The Library of Ink and Shadow

Now: When Hester is tasked with finding a rare text in a private library, she expects that all she will need to do is find the entry in the catalogue and collect the book.

But arriving at the correct shelf, instead she discovers in its place a different manuscript. Within it, is a hidden clue... And so a quest – set nearly 350 years before – begins...

1687: When bookbinder Eleanor Tylney’s husband dies in front of her, from a fatal knife wound, he uses his last words to beg her to protect the text he holds in his arms.

For unbeknownst to Elinor, he was a member of the Brotherhood of Ink and Shadow, who swore to protect precious manuscripts from the follies of kings, queens and their ever-changing religions and alliances.

At first she has no idea where to hide it, but then realises she is in a position to do what nobody else can. After all... where better to hide a book than within another book? And then conceal it in a vast library. All she has to do is lay the trail, before others who are intent on possessing it catch up with her...

‘Incredible... Brilliant dual-timeframe fiction ... Gripping... Had me completely hooked.’ Bestselling author, Martina Cole

‘Marchant is a master of the dual timeline, bringing history alive, and cleverly drawing you in to her atmospheric and engaging worlds.’ Bestselling author, Jenni Keer

‘Fantastic – atmospheric, compulsive and so spooky it had the hairs standing up on the back of my neck! It has so much emotional heart as well, a really beautifully written book.’ Bestselling author, Nicola Cornick

‘I was completely hooked by this brilliant timeslip novel. Unmissable!’ Bestselling author, Louise Douglas

‘A page turning historical novel that kept me guessing until the very end.’ Bestselling author, Rachel Burton

‘I was completely hooked by this brilliant timeslip novel. Unmissable!’ Bestselling author, Louise Douglas

‘I absolutely loved this book... Historical fiction at its best. I loved the two strong women bound by place and history. I read \[it\] in two sittings, it was hard to put down!’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wow!!! I was totally hooked from the very first page... A real page turner!’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘A wonderful timeslip novel, that reminds me of Barbara Erskine... Highly recommended.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Wonderful!... A totally absorbing tale, I read it in a day... I absolutely loved it.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Amazing and fascinating... So atmospheric... So many brilliant twists, and breath-holding moments, I really struggled to put down this fantastic book!’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘I absolutely loved this book... I’ve been in a reading rut recently and this book reignited my love and I finished the whole thing in snatched moments in one day... I loved it.’ Reader Review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐