House of Shades: A Novel

In this dark, immersive tale steeped in atmosphere and drama, the author of Theatre of Marvels returns to Victorian London to tell the story of a young Black female doctor’s dangerous quest to find the truth that unearth the secrets of the past.

London, 1833.

Doctress Hester Reeves has been offered a life-changing commission.

But it comes at a price. She must leave behind her husband and their canal-side home in Kings Cross and move to Tall Trees—a dark and foreboding house in Fitzrovia.

If Hester can cure the ailing health of its owner, Gervaise Cherville, she will receive payment that will bring her everything she could dream of.

But on arriving at Tall Trees, Hester quickly discovers that an even bigger task awaits her. Now she must unearth secrets that have lain hidden for decades – including one that will leave Hester’s own life forever changed. . . .

"With haunting imagery, Dillsworth delivers a fast-paced story of overcoming familial treachery, racism, and social inequality.” - Booklist

"A gripping Gothic tale that weaves a page-turning plot together with blazing social commentary and a protagonist, Hester, who leaps off the page" - Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City

“Historical fiction fans will be pleased.” - Publishers Weekly

"Intensely moving, compulsively readable and beautifully written. Hester is a wonderful protagonist. I thoroughly enjoyed it" - Rosie Andrews, author of the Sunday Times bestseller The Leviathan

"Gripping, heart-breaking and brilliantly told. Hester Reeves is fresh and relatable – I felt every twist and turn of her story and was rooting for her from the get-go" - Lucy Barker, author of The Other Side of Mrs. Wood.

"I loved this original and compelling tale of intrigue, quest, and retribution... one not to be missed" - Mary Chamberlain, author of The Dressmaker's War

"A cracking read and a deft (and timely) unpicking of complex questions around atonement and accountability. Wildly refreshing and full of heart" - Hester Musson, author of The Beholders