Wonderful, moody and evocative novel with a host of believable characters and gothic terror that make for a really satisfying read.

Henry Talbot, foundling and celebrated surgeon finds himself mysteriously fired and then appointed to a remote post in Wales as private physician to a household of slightly odd individuals.

Chaos ensues as family secrets, local hostility and some very untrustworthy gentlemen create danger for Henry and his connections, Welsh folklore and dark magic beliefs combine, and Henry doesn't know who can and cannot be trusted.

Great fun all round, and just as good as Pandora, compelling to read right to the end.

Set in Meirionydd, Wales in 1783. Henry Talbot has been dismissed from his post at a prestigious London hospital where he worked as a surgeon and lecturer. Having only had one offer of employment for a wealthy family in Wales, he leaves to start a fresh. Arriving at Plas Helyg he realises that things here are very different from London.

Julian his employer is rarely at home, spending time in London or at his mines in the local village. Linette Tresilian, the unconventional mistress of Plas Helyg, lives a lonely life and has become self sufficient having only herself to reply on, she is very aloof with Henry. Her Mother also resides in the house who is rumoured to have defects of the mind. And the locals are not happy that there is a new 'English' doctor in the village, who is a man of science. They are superstitious bunch who still have a rich belief in myth and magic and do not welcome his presence.
Henry soon realises that things are not as they appear at Plas Helyg, nor are it's residents.

I did enjoy this book, but I definitely expected a more occult, gothic horror that I actually got. The opening chapter of the book had me gripped and was spine chilling but after that the book just seemed to turn into more of a mystery, with the odd reference to the occult. Which I found rather disappointing. I wanted to be kept on my ties and scared whilst reading, this didn't happen Whilst the book is full or twists and turns which kept me reading, I was still rather miffed with the ending, it just seemed a little too quickly wrapped up. I did enjoyed the authors writing style, and she has obviously done a lot of research into Welsh folklore which shows. Being of part Welsh descent I really enjoyed this. Also I have to say I love the cover of the book and Merlin the dog was a lovely little addition for me.

I would rate the book 3.5 stars. I did enjoy it but expected it to be more gothic horror.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House UK, Vintage for a ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

’He wakes to the unmistakable smell of sulphur and a room as black as pitch.’

Fans of gothic fiction rejoice, this is the book that you’ve been waiting for. If there was any doubt in my mind about my ever growing love of the genre ’The Shadow Key’ has vanquished it. If you enjoy the genre at all, or are simply curious about it, then I strongly advice that you go and find yourself a copy of this book as soon as possible. It truly is a decadent, atmospheric delight.

From the start I was utterly entranced by this book; it’s eerie opening reeling me in and leaving me questioning exactly what was going to happen. I don’t think I’ve read a book within the setting before, 1783 Wales, and it worked wonderfully for creating the necessary sense of unease. The rural location, the hostility of the residents, the dangers of the mines and the glorious inclusion of superstition and folklore. Oh how those last two aspects in particular can’t help but draw me in. This book has left me itching to learn more about the myths and legends of Wales, and longing to dive into as many gothic narratives as possible. So I think it’s pretty safe to say that it was a dynamic success.

Throughout I can honestly say that the plot kept me guessing consistently. Like many gothic novels it walks a thin line between the natural and supernatural, leaving you querying over exactly what is going on. And with so many legends referenced, and so much uncertainty hanging in the air I truly didn’t know what to expect. The overall direction utterly staggered me and the journey to get there came with so many twists and turns too.

Character wise I adored this novel and everyone felt realistically fleshed out. It’s told mainly from the perspectives of Henry, a doctor who reluctantly takes a job in Penhelyg, and Linette the owner of the estate, who flouts convention at every turn. Both offered a different perspective than the novels that I’ve read in the past and kept me invested throughout. The supporting characters were wonderfully compelling too and came together to offer so much. There’s one medical scene in particular that I’d be surprised if anyone could read without flinching.

Naturally I recommend ’The Shadow Key’ and am currently kicking myself for having not yet read the author’s debut. If you’re a fan of atmospheric gothic fiction novels that keep you invested, and guessing, throughout, then this is an absolute must read. It sets it scene vividly, unravels its mysteries hauntingly and crafts an atmosphere that will sink beneath your skin. Needless to say I’ll be keeping an eye out for whatever the author pens next.

The story begins with Dr Henry Talbot being offered a position with The Trasilian household in rural Wales as the family physician with the added duty of helping the villagers. However, he soon discovers, they are wary and distrustful of him as he is from London. Dr Talbot finds a mystery vial in the vandalised Gatehouse where he is shocked to learn of the death of his predecessor from Linette Tresilian. The plot is full of twists and turns, such as learning of Welsh Folklore and myths. Dr Talbot can't help himself with investigating the death and other strange happenings at Plas Helyg near the town Penhelyg. The story is well written and the descriptions of locations and people are great. I will be recommending this book.

The Shadow Key is not a dark and gothic novel as it has been promoted to be. After frustratedly reading it, I can wholeheartedly say, The Shadow Key is a murder mystery with elements of witchcraft set in 17th century Wales.
I was so excited to read it but unfortunately was so let down in the end.

A new Dr has arrived in a small village in Wales but the locals are very distrustful. Henry has left London under a cloud and when all other job avenues were closed to him, a surprise letter offering a job in Wales seemed his last option. But the author of the letter, Lord Julian of Plas Helyg has his own reasons for wanting Henry, and these soon become clear when he meets cousin Linette and her mother Gwen.
The belief of Wales long history with folklore and myths are rife during this story as is the Occult and secret clubs.
I loved the cover of this novel and the story enthralled me. It's a slow burn novel to be enjoyed and beautifully descriptive of the area.

Loved Pandora and this was just as good. Moody and atmospheric, this time set in Wales, I really enjoyed it.

A heady mix of magic, science and the supernatural centred around a small Welsh village creates the most captivating story in every way.

This was an absolutely extraordinary story. I love a tale of myth and magick, but this is incredible. One of the best I've read in fact. The details were so intricate, I felt I was right there in beautiful Wales. This is my first read from this author, but based on this, I'll be reading all of her work. The twists were so unexpected, I loved it.

Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

An atmospheric and immersive mystery set in the heart of a Welsh village. It contains a beautiful mixture of folklore, science and the supernatural and with a wonderful cast of characters, this book took me on an incredible journey.

I received an ARC of this book via netgalley. I think the book blurb promised more than it gave. A small cast of characters in a small welsh settlement and, at least for me, an equally small amount of narrative pull or interest. It was obvious who was manipulating events although why was a bit of a surprise. I am not sure that the book will encourage me to read more from this author.

The Shadow Key by Susan Stokes-Chapman
Release date : 18th April 2024

After reading and loving Pandora by @sstokeschapman a couple of years ago, I've been eagerly awaiting her next book. Thank you to @vintagebooks and @netgalley for providing me a digital advance copy.

Set in 1783, Henry accepts a post in rural Wales after being dismissed from his job in London. Soon after his arrival Henry suspects that all may not be as it seems including the death of his predessor.

I really enjoyed this atmospheric story that is full of folklore and magic. I loved the slow burn as the characters and setting are explored and brought to life. Also the amount of research the author undertook is to be commended. The inclusion of Welsh language, superstitions and occult references made this a tangible story.

Towards the end the tension ramps up and events happen very quickly. I enjoyed the plots twists, some I guessed but others I didn't see coming. My only tiny negative was the ending seemed a little rushed after the slow build up and the monologues by the villains was a little too much like an info dump for me.

Susan Stokes-Chapman is one of my favourite authors in this genre and I will definitely be first in line to read her next novel.

This was such a great book. I've loved this author's first novel so was eager to give this a go. In this story, the author again weaves a thin line between the logical and the supernatural, with Welsh history and folklore beautifully shining through. It was my kinda book.

This had such an interesting and brilliantly crafted plot. The characters were unique and relatable and the writing was spectacular. I especially loved the gothic and creepy atmosphere and added to the experience of reading. Overall, I loved this, and I look forward to reading more from the author in the future.

A gloriously Gothic tale of a London doctor taking up a position in an isolated village in Wales in the latter part of the 18th century. Henry Talbot knows he's out of his depth - he doesn't speak Welsh and he is dismissive of the folklore of his new patients. They, in turn, are dismissive of him because he's one of the hated English and a city man who knows nothing of country ways. Their deep-seated dislike of his fellow countrymen is based on past outrages committed by incoming landowners who took advantage of the land, the miners, and the women.

Henry discovers, however, that there are goings-on even the people of Penhelyg know little about and he is determined to get to the bottom of the mysterious happenings. With the help of Linette, owner of the Plas Helyg estate, and Rowena, a herbalist with whom he is falling in love, Henry uncovers a mystery that strikes at the heart of his very being.

A very readable novel full of atmosphere and wonderful description..

A very enjoyable read. Henry is asked to become the local doctor in a small mining village in Wales. Being English, he meets lots of hostility from the locals. Even the manor owner, Linette is wary of him despite also being attracted to him. Henry starts to investigate the death of the previous doctor and realises all is not as it seems. The author successfully weaves a historic tale of murder, treachery, family and satanism.

Henry Talbot has been invited to be the new physician in Penhelyg, North Wales and to stay at Plas Helyg. Immediately it is clear that this young Englishman is not welcome. His predecessor has recently died in suspicious circumstances and Henry is determined to find out what happened to him. Henry is curious to resolve another mystery. Gwen Tresilian, the mother of mistress of the house, appears to be haunted by demons. There is more to her story than meets the eye. Her daughter, Linette, is more than happy to help Henry in his quest. Will they solve the mysteries surrounding this house and village? How is the death of the previous physician, the arrival of Henry and Gwen's illness connected? What evils forces are at play here in Penhelyg?
This was an enjoyable gothic-style historical mystery with interesting twists and turns throughout. Religion, folklore, superstition, herbalism and occultism were are intertwined in a modern-post modernist approach to religion and spirituality. Gender ideology and same sex attraction were hinted at but not developed further. Attitudes to sex expressed by Henry sounded very twentieth- twenty first century to me. These aspects made it more like a historical fiction with contemporary characters which made it less authentic. These aspects aside, it was a very well written book, with a gripping plot that kept you reading until the end.

A beautifully atmospheric tale of Welsh miners and Welsh culture in 18th century times. There is mystery and twists and good characters and descriptions, a hint of magic and a dose of realism. A good read.

I found this book a little bit slow to begin with, but it didn't take long for me to get fully immersed in the story. Just the right combination of supernatural, gothic and historical information to create a very well written novel. The story centres around Henry, a doctor, who comes to a rural practice in Wales. From the very start there is huge resentment about who and what he is. Nothing is quite right or as it seems and soon enough, things start to unravel. Plenty of twists along the way, which kept me guessing. Thoroughly recommended.

**Contains Thematic Spoilers**

4.5 - 5 stars

The opening chapter was so chilling and gothic, and I am here for it!

At 464 pages, it was borderline too long for me (I've said before that I dislike overly long books), and so I was apprehensive to begin with, but it just flew by. The same with the chapters. They're quite long chapters, which generally for me is a downside, but once you're into the story, their length sort of melted away and I no longer cared how long they were.

I find Usan uses a lot of description in her books, from the buildings to the setting to the weather. With an untrained hand, that could be too much, bogging the book down in unnecessary detail and making it too slow. But Susan is not an untrained hand. Somehow, her writing makes it necessary. Her descriptive passages are one of the big plusses about her work and they really help tell the story. They're beautiful and I think to not have the m would be a travesty to the story. She writes descriptive passages like only a handful of others I've read it really helps you get to know the characters and the setting and get more absorbed into the story.

You don't get many books set in Wales, and rarely do you get books that contain the Welsh language. I have been trying to learn it for a few years now, and so it was lovely to see it used in this book. Although Wales in the 1700s is vastly different to the Wales now.

There's a number of characters, but the main players I would say are:

Dr Henry Talbot: The London doctor who is sent to Wales. He is instantly wary. His Englishness makes him conspicuous and a bit untrustworthy. But he's passionate and just wants to help people but he faces brick wall after brick wall. He was a kind man in my eyes and I really liked him.

Then we have Linette: The Lady of the house. When we first meet her, she is deemed mad, as she dresses in men's clothing and isn't backwards in coming forwards. In a time where women were meant to be subservient. She's loud and brash and unladylike, and I absolutely loved her. She felt very ahead of her time. We also have Linette's Mother Gwen. Henry is hired to help her "madness", but is there more to her than meets the eye?

Then there's Rowena, a young herbalist from the village. A bit timid in some ways but strong in others. It was nice to read the companionship of her and Henry - I won't spoil it by saying if it's platonic friendship, romance, or merely acquaintance, but I found her journey interesting.

And the other main player is Julian, Linette's cousin. I felt he was hiding something right frrom the start, he feels suspicious and dodge. Felt a bit slimy! I was wary of him right from the off.

There are many other characters, such as maid Mrs Evans, her late brother and doctor Mr Evans, Mr Lambeth, Lord Pennant - both very unsavoury characters - the Vicar Mr Dee, and miners Rhodri and his son Cai. There's too many to name fully here, but Susan has created a fascinating cast, each playing their part, for better or worse, in Henry's story.

There seems to be this rivalry in the book: between old ways and new, natural or herbal medicine, country and city medicine, Welsh and English, outsiders and insiders.

I really liked the use of illustrations. There's no many, the odd one here and there, but I've always said more adult books should contain illustrations, and they were a nice surprise.

It contains a number of different genres, it's full of adventure and action, thriller, romance, historical, fantasy, supernatural - it's got everything.

It was full of twists and turns and surprises, which is always what you want from a thriller. I was a little confused how the opening chapter linked to the rest of the book whilst reading it, but once I'd finished, I re-read the opening chapter and it became glaringly obvious.

Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Susan is a fantastic author and it's a fantastic book. My only little tiny widdle criticism? It doesn't quite live up to the gothic-ness I was expecting from the opening chapter. I was expecting a bit more of that, which I didn't get. But it's no less fabulous. As a piece of historical fiction it is exceptional.

I would say this is marginally better than Pandora (although that is completely my opinion, but let's not forget that Pandora was a really great book), which bodes well for her next book if she keeps on getting better and better. She's definitely an author I keep my eye out for.