The Shadow on the Bridge: A BRAND NEW gorgeously gripping and atmospheric historical novel from Clare Marchant for 2025

‘You must forever watch your back,’ I spoke the words clearly, though he could not hear me. ‘Come what may, I shall avenge my brother’s death.’

Now: When Sarah’s summoned by her godmother to remote Norfolk, she doesn’t want to go. Crossing the bridges where the two rivers meet, said to be haunted by the ghost of a little boy, a large Tudor house looms in front of her. And Sarah’s instantly reminded her of the summer when she last visited. The summer she would like to forget. Which left her unable to ever move forward... Can a person ever recover from the loss of a sibling?

1571: Anne Howard, newly-made countess of Arundel, has also lost a sibling. And been dragged from the relative safety of her home in remote Norfolk to London, by her overbearing, manipulative, new father-in-law Thomas Howard; the very person she suspects of killing her beloved only brother. The Howards have greater secrets than this though. Secrets that will lead Anne to a tragedy that will echo down the ages...

When Sarah finds a mysterious book of poems in a hidden chamber of her godmother’s house, she is drawn into Anne’s story. Perhaps the mystery will take her mind off her own loss? But – as the flood waters begin to rise under the bridges – is Sarah laying ghosts to rest, or bringing truths to the surface that should stay beneath?

A completely haunting, gripping historical novel, perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir, and Diane Setterfield’s Once Upon a River.

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

‘A haunting tale of one woman’s struggle to be independent at a time when strong women were seen as a threat and dealt with accordingly... Gripped me from the first page and refused to let go.’ Bestselling author, Jenni Keer

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

‘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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘Captivating... [A] gripping story of courage, resilience, history, triumph, discovery and hard-fought freedom. I highly recommend it!’ 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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘An amazing read!... The ending was perfection!’ 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 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐