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A Shadow Beyond
For fans of Kate Morton and Barbara Erskine, comes a thrilling and beautiful time-slip novel, set in the present and during 1665 – 1666, when plague broke out in the Peak District village of Eyam. A Shadow Beyond is a moving and chilling tale of sacrifice, love, obsession and tragedy. Lost in the folds of time, behind one village's brave sacrifice, is the tragic and chilling secret of Thornycroft Hall....Locked away in the top quarters of Thornycroft, a large house on the edge of the historic village of Eyam, is a centuries old secret. Escaping the chaos of a complicated break up, Kate Saunders travels to the Peak District to stay with her Great Aunt Edie who has suffered a fall. Thornycroft is the perfect bolthole for Kate, peaceful and providing plenty of distance from her obsessive ex.But when Kate stumbles across a diary and an ancient bogwood jewellery box in the top of the house, the tranquillity she had expected is shattered. She is shocked to discover that Edie has been tampering with the supernatural and as Kate reads the contents of the diary, the shadows of Thornycroft’s past begin to stir.Kate becomes fascinated by the history of the house and the legacy of the villagers who made a brave yet devastating decision during the outbreak of plague. The more she discovers, the more she realises that, hidden behind Eyam’s tragic story, is a dreadful family secret. Stalked by her ex and restless spirits who harbour a dark secret, Kate realises she’s in danger - not only from the living, but from the dead. As the haunting intensifies and layers of time peel away, Kate starts to uncover a chilling truth that has remained buried for centuries…
383 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2019
152 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 16, 2025
I struggled with this book from the very beginning without really being able to say why. I even put it down and read something else in between. Once I picked it up again it became an easier read.
It's four stars because the past story was excellent. I loved learning all about the people of Eyam and what they went through during that awful plague that seemed never ending. Thornycroft Hall was a dismal place at that time. There was no joy or laughter in the house and the story was very bleak but very well done. It was obvious from the start what secret was being kept and as bright as Rachel was I was surprised when she didn't see it sooner.
The present story never grabbed me. Didn't take to the characters and one of aspect of this story was dragged out way beyond what was interesting.
The ending happened almost too quickly after the slow drawn out story beforehand and I'd have liked to know what happened to the Master of the house and his wife from the time of the plague.
It's four stars because the past story was excellent. I loved learning all about the people of Eyam and what they went through during that awful plague that seemed never ending. Thornycroft Hall was a dismal place at that time. There was no joy or laughter in the house and the story was very bleak but very well done. It was obvious from the start what secret was being kept and as bright as Rachel was I was surprised when she didn't see it sooner.
The present story never grabbed me. Didn't take to the characters and one of aspect of this story was dragged out way beyond what was interesting.
The ending happened almost too quickly after the slow drawn out story beforehand and I'd have liked to know what happened to the Master of the house and his wife from the time of the plague.
August 8, 2022
I finished this book today in a student lecture because I couldn't put it down. I was born and brought up only 11 miles from Eyam and the story of the plague is one I and all my friends knew from schooldays. When I was there not long ago and saw the flyer for this book in the Village Green Cafe, I knew from the start it would be right up my alley so I had to buy a copy. It is the best example of a timeslip story I've ever read.
What sets it apart is the depth of the writing and the inclusion of the human aspect of the plague. We all learned facts and figures at school and I've been to Catherine Mompesson's grave several times, but this is the first time the raw horror of what real people endured has been brought home to me.
The characters felt real and visceral. I’ve never seen a plague story so realistically put together, exploring the effects of the events and the reliance on superstition, self-examination and searching for what sin had brought this upon the community and resignation that it must have been what God wanted. It’s a difficult concept for our 21st century sophistication to relate to, and the very real storytelling made that possible.
There is so much detail in this book of time, place and surroundings. The switching between the two timeframes was done very effectively and the historical research is excellent. Of course, one has to suspend disbelief to read a story of this nature, but the nuances of storytelling meant that is easily managed. I’m not really a love story fan, preferring the solving of a mystery for its own sake although I did see the relevance and it was subtle enough to suit my tastes. It is a long story, which makes it so full of depth, colour and emotion.
An outstanding story with a creative and engaging take on a real-life tragedy. It stayed with me for days after finishing it. This author is a born storyteller.
What sets it apart is the depth of the writing and the inclusion of the human aspect of the plague. We all learned facts and figures at school and I've been to Catherine Mompesson's grave several times, but this is the first time the raw horror of what real people endured has been brought home to me.
The characters felt real and visceral. I’ve never seen a plague story so realistically put together, exploring the effects of the events and the reliance on superstition, self-examination and searching for what sin had brought this upon the community and resignation that it must have been what God wanted. It’s a difficult concept for our 21st century sophistication to relate to, and the very real storytelling made that possible.
There is so much detail in this book of time, place and surroundings. The switching between the two timeframes was done very effectively and the historical research is excellent. Of course, one has to suspend disbelief to read a story of this nature, but the nuances of storytelling meant that is easily managed. I’m not really a love story fan, preferring the solving of a mystery for its own sake although I did see the relevance and it was subtle enough to suit my tastes. It is a long story, which makes it so full of depth, colour and emotion.
An outstanding story with a creative and engaging take on a real-life tragedy. It stayed with me for days after finishing it. This author is a born storyteller.
March 29, 2020
This book had a good theme but I felt it was a little too drawn out. I have to admit that I got to the 50% mark and then gave up, though I did read the last two chapters just to see how it ended.
But the biggest bugbear for me was the frequent use of Americanisms in what is meant to be a very English book.
No woman in 1665 England would have tucked her "bangs" under her cap for example. Nor do English people generally drink "ice tea" especially in the "fall". I'm assuming this wasn't beta-read by an English person.
It's things like this that distract me too far from enjoying the story. What a shame.
But the biggest bugbear for me was the frequent use of Americanisms in what is meant to be a very English book.
No woman in 1665 England would have tucked her "bangs" under her cap for example. Nor do English people generally drink "ice tea" especially in the "fall". I'm assuming this wasn't beta-read by an English person.
It's things like this that distract me too far from enjoying the story. What a shame.
May 4, 2022
I thought I knew the story of Eyam (pronounced 'Eem') in Derbyshire. It's best known for its history in 1665, when the village's resident tailor ordered a swathe of cloth to be sent up from London. The cloth was infested with rat fleas, which were the cause of plague in the city. The tailor became the first of Eyam's residents to die from the disease.
The local vicar, Reverend William Mompesson and his predecessor, Thomas Stanley were quick to put their religious differences aside and take decisive action. They instructed that nobody was to enter or leave the village. Food and other supplies would be left at a stone that marked the boundary, and paid for with coins soaked in vinegar. Within the village, funerals were banned and anybody that did fall victim to the plague was buried as closely as possible to his or her residence, rather than in the cemetery. The belief - correctly - was that this would limit the spread of the disease from corpses waiting to be buried.
Over the next 14 months, the disease ravaged through the village claiming the lives of 260 of its 800 inhabitants. But the quarantine measures successfully prevented the spread of the plague across Derbyshire or to the nearby city of Sheffield.
If you visit Eyam today, and enjoy a drink and a slice of cake in one of the many cafes in what is a beautiful village, there is much to remind you of its history. The village museum has an exhibition devoted to it. Plaques are present outside many of the houses, listing the former residents who lost their lives, and many of the grave sites still remain. I was fascinated, and sobered, to see it.
But it took a read of 'A Shadow Beyond' to make me live it.
The story is told in the form of a time-slip narrative, which I hadn't even realised was a genre before reading this. But, wow, does it work here. I really was able to see Eyam not just through my own eyes, but through those of the present-day Kate, as she in turn saw it through the eyes of Rachel some 350 years earlier. I didn't just learn historical facts as I turned the pages. I saw the events unfold. I felt the characters' fear, desperation and horror. I was in awe at their bravery. To have the imagination to see history in this way, and the ability to put it into words in such a way that your less imaginative readers can do the same - well, that's a gift. And I can only bow to Emma-Nicole Lewis in admiration.
I was even more wowed at the way the fictitious plot managed to include the true stories of Elizabeth Hancock, who was left alone to bury the bodies of her husband and all six of her children, and of William Mompesson's wife Catherine, who sent her two young children away to relatives at the start of the outbreak in order that they could be spared the disease whilst she and her husband cared for their parishoners. Catherine died in August 1666 without ever having seen her children again. I had heard both of these stories before, but in this book they're made personal. And I read them with a huge lump in my throat.
I do have to say though that, whilst 'A Shadow Beyond' has the historical element well and truly nailed, some parts of the fictional plot contain a few flaws. The 'historical' story has a twist reminiscent of 'Jane Eyre' and viewed rationally, it's just as ridiculous. So it's testament to the writing that - as with 'Jane Eyre' - I really didn't care.
I also didn't care that there are a few instances of repetition or that the final twist in the 'present day' plot was perhaps unnecessary. It felt as though, not content with having penned a historical fiction novel with an element of the supernatural, Emma-Nicole wanted it to also include something from a modern-day psychological thriller. But this is nothing more than a quibble.
Emma-Nicole states on her author Facebook page that she writes to "make history interesting". On the evidence of 'A Shadow Beyond', she's doing herself a big disservice by making this statement. Because in this book, she's made history something far, far more than interesting. She's made it alive.
The local vicar, Reverend William Mompesson and his predecessor, Thomas Stanley were quick to put their religious differences aside and take decisive action. They instructed that nobody was to enter or leave the village. Food and other supplies would be left at a stone that marked the boundary, and paid for with coins soaked in vinegar. Within the village, funerals were banned and anybody that did fall victim to the plague was buried as closely as possible to his or her residence, rather than in the cemetery. The belief - correctly - was that this would limit the spread of the disease from corpses waiting to be buried.
Over the next 14 months, the disease ravaged through the village claiming the lives of 260 of its 800 inhabitants. But the quarantine measures successfully prevented the spread of the plague across Derbyshire or to the nearby city of Sheffield.
If you visit Eyam today, and enjoy a drink and a slice of cake in one of the many cafes in what is a beautiful village, there is much to remind you of its history. The village museum has an exhibition devoted to it. Plaques are present outside many of the houses, listing the former residents who lost their lives, and many of the grave sites still remain. I was fascinated, and sobered, to see it.
But it took a read of 'A Shadow Beyond' to make me live it.
The story is told in the form of a time-slip narrative, which I hadn't even realised was a genre before reading this. But, wow, does it work here. I really was able to see Eyam not just through my own eyes, but through those of the present-day Kate, as she in turn saw it through the eyes of Rachel some 350 years earlier. I didn't just learn historical facts as I turned the pages. I saw the events unfold. I felt the characters' fear, desperation and horror. I was in awe at their bravery. To have the imagination to see history in this way, and the ability to put it into words in such a way that your less imaginative readers can do the same - well, that's a gift. And I can only bow to Emma-Nicole Lewis in admiration.
I was even more wowed at the way the fictitious plot managed to include the true stories of Elizabeth Hancock, who was left alone to bury the bodies of her husband and all six of her children, and of William Mompesson's wife Catherine, who sent her two young children away to relatives at the start of the outbreak in order that they could be spared the disease whilst she and her husband cared for their parishoners. Catherine died in August 1666 without ever having seen her children again. I had heard both of these stories before, but in this book they're made personal. And I read them with a huge lump in my throat.
I do have to say though that, whilst 'A Shadow Beyond' has the historical element well and truly nailed, some parts of the fictional plot contain a few flaws. The 'historical' story has a twist reminiscent of 'Jane Eyre' and viewed rationally, it's just as ridiculous. So it's testament to the writing that - as with 'Jane Eyre' - I really didn't care.
I also didn't care that there are a few instances of repetition or that the final twist in the 'present day' plot was perhaps unnecessary. It felt as though, not content with having penned a historical fiction novel with an element of the supernatural, Emma-Nicole wanted it to also include something from a modern-day psychological thriller. But this is nothing more than a quibble.
Emma-Nicole states on her author Facebook page that she writes to "make history interesting". On the evidence of 'A Shadow Beyond', she's doing herself a big disservice by making this statement. Because in this book, she's made history something far, far more than interesting. She's made it alive.
January 18, 2022
Locked away in the top quarters of Thornycroft, a large house on the edge of the historic village of Eyam, is a centuries old secret. Escaping the chaos of a complicated break up, Kate Saunders travels to the Peak District to stay with her Great Aunt Edie who has suffered a fall. Thornycroft is the perfect bolthole for Kate, peaceful and providing plenty of distance from her obsessive ex.But when Kate stumbles across a diary and an ancient bogwood jewellery box in the top of the house, the tranquillity she had expected is shattered. She is shocked to discover that Edie has been tampering with the supernatural and as Kate reads the contents of the diary, the shadows of Thornycroft’s past begin to stir. Kate becomes fascinated by the history of the house and the legacy of the villagers who made a brave yet devastating decision during the outbreak of plague. The more she discovers, the more she realises that, hidden behind Eyam’s tragic story, is a dreadful family secret. Stalked by her ex and restless spirits who harbour a dark secret, Kate realises she’s in danger - not only from the living, but from the dead. As the haunting intensifies and layers of time peel away, Kate starts to uncover a chilling truth that has remained buried for centuries.
I found this hard to put down.
There is a ghost story, and also an historical element ,i.e. the plague in 1665 to 1666 in the village of Eyam,Derbyshire.
There is good characterisation and a sense of foreboding. There is also an air of mystery in the past and the present which become intertwined.
The village cuts itself off from the neighbouring towns to help prevent the spread of the plague although Bakewell market stopped letting anyone go there and anyone venturing beyond Eyam had stones thrown at them and people crying out as though a murderer was amongst them.
The way people turn on each other out of fear and so quickly too is reminiscent of the world we are in today.
I loved how this book went from the past to the present and how the stories came together.
Although it's fiction many of the characters were real people from the village and the sense of sorrow and fear is well described.
I liked how the ending came together.
Yes-the grammar needs a bit of tidying up but for me it did not spoil the story and I enjoyed it.
Must go back and visit Eyam as it's a lovely place.
I found this hard to put down.
There is a ghost story, and also an historical element ,i.e. the plague in 1665 to 1666 in the village of Eyam,Derbyshire.
There is good characterisation and a sense of foreboding. There is also an air of mystery in the past and the present which become intertwined.
The village cuts itself off from the neighbouring towns to help prevent the spread of the plague although Bakewell market stopped letting anyone go there and anyone venturing beyond Eyam had stones thrown at them and people crying out as though a murderer was amongst them.
The way people turn on each other out of fear and so quickly too is reminiscent of the world we are in today.
I loved how this book went from the past to the present and how the stories came together.
Although it's fiction many of the characters were real people from the village and the sense of sorrow and fear is well described.
I liked how the ending came together.
Yes-the grammar needs a bit of tidying up but for me it did not spoil the story and I enjoyed it.
Must go back and visit Eyam as it's a lovely place.
April 4, 2021
Outstanding!
As a huge fan of time-slip books, I looked forward to discovering this author’s work. New to me and a self-published author, I hoped the book would live up to my expectations...and it did - and then some!
Already familiar with the story of Eyam during the plague outbreak in 1666 and the selfless sacrifices made by the villagers, I suspected the background story to be good and found it was well-researched and written beautifully. Adding in a modern time storyline and supernatural twists to give it a time-slip and haunting genre, I can honestly say that Emma Nicole Lewis has written a book that stands up well to my favourite time-slip authors, including Pamela Hartshorne and even the magnificent Barbara Erskine. If you like a bit of history mixed with something a little spooky, this book is for you.
Well done to the author. I recognised the book was self-published immediately having gone through the process myself and recognising the size and layout of the book.
This lady needs a publisher to snap her up and get this book the promotion it deserves.
I will certainly be looking to read her other two self-published novels and the fourth she’s currently writing.
As a huge fan of time-slip books, I looked forward to discovering this author’s work. New to me and a self-published author, I hoped the book would live up to my expectations...and it did - and then some!
Already familiar with the story of Eyam during the plague outbreak in 1666 and the selfless sacrifices made by the villagers, I suspected the background story to be good and found it was well-researched and written beautifully. Adding in a modern time storyline and supernatural twists to give it a time-slip and haunting genre, I can honestly say that Emma Nicole Lewis has written a book that stands up well to my favourite time-slip authors, including Pamela Hartshorne and even the magnificent Barbara Erskine. If you like a bit of history mixed with something a little spooky, this book is for you.
Well done to the author. I recognised the book was self-published immediately having gone through the process myself and recognising the size and layout of the book.
This lady needs a publisher to snap her up and get this book the promotion it deserves.
I will certainly be looking to read her other two self-published novels and the fourth she’s currently writing.
October 9, 2020
3.5 stars! This was a solid read. I was immersed in the time period and in the story itself. The author did a great job taking a piece of history and turning it into a fascinating story. I loved the ghost story aspect and the suspense, but it was also an emotional story full of loss and heartbreak ending with hope and happiness. Some parts did drag in the middle and the some aspects of the ending seemed random, but there were some good twists. Overall, if I can get lost in a story then the author did her job well.
March 28, 2019
A Shadow Beyond, Emma-Nicole Lewis
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Historical fiction, Contemporary Fiction,
I don't read books like this often, but sometimes I want to just dip into a different genre, refresh my reading tastes, and this is in the mould of Susanna Kearsley, Barbara Erskine with its past and present, characters linked by history format. Its a lovely long read too, not one of those 150 pages where story is so crammed plots don't have time to develop.
Its not one I couldn't put aside, and in fact I did read it over three or four sessions, reading other stuff in between. Sometimes a story just can't be put down, other times I like to stop and mull over what I've read.
I recall reading about a village that closed itself off during the plague, to stop the spread, there are any number who stayed closed to keep plague out, but few who did it, sacrificed themselves to keep plague contained. That takes a really strong group. They were very devour religious folk though, and believing this edict came from God helped, convinced them they were doing what god wanted. Of course the cynic in me notes the wealthy families decamped at first sign of plague, as always it was the common folk who made the sacrifice.
Still, cynicism apart, it was an incredible sacrifice, and one that bears remembrance.
I loved reading about the historical characters, how they lived, the connections between families, and of course just what was haunting Thornycroft. The suspense is very deftly written and it seemed to me most times we jumped from past to present or present to past each new chapter started where old one left off, so Rachel would be scared by something back in the past and at the crucial moment the book would jump forward and we'd see Kate discovering what has scared her. It gave a great feeling of continuity to the story.
I loved characters, past and present, didn't see the twist in present times, though I'd guessed some of the past twist, and whichever time I was reading I became totally absorbed in what was happening. I have a small criticism in that though the book was deliciously long I felt the ending was rushed, crammed in too small a space, and it didn't really bring out the incredible connections of past and present. I kind of felt I was looking at % bar and thinking “ so when will we? Will she tell us ?” and it all kind of fell into one complete few pages, or at least it appeared that way while reading.
There is romance here, both past and present but its very muted, very much a tertiary plot to the main suspense angle.
Stars: Four, I really enjoyed this, but wished there was a less rushed ending. It did all tie up properly, nothing was missed but it felt like each plot came to the crux at the same time and I didn't feel that did the story justice.
Arc via Author
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Historical fiction, Contemporary Fiction,
I don't read books like this often, but sometimes I want to just dip into a different genre, refresh my reading tastes, and this is in the mould of Susanna Kearsley, Barbara Erskine with its past and present, characters linked by history format. Its a lovely long read too, not one of those 150 pages where story is so crammed plots don't have time to develop.
Its not one I couldn't put aside, and in fact I did read it over three or four sessions, reading other stuff in between. Sometimes a story just can't be put down, other times I like to stop and mull over what I've read.
I recall reading about a village that closed itself off during the plague, to stop the spread, there are any number who stayed closed to keep plague out, but few who did it, sacrificed themselves to keep plague contained. That takes a really strong group. They were very devour religious folk though, and believing this edict came from God helped, convinced them they were doing what god wanted. Of course the cynic in me notes the wealthy families decamped at first sign of plague, as always it was the common folk who made the sacrifice.
Still, cynicism apart, it was an incredible sacrifice, and one that bears remembrance.
I loved reading about the historical characters, how they lived, the connections between families, and of course just what was haunting Thornycroft. The suspense is very deftly written and it seemed to me most times we jumped from past to present or present to past each new chapter started where old one left off, so Rachel would be scared by something back in the past and at the crucial moment the book would jump forward and we'd see Kate discovering what has scared her. It gave a great feeling of continuity to the story.
I loved characters, past and present, didn't see the twist in present times, though I'd guessed some of the past twist, and whichever time I was reading I became totally absorbed in what was happening. I have a small criticism in that though the book was deliciously long I felt the ending was rushed, crammed in too small a space, and it didn't really bring out the incredible connections of past and present. I kind of felt I was looking at % bar and thinking “ so when will we? Will she tell us ?” and it all kind of fell into one complete few pages, or at least it appeared that way while reading.
There is romance here, both past and present but its very muted, very much a tertiary plot to the main suspense angle.
Stars: Four, I really enjoyed this, but wished there was a less rushed ending. It did all tie up properly, nothing was missed but it felt like each plot came to the crux at the same time and I didn't feel that did the story justice.
Arc via Author
September 27, 2019
There is so much I enjoyed about this book and a few things I didn't. The two separate stories which merge and the way that is dealt with - tick. I love a good ghost story - tick. Kate is a 'nice' character but Rachel is much better - tick. Lots of emotions well handled - tick. Now for the negatives. Overlong. The link with Kate's ex Richard and his friend Chris? An unnecessary distraction. So she finished with her ex and needed to get away to help Aunt Edie after her fall. Fine. Now leave it there. The rest was annoying. The twist at the end - I didn't see it coming but I'm glad about that as it was rather silly. Finally - the grammatical faux-pas (is there a plural?) and I blame the editor for this. It's an elephant in the room!! An unspoken problem. Not a white elephant. That's something you buy that is a huge mistake. Unless you mean Thornycroft itself. Then you are forgiven. No-one, nowhere, nobody (can't remember which one) are singular ie no-one is safe. Finally all the she was 'sat' (this must have come up 25 times at least). It's OK in colloquial speech but grated here.
An exciting read though. Just needs tidying and it doesn't need the twist.
An exciting read though. Just needs tidying and it doesn't need the twist.
June 15, 2020
I was really interested to read this book and the two storylines meshed together well, however, there were a lot of Americanisms like fall instead of Autumn, the reference to skirting boards which were a Victorian invention. The lack of editing also flows through to the story which felt overly long and a bit repetitive in parts. That being said the story was interesting and ended well. It just took the long way round to get there.
June 28, 2020
Book Title: A Shadow Beyond
Author: Emma-Nicole Lewis
Genre: Historical Time-Slip
Pages: 385 (print length)
Publisher: Twilight Moon Publishing
Publication Date: 24 February 2019
Debut: No
Standalone: Yes
Blurb
For fans of Kate Morton and Barbara Erskine, comes a thrilling and beautiful dual-time novel, set in the present and during 1665 – 1666, when plague broke out in the Peak District village of Eyam. A Shadow Beyond is a heart-rending and chilling tale of sacrifice, love, obsession and tragedy.
Lost in the folds of time, behind one village's brave sacrifice, is the tragic and chilling secret of Thornycroft Hall....
Locked away in the top quarters of Thornycroft, a large house on the edge of the historic village of Eyam, is a centuries old secret.
Escaping the chaos of a complicated break up, Kate Saunders travels to the Peak District to stay with her Great Aunt Edie who has suffered a fall. Thornycroft is the perfect bolthole for Kate, peaceful and providing plenty of distance from her obsessive ex.
But when Kate stumbles across a diary and an ancient bogwood jewellery box in the top of the house, the tranquillity she had expected is shattered. She is shocked to discover that Edie has been tampering with the supernatural and as Kate reads the contents of the diary, the shadows of Thornycroft’s past begin to stir.
Kate becomes fascinated by the history of the house and the legacy of the villagers who made a brave yet devastating decision during the outbreak of plague. The more she discovers, the more she realises that, hidden behind Eyam’s tragic story, is a dreadful family secret.
Stalked by her ex and restless spirits who harbour a dark secret, Kate realises she’s in danger - not only from the living, but from the dead.
As the haunting intensifies and layers of time peel away, Kate starts to uncover a chilling truth that has remained buried for centuries…
My Review........4 broomsticks
From the first page to the last I was hooked with this story.
This story incorporates time-lines of two women who are linked to each other by Thornycroft Hall.
It is well written and full of history. I knew a little about Eyam and its part in the plague so learning about how it was to live through it was excellent even if it was a bit of fiction.
The story surrounds a main character called Kate whose life has led her to come and stay with her Aunt who has had a fall.
Kate's previous life catches up with her in the end and the characters of Thornycroft hall come to help her in her time of need- be them people or ghosts.
All in all a very good read
Author: Emma-Nicole Lewis
Genre: Historical Time-Slip
Pages: 385 (print length)
Publisher: Twilight Moon Publishing
Publication Date: 24 February 2019
Debut: No
Standalone: Yes
Blurb
For fans of Kate Morton and Barbara Erskine, comes a thrilling and beautiful dual-time novel, set in the present and during 1665 – 1666, when plague broke out in the Peak District village of Eyam. A Shadow Beyond is a heart-rending and chilling tale of sacrifice, love, obsession and tragedy.
Lost in the folds of time, behind one village's brave sacrifice, is the tragic and chilling secret of Thornycroft Hall....
Locked away in the top quarters of Thornycroft, a large house on the edge of the historic village of Eyam, is a centuries old secret.
Escaping the chaos of a complicated break up, Kate Saunders travels to the Peak District to stay with her Great Aunt Edie who has suffered a fall. Thornycroft is the perfect bolthole for Kate, peaceful and providing plenty of distance from her obsessive ex.
But when Kate stumbles across a diary and an ancient bogwood jewellery box in the top of the house, the tranquillity she had expected is shattered. She is shocked to discover that Edie has been tampering with the supernatural and as Kate reads the contents of the diary, the shadows of Thornycroft’s past begin to stir.
Kate becomes fascinated by the history of the house and the legacy of the villagers who made a brave yet devastating decision during the outbreak of plague. The more she discovers, the more she realises that, hidden behind Eyam’s tragic story, is a dreadful family secret.
Stalked by her ex and restless spirits who harbour a dark secret, Kate realises she’s in danger - not only from the living, but from the dead.
As the haunting intensifies and layers of time peel away, Kate starts to uncover a chilling truth that has remained buried for centuries…
My Review........4 broomsticks
From the first page to the last I was hooked with this story.
This story incorporates time-lines of two women who are linked to each other by Thornycroft Hall.
It is well written and full of history. I knew a little about Eyam and its part in the plague so learning about how it was to live through it was excellent even if it was a bit of fiction.
The story surrounds a main character called Kate whose life has led her to come and stay with her Aunt who has had a fall.
Kate's previous life catches up with her in the end and the characters of Thornycroft hall come to help her in her time of need- be them people or ghosts.
All in all a very good read
June 29, 2020
This book was everything I wanted it to be. With a tagline mentioning one of my favourite authors, Barbara Erskine, I had high expectations and it did not disappoint. Eyam captured my imagination as a child, so walking through its streets and landscape in the present and past was fascinating. Both timelines drew me in, unlike some dual timeline books where there is always one you prefer more. I did not want the book to end.
It is a novel of two halves. In the present, Kate is dealing with a nasty breakup with fears of its ramifications and returning to Eyam to care for an aunt seems to be the ideal solution. The supernatural incidents and ghosts add tension into her life but are not full on horror, which adds credence to the plot and gives it a sense of authenticity. The sense of menace lurking in the shadows was well written, sending shivers down my spine. I loved the characters, especially Nick who has his own problems to cope with. The way the past and present collided was very much like Barbara Erskine’s style but the history was more accessible, allowing me to be immersed in both heroines lives easily.
I found Rachel’s story absorbing and though I figured out one twist from the start; I feel it was one to lead the reader deeper in to the plot to see if they were right. It brought the sad disturbing tale of Eyam and its experience with the plague to life with eerie parallels with our current pandemic with social distancing and isolation. It adds poignancy to Rachel’s tale and an urgency to her plight. The grief of the town was tangible, making it an emotional read.
Would I recommend?
Yes, I loved this book and the author’s style. The balance of a contemporary ghost story and historical fiction was perfect giving an emotional, spooky and disturbing read. This would be ideal to read in October when the evenings draw in. It is one for my Kindle forever shelf to reread in the future.
It is a novel of two halves. In the present, Kate is dealing with a nasty breakup with fears of its ramifications and returning to Eyam to care for an aunt seems to be the ideal solution. The supernatural incidents and ghosts add tension into her life but are not full on horror, which adds credence to the plot and gives it a sense of authenticity. The sense of menace lurking in the shadows was well written, sending shivers down my spine. I loved the characters, especially Nick who has his own problems to cope with. The way the past and present collided was very much like Barbara Erskine’s style but the history was more accessible, allowing me to be immersed in both heroines lives easily.
I found Rachel’s story absorbing and though I figured out one twist from the start; I feel it was one to lead the reader deeper in to the plot to see if they were right. It brought the sad disturbing tale of Eyam and its experience with the plague to life with eerie parallels with our current pandemic with social distancing and isolation. It adds poignancy to Rachel’s tale and an urgency to her plight. The grief of the town was tangible, making it an emotional read.
Would I recommend?
Yes, I loved this book and the author’s style. The balance of a contemporary ghost story and historical fiction was perfect giving an emotional, spooky and disturbing read. This would be ideal to read in October when the evenings draw in. It is one for my Kindle forever shelf to reread in the future.
August 12, 2020
My actual star rating would be 3.5.
This starts off with Kate who moves from London to Thornycroft House in Eyam (Peak District) to take care of her Great Aunt after she suffered a fall. Whilst her Aunt is in hospital, Kate quickly finds a mysterious book with a diary then soon after her discovery, strange and spooky things start to happen 👻
Then we have the second POV, Rachel. She was a maid in the old house back in 1666, around the time the plague hit Eyam causing mass death and destruction.
This is a very atmospheric story and extremely fascinating learning about how the plague affected the small town in Derbyshire. You had Paranormal activity, suspense and great set of characters.
As this story was based in my mother- land, it hit me with nostalgia. I used to visit my Grandma in Buxton and a lot of the places she mentioned, I have visited and holds a very special place in my heart.
However for me, this is not my usual book and I did find that I struggled with the pacing but it was very enjoyable.
This starts off with Kate who moves from London to Thornycroft House in Eyam (Peak District) to take care of her Great Aunt after she suffered a fall. Whilst her Aunt is in hospital, Kate quickly finds a mysterious book with a diary then soon after her discovery, strange and spooky things start to happen 👻
Then we have the second POV, Rachel. She was a maid in the old house back in 1666, around the time the plague hit Eyam causing mass death and destruction.
This is a very atmospheric story and extremely fascinating learning about how the plague affected the small town in Derbyshire. You had Paranormal activity, suspense and great set of characters.
As this story was based in my mother- land, it hit me with nostalgia. I used to visit my Grandma in Buxton and a lot of the places she mentioned, I have visited and holds a very special place in my heart.
However for me, this is not my usual book and I did find that I struggled with the pacing but it was very enjoyable.
July 25, 2021
I was browsing Kindle Unlimited and came across A Shadow Beyond and what a little gem! It was such a haunting read and I can't stop thinking about it.
Set in 1665 and in the present day, in the village of Eyam in the Peak District where it was devestated by the plague. This story is a historical time-slip with a paranormal twist and it had me on the edge of my seat. Once you read the first chapter, you'll be hooked. Promise!
I thought that this was a fascinating read but utterly sad at the same time. The author from what I can tell, has done her research into the events that unfolded in 1665 brilliantly. Both the main characters were very likeable and I really enjoyed how the author brought the story together towards the end. Definitely kept me guessing which I love.
Now, after reading this book I am going to plan a trip over to Eyam to pay my respects and to see the beautiful village it is now.
This was the first book I've read by this author and will definitely not be the last!
Set in 1665 and in the present day, in the village of Eyam in the Peak District where it was devestated by the plague. This story is a historical time-slip with a paranormal twist and it had me on the edge of my seat. Once you read the first chapter, you'll be hooked. Promise!
I thought that this was a fascinating read but utterly sad at the same time. The author from what I can tell, has done her research into the events that unfolded in 1665 brilliantly. Both the main characters were very likeable and I really enjoyed how the author brought the story together towards the end. Definitely kept me guessing which I love.
Now, after reading this book I am going to plan a trip over to Eyam to pay my respects and to see the beautiful village it is now.
This was the first book I've read by this author and will definitely not be the last!
June 17, 2021
Enjoyed the story, but poor spelling and grammar jarred
Eyam is a place I really want to visit, particularly as we are currently living through our own 'plague'. This book has made me even more keen to visit and to see the places mentioned in it.
The story had me gripped, particularly the 17th century parts, but I totally agree with 2 other 3 star reviews (29/5/19 and 15/3/20), as poor spelling / grammar and other inaccuracies stopped me losing myself in the narrative. My English grammar is by no means perfect but I do know the difference between her and shee (sic). Where was the proof reading? Also, as has been mentioned before, the over use of adjectives is distracting.
As I said, the 17th century story was really good. Bit of a nod to Jane Eyre - even the house names are similar (Thornfield / Thornycroft), but I couldn't really get my head around present day Edie or even Kate to a certain extent.
Nevertheless a really good read.
Eyam is a place I really want to visit, particularly as we are currently living through our own 'plague'. This book has made me even more keen to visit and to see the places mentioned in it.
The story had me gripped, particularly the 17th century parts, but I totally agree with 2 other 3 star reviews (29/5/19 and 15/3/20), as poor spelling / grammar and other inaccuracies stopped me losing myself in the narrative. My English grammar is by no means perfect but I do know the difference between her and shee (sic). Where was the proof reading? Also, as has been mentioned before, the over use of adjectives is distracting.
As I said, the 17th century story was really good. Bit of a nod to Jane Eyre - even the house names are similar (Thornfield / Thornycroft), but I couldn't really get my head around present day Edie or even Kate to a certain extent.
Nevertheless a really good read.
October 24, 2022
I enjoyed A Shadow Beyond, especially as I visited the village of Eyam some years ago and remember the places the author describes.
This story was beautifully written in parts and some sections had me fighting back tears, especially Rachel's account of the plague and how it affected her friends. The author takes the reader away from the village as a memorial and turns it into a place populated by real people who loved and were loved. In effect, I felt as though I was getting to know the villagers and I felt their loss.
The story of Kate in the present day was very good and I must admit there were parts I didn't expect and I love it when I'm caught unawares.
I was debating on whether to give four or five stars and in reality, I wish I could give four and a half. But I'm leaving it at four as I thought a little more editing wouldn't go amiss. But overall, this is an excellent story and I recommend it for anyone who enjoys dual time stories.
This story was beautifully written in parts and some sections had me fighting back tears, especially Rachel's account of the plague and how it affected her friends. The author takes the reader away from the village as a memorial and turns it into a place populated by real people who loved and were loved. In effect, I felt as though I was getting to know the villagers and I felt their loss.
The story of Kate in the present day was very good and I must admit there were parts I didn't expect and I love it when I'm caught unawares.
I was debating on whether to give four or five stars and in reality, I wish I could give four and a half. But I'm leaving it at four as I thought a little more editing wouldn't go amiss. But overall, this is an excellent story and I recommend it for anyone who enjoys dual time stories.
November 14, 2022
HOLY CRAP THIS BOOK!!!!!
Unbelievable just unbelievable!!!!! Best book I’ve read in years!!! Emma-Nicole Lewis YOU are a genius!
Fantastic story that keeps you guessing right up to the end. Very strong characters, I loved them all. Wonderful setting an over the top descriptions of the house and beautiful countryside. I felt like I could actually see the books sunsets and sunrises.
This is the second book I’ve read from this author, I can’t find words enough to describe what an amazing writer she is. Her stories especially this one will be remembered for a very very long time.
The part about the plaque was heartbreaking, but my great aunts and uncles, and my great grandmother had told me much about these times and other illnesses they survived. What’s described in the story is a polite soft version, the reality is far more gruesome.
Look for books on the Black Death and the plaque.
Unbelievable just unbelievable!!!!! Best book I’ve read in years!!! Emma-Nicole Lewis YOU are a genius!
Fantastic story that keeps you guessing right up to the end. Very strong characters, I loved them all. Wonderful setting an over the top descriptions of the house and beautiful countryside. I felt like I could actually see the books sunsets and sunrises.
This is the second book I’ve read from this author, I can’t find words enough to describe what an amazing writer she is. Her stories especially this one will be remembered for a very very long time.
The part about the plaque was heartbreaking, but my great aunts and uncles, and my great grandmother had told me much about these times and other illnesses they survived. What’s described in the story is a polite soft version, the reality is far more gruesome.
Look for books on the Black Death and the plaque.
October 20, 2020
A bit slow
I enjoyed this read but it took me a long time to get into it, at least half way. It wasn't until the final third of the novel that I felt it had found its pacing. Still, the story is a good one, and I liked the characters. I do have a soft spot for anything set in Eyam as I live near to it and have visited many times. The author did a good job of portraying the village but a bit more detailed description of size and scale wouldn't have gone amiss to really bring things to life and add atmosphere. For instance village doors are tiny and many people these days have to stoop going through. Or the fact that houses at Stoney Middleton are built right up to and look like they are about to be crushed by a towering cliff face could have been used to greater effect.
If you like time slip and plague history, you will enjoy this.
I enjoyed this read but it took me a long time to get into it, at least half way. It wasn't until the final third of the novel that I felt it had found its pacing. Still, the story is a good one, and I liked the characters. I do have a soft spot for anything set in Eyam as I live near to it and have visited many times. The author did a good job of portraying the village but a bit more detailed description of size and scale wouldn't have gone amiss to really bring things to life and add atmosphere. For instance village doors are tiny and many people these days have to stoop going through. Or the fact that houses at Stoney Middleton are built right up to and look like they are about to be crushed by a towering cliff face could have been used to greater effect.
If you like time slip and plague history, you will enjoy this.
May 19, 2019
When Kate's aunt has a fall, she uses that as an excuse to escape her current situation with her ex Richard. She heads to Eyam and Thornycroft to help her aunt recover. When she gets there her aunt is scared and refuses to leave the rehab home she is in and return to Thornycroft. Kate has to figure out what happened to her aunt in that house to scare her away from a home she loves. She soon begins to figure it out in the craziest of ways.
This book was very well written. its the second story I have read by this author and once again I wasn't disappointed. From beginning to end it was a mystery with a big-time spook factor. From history to ghosts to mystery this book had it all. It was written in a way that was like three different stories in one. From the past to the future to the thrill of Kate being stalked. All these stories seem to collide into one great book.
I loved this book and hated putting it down. If you want a story that will keep you enthralled this is it.
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This book was very well written. its the second story I have read by this author and once again I wasn't disappointed. From beginning to end it was a mystery with a big-time spook factor. From history to ghosts to mystery this book had it all. It was written in a way that was like three different stories in one. From the past to the future to the thrill of Kate being stalked. All these stories seem to collide into one great book.
I loved this book and hated putting it down. If you want a story that will keep you enthralled this is it.
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https://www.facebook.com/BBReviews
June 24, 2020
A fascinating time-slip novel.
I don’t read this type of story very often but as it was likened to Barbara Erskine, whose novels I do enjoy, I decided to break from my usual thriller genre and give it a try. I was not disappointed. This is a great story with a creative take on real life tragedy.
There is a lot of detail about the time, place and surroundings as the story switches between the past and present effectively.
You have a bit of mystery, a bit of ghost story and a bit of a love story all rolled into one.
I did feel that, although this book was quite long, the ending felt a bit rushed.
All in all a good read.
I don’t read this type of story very often but as it was likened to Barbara Erskine, whose novels I do enjoy, I decided to break from my usual thriller genre and give it a try. I was not disappointed. This is a great story with a creative take on real life tragedy.
There is a lot of detail about the time, place and surroundings as the story switches between the past and present effectively.
You have a bit of mystery, a bit of ghost story and a bit of a love story all rolled into one.
I did feel that, although this book was quite long, the ending felt a bit rushed.
All in all a good read.
June 25, 2020
I wanted to love this book as it’s not my normal genre and I’m trying to read different genres. I loved the time hop spectrum of the book. I loved the fact that we got some of the 1600 century as well as present day.
I like the fact that the book had a ghost story in it and real life issues as well. Kate wanted to get away from an ex so she goes to sort her great aunt Edie out after an accident just to be stalked.
The only thing that I didn’t like is that it was long and drawn out. I get distracted easily by books that are long but over all it was a good story. If you’re looking for a good ghost story with time hop I definitely would recommend it.
I like the fact that the book had a ghost story in it and real life issues as well. Kate wanted to get away from an ex so she goes to sort her great aunt Edie out after an accident just to be stalked.
The only thing that I didn’t like is that it was long and drawn out. I get distracted easily by books that are long but over all it was a good story. If you’re looking for a good ghost story with time hop I definitely would recommend it.
January 18, 2020
Well written, interesting and absorbing
I have been lost inside this story for the last few days. Obviously well researched, the author blends past historical fact with a modern narrative seamlessly.
I wasn’t aware of the history of Eyam - or even its existence, but I am now planning a trip to experience it for myself. There aren’t many books capable of impressing to that extent.
If I’m honest, the endings in both time lines were a bit predictable but it’s a minor criticism and didn’t spoil my enjoyment.
I’m now about to order the author’s first book .
I have been lost inside this story for the last few days. Obviously well researched, the author blends past historical fact with a modern narrative seamlessly.
I wasn’t aware of the history of Eyam - or even its existence, but I am now planning a trip to experience it for myself. There aren’t many books capable of impressing to that extent.
If I’m honest, the endings in both time lines were a bit predictable but it’s a minor criticism and didn’t spoil my enjoyment.
I’m now about to order the author’s first book .
April 3, 2020
Quite Excellent!
I was quite happy with this book. I am sucker for a well written dual time novel and English history is another of my favorite subjects so this book ticked all of my favorites. I think that dual time writing is a difficult thing to carry off well, but Ms. Lewis manages the task very well.
All in all a deftly written book with well crafted characters, a tangled and dual time plot. I felt it lagged slightly in a couple of places, but that did not stop my enjoyment. I am looking forward to reading more from this author now!
I was quite happy with this book. I am sucker for a well written dual time novel and English history is another of my favorite subjects so this book ticked all of my favorites. I think that dual time writing is a difficult thing to carry off well, but Ms. Lewis manages the task very well.
All in all a deftly written book with well crafted characters, a tangled and dual time plot. I felt it lagged slightly in a couple of places, but that did not stop my enjoyment. I am looking forward to reading more from this author now!
May 15, 2020
Intriguing ghost story!!
This is a must read book with lots of twists and turns and concludes in an amazing way. Well deserving, in my opinion of the 5stars I have awarded it. Quite scary at times but written with deep emotions and put me in mind of what's happening in the world at the moment. What a great story writer Emma is and look forward to reading more of her books. Will miss the characters now I've finished reading this, which, to me, is the sign of a well written novel.
This is a must read book with lots of twists and turns and concludes in an amazing way. Well deserving, in my opinion of the 5stars I have awarded it. Quite scary at times but written with deep emotions and put me in mind of what's happening in the world at the moment. What a great story writer Emma is and look forward to reading more of her books. Will miss the characters now I've finished reading this, which, to me, is the sign of a well written novel.
July 18, 2020
Great read, beautiful story
Beautiful story, blending fiction and history with skill and passion. I couldn't put it down and was completely gripped by it from the first page right through to the last. A great novel to read as we are slowly coming out of the covid-19 lock down. Read from the perspective of our present pandemic, it makes you think about how far our knowledge has progressed and how lucky we are to have our modern medicine help us fight many conditions and diseases which prevent us from the fate of the people of 17th century Eyam .
Beautiful story, blending fiction and history with skill and passion. I couldn't put it down and was completely gripped by it from the first page right through to the last. A great novel to read as we are slowly coming out of the covid-19 lock down. Read from the perspective of our present pandemic, it makes you think about how far our knowledge has progressed and how lucky we are to have our modern medicine help us fight many conditions and diseases which prevent us from the fate of the people of 17th century Eyam .
July 21, 2021
This is a thoroughly gripping novel that is difficult to put down. The dual time-line between the present and 17th century Eyam struggling with the plague added to the intensity of the book. However, the storyline of Eyam in 1665 seemed to hold my interest slightly more than the present day story. There are numerous plot twists, although some of them seemed to be telegraphed before they occurred, and there is a definite resemblance in parts to the plot of Jane Eyre. Having said that, this novel is well worth a read and I will certainly read more works of Emma-Nicole Lewis.
October 11, 2022
I was torn between a 3 and a 4 rating all through this book. A good ghost story with 2 timelines. Some moments were a little drawn out or unbelievable but then the story would capture your imagination or interest and the pages would fly. After living through lockdown we now have a different perspective on quarantine and what these villagers would have had to endure. Very scary times indeed in 1666!
The ghost aspect was a nice addition, although possibly went a little too far. Loved the twist in the stalker plot and overall I did enjoy.
The ghost aspect was a nice addition, although possibly went a little too far. Loved the twist in the stalker plot and overall I did enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2020
Excellent
First of all I found this book on facebook, so thanks to authors and publishers putting books on facebook as it helps readers like me find new authors.
I really loved this book, timeslip, romance (but not smutty, thank you), crime, drama and tragedy. Whilst reading I also opened the list of eyam plague victims, and the characters in the book are so well described, I grieved myself for many of them. Definitely an author to follow
First of all I found this book on facebook, so thanks to authors and publishers putting books on facebook as it helps readers like me find new authors.
I really loved this book, timeslip, romance (but not smutty, thank you), crime, drama and tragedy. Whilst reading I also opened the list of eyam plague victims, and the characters in the book are so well described, I grieved myself for many of them. Definitely an author to follow
November 30, 2024
Interesting, Macabre, Long
This story was born out of an interesting concept. I would say the length could’ve been reduced by about 25%. Going over the sadness, grief and loss during the Plague years seemed interminable at points. I liked that the “timeslip” aspect was in memory energy rather than a physical portal. The impact of both positive and negative energy or spirit left behind…
This story was born out of an interesting concept. I would say the length could’ve been reduced by about 25%. Going over the sadness, grief and loss during the Plague years seemed interminable at points. I liked that the “timeslip” aspect was in memory energy rather than a physical portal. The impact of both positive and negative energy or spirit left behind…
January 15, 2020
I LOVED this book. A time-slip with modern day ghosts and a plague ridden past. It was tragic in so many ways. Rachel and Kate’s stories unfold intertwined with each other, with each of them having trials to contend with in their own times. There is a sprinkling of romance and deep secrets which beg to be unveiled. Altogether a great novel.
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