The Haunting of Hero's Bay: The chilling new mystery, for fans of Daphne Du Maurier

by Amanda Block, George Weightman (Narrator), Valerie Antwi (Narrator)

The sea doesn't forget.
It knows all of this has happened before.
And will happen again . . .

1840
As a vast ship loses its way in the night-time mist, shattering against the cliffs of Crescombe, North Devon, a daring young artist dives into the murky sea. But it's not for heroism he is risking it something - or someone - is drawing him into those dark, perilous waters . . .

Now
When Finley arrives in Crescombe for the summer, he suspects he's not alone in his attic bedroom. Before long, he is uncovering secrets the remote seaside town has kept for almost two about ghosts and curses, about a ruthless old smuggling family, and about the young women whose bodies have washed up along the town's rocky shoreline, just below his porthole window.

Yet the more Finley learns, the closer he's bonded to those who have gone before him - and the closer he comes to meeting the same watery end...

By turns chilling, compelling and deeply emotive, this sweeping historical mystery will immerse you from the very first page.

'Block is a powerful storyteller' Jenny Colgan
'The spirit of Daphne du Maurier is watching over this terrific novel' Catriona McPherson
'Beautifully atmospheric' Callie Kazumi

Readers love Amanda Block
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Block's imagery will stay with you for a long time'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ In a league with Wide Sargasso Sea, The Woman in Black, and The Haunting of Hill House
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A quick glance at the first line will tell you you are in excellent hands'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I cannot recommend this novel enough'
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Block is seriously talented'

Audible Audio

Published October 9, 2025

About the author

Originally from Devon, Amanda moved to Edinburgh in 2007, where she attained a master's degree in creative writing. Since then, she's divided her time between ghostwriting, editing and tutoring.
Amanda's writing is often inspired by myths and fairy tales, which she uses as starting points to tell new stories. Her work has been shortlisted in contests such as the Bridport Prize and the Mslexia Short Story Competition. The Lost Storyteller is her first novel.

Reviews

[Helen]

This was such an enveloping read - taking us deep into myth, water and the workings of time on place! I loved how it slipped between the topography of human relationships - from pub quizzes to desire to sibling tension - and the mysterious workings of legends and land in south-west England. The smuggling community was depicted with relish and I loved the small contemporary glimpses into community in ailing seaside towns. As a keen swimmer, I absolutely loved the swimming themes mirrored across time - with the act of learning to swim forming such an incredibly empowering bond between people. Fantastic read for summer days - I much recommend!

[Bronwyn Hegarty]

A haunting story, wonderful vivid characters and a beautiful setting. The author knows how to get inside the characters - you see what they see, feel what they feel. Gorgeous.It was hard to stop reading and I was sorry when it ended.

[Maxine Bobbett]

I so enjoyed this. A beautiful story, full of heart - with the right amount of spookiness. The setting really felt like a love letter to seaside towns and their secrets. I'll be recommending!

[Munch]

3.5