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Reading lists

9 Vintage Paperback Novels to Add to Your Summer TBR Pile

12 debut fiction authors of 2022, their portraits arranged in a checker pattern.

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The best debut fiction to read this spring

A collage of author headshots, seen against a colourful pink and green pattern.

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Interviews

The Penguin Podcast meets 5 of the biggest debuts novelists of 2022

The Shadow Key

A haunting, transporting mystery&hellip;kept me completely enthralled

A gripping, beautifully executed historical thriller, full of arcane magic and Welsh mythology

A mesmerising maze of a gothic Georgian mystery. Enter an eerie and liminal world steeped in superstition, Welsh folklore, and pagan cults. Gloriously atmospheric from the first dark page to the last

A novel to read under the covers with a flashlight...deliciously dark and romantic... Gloriously Gothic, and lovingly and carefully researched...an instant classic

Kate Heartfield, author of THE EMBROIDERED BOOK

The mysteries and twists kept me turning the pages till the wee small hours &ndash; every character has something to hide. A sumptuous, dark feast of a novel

Susan C Wilson, author of CLYTEMNESTRA'S BIND

Dark secrets unfold at galloping pace in this atmospheric and propulsive gothic mystery. With compelling, richly-drawn characters and clever, twisty plotting... an addictive and satisfying read from a masterful storyteller

A fantastic read! Dark and twisty, full of atmosphere, with a heroine I cheered for from the moment she appeared

Frances Quinn, author of That Bonesetter Woman

Riveting, meticulously researched, hugely evocative... a page-turning plot and a compelling cast of characters that spring from the page. Susan Stokes-Chapman has done it again!

Annabel Abbs, author of THE LANGUAGE OF FOOD

A marvellously evocative and tautly plotted treat, this book will have you longing to explore Welsh forests, rivers and mountains; folklore, fiendish villains, and fraught relations between classes all combine for a lush escape into a magical and macabre world. Loved it

A beautifully dark and mysterious read. Richly atmospheric and captivating.

M. A. Kuzniar, author of MIDNIGHT IN EVERWOOD

A cleverly plotted, darkly captivating novel that hooks the reader from the beginning. With appealing characters, a richly detailed setting and embedded in a strong sense of magic and mythology, this is a beautifully atmospheric read

I absolutely fell in love with the gothic Georgian Wales of Susan&rsquo;s creation, and was swept away by Henry and Linette&rsquo;s adventure&rsquo;

Michelle Adams, author of THE LOST LIVES OF FRANCES LANGLEY

Steeped in Welsh folklore, this atmospheric, beautifully written (and paced) tale of myth, murder and magic in the depths of rural Georgian Wales was my perfect escape. A true gothic delight.

An atmospheric and accomplished gothic mystery, it reveals its secrets layer by tantalising layer, offering glimpses of untold stories and histories

Anne Corlett, author of The Theatre of Glass and Shadows

A gorgeously gothic novel, atmospheric and beguiling. The Shadow Key is a book to disappear into

An alluring, immersive Gothic mystery from an impressively talented writer. Susan Stokes-Chapman conjures the beauty and darkness of eighteenth-century Wales in this simmering, splendid novel.

Wonderful. . . an intricate plot, beautiful writing, and a clever exploration of evil. If you like my books, then you&rsquo;ll love [this]

An atmospheric and gothic story that draws you in from the first page

Susan Stokes-Chapman was born in 1985 and grew up in the historic Georgian city of Lichfield, Staffordshire. She studied for four years at Aberystwyth University, graduating with a BA in Education & English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing. Her debut novel, Pandora, was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction prize 2020 and the Glass Bell Award and became an instant Sunday Times number-one bestseller. Her most recent novel is the gothic mystery, The Shadow Key.

A remote village, a mysterious death, a secret cult – a gripping gothic mystery from the author of number one bestseller Pandora 
 
‘A gripping, beautifully executed historical thriller, full of magic and mythology’ Rosie Andrews 
 
After a grave mistake, Henry Talbot has been forced to take a position as village doctor in remote Wales where he can't speak the language and belief in myth and magic is rife. When Henry discovers his predecessor died in mysterious circumstances, and starts to notice a cryptic symbol appearing in odd places, he sets out to find answers. 
 
The lady of the manor, Linette Tresilian, is vexingly unhelpful at first. She seems to know little about the shelves of occult books Henry notices in her family’s library. But Linette has suspicions of her own about what’s happened in the village and, together, their investigations will bind their destinies in ways neither thought possible. 
 
‘An alluring, immersive Gothic mystery’ Jennifer Saint 
 
'A haunting, transporting mystery…kept me completely enthralled' Elodie Harper 
 
‘I was gripped… the story was so dark and clever’ Stacey Thomas 
 
 
Readers love The Shadow Key 
 
'Deliciously dark, atmospheric, and brimful of folklore, magic and myth, this Gothic thriller held me spellbound from start to finish' 
 
'Devoured this book over two days' 
 
'What begins as a murder mystery turns into a gothic classic which is not to be missed. Highly recommend' 
 
'I loved the feel of this book and I was hooked from the first chapter' 
 
'A breathtaking gothic fiction with an unforgettable finale, Stokes-Chapman is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors'

Pandora

Lose yourself to the mystery and romance of Susan Stokes-Chapman's no.1 bestselling novel, which brings Greek myth to Georgian London. 
 
'A gripping narrative in which secrets from the past are slowly and ingeniously revealed' Sunday Times 
 
'Romantic, suspenseful and beautifully written... a glorious treat' Daily Mail 
 
Some doors are kept locked for a reason... 
 
London, 1799. Dora Blake lives with her uncle in what used to be her parents' famed shop of antiquities. 
 
When a mysterious Greek vase is delivered, Dora is intrigued by her uncle's suspicious behaviour and enlists the help of Edward Lawrence, a young antiquarian scholar. For Edward, the ancient vase is the key to unlocking his professional future. For Dora, it's a chance to restore the shop to its former glory, and to escape her nefarious uncle. 
 
But what Edward discovers about the vase has Dora questioning everything she has believed about her life, her family, and the world as she knows it... 
 
'Weaves together Ancient Greek myth with suspenseful mystery and beguiling romance...utterly irresistible' Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne 
 
'An immersive, evocative story full of romance and intrigue' Red 
 
*SHORTLISTED FOR THE GOLDSBORO GLASS BELL AWARD* 
 
Readers love Pandora: 
 
'So addictive... the perfect mix of historical fiction, mystery, fantasy and romance' 
 
'Wonderfully atmospheric' 
 
'A beautifully written piece of historical fiction' 
 
'Crackles with danger and mystery... a joy to read' 
 
'An utterly magical book full of secrets, love and hope' 
 
'Beautifully written, gripping and evocative' 
 
*Susan Stokes-Chapman's new novel THE SHADOW KEY is available now*

Romantic, suspenseful and beautifully written, this is a glorious treat

A richly textured and elegantly written first novel

This glorious debut is alive with the sights, sounds and smells of Georgian London as a daring duo delve into the secrets of an ancient Greek vase...wonderfully immersive...Lush, lyrical and pacy, this a brilliantly escapist read.

Pandora weaves together Ancient Greek myth with suspenseful mystery and beguiling romance, set against the brilliantly rendered background of Georgian London. This novel is lush, evocative and utterly irresistible. Susan Stokes-Chapman's prose is exquisite and the story effortlessly intriguing. This is an absolute treasure trove of a book. Perfect for fans of Laura Purcell and Elizabeth Macneal.

Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ariadne

This is an immersive, evocative story full of romance and intrigue

A richly evocative and hugely enjoyable read, bubbling with mysteries, secrets and pleasures.

Perfect for fans of The Hourglass Factory by Lucy Ribchester or The Binding by Bridget Collins, this is a compelling historical novel that will tempt you to keep lifting the lid and read just one more chapter ...

An utterly compelling, convincing piece of historical fiction, threaded through with a dash of mythology. Readers will be rooting for Dora from the start, and spellbound as the story unfolds. I loved it.

Brimming with authentic Georgian detail and richly imagined characters, Pandora is a dazzling page-turner of a debut! Enticing, surprising and full of mystery, if you're a fan of The Binding or Daughters of Night, then you'll love Pandora.

Beautifully written with a gripping story and characters who are well drawn and complex, I absolutely loved this.

In her debut novel, Susan Stokes-Chapman creates a gripping narrative in which secrets from the past are slowly and ingeniously revealed

An accomplished debut, vividly portrayed... Stokes-Chapman is a stand-out voice.

Guinevere Glasfurd, author of the Costa-shortlisted The Words in my Hand

Pandora is such an immersive debut - an intriguing mystery, lavish with Georgian detail and tantalising hints of another world.

Kate Mascarenhas, author of The Psychology of Time Travel

A gleaming and brilliant novel of history, mystery and mythology set in Georgian London...a real gem of a debut

A complete and utter joy of a book. I adored the characters and it was an incredibly atmospheric read. The evocation of eighteenth century London was beautifully done, the mystery kept me turning the pages and the love story captured my heart. My only complaint was I didn't want it to end!'

Elodie Harper, bestselling author of The Wolf Den

This novel is a work of genius. Beautifully written and perfectly plotted with a heroine you'll fall in love with. It richly describes Georgian London and weaves character study and gorgeous setting and Greek mythology into a perfect book. One of the best historical novels I've ever read.

Delicious, intriguing and original...unfolds beautifully into a cracking finale.

If you like a novel steeped in great characters, a Gothic Georgian London, a world of antiquities and myth - this is an absolute winner. I loved it!

The author has very skilfully and pleasurably set her tale in Georgian London...wonderful characters ...book groups will love the plot and be entranced by Dora's world

Sumptuous, hypnotic and unforgettable. This beautifully told story of Gothic Georgian London is filled with mesmeric wonder, compelling mysteries and fascinating characters. I loved every page of it.

Stokes-Chapman can write fascinating, three-dimensional characters... Meanwhile, extensive research brings the period so much to life you can taste it... full of buried family histories and fantastical archaeological theories, Pandora is a readable, solid debut

Susan Stokes-Chapman was born in 1985 and grew up in the historic Georgian city of Lichfield, Staffordshire. She studied for four years at Aberystwyth University, graduating with a BA in Education &amp; English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing. Her debut novel, Pandora, was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction prize 2020 and the Glass Bell Award and became an instant Sunday Times number-one bestseller. Her most recent novel is the gothic mystery, The Shadow Key.

**THE #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER FROM THE NEW VOICE IN HISTORICAL FICTION** 
 
A pure pleasure of a novel set in Georgian London, where the discovery of a mysterious ancient Greek vase sets in motion conspiracies, revelations and romance. 
 
'Weaves together Ancient Greek myth with suspenseful mystery and beguiling romance...utterly irresistible' Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne 
 
*Longlisted for the Goldsboro Books Glass Bell Award* 
 
Perfect for fans of THE LEVIATHAN and THE SONG OF ACHILLES. 
 
London, 1799. Dora Blake lives with her uncle in what used to be her parents' famed shop of antiquities. 
 
When a mysterious Greek vase is delivered, Dora is intrigued by her uncle's suspicious behaviour and enlists the help of Edward Lawrence, a young antiquarian scholar. For Edward, the ancient vase is the key to unlocking his professional future. For Dora, it's a chance to restore the shop to its former glory, and to escape her nefarious uncle. 
 
But what Edward discovers about the vase has Dora questioning everything she has believed about her life, her family, and the world as she knows it... 
 
 
'A gripping narrative in which secrets from the past are slowly and ingeniously revealed' Sunday Times, *Historical Fiction Book of the Month* 
 
'An immersive, evocative story full of romance and intrigue' Red 
 
'Romantic, suspenseful and beautifully written... a glorious treat' Daily Mail 
 
Readers love Pandora: 
'So addictive... the perfect mix of historical fiction, mystery, fantasy and romance' 
'Wonderfully atmospheric' 
'A beautifully written piece of historical fiction' 
'Crackles with danger and mystery... a joy to read' 
'An utterly magical book full of secrets, love and hope' 
'Beautifully written, gripping and evocative'

Susan Stokes-Chapman

A festive delight, as warming as mulled wine by a crackling fire. These twelve tales weave together beautifully in a joyous, sparkling celebration of love, wit and the true meaning of Christmas

So beautifully and delicately done, woven like the most detailed tapestry. Witty, delightful and hugely satisfying...the perfect gift

This is a charming collection of stories, each of them delightful on their own but together creating a rich, festive tapestry. There is sparkling wit, romance and joy interspersed with poignant glimpses of darkness and sorrow which Susan Stokes-Chapman weaves beautifully throughout. It's the perfect gift to wake up to in your stocking on Christmas morning!

An uplifting collection…absolutely the book I’m gifting everyone this year – it’s the perfect stocking filler

‘A glorious treat…uplifting, poignant and astutely observed, this felt like being whirled away into a Regency ball.’

Reminiscent of enjoying the Christmas special of a period drama over the festive season. Jane Austen meets Downton Abbey in this heartwarming collection... romance, humour, poignancy, and a historical escape, all wrapped up together like a Christmas box.

Simply sublime festive fiction. Five gold stars! Susan Stokes-Chapman's clever, amusing and beautifully written collection is the perfect gift for lovers of fine literature.

Clever, funny and heartfelt... I found myself laughing and crying along with the characters. It’s the perfect comfort read. Fans of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer will love it.

Beautifully written.. Perfect for cold winter nights by fire and candlelight..

Susan is a masterful storyteller and I felt as if I was being whirled through the lives of her characters, with their sorrows and triumphs. Susan is as close to Austen as we have, and I was both entertained and immersed in the fullness of the world she has created.

Cathryn Kemp, author of A Poisoner's Tale

A beautiful collection of seasonal stories inspired by the Christmas carol, from the Sunday Times No. 1 Bestselling Author 
 
The air glitters with hope as the snowy village of Merrywake celebrates the Christmas season after the tumult of the Napoleonic Wars. 
 
As the Viscount’s famous Twelfth Night Ball draws closer, many of the villagers have a story to tell – we meet a lovelorn vicar and kindly maid reunited after a misunderstanding, three sisters vying for the hand of a dastardly duke, two servants hiding a dangerous secret and a solider making his way home, unsure of the welcome he might receive. As their tales braid together, we see life and love in the village from belowstairs to high society. 
 
Reimagining each of the traditional carol's gifts, and written in tribute to Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer, The Twelve Days of Christmas is a collection of festive tales filled with seasonal cheer and heart-warming characters. Will the challenges and mysteries that the Viscount’s guests encounter be resolved by the night of the ball? 
 
'Kind, heartwarming historical fiction at its most glorious...Witty, delightful and hugely satisfying...the perfect gift' Kate Griffin 
‘A glorious treat…uplifting, poignant and astutely observed, this felt like being whirled away into a Regency ball' Naomi Kelsey 
 
Clever, funny and heartfelt... I found myself laughing and crying along with the characters. It’s the perfect comfort read. Fans of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer will love it' Theresa Howes 
 
Readers love Susan: 
'So addictive... the perfect mix of historical fiction, mystery, fantasy and romance' 
'Wonderfully atmospheric' 
'A beautifully written piece of historical fiction' 
'Crackles with danger and mystery... a joy to read' 
'An utterly magical book full of secrets, love and hope' 
'Beautifully written, gripping and evocative'

Susan Stokes-Chapman

Praise for The Twelve Days of Christmas

A festive delight, as warming as mulled wine by a crackling fire. These twelve tales weave together beautifully in a joyous, sparkling celebration of love, wit and the true meaning of Christmas

So beautifully and delicately done, woven like the most detailed tapestry. Witty, delightful and hugely satisfying...the perfect gift

This is a charming collection of stories, each of them delightful on their own but together creating a rich, festive tapestry. There is sparkling wit, romance and joy interspersed with poignant glimpses of darkness ...

A festive delight, as warming as mulled wine by a crackling fire. These twelve tales weave together beautifully in a joyous, sparkling celebration of love, wit and the true meaning of Christmas

So beautifully and delicately done, woven like the most detailed tapestry. Witty, delightful and hugely satisfying...the perfect gift

This is a charming collection of stories, each of them delightful on their own but together creating a rich, festive tapestry. There is sparkling wit, romance and joy interspersed with poignant glimpses of darkness ...

A festive delight, as warming as mulled wine by a crackling fire. These twelve tales weave together beautifully in a joyous, sparkling celebration of love, wit and the true meaning of Christmas

So beautifully and delicately done, woven like the most detailed tapestry. Witty, delightful and hugely satisfying...the perfect gift

This is a charming collection of stories, each of them delightful on their own but together creating a rich, festive tapestry. There is sparkling wit, romance and joy interspersed with poignant glimpses of darkness ...

Books by Susan Stokes-Chapman

Articles featuring Susan Stokes-Chapman

9 Vintage Paperback Novels to Add to Your Summer TBR Pile

The best debut fiction to read this spring

The Penguin Podcast meets 5 of the biggest debuts novelists of 2022

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