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House of Splinters
Not yet published
Expected 10 Feb 26'Laura Purcell really is a master of the unsettling ghost story' Jen Williams
Not every house is a home...
Belinda Bainbridge has spent her life in the shadow of her anxious mother, so when her father-in-law dies at The Bridge, his remote ancestral seat, she is secretly thrilled. His death means she, her husband Wilfred and their children can relocate and finally begin to create their own happy home born a merchant's daughter, she will now be lady of the manor.
But their new home quickly proves far from ideal. The garden is a wilderness, the estate is struggling financially, there are whispers about the mysterious death of a servant many years before while their young son, Freddie, seems unusually fixated on the strange wooden figures – so-called 'silent companions' – that were once owned by his ancestors.
When Wilfred's charismatic brother, Nathan, arrives unexpectedly from abroad, bringing a very different account of the family's past, Belinda begins to question what her husband has told her. What really lies behind the sad history of the house?
And are Belinda's children truly safe here?
The outstanding new haunted house story from Sunday Times bestseller and multi award winner, Laura Purcell. Adored by readers, The Silent Companions was picked for both the Radio 2 Book Club and the Zoe Ball ITV Book Clubs, and reignited readers' passion for classic gothic tales for a new audience. House of Splinters revisits her iconic setting of The Bridge for a fresh new tale to chill and thrill new readers and existing fans to their very depths.
Not every house is a home...
Belinda Bainbridge has spent her life in the shadow of her anxious mother, so when her father-in-law dies at The Bridge, his remote ancestral seat, she is secretly thrilled. His death means she, her husband Wilfred and their children can relocate and finally begin to create their own happy home born a merchant's daughter, she will now be lady of the manor.
But their new home quickly proves far from ideal. The garden is a wilderness, the estate is struggling financially, there are whispers about the mysterious death of a servant many years before while their young son, Freddie, seems unusually fixated on the strange wooden figures – so-called 'silent companions' – that were once owned by his ancestors.
When Wilfred's charismatic brother, Nathan, arrives unexpectedly from abroad, bringing a very different account of the family's past, Belinda begins to question what her husband has told her. What really lies behind the sad history of the house?
And are Belinda's children truly safe here?
The outstanding new haunted house story from Sunday Times bestseller and multi award winner, Laura Purcell. Adored by readers, The Silent Companions was picked for both the Radio 2 Book Club and the Zoe Ball ITV Book Clubs, and reignited readers' passion for classic gothic tales for a new audience. House of Splinters revisits her iconic setting of The Bridge for a fresh new tale to chill and thrill new readers and existing fans to their very depths.
350 pages, Paperback
First published October 9, 2025
85 people are currently reading
5483 people want to read
About the author
Laura Purcell
17 books3,259 followersLaura Purcell is a former bookseller and lives in Colchester with her husband and pet guinea pigs.
Her first novel for Raven Books THE SILENT COMPANIONS won the WHSmith Thumping Good Read Award 2018 and featured in both the Zoe Ball and Radio 2 Book Clubs. Other Gothic novels include THE CORSET (THE POISON THREAD in USA), BONE CHINA and THE SHAPE OF DARKNESS (2020)
Laura’s historical fiction about the Hanoverian monarchs, QUEEN OF BEDLAM and MISTRESS OF THE COURT, was published by Myrmidon.
Her first novel for Raven Books THE SILENT COMPANIONS won the WHSmith Thumping Good Read Award 2018 and featured in both the Zoe Ball and Radio 2 Book Clubs. Other Gothic novels include THE CORSET (THE POISON THREAD in USA), BONE CHINA and THE SHAPE OF DARKNESS (2020)
Laura’s historical fiction about the Hanoverian monarchs, QUEEN OF BEDLAM and MISTRESS OF THE COURT, was published by Myrmidon.
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December 21, 2025
Every so often, you stumble upon a gothic novel that doesn't just tell you a creepy story—it gets under your skin and refuses to leave. House of Splinters did exactly that to me. The second Belinda Bainbridge walks into The Bridge, Laura Purcell had me completely hooked. The atmosphere is so heavy and unsettling that I swear I could feel the damp cold of those decaying hallways and hear something scratching behind the walls.
Belinda has spent her whole life living in her mother's anxious shadow, so when she finally becomes lady of the manor, she thinks her real life is starting. But The Bridge? It's not just a house. It feels alive—soaked in grief, greed, and something way older and darker than any human evil. Nothing grows in the garden, the servants won't stop whispering about past tragedies, and worst of all, her son Freddie seems weirdly drawn to these creepy wooden figures—the "silent companions"—that stand around the house like they're watching everyone.
What Purcell does so brilliantly is keep you guessing the whole way through. Is Belinda actually losing her mind, or is the house genuinely out to get her? The answer creeps up on you slowly, and before you know it, you realize every strange shadow, every midnight knock, every creak has been building to something all along.
The writing itself is gorgeous—rich and elegant without ever feeling like it's trying too hard. It's like watching candlelight dance across faded wallpaper: beautiful and delicate, but when the flame flickers just right, you catch glimpses of something terrifying underneath. The pacing pulls you in gradually, almost hypnotically, until the final act hits like a freight train and left me genuinely gasping.
But what really got me about House of Splinters is how much heart it has beneath all the scares. Yes, it's atmospheric and creepy as hell, but Purcell also digs into grief, family legacies, and the impossible weight put on women—especially how quickly they're labeled "hysterical" when they're the only ones brave enough to see what's really happening. Watching Belinda quietly come undone felt painfully real, and Freddie's eerie innocence just cranked up the dread even more.
And Nathan—oh, Belinda's unexpected brother. He shows up all charming and helpful, but there's something rotten lurking beneath that smile. His arrival kicks everything into overdrive, unearthing buried secrets and old sins that had me tearing through pages like my life depended on it, desperate to see which ghost would get the final say.
If The Silent Companions put Purcell on the gothic map, House of Splinters proves she's not going anywhere. This is a story about legacy, madness, and what happens when you try to live in a house that absolutely does not want you there.
By the time I finished, I didn't just feel spooked—I felt like the story had claimed a piece of me. The Bridge isn't just a backdrop anymore; it's a character that's going to stay with me for a very long time.
This is a slow-burn masterpiece that builds into an absolute crescendo of terror. Gothic horror doesn't get much better than this.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the digital review copy. All thoughts are my own—and yes, I'm still a little haunted.
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Belinda has spent her whole life living in her mother's anxious shadow, so when she finally becomes lady of the manor, she thinks her real life is starting. But The Bridge? It's not just a house. It feels alive—soaked in grief, greed, and something way older and darker than any human evil. Nothing grows in the garden, the servants won't stop whispering about past tragedies, and worst of all, her son Freddie seems weirdly drawn to these creepy wooden figures—the "silent companions"—that stand around the house like they're watching everyone.
What Purcell does so brilliantly is keep you guessing the whole way through. Is Belinda actually losing her mind, or is the house genuinely out to get her? The answer creeps up on you slowly, and before you know it, you realize every strange shadow, every midnight knock, every creak has been building to something all along.
The writing itself is gorgeous—rich and elegant without ever feeling like it's trying too hard. It's like watching candlelight dance across faded wallpaper: beautiful and delicate, but when the flame flickers just right, you catch glimpses of something terrifying underneath. The pacing pulls you in gradually, almost hypnotically, until the final act hits like a freight train and left me genuinely gasping.
But what really got me about House of Splinters is how much heart it has beneath all the scares. Yes, it's atmospheric and creepy as hell, but Purcell also digs into grief, family legacies, and the impossible weight put on women—especially how quickly they're labeled "hysterical" when they're the only ones brave enough to see what's really happening. Watching Belinda quietly come undone felt painfully real, and Freddie's eerie innocence just cranked up the dread even more.
And Nathan—oh, Belinda's unexpected brother. He shows up all charming and helpful, but there's something rotten lurking beneath that smile. His arrival kicks everything into overdrive, unearthing buried secrets and old sins that had me tearing through pages like my life depended on it, desperate to see which ghost would get the final say.
If The Silent Companions put Purcell on the gothic map, House of Splinters proves she's not going anywhere. This is a story about legacy, madness, and what happens when you try to live in a house that absolutely does not want you there.
By the time I finished, I didn't just feel spooked—I felt like the story had claimed a piece of me. The Bridge isn't just a backdrop anymore; it's a character that's going to stay with me for a very long time.
This is a slow-burn masterpiece that builds into an absolute crescendo of terror. Gothic horror doesn't get much better than this.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the digital review copy. All thoughts are my own—and yes, I'm still a little haunted.
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August 29, 2025
"With dread crushing her chest, Belinda leant slowly forward and peered over the footboard. In a pool of silvery light stood the old cradle from Freddy's birth. Ebony wood, high-backed, shaped like a casket..."
Beautifully written and well-researched historically, this felt like a masterclass in gothic atmosphere. I think it would appeal to fans of Susan Hill and Jessie Burton.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
Beautifully written and well-researched historically, this felt like a masterclass in gothic atmosphere. I think it would appeal to fans of Susan Hill and Jessie Burton.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.
May 12, 2025
I absolutely loved this return to the gothic world of THE SILENT COMPANIONS. It’s a compelling and imaginative ghost story that kept me turning the pages long into the night. The author evokes a wonderful sense of time and place, and keeps you fully invested in the fates of the characters. A real spine-tingler! Published October 2025, Thank you Raven Books for the early reading copy.
November 21, 2025
3.5 I need to unpack this in a full review--The Silent Companions set the bar sooooo high
November 16, 2025
*Be careful what you wish for*
**4.5 Stars**
This isn’t my usual genre but the synopsis intrigued me. Imagine living under the shadow of an anxious mother, barely able to breathe. You’re in her constant presence, struggling to become the person you’re meant to be even though you’re married. This is Belinda Bainbridge’s reality.
Finally, an opportunity arises. Belinda, a merchant’s daughter, is moving to her husband Wilfred’s childhood home. She’s excited to take on the role of the lady of the house.
However, the house needs work, particularly the gardens. Despite this, Belinda’s enthusiasm doesn’t wane until strange things begin to happen. She soon discovers that the house holds deep and dark secrets. As she unravels the truth, she wishes the secrets could remain hidden forever.
Imagine a house with ‘silent companions’ made of wood. These seem to have a life of their own, often appearing as the image of deceased individuals. And as you sleep and wake, they materialise at times anywhere in the house and worse occasionally by your bed, like macabre apparitions, not your ideal wake-up call. Yikes!
This unsettling atmosphere is compounded by Belinda’s young son Freddy. At just five years old, he starts talking about things from the past. What’s going on?
Things are about to change when Nathan, Wilfred’s estranged younger brother, unexpectedly arrives. He’s about to stir things up.
**4.5 Stars**
This isn’t my usual genre but the synopsis intrigued me. Imagine living under the shadow of an anxious mother, barely able to breathe. You’re in her constant presence, struggling to become the person you’re meant to be even though you’re married. This is Belinda Bainbridge’s reality.
Finally, an opportunity arises. Belinda, a merchant’s daughter, is moving to her husband Wilfred’s childhood home. She’s excited to take on the role of the lady of the house.
However, the house needs work, particularly the gardens. Despite this, Belinda’s enthusiasm doesn’t wane until strange things begin to happen. She soon discovers that the house holds deep and dark secrets. As she unravels the truth, she wishes the secrets could remain hidden forever.
Imagine a house with ‘silent companions’ made of wood. These seem to have a life of their own, often appearing as the image of deceased individuals. And as you sleep and wake, they materialise at times anywhere in the house and worse occasionally by your bed, like macabre apparitions, not your ideal wake-up call. Yikes!
This unsettling atmosphere is compounded by Belinda’s young son Freddy. At just five years old, he starts talking about things from the past. What’s going on?
Things are about to change when Nathan, Wilfred’s estranged younger brother, unexpectedly arrives. He’s about to stir things up.
October 29, 2025
(3.5) Another thing I didn’t expect 2025 to bring me: a sequel to The Silent Companions. Or should I say a prequel, of sorts. House of Splinters is set at The Bridge, the house featured in Purcell’s earlier novel, in the 1770s. It has a similar setup: following the death of her husband’s father, pregnant Belinda Bainbridge arrives at the house to find the place neglected, the villagers fearful and suspicious. And, of course, it also features the mysterious wooden figures known as ‘silent companions’.
The bad news is that I didn’t find this anywhere near as creepy or unsettling as its predecessor (or maybe I’m just much less easily scared these days). It is, however, well-crafted and a nice easy read, and sometimes that’s all you want and need from a book. Purcell is – as always – very good at creating a gothic atmosphere, and even though there’s a noticeable amount of modern English in here, I believed in the setting; I could imagine this as a very effective period drama. The denouement is also genuinely tense, with a nice sting in its tail.
The bad news is that I didn’t find this anywhere near as creepy or unsettling as its predecessor (or maybe I’m just much less easily scared these days). It is, however, well-crafted and a nice easy read, and sometimes that’s all you want and need from a book. Purcell is – as always – very good at creating a gothic atmosphere, and even though there’s a noticeable amount of modern English in here, I believed in the setting; I could imagine this as a very effective period drama. The denouement is also genuinely tense, with a nice sting in its tail.
Want to read
January 22, 2025I AM SO EXCITED!!! Laura Purcell is an instabuy author!
October 15, 2025
“Ghosts were supposed to visit by night, weren't they? Why was that? Did they envy the peaceful rest of the living?”
When Wilfred Bainbridge’s father passes away, he inherits the Bridge manor. His pregnant wife, Belinda and their five year old son Freddy are to join him in what is to be their new home. Little do they know what already resides there. The silent companions, wooden life-like figures that have been in the Bainbridge family for centuries, wait patiently for the new owners to arrive. This is a house full of dark and sad stories, this is a family with equally dark and sad secrets. But the past won’t stay buried for long. When Wilfred’s brother Nathan returns from India much is to be revealed and Belinda tries desperately to keep her family safe.
Perfectly haunting and atmospherically unsettling House of Splinters by Laura Purcell transports readers back to The Bridge Manor where deadly forces await.
Though House of Splinters is set in 1774 and therefore is a prequel to Purcell’s The Silent Companions I personally have found the experience of reading both books in publication order much more satisfying. Here’s why. In the opening few chapters of House of Splinters Belinda Bainbridge is preparing to join her husband at the Bridge manor with her young son Freddy and already I felt a sense of foreboding knowing exactly what they’d find there. Upon arrival at the Bridge it is not long until Freddy stumbles upon the silent companion figures, they begin to pop up in various rooms, they begin to take on the profiles of recognisable figures from Bainbridge ancestry and their malevolent presence begins to be felt. I personally feel this opening is more eerie, more threatening, having already met and having previous knowledge of these wooden figures in The Silent Companions because the hairs on the back of my neck were instantly raised, I could anxiously anticipate the horrors to come. Then there is also the factor of historical context concerning Anne Bainbridge, a woman accused and executed for witchcraft, and her daughter Henrietta Maria. Anne’s diary is a focal point in the previous book as Purcell plunges us into 1635 to read Anne’s in-depth account of events, and oh my do we learn some dark history there. Anne and Henrietta also play a pivotal role in this novel too but knowledge of their past is scarce and I think that context is needed to truly appreciate Anne and Henrietta’s story. This is not to say that it wouldn’t be enjoyable to read these books the other way around too, it is just that I am glad to had read The Silent Companions first.
“The past trod closer than ever, right on his heels.
He supposed there was no such thing as a secret in a house like this. Events could be concealed, but they bled into the walls, a record held in time. The stains on the flags. The boarded-up well. The spliced handrail and the newer balusters in the gallery, which did not quite match the others.”
During the beginning of this novel Purcell spends time building up the characters of Wilfred and Belinda Bainbridge and their family. It was so nice to initially have such a loving family unit. Wilfred was a very tentative husband, always thinking of Belinda‘s comfort and what would make it easier for her to settle into the manor. Likewise, Belinda also strove to lessen the burdens on Wilfred by taking on the role of the upkeep of the manor and organising its household servants. They were both loving parents to Freddy, kind, protective and a touch indulgent but not to the point of overly spoiling their son. Though, as the novel progresses the cracks within their relationship begin to show. Freddy being a child, befriends the silent companion figures, which seems innocent until he begins to express how they had been talking to him, how uneasy they made him feel and then how erratic his behaviour became, particularly towards protecting his baby sister, Lydia. In turn Belinda begins to express her own uneasiness, which her husband tends to brush off. Then we learn more of Wilfred and his childhood—his estrangement from his father, his mother’s death, his sister Tiffany, and his brother Nathan who was mysteriously sent away. As all of these secrets are revealed, I became so engrossed and every scandalous piece of history surrounding this family was oh so juicy. Purcell always crafts characters that fit well within the social climate of the time period each book is set in, Belinda may have been reliant on the men in her life due to women having very little control of finances or even their own health care during the 1700s, but that does not mean she lacks in strength, courage or a drive to protect those she loves. Her character is likable, determined and so when the horrific events unfold towards the climax, I felt for her all the more.
Once again Purcell superbly delivers a novel of psychological horror and then hits readers with outright horror. At first the wooden figures randomly make themselves known around the Bridge estate, strange hissing and scraping noises can be heard, a sense of unease permeates and the patch of earth that Belinda so desperately wants to cultivate into an English garden continuously rots. Belinda, naturally, becomes more and more agitated. Are these the signs of a haunted house? Or is Belinda, having recently given birth, showing signs of anxiety and postnatal depression? But then Freddy too shows signs of distress when faced with the silent companions, he claims they warn him not to lock them away, he claims they have an obsession with baby Lydia. Are all of these signs of a child with a wild imagination or do his claims hold true? Purcell makes us question the validity of supernatural occurrences that could all be reasonably explained and therefore messes with our perception of reality. Until the novel reaches the halfway point, until events and bad omens begin to mirror the past, this is when reason gives way to nightmares and we are hit with some spine tingling scenes. There were points in the novel where I was jumping at shadows, reading into the autumn evening, with the dark and cold enveloping.
“Could it be that both things were true at once?
Elements of worldly reason and the supernatural blended together until you could not distinguish one from the other?”
House of Spirits expertly captures the essence of a classic gothic haunted house tale. I was suitably spooked!
ARC provided by Ben at Bloomsbury Publishing in exchange for an honest review—thank you for the copy!
When Wilfred Bainbridge’s father passes away, he inherits the Bridge manor. His pregnant wife, Belinda and their five year old son Freddy are to join him in what is to be their new home. Little do they know what already resides there. The silent companions, wooden life-like figures that have been in the Bainbridge family for centuries, wait patiently for the new owners to arrive. This is a house full of dark and sad stories, this is a family with equally dark and sad secrets. But the past won’t stay buried for long. When Wilfred’s brother Nathan returns from India much is to be revealed and Belinda tries desperately to keep her family safe.
Perfectly haunting and atmospherically unsettling House of Splinters by Laura Purcell transports readers back to The Bridge Manor where deadly forces await.
Though House of Splinters is set in 1774 and therefore is a prequel to Purcell’s The Silent Companions I personally have found the experience of reading both books in publication order much more satisfying. Here’s why. In the opening few chapters of House of Splinters Belinda Bainbridge is preparing to join her husband at the Bridge manor with her young son Freddy and already I felt a sense of foreboding knowing exactly what they’d find there. Upon arrival at the Bridge it is not long until Freddy stumbles upon the silent companion figures, they begin to pop up in various rooms, they begin to take on the profiles of recognisable figures from Bainbridge ancestry and their malevolent presence begins to be felt. I personally feel this opening is more eerie, more threatening, having already met and having previous knowledge of these wooden figures in The Silent Companions because the hairs on the back of my neck were instantly raised, I could anxiously anticipate the horrors to come. Then there is also the factor of historical context concerning Anne Bainbridge, a woman accused and executed for witchcraft, and her daughter Henrietta Maria. Anne’s diary is a focal point in the previous book as Purcell plunges us into 1635 to read Anne’s in-depth account of events, and oh my do we learn some dark history there. Anne and Henrietta also play a pivotal role in this novel too but knowledge of their past is scarce and I think that context is needed to truly appreciate Anne and Henrietta’s story. This is not to say that it wouldn’t be enjoyable to read these books the other way around too, it is just that I am glad to had read The Silent Companions first.
“The past trod closer than ever, right on his heels.
He supposed there was no such thing as a secret in a house like this. Events could be concealed, but they bled into the walls, a record held in time. The stains on the flags. The boarded-up well. The spliced handrail and the newer balusters in the gallery, which did not quite match the others.”
During the beginning of this novel Purcell spends time building up the characters of Wilfred and Belinda Bainbridge and their family. It was so nice to initially have such a loving family unit. Wilfred was a very tentative husband, always thinking of Belinda‘s comfort and what would make it easier for her to settle into the manor. Likewise, Belinda also strove to lessen the burdens on Wilfred by taking on the role of the upkeep of the manor and organising its household servants. They were both loving parents to Freddy, kind, protective and a touch indulgent but not to the point of overly spoiling their son. Though, as the novel progresses the cracks within their relationship begin to show. Freddy being a child, befriends the silent companion figures, which seems innocent until he begins to express how they had been talking to him, how uneasy they made him feel and then how erratic his behaviour became, particularly towards protecting his baby sister, Lydia. In turn Belinda begins to express her own uneasiness, which her husband tends to brush off. Then we learn more of Wilfred and his childhood—his estrangement from his father, his mother’s death, his sister Tiffany, and his brother Nathan who was mysteriously sent away. As all of these secrets are revealed, I became so engrossed and every scandalous piece of history surrounding this family was oh so juicy. Purcell always crafts characters that fit well within the social climate of the time period each book is set in, Belinda may have been reliant on the men in her life due to women having very little control of finances or even their own health care during the 1700s, but that does not mean she lacks in strength, courage or a drive to protect those she loves. Her character is likable, determined and so when the horrific events unfold towards the climax, I felt for her all the more.
Once again Purcell superbly delivers a novel of psychological horror and then hits readers with outright horror. At first the wooden figures randomly make themselves known around the Bridge estate, strange hissing and scraping noises can be heard, a sense of unease permeates and the patch of earth that Belinda so desperately wants to cultivate into an English garden continuously rots. Belinda, naturally, becomes more and more agitated. Are these the signs of a haunted house? Or is Belinda, having recently given birth, showing signs of anxiety and postnatal depression? But then Freddy too shows signs of distress when faced with the silent companions, he claims they warn him not to lock them away, he claims they have an obsession with baby Lydia. Are all of these signs of a child with a wild imagination or do his claims hold true? Purcell makes us question the validity of supernatural occurrences that could all be reasonably explained and therefore messes with our perception of reality. Until the novel reaches the halfway point, until events and bad omens begin to mirror the past, this is when reason gives way to nightmares and we are hit with some spine tingling scenes. There were points in the novel where I was jumping at shadows, reading into the autumn evening, with the dark and cold enveloping.
“Could it be that both things were true at once?
Elements of worldly reason and the supernatural blended together until you could not distinguish one from the other?”
House of Spirits expertly captures the essence of a classic gothic haunted house tale. I was suitably spooked!
ARC provided by Ben at Bloomsbury Publishing in exchange for an honest review—thank you for the copy!
October 9, 2025
Belinda Bainbridge has spent what feels more than a lifetime in the void-like, suffocating shadows of her oppressive, stifling, single-minded mother, so when time calls to drag her father-in-law beyond the veil of the living, taken from his remote ancestral seat known as The Bridge, she cannot help but be secretly thrilled as this means perhaps she can finally escape her mother’s cloying embrace once and for all…
Death doesn’t necessarily mean a bad omen, for Belinda, her husband, and their children can relocate and finally begin building their own happy home together.
Belinda may have been born a merchant’s daughter, but that doesn’t mean she cannot become a lady of the manor. It’s what she deserves.
However this new home quickly proves to be anything but ideal. Tangled vines, overgrown hedges and ashy trees surround the estate, finances are at an all time low, and whispers abound regarding the mysterious death of a servant many years prior. All of this is unsettling enough, then their young son Freddy seems to be fixated on strange wooden figures - these so-called silent companions….
Then one day her husbands brother unexpectedly arrives from abroad, bringing a very different account of their family’s past and with it a fresh deluge of problems and ghosts, all while Belinda must wonder what happened in this house to make it feel so jaded and melancholic, and are her family truly safe?
The queen of gothic revisits one of the most iconic houses to grace the pages of fiction, and it is one visit you surely will never forget. No matter how hard you try…
Death doesn’t necessarily mean a bad omen, for Belinda, her husband, and their children can relocate and finally begin building their own happy home together.
Belinda may have been born a merchant’s daughter, but that doesn’t mean she cannot become a lady of the manor. It’s what she deserves.
However this new home quickly proves to be anything but ideal. Tangled vines, overgrown hedges and ashy trees surround the estate, finances are at an all time low, and whispers abound regarding the mysterious death of a servant many years prior. All of this is unsettling enough, then their young son Freddy seems to be fixated on strange wooden figures - these so-called silent companions….
Then one day her husbands brother unexpectedly arrives from abroad, bringing a very different account of their family’s past and with it a fresh deluge of problems and ghosts, all while Belinda must wonder what happened in this house to make it feel so jaded and melancholic, and are her family truly safe?
The queen of gothic revisits one of the most iconic houses to grace the pages of fiction, and it is one visit you surely will never forget. No matter how hard you try…
October 7, 2025
’This was what it was, to be master of The Bridge. A throne of rotten fruit and ashes’
House of Splinters is the darkly gothic horror prequel to Purcell’s The Silent Companions, set a hundred years prior. We follow Belinda Bainbridge, who has married into the family through her husband Wilfred, as she begins a new life as mistress of ‘The Bridge’, the families imposing manor. There, the history of the family, and the house, begins to have devastating consequences for the couple, their children, and all those who enter its doors.
While I found The Silent Companions to be a let-down in terms of story and characters, I cannot say the same for House of Splinters. This book was a superb entry into the gothic genre, with an eerie atmosphere and a rich cast of characters. I felt myself drawn into the history and the feel of ‘The Bridge’, through its wild and fruitless garden, to the ever-vigilant companions. While the manor itself is never the true threat, it provides a wonderfully frightening backdrop to the stories events.
Belinda made for a compelling protagonist, and I enjoyed her development throughout the narrative from weak and naive, to a headstrong new mother. Other highlights included her son Freddy, who despite going through some unimaginable horrors remained incredibly courageous. I also absolutely loved this books antagonists, one of whom made for a brilliant twist that caught me completely unawares, and who were consistently threatening and intimidating.
House of Splinters was brilliantly written and researched, touching on 18th century issues of classism and enclosure in a way that felt authentic and relevant to the overall narrative. The way in which Purcell combined the very real conflicts of class-based human rights during England’s Age of Enlightenment with the paranormal entities that inhabit ‘The Bridge’, made for a nuanced and uniquely chilling horror.
Overall, House of Splinters gets 4/5 stars.
thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! <3
House of Splinters is the darkly gothic horror prequel to Purcell’s The Silent Companions, set a hundred years prior. We follow Belinda Bainbridge, who has married into the family through her husband Wilfred, as she begins a new life as mistress of ‘The Bridge’, the families imposing manor. There, the history of the family, and the house, begins to have devastating consequences for the couple, their children, and all those who enter its doors.
While I found The Silent Companions to be a let-down in terms of story and characters, I cannot say the same for House of Splinters. This book was a superb entry into the gothic genre, with an eerie atmosphere and a rich cast of characters. I felt myself drawn into the history and the feel of ‘The Bridge’, through its wild and fruitless garden, to the ever-vigilant companions. While the manor itself is never the true threat, it provides a wonderfully frightening backdrop to the stories events.
Belinda made for a compelling protagonist, and I enjoyed her development throughout the narrative from weak and naive, to a headstrong new mother. Other highlights included her son Freddy, who despite going through some unimaginable horrors remained incredibly courageous. I also absolutely loved this books antagonists, one of whom made for a brilliant twist that caught me completely unawares, and who were consistently threatening and intimidating.
House of Splinters was brilliantly written and researched, touching on 18th century issues of classism and enclosure in a way that felt authentic and relevant to the overall narrative. The way in which Purcell combined the very real conflicts of class-based human rights during England’s Age of Enlightenment with the paranormal entities that inhabit ‘The Bridge’, made for a nuanced and uniquely chilling horror.
Overall, House of Splinters gets 4/5 stars.
thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review! <3
November 19, 2025
"Companhia silenciosa" foi daqueles poucos livros que realmente me arrepiaram, é mesmo uma narrativa de ficar a noite acordada relembrando certas imagens aterradoras. Por isso fiquei super entusiasmada quando a escritora lançou uma prequela deste livro, possibilitando aos leitores regressar a maldiçoada mansão The bridge.
Não obtive o mesmo efeito de choque e de horror como o anterior, talvez por já estar a espera dos bonecos assustadores. Mas gostei bastante da história dos irmãos Bainbridge, toda a dinâmica de culpa entre eles e de não sabermos durante uma parte da história qual é o irmão "bom". Belinda e o seu filho Freddy foram as duas personagens que mais me fascinaram.
Freddy é especialmente importante para entendermos o que esconde a casa, por ser ele que se conecta com as companhias e aponta a direção certa para a sua mãe. Encanta-me a sua sensibilidade com os animais e o sobrenatural. Assim como está disposto sempre a proteger a sua irmã Lydia.
Belinda que demonstra ser uma mulher bastante assustada e dependente, aos poucos se liberta das suas amarras e encontra a sua força. Gosto da sua conexão com as plantas e a profunda amizade que partilha com Daphne. A relação entre estas duas mulheres foi dos momentos mais belos deste livro. De dama de companhia á irmã. De amigas a aliadas. Nem mesmo Nathan foi capaz de quebrar o laço que uniu estas duas poderosas forças femininas.
Em suma, "House of splinders" é o livro perfeito para os leitores que apreciam romances góticos com pouco terror e uma história familiar repleta de tragédia. The bridge é daqueles cenários que nos absorvem e ficam conosco durante muito tempo.
Não obtive o mesmo efeito de choque e de horror como o anterior, talvez por já estar a espera dos bonecos assustadores. Mas gostei bastante da história dos irmãos Bainbridge, toda a dinâmica de culpa entre eles e de não sabermos durante uma parte da história qual é o irmão "bom". Belinda e o seu filho Freddy foram as duas personagens que mais me fascinaram.
Freddy é especialmente importante para entendermos o que esconde a casa, por ser ele que se conecta com as companhias e aponta a direção certa para a sua mãe. Encanta-me a sua sensibilidade com os animais e o sobrenatural. Assim como está disposto sempre a proteger a sua irmã Lydia.
Belinda que demonstra ser uma mulher bastante assustada e dependente, aos poucos se liberta das suas amarras e encontra a sua força. Gosto da sua conexão com as plantas e a profunda amizade que partilha com Daphne. A relação entre estas duas mulheres foi dos momentos mais belos deste livro. De dama de companhia á irmã. De amigas a aliadas. Nem mesmo Nathan foi capaz de quebrar o laço que uniu estas duas poderosas forças femininas.
Em suma, "House of splinders" é o livro perfeito para os leitores que apreciam romances góticos com pouco terror e uma história familiar repleta de tragédia. The bridge é daqueles cenários que nos absorvem e ficam conosco durante muito tempo.
September 28, 2025
Oh my, this was creeeeepy! I absolutely loved it! A very atmospheric read, I felt like I was in the house at times (and thankful I wasn't!). I enjoyed Purcell’s writing and found myself wanting back to read more. I’m not a fan of long chapters but the story flowed well and kept me gripped. Freddy was a very interesting little character, unnerving at times but likeable, not too much. Belinda I really liked but felt so bad for her. Wilfred was well thought out and kept me guessing, as did Nathan. I look forward to this authors next novel!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
November 10, 2025
I have had the silent companions on my wish list for a long time so when I saw this book by the same author in the same world I was excited to get the opportunity to read it! From what I understand this is set as a prequel to the silent companions so it is not necessary to read the other book first,
The plot is giving Victorian gothic, small run down village where the tenants are suspicious and angry towards the late owners. When Belinda’s husbands father passes away they inherit the vast estate and promptly move in with attempts to redeem the family name and restore the property and the village to its previous glory.
There are creepy wooden dolls called “companions”, creepy children who have a fascination with the dolls, and a mystery surrounding the history of the property.
I enjoyed the creepy eery vibes, especially later in the book when the tension was kicked up a notch. The beginning was very slow burn, despite the overall plot being interesting, it did feel like a chore to get to the 40% mark.
I’ve heard that people who read silent companions mostly prefer that book to this one, but with me only having read house of splinters, I’d say it was enjoyable enough that I would still go on to read silent companions at a later date.
Thank you for the gifted copy! Opinions are my own
The plot is giving Victorian gothic, small run down village where the tenants are suspicious and angry towards the late owners. When Belinda’s husbands father passes away they inherit the vast estate and promptly move in with attempts to redeem the family name and restore the property and the village to its previous glory.
There are creepy wooden dolls called “companions”, creepy children who have a fascination with the dolls, and a mystery surrounding the history of the property.
I enjoyed the creepy eery vibes, especially later in the book when the tension was kicked up a notch. The beginning was very slow burn, despite the overall plot being interesting, it did feel like a chore to get to the 40% mark.
I’ve heard that people who read silent companions mostly prefer that book to this one, but with me only having read house of splinters, I’d say it was enjoyable enough that I would still go on to read silent companions at a later date.
Thank you for the gifted copy! Opinions are my own
July 16, 2025
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I've been a fan of Laura Purcell ever since The Silent Companions, so it was very nice reading another novel in the same setting. Personally, I liked House of Splinters even more than Purcell's debut.
I really liked the cast of characters. From the start I became attached to Belinda and her family and I followed their story with great participation and worry. I thought Belinda's relationship with her maid Sawyer was very well done, and her relationship with her husband was also interesting.
The story was a little slow paced at first, but the atmosphere and the sense of impending danger were always very well done. As the book went on there were a lot of creepy moments and also very unexpected, action packed scenes. I also loved the fact that we discovered much more about the past of the house and about the silent companions, even if some things remained mysterious or uncertain. There was also a very good twist which I had hoped to see in The Silent Compaions, and so I was extremely happy to see it used here.
The ending was also extremely well done, everything wrapped up as I was hoping.
Definitely one of my favourite books by Purcell, highly recommend.
I've been a fan of Laura Purcell ever since The Silent Companions, so it was very nice reading another novel in the same setting. Personally, I liked House of Splinters even more than Purcell's debut.
I really liked the cast of characters. From the start I became attached to Belinda and her family and I followed their story with great participation and worry. I thought Belinda's relationship with her maid Sawyer was very well done, and her relationship with her husband was also interesting.
The story was a little slow paced at first, but the atmosphere and the sense of impending danger were always very well done. As the book went on there were a lot of creepy moments and also very unexpected, action packed scenes. I also loved the fact that we discovered much more about the past of the house and about the silent companions, even if some things remained mysterious or uncertain. There was also a very good twist which I had hoped to see in The Silent Compaions, and so I was extremely happy to see it used here.
The ending was also extremely well done, everything wrapped up as I was hoping.
Definitely one of my favourite books by Purcell, highly recommend.
December 21, 2025
I LOVE Laura Purcell, and I cannot believe with all of the data collected on us no one, not Goodreads, the big A, B&N, Blackwell’s, NetGalley or Waterstones (places I’ve bought books of hers previously or interacted with her) could manage to tell me that she had a book out this fall. I only found House of Splinters through a search to see if she had a new book coming out in 2026.
Anyway, Splinters takes us back to the location of The Silent Companions and delivers exactly what lovers of that book want…more Silent Companion mayhem. There’s a supernatural element in the book that felt a little shoehorned in, and wasn’t really necessary, but a tiny tiny critique for a book that kept me turning the pages late in to the night. It has all the gothic vibes Purcell’s readers want with a heavy dose of treachery, extra creepiness and tons of domestic upstairs/downstairs drama.
Anyway, Splinters takes us back to the location of The Silent Companions and delivers exactly what lovers of that book want…more Silent Companion mayhem. There’s a supernatural element in the book that felt a little shoehorned in, and wasn’t really necessary, but a tiny tiny critique for a book that kept me turning the pages late in to the night. It has all the gothic vibes Purcell’s readers want with a heavy dose of treachery, extra creepiness and tons of domestic upstairs/downstairs drama.
December 14, 2025
The Silent Companions is one of my favorite gothic novels ever and this didn't disappoint. It had some genuinely creepy bits too. It's certainly not better than the previous book but it has its own merits.
Okay, so I think I may go back and reread this. I wouldn't normally reread a book so quickly after finishing, but I was insanely distracted while I was reading this and kinda forgot everything. It's frustrating but I don't feel like I really understood what I was reading.
However, I do know that this was oozing with the same eerie atmosphere in The Silent Companions. I can't say it enough, Laura Purcell is THE best when it comes to setting the Gothic mood and transporting you straight into the pages of the book.
Okay, so I think I may go back and reread this. I wouldn't normally reread a book so quickly after finishing, but I was insanely distracted while I was reading this and kinda forgot everything. It's frustrating but I don't feel like I really understood what I was reading.
However, I do know that this was oozing with the same eerie atmosphere in The Silent Companions. I can't say it enough, Laura Purcell is THE best when it comes to setting the Gothic mood and transporting you straight into the pages of the book.
August 28, 2025
This is my first Laura Purcell book, and it definitely will not be my last. I really enjoyed it. It might be the most successful blend of gothic atmosphere and the Georgian era that I have read.
House of Splinters is a prequel to The Silent Companions, but you can read the books in any order. The story follows a family who moves into a creepy mansion, where they discover peculiar wooden figures shaped and painted like humans. These figures, known as the Silent Companions, seem to be linked to a series of strange and dangerous events in the house. Additionally, long-lost relatives appear, and it is hard to know what to expect from them. Much of the book focuses on the characters' daily lives and their encounters with increasingly disturbing occurrences, yet the story never feels boring or repetitive.
Laura Purcell’s novel manages to be genuinely unsettling yet it reads very well. The sole idea of the silent companions, especially the suggestion that they can move on their own, is particularly disturbing. The author’s writing style enhances the eerie atmosphere and draws the reader into the story. The characters are also compelling and multi-dimensional. What makes the book truly effective is how it blurs the line between supernatural fear and the horrors caused by human actions. As the plot becomes more intense, it becomes increasingly unclear who or what is truly responsible. The story also leaves several questions unanswered, which actually works in its favor and adds to the lingering feeling of unease.
Overall, I found this book very engaging and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys gothic fiction. While I felt that the ending was a little rushed, I understand it was an intentional choice.
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
House of Splinters is a prequel to The Silent Companions, but you can read the books in any order. The story follows a family who moves into a creepy mansion, where they discover peculiar wooden figures shaped and painted like humans. These figures, known as the Silent Companions, seem to be linked to a series of strange and dangerous events in the house. Additionally, long-lost relatives appear, and it is hard to know what to expect from them. Much of the book focuses on the characters' daily lives and their encounters with increasingly disturbing occurrences, yet the story never feels boring or repetitive.
Laura Purcell’s novel manages to be genuinely unsettling yet it reads very well. The sole idea of the silent companions, especially the suggestion that they can move on their own, is particularly disturbing. The author’s writing style enhances the eerie atmosphere and draws the reader into the story. The characters are also compelling and multi-dimensional. What makes the book truly effective is how it blurs the line between supernatural fear and the horrors caused by human actions. As the plot becomes more intense, it becomes increasingly unclear who or what is truly responsible. The story also leaves several questions unanswered, which actually works in its favor and adds to the lingering feeling of unease.
Overall, I found this book very engaging and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys gothic fiction. While I felt that the ending was a little rushed, I understand it was an intentional choice.
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 29, 2025
A deliciously creepy tale from Laura Purcell which kept me hooked & turning the pages well into the night . Her descriptive writing really brought the whole story to life & I found it easy to imagine ‘The Bridge’ filled with the disturbing silent companions. The plot and culprits were unpredictable enough to keep the story fresh and although the final chapters read a little like a crazy fever dream I did really enjoy it.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.
Thank you Net Galley for the ARC.
October 18, 2025
House of Splinters was exactly the kind of ghost story I’d been looking for. I loved the old-English writing style - it gave a timeless, classic feel to the haunting atmosphere. Freddy is absolutely the bravest, and the story serves as a perfect reminder not to stay somewhere haunted.
December 9, 2025
4.75🌟
This is a perfect December read. I'm only knocking off a quarter of a star because The Silent Companions is such a high benchmark.
This is a perfect December read. I'm only knocking off a quarter of a star because The Silent Companions is such a high benchmark.
May 23, 2025
If you liked The Silent Companions, this is well worth your time!
Set before the events of The Silent Companions, this takes us back to The Bridge for more creepy happenings. While our cast of human characters were new, readers will recognize some familiar faces among the Companions. Adding a layer to what's already a cracking ghost story, we also have a horrifying thread of misogynistic oppression that chilled me thoroughly.
I won't go into detail because this book is best enjoyed with a clean slate; but, the characters were interesting (I particularly loved the Belinda/Sawyer relationship), the setting is as spooky as ever, and the pacing was perfect. The book fell just under 300 pages and I'm so glad it wasn't 'bulked out' to meet a page count.
I had a few questions about the period details and speech not ringing 100% authentic but the story was so entertaining that I deliberately ignored these distractions.
If you enjoyed Laura Purcell's spooky debut, check this out.
If you like an atmospheric ghost story, check this out.
🐶 Is the dog okay?
4.5/5
My request to review this was approved by Bloomsbury Publishing on NetGalley.
A note on the cover: I have hardcover editions of Laura Purcell's preceding five books and each are beautiful designs in their own right. The cover for House of Splinters is such a let down, both as a design and as a missed opportunity to make a companion (😏) to The Silent Companions.
Set before the events of The Silent Companions, this takes us back to The Bridge for more creepy happenings. While our cast of human characters were new, readers will recognize some familiar faces among the Companions. Adding a layer to what's already a cracking ghost story, we also have a horrifying thread of misogynistic oppression that chilled me thoroughly.
I won't go into detail because this book is best enjoyed with a clean slate; but, the characters were interesting (I particularly loved the Belinda/Sawyer relationship), the setting is as spooky as ever, and the pacing was perfect. The book fell just under 300 pages and I'm so glad it wasn't 'bulked out' to meet a page count.
I had a few questions about the period details and speech not ringing 100% authentic but the story was so entertaining that I deliberately ignored these distractions.
If you enjoyed Laura Purcell's spooky debut, check this out.
If you like an atmospheric ghost story, check this out.
🐶 Is the dog okay?
4.5/5
My request to review this was approved by Bloomsbury Publishing on NetGalley.
A note on the cover: I have hardcover editions of Laura Purcell's preceding five books and each are beautiful designs in their own right. The cover for House of Splinters is such a let down, both as a design and as a missed opportunity to make a companion (😏) to The Silent Companions.
December 8, 2025
Happy Publication day!!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) | Raven Books for providing me with the ARC.
House of Splinters is a gothic novel that will haunt you and shock you from the begging to the end. I am in love with Laura Purcell’s masterful writing, vivid characters and creepy haunting settings. This is the third book I’ve read from her and it is by far my favorite.
This is not marketed exactly as a prequel/sequel to The Silent companions, but I feel that it’s imperative you’ve read it before going into this one. It’s a whole separate story, taking place a century before the events of The Silent companions. But if you go with the knowledge of the companions and the history of Anne Bainbridge, this new nightmare could be experienced fully and with greater understanding.
What I love the most here are the characters – our protagonist Belinda is very likable, she has a great arc and character development. Freddy is by far my favorite, I love children in horror stories, especially in gothic settings. He was adorable.
I highly recommend if you love haunted mansions, family affairs, ghosts and historical plots. The horror elements are on another level, there is gore, brutal descriptions and scenes I would love to see in a movie. The plot moves fast, there is no dragging or fillers, that’s why the writing may not looks like something special, but the way Purcell can create atmosphere is epic. That’s also why I loved the Whispering Muse and The silent companions so much.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) | Raven Books for providing me with the ARC.
House of Splinters is a gothic novel that will haunt you and shock you from the begging to the end. I am in love with Laura Purcell’s masterful writing, vivid characters and creepy haunting settings. This is the third book I’ve read from her and it is by far my favorite.
This is not marketed exactly as a prequel/sequel to The Silent companions, but I feel that it’s imperative you’ve read it before going into this one. It’s a whole separate story, taking place a century before the events of The Silent companions. But if you go with the knowledge of the companions and the history of Anne Bainbridge, this new nightmare could be experienced fully and with greater understanding.
What I love the most here are the characters – our protagonist Belinda is very likable, she has a great arc and character development. Freddy is by far my favorite, I love children in horror stories, especially in gothic settings. He was adorable.
I highly recommend if you love haunted mansions, family affairs, ghosts and historical plots. The horror elements are on another level, there is gore, brutal descriptions and scenes I would love to see in a movie. The plot moves fast, there is no dragging or fillers, that’s why the writing may not looks like something special, but the way Purcell can create atmosphere is epic. That’s also why I loved the Whispering Muse and The silent companions so much.
November 12, 2025
I remember reading Purcell's previous novel, The Silent Companions, and quite enjoying it but for some reason I can't seem to find my review of it. House of Splinters is almost a prequel to it, returning to the same house.
Although I couldn't refresh my memory of my own review for her previous work, I think I came to House of Splinters with a slightly skewed idea of what it may be. And I think it was because of this that I found myself enjoying House of Splinters, whilst at the same time feeling a little underwhelmed by it (if that is the right word). Please don't take me the wrong way - House of Splinters is a brilliantly written novel, it is just that I was expecting there to be more of a ghostly element to it from earlier on. This meant that when things did start to ramp up, at a time when a large amount of the novel had already gone, it kind of took me by surprise. This resulted in a shocking accident coming across as even more shocking; it felt like I had been side-swiped by it.
I have put this onto my paranormal and ghosts shelf, but in a way, because of how it is written, certain aspects of the novel are not perfectly explained. Is there paranormal activity, or could things be explained differently? Personally, for House of Splinters, I'm not sure that you truly need to know. Sometimes, not having all of the answers is better than everything being laid out for you. It has certainly made the book linger in my mind more after closing the final page, and in my mind, that is no bad thing.
Although I couldn't refresh my memory of my own review for her previous work, I think I came to House of Splinters with a slightly skewed idea of what it may be. And I think it was because of this that I found myself enjoying House of Splinters, whilst at the same time feeling a little underwhelmed by it (if that is the right word). Please don't take me the wrong way - House of Splinters is a brilliantly written novel, it is just that I was expecting there to be more of a ghostly element to it from earlier on. This meant that when things did start to ramp up, at a time when a large amount of the novel had already gone, it kind of took me by surprise. This resulted in a shocking accident coming across as even more shocking; it felt like I had been side-swiped by it.
I have put this onto my paranormal and ghosts shelf, but in a way, because of how it is written, certain aspects of the novel are not perfectly explained. Is there paranormal activity, or could things be explained differently? Personally, for House of Splinters, I'm not sure that you truly need to know. Sometimes, not having all of the answers is better than everything being laid out for you. It has certainly made the book linger in my mind more after closing the final page, and in my mind, that is no bad thing.
October 2, 2025
DNF. Got it yesterday and was pretty excited but bored me in the first few chapters with unlikable characters and after the second read of The Silent Companions and Not liking it as much as back than in 2018 I don‘t wanna go through this.
November 25, 2025
I was mesmerised all over again by the haunting atmosphere of The Silent Companions, it was such a fantastic read! 😍📚
October 10, 2025
This was my first Laura Purcell book, and wow — what a pleasant surprise! House of Splinters is a dark, gothic prequel to The Silent Companions, following Belinda Bainbridge as she moves into The Bridge, her husband’s eerie family estate. And honestly, the house itself feels like a character — creepy, secretive, and full of history.
I loved how the horror elements crept in slowly, building that unsettling feeling page by page. Belinda’s character development really stood out to me — she starts off naive and unsure, but becomes so much stronger as the story unfolds. Her son Freddy completely broke my heart, and there’s a twist involving one of the antagonists that I absolutely didn’t see coming.
Purcell also weaves in real 18th-century issues like class and land rights, which made everything feel more grounded and believable. The mix of historical realism and ghostly atmosphere was just perfect.
I loved how the horror elements crept in slowly, building that unsettling feeling page by page. Belinda’s character development really stood out to me — she starts off naive and unsure, but becomes so much stronger as the story unfolds. Her son Freddy completely broke my heart, and there’s a twist involving one of the antagonists that I absolutely didn’t see coming.
Purcell also weaves in real 18th-century issues like class and land rights, which made everything feel more grounded and believable. The mix of historical realism and ghostly atmosphere was just perfect.
Want to read
May 19, 2025⚠️ House of Splinters revisits her iconic setting of The Bridge for a fresh new tale to chill and thrill new readers and existing fans to their very depths.
September 29, 2025
Spooky season is nearly upon us and with it comes Laura Purcell's 'House of Splinters', a prequel - if you will - to 'The Silent Companions', which was published way back in 2017.
To be honest, I rather ashamedly have to admit that I remember very little about that particular story. Except, you guessed it, those silent companions. If there's anything memorable and unforgettable about some of the books I've read over the years, they would definitely be top of the list. Not only are they extremely creepy. They are undoubtedly the stuff of nightmares. And yet, what a thrill to have another opportunity to be haunted by them in my sleep. But, since 'House of Splinters' is a prequel, your introduction to the weirdness starts right here.
Strange things are afoot at The Bridge, the ancestral home of Belinda's husband. The house is in disrepair, the garden is a mess, the villagers aren't exactly friendly and welcoming, and Belinda's four year old son, Freddie, is like a wee little horror film all on his own. As an aside, Freddie is just a fantastic character. Half the time I had no idea what he was going on about, or whom he was talking to, but he had my full attention whenever he appeared on the page.
There are odd sounds, hissing and scraping, and Belinda is having bad dreams most nights. Or is she? Is she seeing things? Is the house haunted by its past? Is something else going on? Can Belinda trust anyone? And what the fudge is up with those companions?!
I had no idea what to make of it all. Some of the things that are happening are incredibly twisted. If I believed in ghosts and whatnot, I would immediately think of vengeful spirits. The Bridge for sure has a past that might incur the wrath of those from beyond the veil. Could that be the case here? There are definitely events that are hard to explain, but as always there are also those pesky humans with ulterior motives who are up to no good. When things begin to spiral out of control, it's obvious that Belinda and her family just aren't safe in this house. But the question is who - or what - is responsible.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time back at The Bridge. There is so much evil and manipulation. The creepy factor of the silent companions had me entirely enthralled and I was constantly waiting to see what their next move would be. Some things I figured out beforehand, but a lot of it I didn't see coming. There are certain entanglements that were entirely surprising to me. The suspense and the tension built up so that I just did not want to put this book down. I was eager to find out where it would all end, and how, and who - or indeed anyone - would make it out of this haunted house alive.
With Halloween nearly upon us, 'House of Splinters' is perfect for those who like a little spookiness this season. Massively unnerving and unsettling, this return to the gothic world of The Bridge sent shivers down my spine in the best way possible, and has left me wanting more. If you enjoyed 'The Silent Companions', you will undoubtedly have a great time with 'House of Splinters' too. And if you're new to The Bridge, you're in for a deliciously chilling ride.
To be honest, I rather ashamedly have to admit that I remember very little about that particular story. Except, you guessed it, those silent companions. If there's anything memorable and unforgettable about some of the books I've read over the years, they would definitely be top of the list. Not only are they extremely creepy. They are undoubtedly the stuff of nightmares. And yet, what a thrill to have another opportunity to be haunted by them in my sleep. But, since 'House of Splinters' is a prequel, your introduction to the weirdness starts right here.
Strange things are afoot at The Bridge, the ancestral home of Belinda's husband. The house is in disrepair, the garden is a mess, the villagers aren't exactly friendly and welcoming, and Belinda's four year old son, Freddie, is like a wee little horror film all on his own. As an aside, Freddie is just a fantastic character. Half the time I had no idea what he was going on about, or whom he was talking to, but he had my full attention whenever he appeared on the page.
There are odd sounds, hissing and scraping, and Belinda is having bad dreams most nights. Or is she? Is she seeing things? Is the house haunted by its past? Is something else going on? Can Belinda trust anyone? And what the fudge is up with those companions?!
I had no idea what to make of it all. Some of the things that are happening are incredibly twisted. If I believed in ghosts and whatnot, I would immediately think of vengeful spirits. The Bridge for sure has a past that might incur the wrath of those from beyond the veil. Could that be the case here? There are definitely events that are hard to explain, but as always there are also those pesky humans with ulterior motives who are up to no good. When things begin to spiral out of control, it's obvious that Belinda and her family just aren't safe in this house. But the question is who - or what - is responsible.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time back at The Bridge. There is so much evil and manipulation. The creepy factor of the silent companions had me entirely enthralled and I was constantly waiting to see what their next move would be. Some things I figured out beforehand, but a lot of it I didn't see coming. There are certain entanglements that were entirely surprising to me. The suspense and the tension built up so that I just did not want to put this book down. I was eager to find out where it would all end, and how, and who - or indeed anyone - would make it out of this haunted house alive.
With Halloween nearly upon us, 'House of Splinters' is perfect for those who like a little spookiness this season. Massively unnerving and unsettling, this return to the gothic world of The Bridge sent shivers down my spine in the best way possible, and has left me wanting more. If you enjoyed 'The Silent Companions', you will undoubtedly have a great time with 'House of Splinters' too. And if you're new to The Bridge, you're in for a deliciously chilling ride.
October 26, 2025
Spoilers ahead. 4.5 ⭐️
House Splinters shares parallels with its companion novel, The Silent Companions of course but in Splinters Purcell expends the chilling world of The Silent Companions further. Unlike with The Silent companions where there’s a lot of room for ambiguity surrounding the plot (is it supernatural forces at work or is there more of a scientific explanation) in Splinters Purcell leaves little room for the same ambiguity & relies fully on supernatural forces as an conclusion. Instead of the plot serving that ambiguity like with The Silent Companions in Splinters Purcell uses her characters as a driving force but in true Purcell fashion there’s a twist. House of Splinters echoes Wilkie Collins and Sarah Waters.
The Bridge itself was a powerful force yet again & the fear it provoked within its characters. The woodwork of the house was so embedded into the characters that it makes the reader question the events. Similar to the house in WH it has deep profound effect on its inhabitants. Purcells gothic imagery was an utter delight for the eyes & a feast for the soul. The gothic imagery was so poignant to me. I almost feel the oppressive looming atmosphere, I could see the candle light creating shadows on the walls conjuring up fears in the dark, I could hear the creeks & groans of the house. The companions are absolutely chilling! If you thought they were creepy in TSC .. Purcell amplifies them in HOS. The most simple way I can describe the gothic imagery is it was so detailed but it had such a cinematic feel to it. Purcell really focused on evoking all of the senses.
I loved the way Purcell was able to channel that ambiguity of supernatural vs science into the brothers relationship. Rational vs the irrational so to speak. Two opposing sides. I think partially with Wilfred Purcell wrote fear very well & how him growing up in an emotionally oppressed environment affected him. Quite frankly Wilfred was a breath of fresh air! He was a kind man with a good heart, who was scared but wanted to protect his family. His way of dealing with fear was to keep it hidden which I feel is quite realistic. His treatment to his wife was respectful & caring. Was he flawed? Yes but flawed characters are much more interesting to read. I think the relationship between him & his brother was very well written. Exploring youth, generational trauma & manhood. How their different environments shaped them. There was alot of depth to both of them.
In true Purcell fashion events of the past are slowly revealed to the reader like fog clearing, but everything is revealed at the right time. Although I think some of the twists were a tad obvious (this didn’t spoil my experience) , Purcell did an excellent job of teasing the reader. Although Purcell writes some damn good villains I do think there was missed opportunity in House of Splinters.
____________________________________________
I’ve been a massive fan of Purcell since I first read The Silent Companions in the same year The Corset was released. Upon my re-read of The Silent companions in preparation for House of Splinters I’ve been able to pin point what it is exactly that makes her one of my favourite authors. I love the way she’s able to channel the anxieties & ignorance of the eras she writes it. How she’s fully able to transport the reader back into the mind of those in whatever era she writes. How she channels all of this into an opposing battle of the supernatural vs the scientific. Two different sides of the coin. Doing so, creates such a strong ambiguity & this is what makes her gothic stand out so much.
House Splinters shares parallels with its companion novel, The Silent Companions of course but in Splinters Purcell expends the chilling world of The Silent Companions further. Unlike with The Silent companions where there’s a lot of room for ambiguity surrounding the plot (is it supernatural forces at work or is there more of a scientific explanation) in Splinters Purcell leaves little room for the same ambiguity & relies fully on supernatural forces as an conclusion. Instead of the plot serving that ambiguity like with The Silent Companions in Splinters Purcell uses her characters as a driving force but in true Purcell fashion there’s a twist. House of Splinters echoes Wilkie Collins and Sarah Waters.
The Bridge itself was a powerful force yet again & the fear it provoked within its characters. The woodwork of the house was so embedded into the characters that it makes the reader question the events. Similar to the house in WH it has deep profound effect on its inhabitants. Purcells gothic imagery was an utter delight for the eyes & a feast for the soul. The gothic imagery was so poignant to me. I almost feel the oppressive looming atmosphere, I could see the candle light creating shadows on the walls conjuring up fears in the dark, I could hear the creeks & groans of the house. The companions are absolutely chilling! If you thought they were creepy in TSC .. Purcell amplifies them in HOS. The most simple way I can describe the gothic imagery is it was so detailed but it had such a cinematic feel to it. Purcell really focused on evoking all of the senses.
I loved the way Purcell was able to channel that ambiguity of supernatural vs science into the brothers relationship. Rational vs the irrational so to speak. Two opposing sides. I think partially with Wilfred Purcell wrote fear very well & how him growing up in an emotionally oppressed environment affected him. Quite frankly Wilfred was a breath of fresh air! He was a kind man with a good heart, who was scared but wanted to protect his family. His way of dealing with fear was to keep it hidden which I feel is quite realistic. His treatment to his wife was respectful & caring. Was he flawed? Yes but flawed characters are much more interesting to read. I think the relationship between him & his brother was very well written. Exploring youth, generational trauma & manhood. How their different environments shaped them. There was alot of depth to both of them.
In true Purcell fashion events of the past are slowly revealed to the reader like fog clearing, but everything is revealed at the right time. Although I think some of the twists were a tad obvious (this didn’t spoil my experience) , Purcell did an excellent job of teasing the reader. Although Purcell writes some damn good villains I do think there was missed opportunity in House of Splinters.
____________________________________________
I’ve been a massive fan of Purcell since I first read The Silent Companions in the same year The Corset was released. Upon my re-read of The Silent companions in preparation for House of Splinters I’ve been able to pin point what it is exactly that makes her one of my favourite authors. I love the way she’s able to channel the anxieties & ignorance of the eras she writes it. How she’s fully able to transport the reader back into the mind of those in whatever era she writes. How she channels all of this into an opposing battle of the supernatural vs the scientific. Two different sides of the coin. Doing so, creates such a strong ambiguity & this is what makes her gothic stand out so much.
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