First published 2027
County Clare, 1848. Maggie O'Shaughnessy scrapes by in the Ennis Workhouse after losing her family to Ireland's potato famine. When the enigmatic Lady Catherine arrives with an offer, Maggie sees her chance to escape. The bargain seems simple: travel to Lady Catherine's remote manor in the Burren and pretend to be her deceased daughter Wilhelmina. This deception will unlock Wilhelmina's widow pension, allowing Lady Catherine to continue supporting local villagers. In return, Maggie will gain her freedom, land, and the opportunity to honor her dying brother's wish that she survive out of spite. But the limestone mansion holds more than financial secrets. As Maggie learns to inhabit Wilhelmina's identity, something within the house begins stirring her buried memories. The villagers speak of curses and apparitions, yet the real danger comes from within. Ancient powers demand blood and vengeance, and Maggie discovers her own connection to forces that require the ultimate sacrifice.
Genres: romance, historical-fiction, mystery, 19th-century
Vibes: atmospheric, dark, suspenseful
Tropes: deception, found-family, secrets
Setting: County Clare, Ennis Workhouse, Burren, Limestone Mansion
Period: 1848
384 pages · Paperback · Kensington
Content warnings: death