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The Shadowing
When well-to-do Hester learns of her sister Mercy's death at a Nottinghamshire workhouse, she travels to Southwell to find out how her sister ended up at such a place.
Haunted by her sister's ghost, Hester sets out to uncover the truth, when the official story reported by the workhouse master proves to be untrue. Mercy was pregnant - both her and the baby are said to be dead of cholera, but the workhouse hasn't had an outbreak for years.
Hester discovers a strange trend in the workhouse of children going missing. One woman tells her about the Pale Lady, a ghostly figure that steals babies in the night. Is this lady a myth or is something more sinister afoot at the Southwell poorhouse?
As Hester investigates, she uncovers a conspiracy, one that someone is determined to keep a secret, no matter the cost...
Haunted by her sister's ghost, Hester sets out to uncover the truth, when the official story reported by the workhouse master proves to be untrue. Mercy was pregnant - both her and the baby are said to be dead of cholera, but the workhouse hasn't had an outbreak for years.
Hester discovers a strange trend in the workhouse of children going missing. One woman tells her about the Pale Lady, a ghostly figure that steals babies in the night. Is this lady a myth or is something more sinister afoot at the Southwell poorhouse?
As Hester investigates, she uncovers a conspiracy, one that someone is determined to keep a secret, no matter the cost...
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 16, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
November 26, 2021
A Victorian mystery, with interesting characters. I enjoyed the gothic atmosphere and supernatural elements, but I felt it dragged on a bit, and then all of a sudden tied up rather rapidly, I also found the denouement a bit hard to swallow. Entertaining but I was hoping for something more, 3.5 stars rounded up.
August 24, 2021
I enjoyed, “The Quickening,” by Rhiannon Ward, so was looking forward to reading her second novel. This has a similar feel, revolving around Hester, whose family are Quakers. Hester’s sister, Mercy, eloped with a man and no news arrives until a letter, explaining that she died at Southwell Workhouse. With Hester’s strict father, Amos, taken ill, her mother gives Hester to task to find out what happened to Mercy and where her body is buried. Like her previous novel, this has a sense of the supernatural about it, as Hester sees spirits, which follow her on her journey to discover what happened to her sister.
Although the task is not a cheerful one, there is the sense that Hester enjoys throwing off the shackles of her home, seeing new places and meeting new people, even if many are unpleasant. For it soon becomes clear that Southwell Workhouse does not welcome visitors, nor want to let people know what goes on inside with the unwed mothers who appear on their doorsteps. As well as this storyline, there is interesting background regarding Hester’s Quaker background. Overall, an interesting historical novel, with a sense of unease, which sees Hester grow as a character. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Although the task is not a cheerful one, there is the sense that Hester enjoys throwing off the shackles of her home, seeing new places and meeting new people, even if many are unpleasant. For it soon becomes clear that Southwell Workhouse does not welcome visitors, nor want to let people know what goes on inside with the unwed mothers who appear on their doorsteps. As well as this storyline, there is interesting background regarding Hester’s Quaker background. Overall, an interesting historical novel, with a sense of unease, which sees Hester grow as a character. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
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June 28, 2023Not rating ghosts spirits nightmares didn’t even get to quarter way through uggh was awful
September 16, 2021
The Shadowing is an absorbing and authentic feeling historical gothic thriller with added suspense, mystery, a touch of the supernatural and even a slight smidgen of romance, set in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Set during the 1830s. Hester, a wealthy and progressive Quaker, leaves Bristol to discover what happened to her sister who eloped with her lover and ended up in Southwell Workhouse in Nottinghamshire. Hester has long tried to repress the visions she has of the dead but, as residents panic about the existence of a pale lady who reputedly steals inmates’ babies, Hester finds that her ghostly friends might be the least of her worries. It isn't long before she learns the sad news that her sister, Mercy, has died and becomes instantaneously perplexed that someone from such an affluent family could have ended up living and working in such grimy, poverty-stricken surroundings.
Hester soon discovers that Mercy had been pregnant but is told she and the baby sadly died from cholera. Then Hester begins to wonder whether the old wives’ tale of the roaming Pale Lady could've had a hand in her sister’s demise, and she fears something sinister’s afoot. Can Hester do what she set out to do and find out more about her sister’s life as well as complete the extra task of investigating her death without being impeded? This is a compelling, immersive and richly atmospheric mystery, and from the moment you turn the first page the grittiness of the entirety of society comes across clearly on the page. The descriptions bring alive not only time and place but also the cast of characters, and there is plenty of suspense and twists woven into the narrative to catch you off guard. It's a relatively short read that packs a powerful punch, and I found it the ideal read for just heading into Autumn. Highly recommended.
Hester soon discovers that Mercy had been pregnant but is told she and the baby sadly died from cholera. Then Hester begins to wonder whether the old wives’ tale of the roaming Pale Lady could've had a hand in her sister’s demise, and she fears something sinister’s afoot. Can Hester do what she set out to do and find out more about her sister’s life as well as complete the extra task of investigating her death without being impeded? This is a compelling, immersive and richly atmospheric mystery, and from the moment you turn the first page the grittiness of the entirety of society comes across clearly on the page. The descriptions bring alive not only time and place but also the cast of characters, and there is plenty of suspense and twists woven into the narrative to catch you off guard. It's a relatively short read that packs a powerful punch, and I found it the ideal read for just heading into Autumn. Highly recommended.
October 5, 2021
I’ve previously enjoyed crime fiction books by Sarah Ward and this is her second historical fiction novel written under the name of Rhiannon Ward.
Coming from a family of Quakers, Hester Goodwin has lived a life of frugality and plain living – grey dresses, no music, no books and she has little experience of the world outside her own which consists of visiting the sick and poor with her mother. Her father Amos is strict and unloving, her younger sister 20 year old Mercy had eloped a few years before and her name was not to be mentioned. However when word reaches them that Mercy has died in a Nottinghamshire workhouse, it is Hester who has to travel alone from Bristol to Southwell find out the circumstances of her death and how and why she ended up as a pauper in a workhouse.
The Shadowing is a dark and atmospheric story, with a sinister undertone. It is clear that her presence at the Southwell workhouse is not welcome and barely tolerated; the Master and Matron at the Southwell workhouse have their secrets and do not take kindly anyone asking questions. Hester is determined to find out the truth about what happened to Mercy, who was pregnant, especially after being told of ‘the Pale Lady’ who steals babies in the night.
Hester is rather unusual in that she has ‘shadowings’, spirits that appear to her and often accompany her – at times they can be frightening and confusing but there are others that she sees as a sign or a warning. I’m often not a fan of spiritualism in books unless its done well but here it did fit in with the natural arc of the story.
I really enjoyed this. There is a sense of unease throughout the story with the workhouse throwing a fearful shadow over the town and its inhabitants. Hester is a determined character but being rather unworldly she doesn’t always realise the danger she is putting herself in. With well drawn characters and vivid descriptions of the time and location which gave a real sense of place, I was rooting for Hester to discover what was really going on and to get to the truth for her sister Mercy. I also learned a little about the Quaker faith which I wasn’t aware of.
Coming from a family of Quakers, Hester Goodwin has lived a life of frugality and plain living – grey dresses, no music, no books and she has little experience of the world outside her own which consists of visiting the sick and poor with her mother. Her father Amos is strict and unloving, her younger sister 20 year old Mercy had eloped a few years before and her name was not to be mentioned. However when word reaches them that Mercy has died in a Nottinghamshire workhouse, it is Hester who has to travel alone from Bristol to Southwell find out the circumstances of her death and how and why she ended up as a pauper in a workhouse.
The Shadowing is a dark and atmospheric story, with a sinister undertone. It is clear that her presence at the Southwell workhouse is not welcome and barely tolerated; the Master and Matron at the Southwell workhouse have their secrets and do not take kindly anyone asking questions. Hester is determined to find out the truth about what happened to Mercy, who was pregnant, especially after being told of ‘the Pale Lady’ who steals babies in the night.
Hester is rather unusual in that she has ‘shadowings’, spirits that appear to her and often accompany her – at times they can be frightening and confusing but there are others that she sees as a sign or a warning. I’m often not a fan of spiritualism in books unless its done well but here it did fit in with the natural arc of the story.
I really enjoyed this. There is a sense of unease throughout the story with the workhouse throwing a fearful shadow over the town and its inhabitants. Hester is a determined character but being rather unworldly she doesn’t always realise the danger she is putting herself in. With well drawn characters and vivid descriptions of the time and location which gave a real sense of place, I was rooting for Hester to discover what was really going on and to get to the truth for her sister Mercy. I also learned a little about the Quaker faith which I wasn’t aware of.
August 30, 2022
Well to start with, abortion wasn't a hanging offence. It's a bit tricky to judge the date of this book but the 'yellow bell skirt' of a mistress takes me to the early 1860s (mind you, ten year old work houses take me to the 1840s as does the 'coming of the railroad' theme at the end of the book).
The act that tightened up abortion law was 1861 and it was passed in part to drive women out of the medical profession (before that abortion was not illegal, although it wasn't exactly legal either). It's far more a male control concern than it is a female moral issue at this stage. This link is to the US debate but it will give you the idea: https://theconversation.com/how-19th-... and something on the English situation here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2173842 But extreme anti abortion sentiment is a good twenty to thirty years away after this novel opens.
First names. Sigh. I can't give Ward too much grief because this has become so common in historical novels but it's all wrong among the middle classes.
Quakers: maybe Ward has Quaker connections and has done research, but we really do have a lot of material from Quakers and it's not too hard to get a feel for them. But generally, I find it awfully tedious when people paint Quakers as repressive and gray, they really weren't like that. There is no sense here at all of the Quaker faith and practice.
Overall, not uninteresting, but structured more as romance I think than as a crime novel, the motivations and behaviours are rushed into at the end.
The act that tightened up abortion law was 1861 and it was passed in part to drive women out of the medical profession (before that abortion was not illegal, although it wasn't exactly legal either). It's far more a male control concern than it is a female moral issue at this stage. This link is to the US debate but it will give you the idea: https://theconversation.com/how-19th-... and something on the English situation here: https://www.jstor.org/stable/2173842 But extreme anti abortion sentiment is a good twenty to thirty years away after this novel opens.
First names. Sigh. I can't give Ward too much grief because this has become so common in historical novels but it's all wrong among the middle classes.
Quakers: maybe Ward has Quaker connections and has done research, but we really do have a lot of material from Quakers and it's not too hard to get a feel for them. But generally, I find it awfully tedious when people paint Quakers as repressive and gray, they really weren't like that. There is no sense here at all of the Quaker faith and practice.
Overall, not uninteresting, but structured more as romance I think than as a crime novel, the motivations and behaviours are rushed into at the end.
December 29, 2022
One of my favourite types of horror is Victorian based around a workhouse. ‘The Shadowing’ is all of this and more. Ghostly apparitions and a haunting ‘pale lady’ who takes children away from their mothers in the dead of night. I loved the writing and the plot carried along nicely! A few times I had to put the book down in frustration, but it wasn’t long before I picked it up again, desperate to know what happened.
March 26, 2023
The pace dragged at times, but an intriguing storyline and kept me interested. 3.5
October 3, 2021
I have read and enjoyed all of this author's crime fiction novels (published under the name of Sarah Ward), and have been interested to discover her historical fiction. I do have a copy of her first one; The Quickening, but have not yet got to it. After enjoying The Shadowing so very much, I've now bumped that first one up the 'to be read' pile.
One aspect of this novel that really intrigued me was the setting of Southwell in Nottinghamshire. I was brought up in the county, my parents still live there and I'm just over the border in Lincolnshire now. I've visited Southwell many times and do love to read about places that I know well. Rhiannon Ward brought this small town to life, although it was a very different place in the early 1800s, compared to the quiet, quite dignified town that is is today.
Hester Goodwin comes from a strict Quaker family in Bristol. Her father Amos is very traditional, and is feared more than he is loved. Amos is in very poor health and when a letter arrives from Southwell Workhouse in Nottinghamshire informing the family of the death of Hester's sister Mercy, they are so shocked. Mercy had eloped some time ago, and Amos forbade the use of her name after she left. To learn that she died a pauper in a far away county grieves her sister and her mother.
It is decided that Hester will visit Southwell, to find out more about Mercy's death. She will stay with another Quaker family in the Nottinghamshire town. Whilst this family are strangers to Hester, the mother is an old schoolfriend and they are of the faith, so can be trusted.
Whilst Hester has visited the poor and sick, doing good works with her mother, she has never travelled alone, and the two-day journey by horse and carriage is a massive undertaking for her. On arrival at a coaching inn in Southwell, she finds nobody there to meet her, and is insulted to be mocked by the innkeeper.
Hester is a proud, somewhat naive but determined young woman and takes it upon herself to visit the workhouse straight away. One other thing about Hester that differs from other girls of her age is the fact that she sees 'shadowings'; spirits of the dead appear to her. This has always angered her father and Hester now keeps her experiences to herself. Whilst at the workhouse, she feels as though she is accompanied at all times by the shadow of her dead sister Mercy, and what she sees and hears there make her more determined to find out exactly what happened, and is continuing to happen.
This is an excellent gothic mystery, with a hint of the supernatural. Exquisitely written with characters who almost leap from the page, it's such a well paced and wonderfully researched story. The author's skill at describing people, places, sounds, smells and atmosphere is just wonderful and I was utterly engrossed throughout.
The story takes many an unexpected turn that I didn't anticipate at all, it's a fabulous mix of crime thriller and historical mystery. Superbly told and such a joy to read. One of my favourite books of the year so far and highly recommended.
One aspect of this novel that really intrigued me was the setting of Southwell in Nottinghamshire. I was brought up in the county, my parents still live there and I'm just over the border in Lincolnshire now. I've visited Southwell many times and do love to read about places that I know well. Rhiannon Ward brought this small town to life, although it was a very different place in the early 1800s, compared to the quiet, quite dignified town that is is today.
Hester Goodwin comes from a strict Quaker family in Bristol. Her father Amos is very traditional, and is feared more than he is loved. Amos is in very poor health and when a letter arrives from Southwell Workhouse in Nottinghamshire informing the family of the death of Hester's sister Mercy, they are so shocked. Mercy had eloped some time ago, and Amos forbade the use of her name after she left. To learn that she died a pauper in a far away county grieves her sister and her mother.
It is decided that Hester will visit Southwell, to find out more about Mercy's death. She will stay with another Quaker family in the Nottinghamshire town. Whilst this family are strangers to Hester, the mother is an old schoolfriend and they are of the faith, so can be trusted.
Whilst Hester has visited the poor and sick, doing good works with her mother, she has never travelled alone, and the two-day journey by horse and carriage is a massive undertaking for her. On arrival at a coaching inn in Southwell, she finds nobody there to meet her, and is insulted to be mocked by the innkeeper.
Hester is a proud, somewhat naive but determined young woman and takes it upon herself to visit the workhouse straight away. One other thing about Hester that differs from other girls of her age is the fact that she sees 'shadowings'; spirits of the dead appear to her. This has always angered her father and Hester now keeps her experiences to herself. Whilst at the workhouse, she feels as though she is accompanied at all times by the shadow of her dead sister Mercy, and what she sees and hears there make her more determined to find out exactly what happened, and is continuing to happen.
This is an excellent gothic mystery, with a hint of the supernatural. Exquisitely written with characters who almost leap from the page, it's such a well paced and wonderfully researched story. The author's skill at describing people, places, sounds, smells and atmosphere is just wonderful and I was utterly engrossed throughout.
The story takes many an unexpected turn that I didn't anticipate at all, it's a fabulous mix of crime thriller and historical mystery. Superbly told and such a joy to read. One of my favourite books of the year so far and highly recommended.
June 14, 2022
This was a slow burn, gothic mystery in which we follow our main character Hester as she tries to discover what happened to her estranged sister Mercy and her baby who died in a Nottinghamshire workhouse.
I enjoyed the historical elements in this book. I live in Nottinghamshire myself so I felt connected to the setting and could really picture everything in my mind which was nice. I found the story very easy to read and despite it being a slow moving mystery I flew through the book.
The ending was a little disappointing for me as I just felt it was very anti climatic after such a long build up. The mystery ended up being very predictable going exactly as you would expect. There wasn’t really surprises thrown in there. It also felt a bit rushed at the very end and I would have liked to have seen a bit more of where our main characters ended up and some more development in regards to the romance. Overall an average read for this genre. It didn’t do anything particularly unique but was still a nice, quick gothic read with a tiny bit of creepiness thrown in there.
I enjoyed the historical elements in this book. I live in Nottinghamshire myself so I felt connected to the setting and could really picture everything in my mind which was nice. I found the story very easy to read and despite it being a slow moving mystery I flew through the book.
The ending was a little disappointing for me as I just felt it was very anti climatic after such a long build up. The mystery ended up being very predictable going exactly as you would expect. There wasn’t really surprises thrown in there. It also felt a bit rushed at the very end and I would have liked to have seen a bit more of where our main characters ended up and some more development in regards to the romance. Overall an average read for this genre. It didn’t do anything particularly unique but was still a nice, quick gothic read with a tiny bit of creepiness thrown in there.
September 20, 2021
3.5 stars, rounded up. Hester’s family are all Quakers, thanks to her strict father’s rule they live a pious life, especially after the scandal of her sister Mercy’s clandestine elopement.
But then news reaches the family of Mercy’s death, in a workhouse in Southwell. Hester is sent there to find out how on earth her sister ended up in such a place. Upon her arrival Hester discovers a lot more to Mercy’s story - and also uncovers sinister goings on within the workplace.
This is a wonderfully spooky read; the sense of darkness and unease manifests from the pages. Southwell is a grim place filled with superstition and subterfuge, Hester has no idea who to trust and this really adds to the sense of unease. Then there is the Pale Lady, a ghostly figure that steals babies from the workhouse. Is she real or a figment of the women’s imagination?
An evocative and haunting story, perfect for the change in seasons. It felt eerie and intriguing and kept me on my toes throughout, I didn’t see the ending coming at all. If you like richly atmospheric drama with a hint of the supernatural, then this one’s for you.
Thank you Compulsive Readers & Orion Books for my ARC. All views my own.
But then news reaches the family of Mercy’s death, in a workhouse in Southwell. Hester is sent there to find out how on earth her sister ended up in such a place. Upon her arrival Hester discovers a lot more to Mercy’s story - and also uncovers sinister goings on within the workplace.
This is a wonderfully spooky read; the sense of darkness and unease manifests from the pages. Southwell is a grim place filled with superstition and subterfuge, Hester has no idea who to trust and this really adds to the sense of unease. Then there is the Pale Lady, a ghostly figure that steals babies from the workhouse. Is she real or a figment of the women’s imagination?
An evocative and haunting story, perfect for the change in seasons. It felt eerie and intriguing and kept me on my toes throughout, I didn’t see the ending coming at all. If you like richly atmospheric drama with a hint of the supernatural, then this one’s for you.
Thank you Compulsive Readers & Orion Books for my ARC. All views my own.
December 14, 2021
Hester has little to worry about in the world, or so she has always assumed, even with her visions of those no one else can see but that is a closely kept secret for others would merely condone her quite lacking of her senses and perhaps even lock her away, as is the done thing for women of such ramblings and free ideas.
One day she learns of her sister Mercy’s untimely death at a Nottinghamshire workhouse and knows she must travel to Southwell to find out how her poor sister ended up in such a place, and leaving this world.
Her sister’s ghost haunts Hester along her quest to uncover the truth after it is known that her official story reported by the workhouse masters can be nothing but mere fabrication, folly even, far from what actually took place and sealed her sister’s demise.
For you see, Mercy was with child, both she and her unfortunate baby taken by cholera, despite the fact that the workhouse has not had a breakout of such a disease in years….
Hester soon learns that children of the workhouse have been going missing, with one woman claiming the ethereal and elusive Pale Lady, a spectre who steals their babies away by night, responsible but surely this lady is nothing but myth and something much worse is afoot at the Southwell poorhouse?
Will Hester ever reach a satisfactory conclusion as to her sisters death along with the missing children or will something much darker claim her before she can finish her business, finally letting Mercy find peace.
Walking the fine line of what is known and what is not,only slightly parting the veil between two worlds,the author once again draws a silken blanket of deceit,death, betrayal and unexplainable hauntings around you as this mysterious story will keep you glued to its pages. Keep a candle lit.
One day she learns of her sister Mercy’s untimely death at a Nottinghamshire workhouse and knows she must travel to Southwell to find out how her poor sister ended up in such a place, and leaving this world.
Her sister’s ghost haunts Hester along her quest to uncover the truth after it is known that her official story reported by the workhouse masters can be nothing but mere fabrication, folly even, far from what actually took place and sealed her sister’s demise.
For you see, Mercy was with child, both she and her unfortunate baby taken by cholera, despite the fact that the workhouse has not had a breakout of such a disease in years….
Hester soon learns that children of the workhouse have been going missing, with one woman claiming the ethereal and elusive Pale Lady, a spectre who steals their babies away by night, responsible but surely this lady is nothing but myth and something much worse is afoot at the Southwell poorhouse?
Will Hester ever reach a satisfactory conclusion as to her sisters death along with the missing children or will something much darker claim her before she can finish her business, finally letting Mercy find peace.
Walking the fine line of what is known and what is not,only slightly parting the veil between two worlds,the author once again draws a silken blanket of deceit,death, betrayal and unexplainable hauntings around you as this mysterious story will keep you glued to its pages. Keep a candle lit.
September 30, 2021
I don't read many books with supernatural themes (as I'm easily scared! 😆) but I was drawn to this book as I love a gothic historical mystery.
I couldn't stop turning the pages to this and I read the second half in one sitting. I found it impossible to guess who was behind all the sinister events and I thoroughly enjoyed every second!
The story follows the life of Hester, brought up living in a strict Quaker household living in Bristol. At the beginning of the story Hester finds out her sister Mercy (who eloped) has recently died (with child) whilst living in a workhouse in Soutwell, Nottinghamshire.
Hester has always had visits/shadowings and her deceased sister starts to appear among these. Hester feels she needs to find out how and why her sister finished her life in such unfortunate circumstances. She decides to visit the workhouse to find out more.
From her visit she hears rumours of a pale lady taking newborn children from the workhouse at night. The tension builds as Hester's life is put in more and more danger. Can she find out who is behind all the mysterious and tragic events before it's too late?
This is such a creepy story and I loved the atmosphere created throughout from the shadowings of her dead sister, the creepy pale lady and the old gothic buildings and horrible eerie workhouse.
This is the perfect book choice for autumn and Halloween! If you like dark, gothic mysteries with a hint of the supernatural then this is the book for you. I've added The Quickening to my wishlist and will definitely be looking out for future books by this brilliant author.
I couldn't stop turning the pages to this and I read the second half in one sitting. I found it impossible to guess who was behind all the sinister events and I thoroughly enjoyed every second!
The story follows the life of Hester, brought up living in a strict Quaker household living in Bristol. At the beginning of the story Hester finds out her sister Mercy (who eloped) has recently died (with child) whilst living in a workhouse in Soutwell, Nottinghamshire.
Hester has always had visits/shadowings and her deceased sister starts to appear among these. Hester feels she needs to find out how and why her sister finished her life in such unfortunate circumstances. She decides to visit the workhouse to find out more.
From her visit she hears rumours of a pale lady taking newborn children from the workhouse at night. The tension builds as Hester's life is put in more and more danger. Can she find out who is behind all the mysterious and tragic events before it's too late?
This is such a creepy story and I loved the atmosphere created throughout from the shadowings of her dead sister, the creepy pale lady and the old gothic buildings and horrible eerie workhouse.
This is the perfect book choice for autumn and Halloween! If you like dark, gothic mysteries with a hint of the supernatural then this is the book for you. I've added The Quickening to my wishlist and will definitely be looking out for future books by this brilliant author.
August 2, 2024
A book that I thought was going to be a four star read till the 60% mark but then slipped down a few notches. This gothic story set in the past is interesting and atmospheric and I liked the main character Hester who can see spirits, the sightings of which she calls shadowings. She comes from a strict Quaker family where morality is stressed upon. But when her elder sister Mercy elopes with her lover and is later learnt to have died in a Nottinghamshire workhouse, Hester is asked by her mother to undertake the journey to find out Mercy's resting place.
Once she reaches Nottinghamshire she realises that something fishy is going on and that her sister was pregnant when she died. The scared girls in the workhouse tell Hester of the pale lady who takes babies away. Determined to solve this mystery and find what happened to Mercy and Mercy's baby, Hester gets involved in matters which end up putting her in danger of her life.
I felt the book was well-written but a bit too long. The mystery of who could gave been behind the conspiracy was easily guessable after a certain point because there are only a limited number of characters who could be guilty and if you are a seasoned reader of this genre, you will perhaps be able to guess correctly. Tbh, I jumped from the seventy percent mark to the final few chapters because by then the book was beginning to feel a bit repetitive and I just wanted to know if my guess was correct.
But I will give the book this - i thoroughly enjoyed the first sixty percent and it came to me at a time when I was unable to find any book to my liking. So would definitely recommend this for such a time in your reading journey and also if you are a fan of gothic novels.
Once she reaches Nottinghamshire she realises that something fishy is going on and that her sister was pregnant when she died. The scared girls in the workhouse tell Hester of the pale lady who takes babies away. Determined to solve this mystery and find what happened to Mercy and Mercy's baby, Hester gets involved in matters which end up putting her in danger of her life.
I felt the book was well-written but a bit too long. The mystery of who could gave been behind the conspiracy was easily guessable after a certain point because there are only a limited number of characters who could be guilty and if you are a seasoned reader of this genre, you will perhaps be able to guess correctly. Tbh, I jumped from the seventy percent mark to the final few chapters because by then the book was beginning to feel a bit repetitive and I just wanted to know if my guess was correct.
But I will give the book this - i thoroughly enjoyed the first sixty percent and it came to me at a time when I was unable to find any book to my liking. So would definitely recommend this for such a time in your reading journey and also if you are a fan of gothic novels.
August 22, 2021
This is an enthralling combination of genres, crossing historical fiction with mystery, suspense, some paranormal activity, and a touch of romance. I enjoyed the way this book opened up a window to a time, place, society and way of life that were unfamiliar to me before. The main character, Hester, is likeable and relatable, and she carries the story ably, except for the times when a secondary character's perspective provides another degree of insight into the mystery that enshrouds the novel. I thought the writing was very good, and the plot developments were compelling. I'm very interested in reading more by this author and would happily recommend The Shadowing to readers who enjoy historical fiction with a bit of an edge to it.
September 23, 2024
A lil cliché at times but I really liked the mystery (as in I completely disregarded my class reading schedule and finished the book haha). Definitely gothic, it could have been more gruesome, but I’m glad it wasn't!
August 23, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable mix of genres - historical with mystery and suspense. The main character is likeable and shows strength of character throughout and this enables her story to be believable. A really interesting story showing Quaker life alongside issues with the workhouses and unwed mothers. Our main character, Hester, is a young woman who tries to find out the truth of what has happened to her sister.
I enjoyed the conflict of Hester's life as a Quaker and her visits/visions of the dead. There is an excellent atmosphere throughout the propels you to keep reading - you have to know what is going on and what will happen next.
A great series of characters throughout - complex and intriguing. They will bring out strong opinions and all are important in the telling of the story.
I am looking forward to reading more stories by Rhiannon Ward.
I enjoyed the conflict of Hester's life as a Quaker and her visits/visions of the dead. There is an excellent atmosphere throughout the propels you to keep reading - you have to know what is going on and what will happen next.
A great series of characters throughout - complex and intriguing. They will bring out strong opinions and all are important in the telling of the story.
I am looking forward to reading more stories by Rhiannon Ward.
September 17, 2021
Hester, raised in a Quaker family in Bristol, travels to Nottingham determined to find out the circumstances surrounding her sister Mercy’s death in Southwell workhouse. She soon realises that the village of Southwell holds a number of menacing secrets and that the workhouse is at the centre of the deaths and disappearances of impoverished women and their babies.
Hester is guided on her quest by her mysterious shadowings; she has had the ability to see spirits since she was a child but has had to conceal it as it went against Quaker beliefs.
Rhiannon Ward has written a creepy gothic novel which is full of suspense and menace. Hester is a strong, independent protagonist who meets a range of fully fleshed, interesting supporting characters throughout the story. I found myself reading as fast as I could to get to the end to find out what was going to happen - a real page Turner.
This was my first book by this author and I bought her previous book before I had finished this one as I was enjoying it so much.
Hester is guided on her quest by her mysterious shadowings; she has had the ability to see spirits since she was a child but has had to conceal it as it went against Quaker beliefs.
Rhiannon Ward has written a creepy gothic novel which is full of suspense and menace. Hester is a strong, independent protagonist who meets a range of fully fleshed, interesting supporting characters throughout the story. I found myself reading as fast as I could to get to the end to find out what was going to happen - a real page Turner.
This was my first book by this author and I bought her previous book before I had finished this one as I was enjoying it so much.
October 11, 2022
I read the quickening and was so impressed by this author's ability to write and their style that I bought this book without reading a sample. Huge mistake. I'm completely baffled at how different the writing style is. This book is so simple, so poorly written, and so damn boring I cant bring myself to read it. I even skipped a few chapters to see if I'd be able to get into the meat of it. Nope.
September 21, 2021
"The shadowing had returned."
The Shadowing is an atmospheric and absorbing historical gothic mystery overflowing with menace. A story laced with secrets, spirits and sinister happenings, I was drawn in from the first pages right and couldn’t put it down. My mind was full of questions that I needed answers to as desperately as the characters did. And I genuinely had no idea what they were going to be.
Hester Goodwin lives in Bristol with her wealthy family in a strict Quaker home. Three years ago, her sister Mercy disappeared and none of them have heard from her since, until the day they receive a letter informing them that Mercy has died in Southwell Workhouse in Nottinghamshire. But how did her sister end up in such a place? And how did she die? Searching for answers, Hester travels to Southwell to try and answer their questions, little knowing that she is stepping into a much deeper and darker mystery than she ever imagined. One that involves spectres, missing children and cover ups.
I’ve been wanting to read Rhiannon Ward’s books since her debut last year so I jumped at the chance when the opportunity to take part in this blog tour arose. My expectations were high and I’m happy to say that she exceeded them with this magnificent novel. Eloquently and evocatively written, it wrenches you out of your own reality and into the one the author created, making you feel like you can feel a ghostly spirit behind you or that you are walking the dank corridors of the workhouse. As the secrets are slowly revealed and Hester brings the women’s plights to light I got goosebumps from the emotion and tension. Their fear was so palpable that I could feel it's cold claws raking their way down my spine. I was very glad to be reading in the daytime at that point! But, for me, one of the best things about this book is that it genuinely surprised me. I read a lot of mysteries and thrillers, so it isn’t often I’m stumped by an author. But Ward had me at a loss, suspicious of everyone and no real idea who was behind it all, and my jaw hit the floor when it was time for the big reveal.
"Don't let the angelmaker take my baby. She wants it for her own end. If I see her, it's already too late. Do you understand?"
The characters are all richly drawn and compelling, vividly brought to life by the author in such a way that you feel like they are in the room with you. I found Hester to be especially likeable and easy to root for, her naivete giving her an innocent charm that gave her an extra sweetness alongside her courage and determination. The journey to Southwell is a big deal for a woman of her age and standing, and she is both excited and full of trepidation at her task. Her fears only deepen when she arrives at Southwell Workhouse, a gloomy, bleak and eerie place where frightened women tell her stories of ‘the pale lady’ or ‘the angelmaker’, a ghostly figure who takes women’s babies. Instead of answers about Mercy, she’s left with even more questions about what happened to her beloved sister and vows to keep digging until she uncovers the truth, unaware of just how much danger she’s putting herself in.
But the pale lady isn’t the only ghostly part of the story. There are also the shadowings, visions of spirits who appear to Hester that she has experienced since childhood. Her father tried to beat them out of her but they return shortly before she learns of her sister Mercy’s death. She is too terrified of further punishments to mention them, and keenly aware that others, not just her father, will see them as the work of the Devil or Witchcraft. So she keeps them to herself, afraid of the consequences of discovery.
Captivating, dark and haunting, The Shadowing is a sensational gothic mystery with an eerie charm that lingers over every page. Perfect for the cold nights heading our way, this is ideal for reading with a cosy blanket and warm drink by the fire.
The Shadowing is an atmospheric and absorbing historical gothic mystery overflowing with menace. A story laced with secrets, spirits and sinister happenings, I was drawn in from the first pages right and couldn’t put it down. My mind was full of questions that I needed answers to as desperately as the characters did. And I genuinely had no idea what they were going to be.
Hester Goodwin lives in Bristol with her wealthy family in a strict Quaker home. Three years ago, her sister Mercy disappeared and none of them have heard from her since, until the day they receive a letter informing them that Mercy has died in Southwell Workhouse in Nottinghamshire. But how did her sister end up in such a place? And how did she die? Searching for answers, Hester travels to Southwell to try and answer their questions, little knowing that she is stepping into a much deeper and darker mystery than she ever imagined. One that involves spectres, missing children and cover ups.
I’ve been wanting to read Rhiannon Ward’s books since her debut last year so I jumped at the chance when the opportunity to take part in this blog tour arose. My expectations were high and I’m happy to say that she exceeded them with this magnificent novel. Eloquently and evocatively written, it wrenches you out of your own reality and into the one the author created, making you feel like you can feel a ghostly spirit behind you or that you are walking the dank corridors of the workhouse. As the secrets are slowly revealed and Hester brings the women’s plights to light I got goosebumps from the emotion and tension. Their fear was so palpable that I could feel it's cold claws raking their way down my spine. I was very glad to be reading in the daytime at that point! But, for me, one of the best things about this book is that it genuinely surprised me. I read a lot of mysteries and thrillers, so it isn’t often I’m stumped by an author. But Ward had me at a loss, suspicious of everyone and no real idea who was behind it all, and my jaw hit the floor when it was time for the big reveal.
"Don't let the angelmaker take my baby. She wants it for her own end. If I see her, it's already too late. Do you understand?"
The characters are all richly drawn and compelling, vividly brought to life by the author in such a way that you feel like they are in the room with you. I found Hester to be especially likeable and easy to root for, her naivete giving her an innocent charm that gave her an extra sweetness alongside her courage and determination. The journey to Southwell is a big deal for a woman of her age and standing, and she is both excited and full of trepidation at her task. Her fears only deepen when she arrives at Southwell Workhouse, a gloomy, bleak and eerie place where frightened women tell her stories of ‘the pale lady’ or ‘the angelmaker’, a ghostly figure who takes women’s babies. Instead of answers about Mercy, she’s left with even more questions about what happened to her beloved sister and vows to keep digging until she uncovers the truth, unaware of just how much danger she’s putting herself in.
But the pale lady isn’t the only ghostly part of the story. There are also the shadowings, visions of spirits who appear to Hester that she has experienced since childhood. Her father tried to beat them out of her but they return shortly before she learns of her sister Mercy’s death. She is too terrified of further punishments to mention them, and keenly aware that others, not just her father, will see them as the work of the Devil or Witchcraft. So she keeps them to herself, afraid of the consequences of discovery.
Captivating, dark and haunting, The Shadowing is a sensational gothic mystery with an eerie charm that lingers over every page. Perfect for the cold nights heading our way, this is ideal for reading with a cosy blanket and warm drink by the fire.
August 23, 2021
Hester and her Quaker family in Bristol discover that Hester's sister, Mercy has died whilst living at the workhouse in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. Hester is determined to find out why Mercy ended up at the workhouse alone and pregnant. She also wants to know how she died and what happened to her baby.
The story follows Hester's journey to get to the bottom of what happened. Along the way, we meet some dark characters and some kindly ones. Ward's writing made me doubt my initial impressions of some of these people as the book progressed. We also see Hester grow from a somewhat subservient character to a more forthright young lady who is determined to seek out the truth. Mercy's spirit 'shadows' Hester throughout her quest.
Rhiannon Ward has a great way of threading intrigue and suspense through the novel, with dashes of foreboding and murkiness. The chapters are short and punchy which left me keen to get back to the book to find out what would happen next. The book certainly held my attention.
A great novel and if you like stories set in Victorian England with a bit of a dark underbelly, I would certainly recommend this one, especially if you've ever visited Southwell Workhouse as the depiction of the place is brilliant.
The story follows Hester's journey to get to the bottom of what happened. Along the way, we meet some dark characters and some kindly ones. Ward's writing made me doubt my initial impressions of some of these people as the book progressed. We also see Hester grow from a somewhat subservient character to a more forthright young lady who is determined to seek out the truth. Mercy's spirit 'shadows' Hester throughout her quest.
Rhiannon Ward has a great way of threading intrigue and suspense through the novel, with dashes of foreboding and murkiness. The chapters are short and punchy which left me keen to get back to the book to find out what would happen next. The book certainly held my attention.
A great novel and if you like stories set in Victorian England with a bit of a dark underbelly, I would certainly recommend this one, especially if you've ever visited Southwell Workhouse as the depiction of the place is brilliant.
August 18, 2021
Although this is historical fiction, and not my usual genre, I was intrigued from the start. Hester, one of the main characters is a Quaker who has visions or visits from dead people. On the death of her sister in a workhouse far from hone, Hester goes to visit to find out the circumstances of her death. She meets a whole host of characters who appear very correct and caring in the first instance. The writing is great and leads you into a very atmospheric story of illegitimate children and their mothers in the workhouse. The author manages to intertwine the supernatural aspect of the story well, without it being very unrealistic. I enjoyed the development of the relationships between Hester and all the people she came into contact with. This is definitely a book I would recommend to friends for a change of genre.
January 14, 2022
This book kept me gripped from start to finish. Atmospheric and written beautifully. Well deserved five stars. Give it a read, you won’t be disappointed
October 30, 2023
Love this book.
I love everything about this book. It has a very good storyline. But it was very sad what happened to the mother's and babies. If you want to read a great book . Give this one a chance. I will be reading the other book she has written. I also would read the other books. She has written in another name she uses.
I love everything about this book. It has a very good storyline. But it was very sad what happened to the mother's and babies. If you want to read a great book . Give this one a chance. I will be reading the other book she has written. I also would read the other books. She has written in another name she uses.
December 22, 2021
A good read, not too obvious a plot to spoil the start. More interesting for me as I am familiar with the location and have visited Southwell workhouse, making my visualisation of this book strong.
Well written and just the right pace.
Well written and just the right pace.
September 16, 2021
A stunning read, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The historical aspects were fascinating, particularly for me as the story was based around the Workhouse at Southwell in Nottinghamshire, just six miles from the village I grew up in. The descriptions of living in such times were vivid and gritty and felt very authentic. I was also interested in the Quaker aspect as this is not a religious movement I was very familiar with so it was an added draw.
I loved the main characters and they grew at the perfect pace and were very engaging and likeable. The twists and turns were a surprise and cleverly written. The fact that there was a supernatural element was also a bonus and gave the story great atmosphere and an excellent extra element.
I raced through the final part of the book, so keen was I to unravel all the mysteries and tie up the loose ends and I certainly wasn’t disappointed by the ending. I’d definitely recommend this for all of the above reasons.
I loved the main characters and they grew at the perfect pace and were very engaging and likeable. The twists and turns were a surprise and cleverly written. The fact that there was a supernatural element was also a bonus and gave the story great atmosphere and an excellent extra element.
I raced through the final part of the book, so keen was I to unravel all the mysteries and tie up the loose ends and I certainly wasn’t disappointed by the ending. I’d definitely recommend this for all of the above reasons.
March 10, 2022
I found the narrator quite slow paced and the story seemed to be going nowhere,
the last few chapters were more exciting, but I never felt invested in the story
the last few chapters were more exciting, but I never felt invested in the story
January 18, 2023
I read this book in one evening and it gripped me throughout. Variously described on Amazon as Gothic Romance / Historical Fantasy / Metaphysical and Visionary Fiction, this novel is set in the 1840s and opens up to us the life of Southwell Workhouse, Nottingham (now in the ownership of the National Trust), of Quakers and Primitive Methodists and how society viewed them at that time, the system of coach travel just before the railways took over, and also the horror of Victorian baby farming.
Hester, the main protagonist, from a Bristol-based Quaker family, has a tyrannical father, a weak mother, and a very loyal, sympathetic maid, Susanna. Hester combines her strong, determined and steely character with outstanding psychic gifts, intensely aware of “the spirits”, especially her dead sister, Mercy, whose mysterious death at the Southwell Workhouse she sets out to investigate.
I learned so many things from this novel. I had previously been aware that the authorities felt threatened by the Quaker movement when it first arose, and I knew early Quakers were imprisoned and treated like criminals, but I hadn’t realised the deep suspicion and distrust with which the ordinary people viewed Quakers and Primitive Methodists even after the practice of their religion had become legal.
The fact that Hester is a Quaker is recognisable by her plain clothing. I wasn’t at first sure why she needed to hide her “shadowings” (spirit sightings) from her father Amos, and also was mystified why her mother Ruth would feel obliged to tell him, if she knew. It intrigued me to discover that some Quakers at that time were quite fanatic and as bad as the most extreme Puritans and members of the Brethren sects – I had always thought the hallmark of Quakerism was tolerance and open-mindedness. This was a revelation to me.
The story begins with the arrival of a formal death notification from the superintendent of the Southwell Workhouse, addressed to Hester’s father. Hester’s sister Mercy, who ran away from home three years ago, has died at the Workhouse.
It then becomes Hester’s task to set off from Bristol to Southwell, and unravel the mystery.
The author’s description of travel by coach before the first railways began to be built in England was vividly described and answered many questions to which I had previously not known the answer. The novel gave me a very good feel for what it would have been like, in all its details, especially for a woman travelling alone.
Hester first arrives at the local coaching inn, run by Matthew, and spends a considerable time there awaiting her hosts, Dorothea and daughter Caroline, who are also Quakers but much more liberal. Matthew is going to play a significant role in this story, though Hester doesn’t know that yet. Finally, her hosts arrive and take her to their home – they are clearly well-to-do and ‘worldly’, a term used several times in this novel in a positive sense, meaning realistic and open-minded.
Hester pursues the mystery surrounding Mercy’s death, and the question of why she didn’t marry the man she eloped with, Mr Philips; why she never returned to her family nor did she, apparently, ever contact them; why she instead turned up at the Southwell Workhouse; why and how she died, and why she didn’t tell the Workhouse authorities that she was a Friend, or Quaker (which would have entitled her to different burial arrangements).
When Hester travels to visit the workhouse, we discover the local people view it with fear and horror; and once inside she learns that pregnant women are put in the dormitories for the “undeserving poor” and “given extra religious instruction” (meaning, as we would now describe it, ‘moralised at’ and ‘psychologically abused’). The more she learns about the system at the workhouse, the more shameful it becomes, exposing a system of callousness, cruelty and inhuman exploitation. Later Hester meets the local parson, and we discover he’s a nasty piece of work as well.
Throughout the story, the feeling of ghostly presences hovering around Hester is very strong, giving urgency to her mission.
The outcome of the story is both surprising and shocking, totally reversing our previous view of quite a few characters; and it will certainly have you doing your own online research about many aspects of mid nineteenth century England.
Hester, the main protagonist, from a Bristol-based Quaker family, has a tyrannical father, a weak mother, and a very loyal, sympathetic maid, Susanna. Hester combines her strong, determined and steely character with outstanding psychic gifts, intensely aware of “the spirits”, especially her dead sister, Mercy, whose mysterious death at the Southwell Workhouse she sets out to investigate.
I learned so many things from this novel. I had previously been aware that the authorities felt threatened by the Quaker movement when it first arose, and I knew early Quakers were imprisoned and treated like criminals, but I hadn’t realised the deep suspicion and distrust with which the ordinary people viewed Quakers and Primitive Methodists even after the practice of their religion had become legal.
The fact that Hester is a Quaker is recognisable by her plain clothing. I wasn’t at first sure why she needed to hide her “shadowings” (spirit sightings) from her father Amos, and also was mystified why her mother Ruth would feel obliged to tell him, if she knew. It intrigued me to discover that some Quakers at that time were quite fanatic and as bad as the most extreme Puritans and members of the Brethren sects – I had always thought the hallmark of Quakerism was tolerance and open-mindedness. This was a revelation to me.
The story begins with the arrival of a formal death notification from the superintendent of the Southwell Workhouse, addressed to Hester’s father. Hester’s sister Mercy, who ran away from home three years ago, has died at the Workhouse.
It then becomes Hester’s task to set off from Bristol to Southwell, and unravel the mystery.
The author’s description of travel by coach before the first railways began to be built in England was vividly described and answered many questions to which I had previously not known the answer. The novel gave me a very good feel for what it would have been like, in all its details, especially for a woman travelling alone.
Hester first arrives at the local coaching inn, run by Matthew, and spends a considerable time there awaiting her hosts, Dorothea and daughter Caroline, who are also Quakers but much more liberal. Matthew is going to play a significant role in this story, though Hester doesn’t know that yet. Finally, her hosts arrive and take her to their home – they are clearly well-to-do and ‘worldly’, a term used several times in this novel in a positive sense, meaning realistic and open-minded.
Hester pursues the mystery surrounding Mercy’s death, and the question of why she didn’t marry the man she eloped with, Mr Philips; why she never returned to her family nor did she, apparently, ever contact them; why she instead turned up at the Southwell Workhouse; why and how she died, and why she didn’t tell the Workhouse authorities that she was a Friend, or Quaker (which would have entitled her to different burial arrangements).
When Hester travels to visit the workhouse, we discover the local people view it with fear and horror; and once inside she learns that pregnant women are put in the dormitories for the “undeserving poor” and “given extra religious instruction” (meaning, as we would now describe it, ‘moralised at’ and ‘psychologically abused’). The more she learns about the system at the workhouse, the more shameful it becomes, exposing a system of callousness, cruelty and inhuman exploitation. Later Hester meets the local parson, and we discover he’s a nasty piece of work as well.
Throughout the story, the feeling of ghostly presences hovering around Hester is very strong, giving urgency to her mission.
The outcome of the story is both surprising and shocking, totally reversing our previous view of quite a few characters; and it will certainly have you doing your own online research about many aspects of mid nineteenth century England.
September 13, 2021
The Shadowing follows Hester, the youngest daughter of a well-to-do family of Bristol Quakers. When the family learn that Hester’s elder sister Mercy has died at a Nottinghamshire workhouse, Hester is sent north to Southwell to find out exactly how her sister ended up in such a place, why she had not felt she could draw on the support of her fellow Friends in the area, and whether she has received the burial rites due to her as a Quaker.
As Hester journeys north, she is aware of a presence travelling with her. Beset by traumatic dreams and ghostly visions – ‘shadowings’ – since childhood, Hester knows it is Mercy who travels alongside her. And when she reaches Southwell Workhouse, she soon discovers why. Mercy was pregnant when she died – and although the Master and Mistress of the Workhouse claim both she and the child were taken by cholera, Hester soon discovers that there hasn’t been an outbreak for years.
With the reluctant aid of local innkeeper Matthew and his serving maid Joan, Hester sets about investigating what is really going on at Southwell Workhouse. Why are her new Friends – fellow Quakers Dorothea and Caroline – so reluctant for her to visit the place? Why does the young town doctor take such an interest in her visits there? And who exactly is the ghostly Pale Lady who terrifies the women and apparently steals babies in the depths of night?
As with her previous historical novel, The Quickening, Rhiannon Ward has provided a compelling and atmospheric blend of historical mystery and ghost story in The Shadowing. I was fascinated by the historical detail – from Hester’s Quaker background to the realities of life in the Workhouse, there’s a real sense of both time and place in the novel, and you can tell that the author has done her research – although it is lightly worn and woven expertly into the story.
The novel doesn’t shy away from portraying the grim realities of Workhouse life – especially for those deemed the ‘undeserving’ poor. I felt great compassion for the women (and, sadly, they were primarily women) forced to rely on the ‘charity’ of the parish due to abandonment or widowhood – and the novel does a great job of showing just how easy it would be for a young woman deemed ‘respectable’ and well-to-do like Hester to end up in a situation where her life – and her fate – is taken wholly out of her control.
Hester herself is a spirited main character. Although somewhat naïve – a result of her sheltered and strict upbringing – she is determined to get to the bottom of the unexplained deaths and disappearance at the Workhouse. I really liked the way in which Hester’s Quaker beliefs were woven into the plot, and the way in which they often ran counter to the more common ethos about who was ‘deserving’ of charity and the chance of redemption. Hester’s relationship with Matthew – the somewhat gruff and forthright publican at Southwell’s coaching in – is also really well done, moving from antagonistic to grudgingly respectful as the story progresses despite their very different upbringings and outlooks.
Although the supernatural element is stronger in The Shadowing than in The Quickening, Hester’s supernatural visitations and psychic senses are woven into the plot in a way that is wholly believable, and that adds an ever present sense of unease to the novel. Although Hester’s ‘shadowings’ are ghostly apparitions, the whole novel is imbued with an atmosphere of shadowiness (and some brilliant moments of foreshadowing), with Southwell itself quickly becoming a place of secrets and shadows, ready to leap at Hester from every corner.
Anyone who enjoyed The Quickening is sure to find The Shadowing a worthy follow-up, packed with the same level of historical detail and a brilliantly eerie atmosphere, and headed up by another strong and determined female lead. With its blend of historical mystery and supernatural happenings, The Shadowing is also the perfect fit for fans of Laura Purcell and Anita Frank, and an excellent addition to the popular genre of Modern Gothic.
NB: This review appears on my blog at https://theshelfofunreadbooks.wordpre.... My thanks go to the publisher and to Netgalley UK for providing an ecopy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
As Hester journeys north, she is aware of a presence travelling with her. Beset by traumatic dreams and ghostly visions – ‘shadowings’ – since childhood, Hester knows it is Mercy who travels alongside her. And when she reaches Southwell Workhouse, she soon discovers why. Mercy was pregnant when she died – and although the Master and Mistress of the Workhouse claim both she and the child were taken by cholera, Hester soon discovers that there hasn’t been an outbreak for years.
With the reluctant aid of local innkeeper Matthew and his serving maid Joan, Hester sets about investigating what is really going on at Southwell Workhouse. Why are her new Friends – fellow Quakers Dorothea and Caroline – so reluctant for her to visit the place? Why does the young town doctor take such an interest in her visits there? And who exactly is the ghostly Pale Lady who terrifies the women and apparently steals babies in the depths of night?
As with her previous historical novel, The Quickening, Rhiannon Ward has provided a compelling and atmospheric blend of historical mystery and ghost story in The Shadowing. I was fascinated by the historical detail – from Hester’s Quaker background to the realities of life in the Workhouse, there’s a real sense of both time and place in the novel, and you can tell that the author has done her research – although it is lightly worn and woven expertly into the story.
The novel doesn’t shy away from portraying the grim realities of Workhouse life – especially for those deemed the ‘undeserving’ poor. I felt great compassion for the women (and, sadly, they were primarily women) forced to rely on the ‘charity’ of the parish due to abandonment or widowhood – and the novel does a great job of showing just how easy it would be for a young woman deemed ‘respectable’ and well-to-do like Hester to end up in a situation where her life – and her fate – is taken wholly out of her control.
Hester herself is a spirited main character. Although somewhat naïve – a result of her sheltered and strict upbringing – she is determined to get to the bottom of the unexplained deaths and disappearance at the Workhouse. I really liked the way in which Hester’s Quaker beliefs were woven into the plot, and the way in which they often ran counter to the more common ethos about who was ‘deserving’ of charity and the chance of redemption. Hester’s relationship with Matthew – the somewhat gruff and forthright publican at Southwell’s coaching in – is also really well done, moving from antagonistic to grudgingly respectful as the story progresses despite their very different upbringings and outlooks.
Although the supernatural element is stronger in The Shadowing than in The Quickening, Hester’s supernatural visitations and psychic senses are woven into the plot in a way that is wholly believable, and that adds an ever present sense of unease to the novel. Although Hester’s ‘shadowings’ are ghostly apparitions, the whole novel is imbued with an atmosphere of shadowiness (and some brilliant moments of foreshadowing), with Southwell itself quickly becoming a place of secrets and shadows, ready to leap at Hester from every corner.
Anyone who enjoyed The Quickening is sure to find The Shadowing a worthy follow-up, packed with the same level of historical detail and a brilliantly eerie atmosphere, and headed up by another strong and determined female lead. With its blend of historical mystery and supernatural happenings, The Shadowing is also the perfect fit for fans of Laura Purcell and Anita Frank, and an excellent addition to the popular genre of Modern Gothic.
NB: This review appears on my blog at https://theshelfofunreadbooks.wordpre.... My thanks go to the publisher and to Netgalley UK for providing an ecopy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review.
September 17, 2021
The Shadowing book title refers to Hester and the ghosts she has seen since childhood, something she can’t talk about as it angers her father, going against his religion. I found Hester a fascinating character, and was drawn to her story as she took charge of her own life and grew throughout the book. Hester has been bought up in a strict Quaker household where there are no books, only a couple of servants, no social life as she is expected to visit the sick and poor and has to wear only grey and muted colours. I found it interesting that her only friend is Susanna the maid, who is the only person who knows she still sees ghosts and spirits, especailly that her sister. For a sheltered young woman it is a huge undertaking to travel from Bristol to Southwell in Nottinghamshire on her own and stay with a family she doesn’t know. In Southwell she found herself between two very different worlds, the sparseness and disturbing workhouse and the frippery and sophistication of her host family, the Francombe’s, who are also Quaker but a lot more lax. Her self belief did not waver in either situation, never succumbing to the influence of the Francombe’s or the criticism of her religion in the workhouse. She is a determined young woman, will stop at nothing to get to the truth and help others in doing so. As for the other characters I was never quite sure who to trust, all seem to have an agenda, where Hester is concerened.
Rhiannon Ward creates an atmosphere of unease, fear and menace that underpins this book from start to finish. Hester is led by the ghost of her sister in her investigations and sometimes she doesn’t know if she is seeing spirits or real people, and at the workhouse there is talk of the ‘Pale Lady’who appears at night. The historical element is well researched and Rhiannon Ward captures the atmosphere of the workhouse, the division of those who are ‘worthy’ and those ‘unworthy’, and the very different treatment of the two. This also opens up the question of corruption by those who run the workhouses, and how easy it is for women to find themselves, by no fault of their own, in a situation where they have to enter the workhouse. Rhiannon Ward doesn’t over dramatise the events in this book, like the Hester’s ‘Shadowings’, which adds to the authenticity and understated style of the book. Pace wise, it is fairly fast paced especially the last third of the book, making it a hard book to put down.
The Shadowing is a fabulously dark, compelling and sinister read. Hester is a wonderful heroine, whose strength, intelligence and determination shine through in her actions and invesigations. Rhiannon Ward’s writing is brilliantly understated keeping focus on the story and the characters, keeping the reader gripped from start to finish. A spine-tinglingly gothic read!
Rhiannon Ward creates an atmosphere of unease, fear and menace that underpins this book from start to finish. Hester is led by the ghost of her sister in her investigations and sometimes she doesn’t know if she is seeing spirits or real people, and at the workhouse there is talk of the ‘Pale Lady’who appears at night. The historical element is well researched and Rhiannon Ward captures the atmosphere of the workhouse, the division of those who are ‘worthy’ and those ‘unworthy’, and the very different treatment of the two. This also opens up the question of corruption by those who run the workhouses, and how easy it is for women to find themselves, by no fault of their own, in a situation where they have to enter the workhouse. Rhiannon Ward doesn’t over dramatise the events in this book, like the Hester’s ‘Shadowings’, which adds to the authenticity and understated style of the book. Pace wise, it is fairly fast paced especially the last third of the book, making it a hard book to put down.
The Shadowing is a fabulously dark, compelling and sinister read. Hester is a wonderful heroine, whose strength, intelligence and determination shine through in her actions and invesigations. Rhiannon Ward’s writing is brilliantly understated keeping focus on the story and the characters, keeping the reader gripped from start to finish. A spine-tinglingly gothic read!
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