In this 1920s-set historical thriller, a catatonic mental patient holds a horrifying secret, and someone is desperate to ensure her silence.
The Great War is over, but for Edith Potter an equally devastating conflict is about to begin.
She is unhinged by a secret so terrible her conscious mind doesn’t acknowledge it.
It is 1927, and Dr Stephen Maynard is using the new science of psychoanalysis to restore her sanity.
From his first meeting with her in the lunatic asylum, Dr Stephen Maynard is determined to bring her back to reality. During the long challenge, her disturbed behaviour forces him to confront his limitations – already severely stretched by the presence of someone prepared to use whatever weapons they can to ensure she maintains her silence . . .
Ruth Wade was born in Sheffield Park station house on the cusp of the Bluebell Line becoming a heritage steam railway. Her formative years continued to be influenced by the past as she was brought up in the seaside town which can boast England’s first ever motorcar races, and the art deco splendour that is the De La Warr Pavilion. A part-time lecturer in creative writing for Cambridge colleges and academies, her two great passions are longbow archery and the Argentine Tango. Sadly, she is not nearly as accomplished at either as she’d like. Ruth Wade also writes the May Keaps series as BK Duncan. www.ruthwade.com @RuthWadewriter