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Coldharbour: A Gothic Tale of Love and Death
Three generations preyed upon by pure evil. Two lost souls drawn to each other in the darkness. One compelling story of love, loyalty, and betrayal.
Decades of death and deceit come to a head in a desolate Essex seaside town in October 1999.
While everyone else is worrying about the millennium bug, Alex Wilde is staring into a sea she hasn’t seen for a month. She’s finally home and it’s time to resurrect her life: get a job, get somewhere to live that isn’t her uncle’s old haunted house, and get her teenage daughter back.
But Coldharbour is a town of shadows and Power, the hereditary magic running through the veins of the blessed (or cursed) few, including Alex.
When she meets Elizabeth, the intriguing new owner of the run-down café on the promenade, she knows she is no ordinary woman. However, Alex has no idea how dangerous her new acquaintance really is.
Together, they stumble straight into a paranormal murder mystery that even the police can’t solve and, as Alex digs deeper, she starts to unravel the sinister family secrets that have stalked her since she was a child.
Battling demons and burying ghosts, Alex will need all of her Power, courage, and Wilde ingenuity to survive.
Decades of death and deceit come to a head in a desolate Essex seaside town in October 1999.
While everyone else is worrying about the millennium bug, Alex Wilde is staring into a sea she hasn’t seen for a month. She’s finally home and it’s time to resurrect her life: get a job, get somewhere to live that isn’t her uncle’s old haunted house, and get her teenage daughter back.
But Coldharbour is a town of shadows and Power, the hereditary magic running through the veins of the blessed (or cursed) few, including Alex.
When she meets Elizabeth, the intriguing new owner of the run-down café on the promenade, she knows she is no ordinary woman. However, Alex has no idea how dangerous her new acquaintance really is.
Together, they stumble straight into a paranormal murder mystery that even the police can’t solve and, as Alex digs deeper, she starts to unravel the sinister family secrets that have stalked her since she was a child.
Battling demons and burying ghosts, Alex will need all of her Power, courage, and Wilde ingenuity to survive.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 31, 2026
About the author
Laura Clarke Walker
1 book3 followersLaura Clarke Walker is the author of the Coldharbour series of novels.
Laura has been fascinated by ghost stories her entire life, which has influenced her writing immensely. She believes that some of the best fiction in horror and fantasy is that based in a reality we can recognise as our own, especially when psychology plays a vital part in the strangeness the characters and the reader experience.
Laura has been fascinated by ghost stories her entire life, which has influenced her writing immensely. She believes that some of the best fiction in horror and fantasy is that based in a reality we can recognise as our own, especially when psychology plays a vital part in the strangeness the characters and the reader experience.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 1, 2026
Power wasn't everything.
But it helped.
Coldharbour by Laura Clarke Walker was both a treat and a guilty pleasure read. Set against a desolate seaside town on the cusp of the new millennium, the story blends buried family secrets and a creeping sense of inherited darkness into something that feels both nostalgic and quietly menacing. Alex Wilde returns home intending to rebuild her life, but Coldharbour isn't the kind of place that lets you start anew. Add in Power (very much with a capital P), a magnetic and unsettling new connection in Elizabeth, a reconnection and fresh understanding with her long-lost twin, and a string of supernatural mysteries, and the result is a gothic-leaning paranormal drama that feels equal parts intimate and expansive. Truly, reading this felt like sitting in front of the ol' tube TV in the early 2000s and binging a new episode of Charmed. It was that immersive and fresh while still feeling nostalgic.
Walker leans hard into atmosphere, and it absolutely pays off. The prose is lush and deliberate, with a rhythmic, almost hypnotic quality that makes even the smallest moments feel weighted with meaning. There's a distinct narrative voice at play here -- slightly whimsical, slightly ominous, a bit Lemony Snicket in the best way -- that gives the story a storybook-meets-nightmare edge. The worldbuilding, particularly around Power and its generational reach, adds a constant undercurrent of tension, and the inclusion of darker supernatural elements (including a dybbuk! What a fun surprise to see such a neat piece of Jewish folklore in imaginative literature) keeps the story feeling fresh. This is a story that's more interested in pulling you under than rushing you along. It's consistently and deliciously gothic every step of the way: “And what's in the water?” “Something that doesn't belong here.”
This is one of those books you sit with as you read it. It lingers. If you're drawn to atmospheric paranormal stories, generational mysteries, and slow-burn narratives that prioritize voice and vibe as much as plot, this is absolutely worth your time. I can't wait to read more from Walker in the future.
But it helped.
Coldharbour by Laura Clarke Walker was both a treat and a guilty pleasure read. Set against a desolate seaside town on the cusp of the new millennium, the story blends buried family secrets and a creeping sense of inherited darkness into something that feels both nostalgic and quietly menacing. Alex Wilde returns home intending to rebuild her life, but Coldharbour isn't the kind of place that lets you start anew. Add in Power (very much with a capital P), a magnetic and unsettling new connection in Elizabeth, a reconnection and fresh understanding with her long-lost twin, and a string of supernatural mysteries, and the result is a gothic-leaning paranormal drama that feels equal parts intimate and expansive. Truly, reading this felt like sitting in front of the ol' tube TV in the early 2000s and binging a new episode of Charmed. It was that immersive and fresh while still feeling nostalgic.
Walker leans hard into atmosphere, and it absolutely pays off. The prose is lush and deliberate, with a rhythmic, almost hypnotic quality that makes even the smallest moments feel weighted with meaning. There's a distinct narrative voice at play here -- slightly whimsical, slightly ominous, a bit Lemony Snicket in the best way -- that gives the story a storybook-meets-nightmare edge. The worldbuilding, particularly around Power and its generational reach, adds a constant undercurrent of tension, and the inclusion of darker supernatural elements (including a dybbuk! What a fun surprise to see such a neat piece of Jewish folklore in imaginative literature) keeps the story feeling fresh. This is a story that's more interested in pulling you under than rushing you along. It's consistently and deliciously gothic every step of the way: “And what's in the water?” “Something that doesn't belong here.”
This is one of those books you sit with as you read it. It lingers. If you're drawn to atmospheric paranormal stories, generational mysteries, and slow-burn narratives that prioritize voice and vibe as much as plot, this is absolutely worth your time. I can't wait to read more from Walker in the future.
Review of advance copy
Coldharbour is a richly atmospheric gothic tale that leans fully into mood, longing, and the uneasy space between love and death. From its shadowed settings to its brooding emotional undercurrent, the novel immerses the reader in a world that feels timeless, eerie, and steeped in quiet sorrow. The author’s prose is lyrical and deliberate, perfectly suited to the gothic tradition, and many scenes linger long after reading.
The strength of the novel lies in its atmosphere and emotional restraint. Rather than relying on overt shocks, Coldharbour builds tension slowly, allowing themes of obsession, grief, and desire to unfold with subtlety. The central relationship is compelling in its intensity, and the gothic elements feel earned rather than ornamental.
That said, the pacing occasionally slows a little too much in its reflective passages. While the introspection adds depth, a tighter balance between mood and forward movement would help maintain momentum, particularly in the middle sections. Some readers may also wish for slightly more clarity around character motivations to deepen emotional investment.
Overall, Coldharbour is a beautifully written and immersive gothic novel that will appeal strongly to readers who value atmosphere, emotional complexity, and slow-burn storytelling. It’s a haunting, thoughtful read that honours the genre while carving out its own voice.
Thank you to Rowanvale Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this title. This review was written voluntarily.
The strength of the novel lies in its atmosphere and emotional restraint. Rather than relying on overt shocks, Coldharbour builds tension slowly, allowing themes of obsession, grief, and desire to unfold with subtlety. The central relationship is compelling in its intensity, and the gothic elements feel earned rather than ornamental.
That said, the pacing occasionally slows a little too much in its reflective passages. While the introspection adds depth, a tighter balance between mood and forward movement would help maintain momentum, particularly in the middle sections. Some readers may also wish for slightly more clarity around character motivations to deepen emotional investment.
Overall, Coldharbour is a beautifully written and immersive gothic novel that will appeal strongly to readers who value atmosphere, emotional complexity, and slow-burn storytelling. It’s a haunting, thoughtful read that honours the genre while carving out its own voice.
Thank you to Rowanvale Publishers for the opportunity to read and review this title. This review was written voluntarily.
March 5, 2026
I was given the opportunity to be gifted a physical copy of Coldharbour, and wow - it was phenomenal! It was slightly unsettling… but I am still thinking about that ending 😲
From the very moment that our FMC Alex returned to Coldharbour, I could honestly feel the atmosphere, the mood and could easily visualise, it was brilliant!! There’s nothing like a bleak seaside town where everything is damp, heavy, and hiding secrets to keep me fully immersed in a book.
Okay so it may be a slow burn, and yes it did take me a little bit of time to get my head around all of the characters involved, but once it clicked? Oh, you just know that every part of brain lit up with excitement!! Every single thread and connection felt intentional, and I LOVE it when an author can provide this in their stories, it made me love it even more.
The tension Laura created throughout had me constantly questioning everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. She has done an incredible job with this book
Coldharbour is not a light read. It’s dark, layered, a little chaotic in places (nothing wrong with that!!) but if you love gothic fiction with witchy vibes and emotional depth as much as I do (and that is ALOT), this one is absolutely worth it, which is why this was a 5 🌟 read for me 😁
From the very moment that our FMC Alex returned to Coldharbour, I could honestly feel the atmosphere, the mood and could easily visualise, it was brilliant!! There’s nothing like a bleak seaside town where everything is damp, heavy, and hiding secrets to keep me fully immersed in a book.
Okay so it may be a slow burn, and yes it did take me a little bit of time to get my head around all of the characters involved, but once it clicked? Oh, you just know that every part of brain lit up with excitement!! Every single thread and connection felt intentional, and I LOVE it when an author can provide this in their stories, it made me love it even more.
The tension Laura created throughout had me constantly questioning everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. She has done an incredible job with this book
Coldharbour is not a light read. It’s dark, layered, a little chaotic in places (nothing wrong with that!!) but if you love gothic fiction with witchy vibes and emotional depth as much as I do (and that is ALOT), this one is absolutely worth it, which is why this was a 5 🌟 read for me 😁
January 31, 2026
I have always been a fan of the gothic style and I am so glad to discover fresh writing voices belonging to this genre. Coldharbour is the perfect gothic tale, with a rich, moody atmosphere, and plenty of tension to keep the reader interested, and naturally, invested. Shadows, brooding emotions, a world that feels both timeless and eerie… there were so many things I loved about the story. I enjoyed following the dynamics of the Wilde family, each character being well-contoured. Their magical powers are important to the story, but they do not overly dominate, something which I found refreshing. The story had plenty of twists and turns, and the ending was far from predictable. The author’s writing style is fluid, sprinkled with a bit of everything. I enjoyed the witty banter between the family members, especially the one between Alex and Maddie. Overall, this is a beautiful gothic novel, one which reminded me of why I love this genre so much. Highly recommended! I received a free copy of this book from Rowanvale Books, but the opinion I posted is my own and not biased in any way.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this! Would recommend for fans of Juno Dawson's Her Majesty's Royal Coven and Lucy Jane Wood's Rewitched.
The book is very well-written with a style of prose that is easy to lose yourself in. 90s vibes add a touch of nostalgia.
The Wilde family themselves are compelling, well-developed characters. The family's 'Power' (which is what they use to refer to their magical powers) is a refreshing take on a popular concept without ever veering into stereotypes.
The plot keeps you guessing to the end but feels satisfying.
I enjoyed the dialogue, the witty banter establishes the nature of Alex's relationship with her daughter Maddie; it felt realistic for that dynamic but also created some funny moments.
The book is very well-written with a style of prose that is easy to lose yourself in. 90s vibes add a touch of nostalgia.
The Wilde family themselves are compelling, well-developed characters. The family's 'Power' (which is what they use to refer to their magical powers) is a refreshing take on a popular concept without ever veering into stereotypes.
The plot keeps you guessing to the end but feels satisfying.
I enjoyed the dialogue, the witty banter establishes the nature of Alex's relationship with her daughter Maddie; it felt realistic for that dynamic but also created some funny moments.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Supernatural; horror and mystery combine in the murder thriller. When Alex returns to her home in Coldharbour after her life almost fell apart, she doesn't know how she is going to put herself back together again. Then she meets Elizabeth ... Love, passion, power and a family mystery as old as time collide into a battle of wills and magic. This book, while lengthy in some of it's descriptions, kept me hooked throughout. And just when I thought I knew what was happening, everything was blown apart again. It kept you guessing to the end. Where we learn that power is everything, except when it isn't. And seeing isn't always believing, except when it is.
Thank you Rowanvale publishing house for the copy although the review is my own.
Thank you Rowanvale publishing house for the copy although the review is my own.
February 28, 2026
This story is a slow burn pressure cooker of tension, bubbling away from the very first page where we are introduced to Alex, back home to Coldharbour and is clearly dealing with 'stuff' but also trying to hide something within her called THE POWER. Alex is an interesting older fmc which is always refreshing in a book. Elizabeth I was never fully sure if Alex should trust her, or not I did love the tension and banter between them. Alex meets lots of characters all interesting and offering more to to this plot, I was questioning peoples motives throughout, the supernatural elements ramped up the tension well and added an extra layer to the story. If you enjoy a serial killer plot with supernatural element give this a try.
March 3, 2026
Coldharbour is just so sumptuously atmospheric you can almost grab a hold of it. It's eerie and moody, it's intense and richly textured.
I immensely enjoy gothic tales such as this and I'm always happy to discover new authors in the genre.
Coldharbour was the perfect setting for this type of tale, it being quite the bleak, stark place lent perfectly to feeling of the story.
For me, it was very much reminiscent of the new Sky series, Under Salt Marsh.
The Wilde family were intriguing and interesting to get to know and I enjoyed delving deeper into their history.
Just the perfect gothic novel.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
I immensely enjoy gothic tales such as this and I'm always happy to discover new authors in the genre.
Coldharbour was the perfect setting for this type of tale, it being quite the bleak, stark place lent perfectly to feeling of the story.
For me, it was very much reminiscent of the new Sky series, Under Salt Marsh.
The Wilde family were intriguing and interesting to get to know and I enjoyed delving deeper into their history.
Just the perfect gothic novel.
5 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
February 28, 2026
Recommend
Coldharbour by Laura Clarke Walker.
I was intrigued by the cover. When I read the blurb I signed up straight away. This is a new author for me. I got into this book straight away. I couldn't put it down. I liked the writing style and the story. I can't believe this is a debut book. Very cleverly written. I read this in two sittings. I love the paranormal part of this book. I did like Alex character. She was my favourite. I liked Matthew aswell. I do hope there is more to come.
Coldharbour by Laura Clarke Walker.
I was intrigued by the cover. When I read the blurb I signed up straight away. This is a new author for me. I got into this book straight away. I couldn't put it down. I liked the writing style and the story. I can't believe this is a debut book. Very cleverly written. I read this in two sittings. I love the paranormal part of this book. I did like Alex character. She was my favourite. I liked Matthew aswell. I do hope there is more to come.
March 1, 2026
A darkly atmospheric gothic horror with a smattering of the supernatural. The book is beautifully written, Laura has a way with words that really draw you into the story. I found the magic system unique and really interesting and I really enjoyed the twists and turns the book took.
Thank you love book tours for the copy
Thank you love book tours for the copy
March 25, 2026
Well, as you know - I never read blurbs!
So, every now and again, I go into a book and am shocked at just what I find!
This was one of those books and I feel like maybe the tag on the cover gave something away, being a gothic tale - but I really didn't expect this story to be full on paranormal - which I absolutely was here for!
When Alex heads back to Coldharbour, she wants to make that fresh start and find her teenage daughter.
There were hints right from the first few pages that Alex was special and I couldn't wait to delve more into what this Power was all about and how Alex's new acquaintance was going to fit into the plan.
With a large cast of diverse characters, I did get a little overwhelmed - especially as it was so hard to work out who was real and not and I definitely struggled with who was good or bad.
But I eventually settled into this to enjoy this tense read.
I really liked that Alex was a more mature main character.
So often now with this genre, I find that we have green younger characters who need to learn their power, but this seemed to just flow alongside the storyline here and not be the sole plot.
The writing style plunges us into this eerie and gothic setting right from the start and I loved how this added to the storyline.
This instantly sucked me in, especially being a filairly local and modern setting.
This was a tense read and I liked that each chapter pulled us forward into the next - this did mean that I struggled to put this down, sneaking in an extra few chapters each sitting and racing to the end.
A brilliant first read by this author and I really need to add more to my shelves soon.
So, every now and again, I go into a book and am shocked at just what I find!
This was one of those books and I feel like maybe the tag on the cover gave something away, being a gothic tale - but I really didn't expect this story to be full on paranormal - which I absolutely was here for!
When Alex heads back to Coldharbour, she wants to make that fresh start and find her teenage daughter.
There were hints right from the first few pages that Alex was special and I couldn't wait to delve more into what this Power was all about and how Alex's new acquaintance was going to fit into the plan.
With a large cast of diverse characters, I did get a little overwhelmed - especially as it was so hard to work out who was real and not and I definitely struggled with who was good or bad.
But I eventually settled into this to enjoy this tense read.
I really liked that Alex was a more mature main character.
So often now with this genre, I find that we have green younger characters who need to learn their power, but this seemed to just flow alongside the storyline here and not be the sole plot.
The writing style plunges us into this eerie and gothic setting right from the start and I loved how this added to the storyline.
This instantly sucked me in, especially being a filairly local and modern setting.
This was a tense read and I liked that each chapter pulled us forward into the next - this did mean that I struggled to put this down, sneaking in an extra few chapters each sitting and racing to the end.
A brilliant first read by this author and I really need to add more to my shelves soon.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews