Wardrobe Mistress

In this atmospheric tale from a master of the grotesque, London is in ruins, and Charlie Grice, one of the great stage actors of the day, has suddenly died. Joan, his widow, discovers his secret and realizes that fascism never dies. McGrath is a master of exposing our darkest fears without making us run away.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 320 pages
\n Publication date: 09 August 2018
\n Publisher: Cornerstone
\n

From the acclaimed author of Asylum, Trauma, and Spider Ghosts, this atmospheric tale takes place in the cold and grimy streets of London, where the ghosts of theatre and fascism loom large. Set against the backdrop of a devastating war, the story follows Joan Grice, the widow of a renowned stage actor named Charlie Grice. When Joan discovers her husband's secret, she is plunged into a dark and mysterious world, where fascism never truly dies.

McGrath is a master of the grotesque, and his writing is a testament to his exceptional talent. With his intricate portrayal of the human psyche, he delves into the darkest fears of his characters without resorting to cheap thrills or violence. The Wardrobe Mistress is a brilliant evocation of the theatrical world's seedy glamour, and it also offers a moving portrait of a woman struggling to make sense of her past and imagine a future for herself.

The novel is filled with rich and intricate details, from the descriptions of the dilapidated city to the vivid characters that populate its streets. The plot is carefully crafted, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the reader engaged until the very end.

Despite its dark and atmospheric tone, The Wardrobe Mistress is also a celebration of the human spirit's resilience and determination. Joan Grice is a strong and independent woman who refuses to let the circumstances of her life define her. She is a survivor, and her journey through the darkness is a testament to the power of hope and the ability to overcome even the most difficult obstacles.

In conclusion, The Wardrobe Mistress is a must-read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, atmospheric storytelling, and complex characters. With its stunning prose and unforgettable characters, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers long after they turn the last page.

John Banville, a renowned author himself, has praised McGrath's writing, stating that he is "that rare yet essential thing, a writer who can expose our darkest fears without making us run away from them." The New Statesman has also praised McGrath's ability to "expose our darkest fears without making us run away from them," while the Spectator has described the novel as "wonderfully sinister ... a delight ... you are in for a thrilling ride." The Sunday Times has praised the novel as "a rich and highly spiced feast of a novel, even before it reaches its classically gothic McGrath climax." Reader's Digest has also praised the novel, stating that it is "a brilliant evocation of the theatrical world's seedy glamour, and it also offers a moving portrait of a woman struggling to make sense of her past and imagine a future for herself."

\n Weight: 228g\n
Dimension: 177 x 136 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781786090003\n \n