The Haunting of Hero's Bay

by Amanda Block

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

By dawn, only his legacy will survive.

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

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

But this is not just a story about death. It's about love. It's about fate. And how, ultimately, the past can pull you under . . .
 
 

400 pages, Paperback

Published September 15, 2026

About the author

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

Reviews

[Helen]

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

[Bronwyn Hegarty]

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

[Maxine Bobbett]

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

[Munch]

3.5