Having been to the same university as Stokes-Chapman, and having spent a lot of my uni years discovering the Welsh countryside around it, I feel like the author has really captured the essence and spirit of Wales, and played upon its historical setting cleverly and authentically. I also love how Wales has been given a voice in this novel - it’s not a location that’s often promoted in historical fiction, but it has a wealth of folklore and history to draw upon, and Stokes- Chapman has explored this in a thrilling way.

This was an ominous, atmospheric tale set in Wales during the late 1700s - a time where wealthy landowners, many who were English, were carving and claiming Welsh land. The result was a bitter divide between them and their tenants.

Set in a rural, remote village, there was a real sense of isolation in the novel, which added to the Gothic undertones. The creeping heavy sense of evil really plays out in the book, and is amplified by the isolation of the parentless Henry, being a newcomer, and Linette, daughter to a mad mother and dead father.

The Shadow Key becomes heavier and darker and the heightened sense of human darkness, power and obsession grows into a powerful climax as the book progresses. Each new dark discovery adds an extra layer of mystery and complexity. The result is a shudder down the spine story that makes for an enthralling read.

This was a read that felt very original and different, and is one that stands out.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for the ARC.

A gorgeously atmospheric gothic mystery, with suspense, dread, and foreboding.

Set in Wales, during the Georgian period (1783 to be precise), The Shadow Key opens with a young doctor, Henry Talbot, arriving in rural Wales to meet the mysterious man who employed him. As the book unfolds so does the mystery of the fate of Henry's predecessor, the unsettling madness of the lady of the house, and the relationship between her daughter, heiress of the Tresilian estate, Linette Tresilian and Henry, and the meaning behind the suspicion and hostility of the villagers towards Henry.

The atmosphere, from the crumbling old dwellings, so the destroyed gatehouse, old chapels, mines, and the isolated big house Plas Helyg, haunted by a murky past and the screams and fits of it's former mistress, Gwen Tresilian is spot on, and the gradual unfolding of the source of the hidden malevolence, kept me gripped.

Potential readers might want to know that this is a gothic mystery as they used to be, the villains and superbly villainous, complete with climactic speeches, and 'it was me all along' reveals. The elements of romance are quick to appear: instantaneous feelings in the face of the astounding beauty of a local damsel. Often the obvious is ignored by the characters, so that there's almost an 'it's right in front of you!' reaction from the reader's perspective, and an ending that is neat, sudden, and convenient. But it called to mind the old mansion mysteries of vintage movies, the eerie melodrama of Jane Eyre, the type of novel Northanger Abbey's Catherine Morland would read. So I think, while not particularly complex, that is a deliberate narrative choice from an author who clearly loves the genre, and I enjoyed it.

This did not disappoint! The promise of gothic literature and suspense was littered throughout the book. Excellent character development, and an atmosphere which just felt so real. I couldn’t stop reading. Surpasses the author’s debut which I didn’t think was possible.

This was a good solid book. It had a strong plot and great characters and some really good twists. I really like the Welsh setting and the tension that was created from the villagers being against Henry from the start.

I really liked Linette’s character. Her refusal to obey the gender norms at the time reminded me of Gentleman Jack and Anne Lister, albeit that she was a lot further away and in a different time period. It was nice to draw my own parallels between a real historical figure who didn’t obey gender norms and the character of Linette.

I really liked the ending. I feel like it all played out well. Some things that I expected and other things that I did not. I liked that I guessed some stuff but not others.

There was so much love for Wales in this book so I’d love to know what other people think.

I was excited to read this after enjoying the author's first novel and wanted to see what Susan Stokes-Chapman did next. I can honestly say that it has surpassed her debut novel, despite being conceived long before Pandora was published. I think that it just ticked all the boxes for me; I too, love Wales and am fascinated by how villages everywhere were more isolated in times past, add to this a delicious gothic mystery and I was hooked! It is not a particularly deep or thought provoking novel but if you want to wallow in the rich descriptions of the scenery and the characters, you won't be disappointed. I devoured this in a couple of days due to its unputdownable charms.

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher Random House/Vintage for the digital ARC, it has not affected my honest review.

TW: injury, grief, enforced institutionalisation, medical trauma, misogyny

As a huge fan of Susan Stokes-Chapman’s first book ‘Pandora,’ I was delighted to be approved for the digital ARC for ‘The Shadow Key’ and it didn’t disappoint at all. Based in 1783 rural Wales, it follows disgraced doctor Henry Talbot after his banishment from a prestigious London hospital to Meirionydd, where he will become the local doctor. Here he finds villagers unwilling to speak to an Englishman, and belief in ancient myth and medicine is rife to the detriment of his patients and to make things worse he can’t speak the language. Upon arrival, Henry soon discovers that his predecessor Dr Evans- another Englishman- died in mysterious circumstances and no one seems to think it’s strange. At the same time, Linette Tresilian has had to take the place of mistress to Plas Helyg after the death of her father and the breakdown of her mother. Lonely, isolated from the world, and pushed aside by the misogyny of her cousin and the other men, Linette has always been fiercely reliant on herself. As Henry cares for Linette’s mother, the two become closer as they investigate the death of Evans. She’s always suspected something isn’t right with how her cousin, Julian, runs the mines in a search for gold and the reaction in the village below. Still, it soon becomes clear that this is far bigger- stretching across class, belief and history- than either Linette or Henry suspected.

This is a gorgeously written historical novel with just the right touch of Gothic added in. From the first moment that Henry arrives, he feels instantly out of his depth, surrounded by people who don’t like him and who he doesn’t understand. He’s so frustrated and things worsen for him after someone destroys his accommodation and takes a shot at him. As he tries to come to grasp the things he’s left behind in London and his new life in Wales, Henry’s character grows from being deeply uncomfortable to more open to the world around him- even if it involves acknowledging folklore and myth. At the same time, Linette is such a complicated character; trapped by her circumstances and gender but so deeply intelligent as well as mocked by her cousin and the other landowners for her care of the mining community on her land. Her relationship with her mother, Gwen, was heart breaking to read but also deeply moving as Linette discovered more about her family’s history. I hated Julian in part because of how intent he was on destroying the family legacy and also for how he treated Gwen and Linette. I enjoyed how Gothic was used in this story, from the isolation of the setting to the disturbing circumstances happening around Henry and Linette as the story advanced, because it added so deeply to the atmosphere. The whole book is an enormous mystery, with all the beautifully complicated characters that I loved so much about ‘Pandora’, and I’m so glad that I got the chance to read it.

I really wanted to love this book. I'm a huge fan of gothic literature and having read the premise, and enjoyed the authors first novel, I settled down to read it.
I just found it boring and a slog to wade through. I wasn't feeling the characters, the setting or the storyline and felt like I didn't care what happened next.
A disappointing book for me.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.


The Shadow Key by Susan Stokes-Chapman is an historical fiction novel set in Wales in 1783, with a strong gothic feel set to the mythology of the area.

The novel tells the story of a Henry Talbot young doctor who after being dismissed in London can only find one job in the Welsh village of Meirionydd as a private physician ti Linette Tresilian and her sick mother as well as the locals who do not trust him.


The Shadow Key, was a delight to read as it mixed the since of the time with the mythology of the local area to enhance its setting in the fringes of the United Kingdom as the enlightenment draws to an end.

The story is told through two perspectives: Henry Talbot the young man of science who not only faces the difficulty of the locals' dislike for anything English as well as not speaking the Welsh language, which is spoken by the locals.

Then there is Linette Tresilian, a young woman who mistras of manor house as her mother is in need of constant care since her father died shortly after her birth, floating tradition by wearing her dad's clothes she tries to help the locals out as much as possible.

With these two perspectives Susan Stokes-Chapman is both able to bring two perspectives to the story as they investigate what is going on with Linette’s uncle and dignitaries from the area.

While the shadow key does go deep into the local mythology that could feel a little dense for a reader who like this reviewer is not deep in Welsh myths, however these stories are told in such a way as not to overload the reader in an info dump and are done to aid the plot.

While the plot is very good with most of the elements such as gothic setting and character development, the weakest for me was the mystery. While this may have been the plot point that hung the story together it felt the weakest part of the story.

This was because most of the shock that came from the mystery was obvious from the start.

Having said The Shadow Key is one of those novels that makes the story as a whole such an enjoyable journey as a reader means that any flaw in the individual points is minimized by the novel as a whole.

I devoured every single word and tried my best with the tricky Welsh ones faultlessly trickled throughout, so very grateful for the glossary at the beginning any mispronunciation was my fault alone.

Written to perfection, Susan crafts the most atmospheric tale. I felt as though I was there amongst the locals which had me longing to visit Wales again soon. The scrupulous dedication to research of the time period, fascinating Welsh history and folklore is clear through the pages. Perfectly encapsulates the appalling working conditions of miners, the resentment between the Welsh and English and the differences between class and gender of this time period.

Twists and turns I didn’t always see coming, sordid family secrets, characters I loved from the start, some I grew to adore and even the odd one who I felt betrayed by. Perfectly paced for me, building the suspense gradually and the propulsive prose flowed beautifully making me compelled to keep reading.

I have always been a lover of historical fiction, but it seems I may have entered my gothic mystery era and I am thrilled! I adored this eARC so much I rushed to buy myself a copy, this beautiful book was an essential addition for my favourites shelf. I only wish I could read it again for the first time.

Pandora skipped me by when it was released but I adored Shadow Key so much I immediately purchased myself a copy and look forward to reading this soon. A new autobuy author for me. Superb!

A definite potential for my favourite book of the year! An easy 5 stars from me.

Set in the late eighteenth century in Wales, Henry Talbot is on his way to see Lord Tresilian, to take up his new post as physician in the small coastal village.
Henry is grateful for the letter offering this position as he has been unsuccessful in acquiring a new position in London, after his successful career there took an unexpected downturn.
Henry is most thankful for the job, but it’s so very different from what he was used to, what he knows.

Linette Tresilian is cousin to Lord Tresilian and mistress of the mansion house. Her mother Gwen, Lady Tresilian, a troubled soul also lives there. Henry quickly forms a bond with the quirky Linette.
The setting of the book in Wales is richly described, and having visited the area in the past I know just how beautiful it actually is.
The writing and descriptions of the characters made me feel I could see and sense them all.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Publisher for an advanced e-book copy. Opinions about the book are entirely my own.

A nicely balanced, not too dark, gothic mystery tale. Perhaps not getting on my books of the year list but still a decent entertaining read.

Unfortunately I feel a bit disappointed with this book. I was expecting it too be really atmospheric and spooky but it didn't quite hit the mark for me. That said, the book is very well written and makes for a good story.

Doctor Henry Talbot has found himself cast out of his respected job in London and sent packing to a small town in Wales. He soon discovers that he isn't welcome and that something very strange is going on with the locals...

I was really loving the book and probably would have given it another star but I really felt let down by the ending! I enjoyed the air of tension/mystery the author created and the unwelcoming atmosphere that seemed to leech into every single page was brilliant too! The different aspects of magic, folklore and witchcraft were also really interesting.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!

I really enjoyed this book, the gothic style thriller vibe really is captivating and keeps you wanting more. A very dark and chilling experience that keeps you guessing throughout.

I love 'Pandora', Susan Stokes-Chapman's debut novel, so I really looked forward to reading this. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much. I'm not sure why - the setting was interesting, and I loved the character of Linette (and her dog!), but it didn't quite catch my interest in the same way as 'Pandora'. I will still look out for the authors next novel though, and I'm sure a lot of readers will like 'The Shadow Key'.
Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read it.

I loved the writing style, which paints an immersive picture of a world tinted with darkness and mystery.

The twists were a tad predictable and what was that ending? Hands down, my least favourite part of the book.

In a nutshell, this is a decent gothic tale that deserves a read.

This was a wonderfully written creepy historical mystery. The author writing brings the characters to life, along with the creepy air of mistrust and threat. I really enjoyed the novel and the writing was superb. Would totally recommend.

If you are looking for a gothic-style mystery then this one may well interest you. Set in Wales, in 1783, Henry Talbot arrives in a small community to start work as the local doctor. He had worked in London and been successful and taught. There is a shadow over his head though and this has prevented him from finding work, so this one at the village of Meirionydd is ideal.

He arrives at a rather grand house, Plas Helyg, where he is due to meet the Lord of the manor, Julian. Also living there is Julian's cousin, Linette, who manages the tenants and her mother who keeps to her rooms. The previous doctor was treating her, and this now falls to Henry Talbot.

Arriving in the area is not a welcoming endeavour for Henry, an Englishman arriving in a Welsh village where memories still remember past events. They are not friendly, ignore him, he is challenged and in general, made to feel very much like the outsider he is. Linette tries to calm the situation but even she has to admit there is something in the air that feels off.

This is such a twisted story and one that took routes that did not occur to me as I started reading the book. There are some great characters to get to know and to be honest, I was soon able to see why Henry felt like a leper. The author manages to create a wonderful air of distrust and this is something that continues throughout the book. It does have a gothic vibe to it and this adds to the general eerie feel of the story.

This is set in Wales, so there are some Welch words and phrases, these are explained through the story as Henry learns them, then so did I. Some of the names of the characters are ones that I have not come across before and the odd one I would not even attempt to try and say. This gives credence to the story and it also shows the differences between Henry Talbot and the working people of the village. There are English speakers, these tend to be the wealthy, rich, lords and the like. So, again it adds to the distrust shown to Henry.

If you are a fan of historical fiction then this is a book that you might want to have a look at. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I found it very addictive. It is at times creepy and eerie and also very mysterious as the threads are gradually unwound. I liked this a lot and I would definitely recommend it.

Can superstitious fear kill? Even if you’re not superstitious? Would being chased by a demon make death more likely? What if you’ve been drugged? It is 1783, and questions like these are being considered by Dr Henry Talbot, one-time rising star in the London medical firmament and consultant to the Bow Street Runners, but now a country doctor in the Welsh county of Meirionnydd. His career in London ruined for reasons of which we are not aware, he has been employed by Lord Julian Tresilian as physician to his late brother’s family in their mansion “Plas Helyg”, and as doctor to the villagers of Penhelyg. Not surprisingly, the villagers do not take kindly to the imposition of an Englishman, who speaks no Welsh while they speak no English.
Henry has a specific brief to look after Lady Gwenllian, who is known to be mentally unstable, and her daughter, Linette, who is mistress of Plas Helyg and the surrounding area, but who shows signs that she may have inherited her mother’s madness. These signs are largely that she does not behave like a lady; dresses unconventionally, reads widely, manages the estate, treats her tenants with respect, holds strong opinions and will not be bossed by her uncle. Henry has come from humble beginnings, brought up in a Foundlings Home but has risen by intellect and skill to his present position. Both of them have rationalist approaches to the world, seeing it from what we might call a scientific viewpoint, foreswearing religions, whether they be conventional or based on folklore and superstitions, while realising that trampling on a patient’s beliefs is unlikely to help their treatment. Julian, on the other hand, seems deeply committed to the existence of otherworld entities, especially demons, and spends long periods away from Plas Helyg, searching for items and information to support his view.
Henry’s opportune appointment had arisen because his predecessor, Dr Evans, had died suddenly of a heart attack (according to the nearest other doctor). However, Henry, with his experience of working with the Bow Street Runners, detects some anomalies and clues which suggest that Dr Evans may have been murdered.
At first glance, this is a fairly standard Gothic type mystery – isolated village, strange goings on, black magic, demon worship – but the murder element is a bit of a twist. It is well written but not very gothic, not very spooky, not very complicated, and not at all scary. More importantly the ending is rushed, the various revelations are largely speeches by the villains rather than solutions teased out by the investigators. The wrap up after the dénouement is a bit unlikely. Overall, it kept me reading but not wondering.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

Dr Henry Talbot can no longer practise in London, despite his prestigious training and career, one death of a high profile patient has lead to him being excluded from working in the city.

Henry receives an unexpected invitation to work in a remote part of North Wales and grudgingly accepts, having no other options. When he arrives it is apparent that most of the locals have taken an immediate dislike and all is not well at his new residence in a stately home. The Lady of the manor is almost entirely bed bound, suffering from delusions and fits. Her daughter Linette is viewed as an oddity, dressing in masculine clothes and ignoring the rules of convention. Her uncle, Julian, oversees the family, including its mines and Henry is tasked with assessing the women in the family for signs of madness as well as treating the local population.

What sets this apart from other gothic novels is the Welsh setting, use of Cymraeg, incorporating local customs, myths and legends.

As the story unfolds we are taken deeper into a much darker side of Welsh superstition, I loved this slice of dark gothic Georgian life!