Natalie Bayley
Natalie lives in NSW, Australia where she teaches English, enjoys ocean swimming and whispering to cats.
Country of Origin
Kathryn Darkling, imprisoned in Holloway, is facing death by hanging for her vengeance killing. Haunted by a spirit, she still hopes to perform the ancient black magic that will free her soul, or her struggle to punish the mighty will have been in vain. Will the love of her life come to her aid?
Or can she find a way to escape her fate?
ISBN
9781912430871
Year of Publication
Publisher
Link to Publisher
Genre
Awards
I loved this book and couldn’t put it down.
The author has created such an intense worldview by aligning us with Kathryn’s strange point of view. You know you shouldn’t support her actions (which are often gruesome) but you just WANT her to get away with it.
It’s set in Edwardian times, (and deftly researched- especially the First World War and the Paris opium scenes) but Kathryn reminded me of more contemporary psychopaths like Killing Eve or The Talented Mr Ripley. The love aspect of the story is beautifully drawn and fully humanizes Kathryn. I was initially dubious about the supernatural twist, but the author handles it well and it adds a great spooky atmosphere to the plot.
Will there be more from Natalie Bayley? I hope so.
Highly recommended.