put down… Highly recommend for fans of immersive psychological suspense.’ Reader Review

‘A unique, gripping read… A creepy, suspenseful gothic novel.’ Reader Review

‘An original idea that kept me reading.’ Reader Review

‘An absolute stand out… A gripping, immersive experience that keeps you hooked.’ Reader Review

'Ideal for Stephen King fans, modern day gothic supernatural horror, absolutely loved it!' Reader Review

'Absolutely enthralled me.' Reader Review

'C.D. Major is fantastic at creating that creepy and insidious atmosphere that's so compelling for the reader.' Reader Review

'A thrillingly complex horror.' Reader Review

'Dark, eerie and so atmospheric - the kind that pulls you in from the first page and doesn't let go.' Reader Review

'The day after reading this, I couldn't let it go.' Reader Review

'This book is an absolute standout.' Reader Review

'A gripping, immersive experience that keeps you hooked.' Reader Review

'The residency delivers on all fronts. It's the kind of book that lingers long after the final page.' Reader Review

'Spine-tingling twists and turns kept me hooked throughout.' Reader Review

• Publication date: 4 August 2026
• Publisher: DK
• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN-13: 9798217269495