Listeners

High in the Appalachian Mountains is a place quite unlike any other. The Avallon Hotel, skilfully run by June ‘Hoss’ Hudson, is famed for offering unrivalled luxury to wealthy guests who come to indulge in its beautiful hot springs and the wild curative sweetwater. June has known its power since the day she stepped through the century-old doors – and into the fold of the Gilfoyle family, the hotel’s owners.

But in 1942, the real world intrudes. When the eldest Gilfoyle son strikes a deal with the State Department to host three hundred enemy diplomats and sympathisers, war comes to the Avallon.

June’s priority is business as usual. But not every new guest is who they seem – not least the government man with the coal tattoo who listens for secrets through the hotel walls and watches June with soft, dark eyes. As dangerous alliances and unexpected desires crack the polished veneer of the Avallon, the life June has fought for rests on a knife-edge.

After all, only she knows the sacrifice required to keep the peace in this place. And keep the mountain sweetwater at bay.

The extraordinary, genre-defying debut adult novel by the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author.

‘Mesmeric, original, and stunning. Maggie Stiefvater is an exceptional talent, and The Listeners is by turns a beautiful love story, a fascinating glimpse into the horrors of history, and a haunting tale of loyalty and courage. A marvel of storytelling. I really couldn’t have loved it more’ CHRIS WHITAKER, bestselling author of All the Colours of the Dark

‘Cinematic and so very satisfying… A phenomenally immersive read’ CLAIRE LOMBARDO, bestselling author of The Most Fun We Ever Had

‘A marvel: strange, witty, moving, exuberant… the whole book somehow succeeds in being at once gloriously extravagant and perfectly poised ROBERT MACFARLANE

Format: Paperback
Pages: 432
Imprint: Headline Review
Publication date: 10/06/2025