My thanks to the Author publishers and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
As a sixty three year old bloke I doubt I am the target audience for this Author, but this is the second of her books I have read and thoroughly enjoyed, with another waiting on my to be read pile. This is a quality read, atmospheric descriptive imaginative, with superb engaging characters. Gripping and entertaining from first to last page intelligent with plenty of surprising twists, a real page turner featuring moments of real tension that left me staring at the screen open mouthed. Well written and researched with a real feel of time and place.
As this is a pre release copy I don't normally comment on the editorial quality however in this case I can honestly say it was appalling, which speaks volumes for the quality of the story that I still could not put it down.
Completely and utterly recommended.

Purcell creates a world that is both intricate and vivid. I was immediately immersed into the life of Agnes, a silhouette artist. The descriptions of her work and processes are absolutely stunning, and I love the intrigue surrounding her clients who keep turning up dead. Pearl and Myrtle are also an absolute delight to read. Pearl’s journey had me transfixed, and I really felt her vulnerability throughout. The séance scenes are absolutely brilliant, and I could really feel the process leaping out from the pages. It really is a unique tale of grief, hope and intrigue, and a gothic classic!

This is truly one of the best things Laura Purcell, our Gothic Victorian Queen, has written thus far (alongside The Secret Companions). Incredibly dark and oppressive, fuelled by grief and ghosts, Purcell delivers a wonderfully supernatural storyline about a young spirit medium and silhouette artist. Without wanting to reveal any spoilers, Purcell maintains an aura of intrigue throughout this tale that'll keep you turning those pages and the last 20% of this book... well, let's just say you won't rest until you've reached the end.

I have loved Laura's other books as published by Raven Books and this was exactly as promised - gorgeous, creepy historical fiction. Perfect wintery read.

Set in Bath in the 19th century and Agnes lives with her aged mother and nephew. She just about manages to support her family by being a silhouette artist.

But then her customers begin dying soon after she visits them, she believes someone is trying to ruin her and her business by murdering them. But who and why?

So, Agnes visits a medium to try and contact the victims and find out who the killer is…..things then get dark and creepy.

This is a marvellously dark gothic Murder mystery set against a poverty stricken Bath, it has enough chilling atmosphere to give you goosebumps. A clever plot and wonderful characters bring this to creepy life. Gripping, moody and I loved every spooky minute.

Eerie and atmospheric, The Shape of Darkness shows us all that – sometimes – there can be entities even more haunting than ghosts…

Synopsis: When Agnes’ client is found murdered, she starts to lose what little business she already has. Then another, and another, and yet another client winds up dead. Is someone targeting her? Is something targeting her? Agnes will soon discover that the only people who know the truth, are the dead.

Setting up Gothic tropes: a séance; a medium; a ghost, only to knock them down and leave you shell-shocked, Purcell’s The Shape of Darkness is a masterclass in suspense. This book’s story builds slowly and carefully and at the end becomes absolutely unputdownable. There are so many twists and turns and dead ends and reveals that I’ve got whiplash.

All the hallmarks of a Gothic novel are there for Gothic fans, but they are played with to great effect. This is a book that appeals both to people who love their classics, and those who like something new. Things are never what they seem in The Shape of Darkness. The Gothic representation of Bath was also excellent; the portrayal of the muck and the filth left me itching for a hot bath and some carbolic soap.

And I always love a séance scene or two.

The Shape of Darkness is a fantastic read and well-worth embracing the initial tropes and potentially overdone characterisations: they are there for a reason. The strength here lies in the enthrallingly shocking reveals, which leads you to thinking back on everything the book hinted at. You will definitely have to sit for a while after completion, figuring out how you were duped.

As a big fan of Laura Purcell’s writing, I was so thrilled to read this ahead of its publication day - thankyou @netgalley and @ravenbooks for giving me this opportunity in exchange for an honest review.

The Shape of Darkness transports the reader to Victorian era Bath and to the world of Spiritualism. We meet artist Agnes Darkens, whose most recent clients die in violent and mysterious circumstances shortly after sitting for silhouette portraits. As you can imagine, news of their deaths begins to take a toll on her already struggling business and she seeks answers through Pearl and Myrtle West, sisters and clairvoyants, with their own complex and murky backstory.

I felt immediately drawn to Agnes and to Pearl, as I’m such a fan of interesting and multi-faceted female characters who take centre stage in literature. I also love the historical detail and setting - the location adds so much to the gothic ambience.

I really want to say more but I don’t want to give away too much - suffice it to say that I loved this book and absolutely rate Purcell’s novels. I never hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking for a contemporary gothic or ‘quiet horror’ read. There is spookiness in spades in all of her work, and atmosphere so thick you could stick a fork in it!
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The Shape of Darkness is out in hardback on Thursday 21st January.

The Shape Of Darkness is brilliantly chilling. I only had 15% left so thought I'd read it in bed, what an error. The story centres on Agnes, a silhouette artist in Bath whose customers are dying following appointments with her. She seeks the help of Pearl, a child medium, in order to try to get to the bottom of these mysterious deaths, but in doing so they risk encountering unknown dark spirits. 

The writing creates such a vivid picture that it had me wanting to hide behind a cushion, while being completely unable to put the book down. Beyond the drama of the spirit world is a beautifully crafted tale, with richly created characters. If you like your historical fiction with a healthy dose of eerie gothic darkness then Laura Purcell is the writer for you.

When Agnes Darkens clients begin to die under suspicious circumstances, and she comes under scrutiny with the police and wider society due to her connections to the increasing number of victims, Agnes decides to consult a local girl who is known to connect to the dead. Agnes wants to know who is murdering the people around her, and medium Pearl Meers is desperate to talk to her departed mother. Together they make contact beyond the earthly veil... and their lives will never be the same. 

Laura Purcell delivers yet another morbidly captivating mystery. This oozed moodiness and spookiness so much so I was spellbound. Purcell wields mysticism in such an enthralling way. Seances, crystal balls, shadows in a dark, drafty house combined with the sinister presence of magpies and their piercing caws, culminating in an ominous setting and tone. 

The Shape of Darkness shows the growth in Purcell’s writing; the book really was transportive to a time gone by. The way the characters spoke felt old. And on the point of the characters, I’d say these ones are the best balance Purcell has achieved yet. The story follows two narrators, Agnes Darken and Pearl Meers, both of whom were likeable and their perspectives felt worthwhile. I didn’t prefer one to the other (as I have done with Purcell’s other reads), although I would say toward the second half some character development of Agnes’ didn’t read very smooth.

I’ll also say, just for keeping track and comparisons, I’ve read all of Purcell’s books to date, and for me, The Shape of Darkness is tamer than the likes of either The Silent Companions and The Corset. It’s just as enjoyable and a great offering by Purcell, but I would say it’s lighter in horror than her previous work. 
 
Nonetheless, Purcell writes with such magnetism. The more you read and discover the story, the more you’re sucked into it in every way. I really enjoyed the way the story was woven together for all ends to meet appropriately. One thing that’s clearer and clearer with every book is Purcell is a natural born storyteller, and The Shape of Darkness firmly cements Purcell as an auto-buy author for me. It is quite frankly a must read for lovers of this genre.
Thank you kindly to the publishers and Netgalley for providing me with an e-ARC, in exchange for this honest review.

There’s murder afoot in ‘The Shape of Darkness’.

When Agnes’ clients are found murdered and begins to affect Agnes’ business as a silhouette artist, it’s up to Agnes to find out the truth to who is behind the murders.

Follow Agnes as she tries to seek out the truth from a medium about why people are been murdered at her workplace.

Why is she been targeted? Is there a reason why the murders are taking place at Agnes’ business? Or is Agnes really the one responsible? And can she trust anyone?

Things soon start to unravel and Agnes’ background is soon up front and centre as   loved ones come back to give her a message.
 
It’s a creepy but beautifully written book.  I loved the setting of the story and the gritty and dark vibe which I felt also give it an edge.

‘The Shape of Darkness’ is an atmospheric gothic thriller.  If you love thrillers with a touch of historical dictions and the supernatural then check this one out.

I'm a huge fan of Laura Purcell's novels, and The Shape If Darkness is no exception.  Once again, Laura has penned an outstanding mystery to keep you on the edge of your seat.  Set in the Victorian era, with strong female roles and dark, gothic scenes, The Shape Of Darkness is sure to please.

Fantastic story, bringing us right back to the Victorian ages, steeping in details and intriguing storylines. As always a fabulous!

Anyone who knows me, will know that Laura is one of my favourite writers, so I was so so happy to receive a copy of this book.

Laura writes about the Victorian era which again is one of my favourite era’s, and centres on Agnes, a silhouette artist who, now that photographs are coming out, is struggling to make ends meet to support herself, her nephew,  and her mother.

After a couple of her clients are murdered, she ends up consulting a medium to see if her ex-clients can tell her who has killed them and why she is being targeted.

I would say that this is the darkest book that Laura has written - she always keeps me on the edge of my seat and unable to put her books down anyway, but this one truly surpassed the others in how sinister it was, I was utterly blown away, and had to re-read the final few pages again just to make sure I’d got it right.

Utterly phenomenal.

My thanks to Netgalley and  Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review

I have absolutely loved her previous novels and this is no exception. Once again Ms Purcell has produced an exquisitely written novel with a bias towards the supernatural. With the evocative backdrop of the city of Bath featuring silhouette painting, mediumship and mesmerism, without being overly-descriptive the author manages to conjure a stunning visualisation in my mind’s eye, which is no mean feat as I tend to lack imagination. The plot keeps you thinking right up to the end. Very much a must-read author. Top marks.

Laura Purcell has yet to write a bad book. Each one she writes is marvellous in it's own special way about it's own special subject and this one was utterly gripping from the very beginning. It will suck you in, keep you guessing, leave you scratching your head, trip you up, give you thrills and chills and have you reaching for anything else the author has written. Taking place in the atmospheric setting of Victorian Bath we are introduced to the impoverished world of Agnes Darken, silhouette artist, and watch as she is drawn in to the world of mesmerism and spiritualism whilst attempting to uncover a mystery. However, all is not quite what it seems and discovering the truth will have you sitting on the edge of your seat, turning pages as fast as you can. A triumph of a novel and an author that I would recommend to anyone!

I read this over two days – far quicker than I usually do these days, but that’s because it is so compelling! The atmosphere just pours from the pages; a perfect example of the genre (gothic). It was a nice original touch to have such an unusual job for the main character too. Wonderful!

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<p>Wow oh wow!! What a book!! How can my review do this masterpiece any justice at all?</p>
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<p>Laura Purcell is quickly becoming one of my favourite authors. This book has definitely given me authentic Victorian feels. I have found this is darker than the other books by Purcell that I have read, but with that said- I loved it!</p>
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<p>I was so excited to get stuck into this one, I immediately made sure I had time where I wouldn't be disturbed. I devoured this gorgeous book from cover to cover in just hours. I have been both unable and unwilling to put this one down. Purcell is a master story teller and queen of this genre. </p>
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<p>The Shape of Darkness is a creepy and spine tingling novel which has elements of ghostly and supernatural selections. I absolutely love that Purcell has created a murder mystery/ ghost story combined. I have found this full of atmosphere, it is written in a way you experience the chills as you read. I have found this a completely compelling and enthralling read. This will definitely stick with you. I have been thinking about this one for hours after finishing it. </p>
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<p>I had very high expectations of this book after reading Purcell's previous books. I can safely say that this well-crafted masterpiece has not disappointed. Purcell is a hugely talented queen of storytelling and this is a book which is highly deserving of all the stars. I will absolutely be recommending this book. </p>
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<p>I cannot wait for more from this author.  </p>
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This author is one of my go to instant reads. I don’t even look at the synopsis. I see her name on the cover and I instantly have got to have it! 

The style of writing starts off subtle setting the scene and then draws you in taking you on a dark twisty journey. Set in Victorian Bath it’s a great historical/gothic story.

3.75
This author is becoming a go to for me in supernatural historical fiction. I always enjoy the atmosphere that they have. I don't know why, but spooky stories set in modern setting just aren't as creepy to me as a historical setting. 
I did find the pacing a little more slow in the middle but it soon picked up again. I can't say too much about the plot since I think it's better if you don't know too much. There were some things I saw coming but there were also ones I didn't or were different to what I was expecting. 
The spiritual movement theme included was very interesting but wasn't as big a part of the plot as I thought it would be. It was simultaneously part of and slightly apart from the main storyline if that makes sense. 
Even with these slight niggles I highly enjoyed this book and have pre-ordered it for someone I know who I think will enjoy it as well.

A thrilling novel set in the Victorian era. This is an enjoyable read for anyone who enjoys both historical fiction and gothic literature. The character is complex and intriguing to get to know throughout the story. The thrilling elements of this novel make it a real page turner. Great escapism.