The Poison Thread

A Novel

By: Laura Purcell

Narrated by: Jayne Entwistle, Elizabeth Knowelden

"[An] uncanny Gothic mystery... Satisfying."—New York Times Book Review

"A romping read with a deliciously dark conceit at its center... Reminded me of Alias Grace."—Kiran Millwood Hargrave

From the author of The Silent Companions, a thrilling Victorian gothic horror story about a young seamstress who claims her needle and thread have the power to kill

Dorothea Truelove is young, wealthy, and beautiful. Ruth Butterham is young, poor, and awaiting trial for murder.

When Dorothea's charitable work brings her to Oakgate Prison, she is delighted by the chance to explore her fascination with phrenology and test her hypothesis that the shape of a person's skull can cast a light on their darkest crimes. But when she meets one of the prisoners, the teenaged seamstress Ruth, she is faced with another strange idea: that it is possible to kill with a needle and thread--because Ruth attributes her crimes to a supernatural power inherent in her stitches.

The story Ruth has to tell of her deadly creations—of bitterness and betrayal, of death and dresses—will shake Dorothea's belief in rationality, and the power of redemption. Can Ruth be trusted? Is she mad, or a murderer? For fans of Shirley Jackson, The Poison Thread is a spine-tingling, sinister read about the evil that lurks behind the facade of innocence.

absolutely fantastic introduction to Ms Purcell

I grabbed this book by chance and I am beyond glad that I did! not only is the story enthralling, the characters interesting and well-developed, but the performance is fantastic. 10/10 would recommend for any fan of slow burning horror.

Dark Story, but I really liked it

I really enjoyed this book! I liked the different voices of the two characters. Really well done!

Compelling read!

Very compelling read with twists and turns. Good performances, excellent story. Well executed overall. Recommended.

Really enjoyed the story

I really enjoyed it! The story kept me intrigued. I was not anticipating how everything came together at the end.

A perfect escape

An artfully woven tale well performed. A perfect escape from reality in these uncertain times.