The Shape of Darkness

[Anne-Marie]

Another Victorian Gothic success from Laura Purcell. She is truly a master of this genre of writing.
The dark, oppressive, wintry description of 19th Century Bath adds to the supernatural element of this cleverly written book.
Death,ghosts, mediums, and mesmerism all come together to create a delightfully creepy, read around the fire in winter story. The gruesome murders of the sitters whose silhouette images Agnes painstakingly creates, take place against the backdrop of the interest in life after death of the period.
In stark contrast there is the talk of photography, the medications and quack cures, child exploitation, and the pain, poverty and cruelty of the time.
Like Purcell's other books, she leaves you wondering what is real, and what is unreal. Unsettling, this disturbing, atmospheric offering, has enough twists and turns to keep you turning the page right up to the very end.
An author who never disappoints.