Bøger af Kathryn Cottam

When sisters Margaret and Rosie Jaye receive word of their sister Helen's death, they journey to the isolated Blueford Manor. Seemingly cast in an eternal twilight, the estate proves to be full of mysteries: their niece's inexplicable illness, housemaids who never stay longer than a season and a thriving bat colony. As Rosie and Margaret unravel the web of lies surrounding Helen's death, the sisters become entangled in life at Blueford Manor. So much so, that Rosie decides to stay-forever. Unsettled by Rosie's decision, Margaret suspects Helen's widower, the formidable Captain Ford, of influencing her sister. But Margaret's quest for answers is thwarted when Rosie suddenly disappears within the walls of Blueford Manor. As Margaret sets out to unlock the truth, she makes another startling discovery. Adept with a needle and thread, Margaret possesses a dark and unnatural power of her own. Now, Margaret must solve her sister's disappearance and the unanswered questions of Helen's death before Rosie, too, is counted among the dead.

"Once upon a time" is how the fairy tales go, but this is no child's story. Edward Cordwainer is a lonely and disgruntled shoemaker in the remote northern town of Houndstooth. Not satisfied with carving out a meagre living in his father's profession, Edward is desperate for a better life. So he enters into an arranged marriage with a wealthy merchant's daughter. But upon meeting Anastasia, his bride, her scarred face repels him. As his wedding fails to lead to luxury and love, he succumbs to an erotic encounter with a mysterious woman, resulting in a magical bargain to become the most famous man in all the kingdom. As the magic takes hold, Edward does indeed become wealthy and well-known, not to mention the latest plaything of the Princess Ambrosia, who gets anything ""and anyone "" she desires. But magic is a tricky business, for it demands balance. Sure enough, Edward discovers that his invocation is not without cost. As Edward's star rises, darkness begins to envelop Houndstooth and all its inhabitants when the women of the town start to disappear. Are the missing women connected to the magic? Or is some other dark force at play? As events unfold, Edward's one simple wish ultimately threatens to destroy his world. Blending romance, horror, and gothic suspense, The Shoemaker is a fairy tale retelling about love, honour and the darkest desires of the human soul. This novel is for mature readers.