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!

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.