David Morris lives the quiet life of a book-valuer for a London auction house, travelling every day by omnibus to his office in the Strand. When he is asked to make a trip to rural Somerset to value the library of the recently deceased Lord Buff-Orpington, the sense of trepidation he feels as he heads into the country is confirmed the moment he reaches his destination, the dark and impoverished village of Ashbrittle. These feelings turn to dread when he meets the enigmatic Professor Richard Hunt and catches a glimpse of a screaming woman he keeps prisoner in his house.

Peter Benson’s new novel is a slick Gothic tale in the English tradition, a murder mystery and a tour of Edwardian England. More than this, it is a work of atmosphere and unease which creates a world of inhuman anxiety and suspense.

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“A sharp stylist.” – Sunday Telegraph

“One of the most distinctive voices in modern British fiction.” – Evening Standard

"Benson's story is a spine-tingler complete with macabre twist and dastardly villain, but one shot through with musings on the beauty of our bucolic vistas." - The Independent

"This classic gothic novel is perhaps best kept on the bed stand until the nights turn windier, colder, to be read, hot toddy to hand, by flickering candlelight." - Regency Magazine

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Follow author Peter Benson on twitter @TwoCowsBenson

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