'A haunting, moving story.' Kirsty Wark.

When Rona and Craig buy a large Victorian house up from Edinburgh's Newhaven district — once teeming with fishing boats — they plan to renovate and set it up as a luxury care home. But something is not quite right: disturbing sounds can be heard when the sea mists swirl; their unpredictable neighbour makes it clear that the house was not always a happy family home. And their ‘characterful' historic pile has a gloomy cellar harbouring relics from days gone by.

Back in the 1890s, superstitious fishwives blame young Jessie for the deaths of their menfolk in a terrible storm, and she's forced into the Newhaven Poorhouse. In those less enlightened times, life was often severe, cruel even, and Jessie is entirely at the mercy of a tyrant matron. But one inmate is not all she seems. Jessie begins to pick at the truth, uncovering the secrets and lies that pervade the poorhouse — and which will have profound and dangerous consequences in the future.

Praise for Sue Lawrence's previous novels:

“Enthralling. It's a cracking story beautifully told.” Lorraine Kelly

“Lawrence's parallel plotlines advance in lock-step with each other over alternate chapters, with spooky similarities but also crucial differences, until they're entwined to great effect towards the end.” Sunday Herald

“A gripping tale.” Daily Record

“A deft mix of vivid storytelling, intriguing mystery and building momentum, skilfully interwoven with the history of the Tay Bridge disaster.” Scottish Field

“Lawrence's novel is steeped in Scottish history and atmosphere, with twin mysteries as a hook for strong portraits of two women coping with sudden loss.” Sydney Morning Herald

Sue Lawrence

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