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A young governess must navigate the challenging dynamics of family life underneath the polished surface in this powerful examination of an Edwardian marriage, truth and deception from the author of The Familiars.
West Yorkshire, 1904.
When newly graduated nurse Ruby May takes a position looking after the children of Charles and Lilian England, a wealthy couple from a powerful dynasty of mill owners, she hopes it will be the fresh start she needs. But as she adapts to life at the isolated Hardcastle House, it becomes clear there's something not quite right about the beautiful, mysterious Mrs England. Ostracised by the servants and feeling increasingly uneasy, Ruby is forced to confront her own demons in order to prevent history from repeating itself. After all, there's no such thing as the perfect family - and she should know.
Simmering with slow-burning menace, Mrs England is a portrait of an Edwardian marriage, weaving an enthralling story of men and women, power and control, courage, truth and the very darkest deception. Set against the atmospheric landscape of West Yorkshire, Stacey Halls' third novel proves her one of the most exciting and compelling new storytellers of our times.
Publisher: Bonnier Books Ltd
ISBN: 9781838772888
Number of pages: 448
Weight: 326 g
Dimensions: 198 x 129 x 25 mm
MEDIA REVIEWS
'Utterly compelling. Menacing and marvellously written, this is a hugely accomplished Edwardian chiller.' - Daily Mail
'Outstanding. Haunting, compelling, atmospheric.' - Emma Stonex, bestselling author of The Lamplighters
'With a desolate setting that shimmers with menace, Stacey Halls' tense novel masterfully tackles issues such as the abuse of power. This enticing and beautifully written story should delight those fans of historical fiction.' - Sunday Express
'Hugely readable with a palpable sense of dread, this is a truly brilliant book.' - The Sun
'The Familiars author has fast become the queen of historical lit and this new offering, set in 1904, might be her best yet... Evocative and captivating.' - Heat Magazine
'Halls hits the sweet spot between commercial and literary historical fiction and this feminist gothic thriller is a lovely stealth read, simmering with tension.' - Metro
'Halls shows genuine skill in building the sense of menace within the England household and in the unfolding of its secrets.' - Sunday Times
'Halls certainly knows how to write gripping historical fiction.' - Good Housekeeping
'Full of gothic menace, this Edwardian mystery is convincing and absolutely enthralling.' - Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City
'Brilliant. An utterly gripping exploration of female fortitude in adversity, with a propulsive, atmospheric plot. Ruby is a wonderful protagonist.' - Caroline Lea
'Highly atmospheric and tense.' - Richard Osman, The Observer
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