Description

Book Synopsis

For fans of Barbara Erskine and Kate Morton comes an unforgettable novel about three women and the power one lie can have over history.

London, 1662:
There was something the Winter Queen needed to tell him. She fought for the strength to speak.
‘The crystal mirror is a danger. It must be destroyed – ‘
He replied instantly. ‘It will’.

Ashdown, Oxfordshire, present day: Ben Ansell is researching his family tree when he disappears. As his sister Holly begins a desperate search, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to an ornate antique mirror and to the diary of Lavinia, a 19th century courtesan who was living at Ashdown House when it burned to the ground over 200 years ago.

Intrigued, and determined to find out more about the tragedy at Ashdown, Holly’s only hope is that uncovering the truth about the past will lead her to Ben.

*************************************************************

Readers love Nicola Cornick:

‘Alluring and hypnotising… I was hooked from page one.’

‘A haunting and mesmerising story.’

‘Atmospheric and filled with tension and danger.’

‘Full of dark twists and spooky turns. Brilliantly written, unguessable and page-turning.’

‘Spellbinding, with a narrative that left me bewitched. Not to be missed!’

‘A fabulous read. I was completely enthralled, and kept guessing throughout.’



Trade Review

Praise for Nicola Cornick:

‘A fascinating tale with intriguing twists.’ Barbara Erskine

‘I was hooked from the first pages.’ Gill Paul

‘You just can’t put it down. Brilliant!’ Katie Fforde

‘A gorgeous novel, so fresh and original. And the tension! I was on the edge of my seat.’ Jenny Ashcroft

‘There is much to enjoy in a sumptuous novel that slips between present day and 1557.’ Sunday Mirror

‘Ms. Cornick is first-class, queen of her game.’ Romance Junkies

‘A rising star.’ Publishers Weekly

‘Fans of Kate Morton will enjoy this gripping tale.’ Candis

‘This compelling yet poignant and at times frightening story calls out to every historical fiction lovers out there to read it and enjoy its glory forever’ Book Stop Corner

‘Her books are fabulous’. New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn

‘A sumptuous, spell-binding story’ Sara Manning, Red Online

House Of Shadows

    Product form

    £13.29

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £13.99 – you save £0.70 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Fri 19 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback by Nicola Cornick

    15 in stock


      View other formats and editions of House Of Shadows by Nicola Cornick

      Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
      Publication Date: 05/11/2015
      ISBN13: 9781848454163, 978-1848454163
      ISBN10: 1848454163

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      For fans of Barbara Erskine and Kate Morton comes an unforgettable novel about three women and the power one lie can have over history.

      London, 1662:
      There was something the Winter Queen needed to tell him. She fought for the strength to speak.
      ‘The crystal mirror is a danger. It must be destroyed – ‘
      He replied instantly. ‘It will’.

      Ashdown, Oxfordshire, present day: Ben Ansell is researching his family tree when he disappears. As his sister Holly begins a desperate search, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to an ornate antique mirror and to the diary of Lavinia, a 19th century courtesan who was living at Ashdown House when it burned to the ground over 200 years ago.

      Intrigued, and determined to find out more about the tragedy at Ashdown, Holly’s only hope is that uncovering the truth about the past will lead her to Ben.

      *************************************************************

      Readers love Nicola Cornick:

      ‘Alluring and hypnotising… I was hooked from page one.’

      ‘A haunting and mesmerising story.’

      ‘Atmospheric and filled with tension and danger.’

      ‘Full of dark twists and spooky turns. Brilliantly written, unguessable and page-turning.’

      ‘Spellbinding, with a narrative that left me bewitched. Not to be missed!’

      ‘A fabulous read. I was completely enthralled, and kept guessing throughout.’



      Trade Review

      Praise for Nicola Cornick:

      ‘A fascinating tale with intriguing twists.’ Barbara Erskine

      ‘I was hooked from the first pages.’ Gill Paul

      ‘You just can’t put it down. Brilliant!’ Katie Fforde

      ‘A gorgeous novel, so fresh and original. And the tension! I was on the edge of my seat.’ Jenny Ashcroft

      ‘There is much to enjoy in a sumptuous novel that slips between present day and 1557.’ Sunday Mirror

      ‘Ms. Cornick is first-class, queen of her game.’ Romance Junkies

      ‘A rising star.’ Publishers Weekly

      ‘Fans of Kate Morton will enjoy this gripping tale.’ Candis

      ‘This compelling yet poignant and at times frightening story calls out to every historical fiction lovers out there to read it and enjoy its glory forever’ Book Stop Corner

      ‘Her books are fabulous’. New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn

      ‘A sumptuous, spell-binding story’ Sara Manning, Red Online

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account