A suspense-filled retelling of the dark summer that should have broken Mary Shelley – but inspired her to write Frankenstein instead . . .
Villa Diodati, Lake Geneva, 1816.
Eighteen-year-old Mary Shelley has fled London with her lover, Percy Shelley, and her sister, Claire. Tormented by Shelley’s betrayals, haunted by the loss of their baby and suspicious of her sister’s intentions, Mary seeks a refuge.
But Lord Byron’s villa, lying under ash-shrouded skies, feels more like a trap.
When Byron suggests each guest write a supernatural tale, Mary is as drawn to the challenge as she is, unexpectedly, to Byron himself.
An idea begins to form in her mind . . . spilling out of her in thick, black ink.
A thing given life is before her. But is she in control, or is it?
Format: Paperback
Pages: 400
Imprint: Michael Joseph UK
Publication date: 23/09/2025
