House of Splinters
books by Laura Purcell
'Laura Purcell really is a master of the unsettling ghost story' Jen Williams Not every house is a home... Belinda Bainbridge has spent her life in the shadow of her anxious mother, so when her father-in-law dies at The Bridge, his remote ancestral seat, she is secretly thrilled. His death means she, her husband Wilfred and their children can relocate and finally begin to create their own happy home born a merchant's daughter, she will now be lady of the manor.But their new home quickly proves far from ideal. The garden is a wilderness, the estate is struggling financially, there are whispers about the mysterious death of a servant many years before while their young son, Freddie, seems unusually fixated on the strange wooden figures – so-called 'silent companions' – that were once owned by his ancestors.When Wilfred's charismatic brother, Nathan, arrives unexpectedly from abroad, bringing a very different account of the family's past, Belinda begins to question what her... The story encourages reflection by presenting situations that resonate on a personal level. Rather than offering simple answers, it invites readers to consider different perspectives. This openness adds depth and relevance. The book’s descriptive passages serve to enhance rather than dominate the narrative. Settings are portrayed clearly enough to establish atmosphere, yet they never distract from the story’s core focus. This measured use of description supports immersion.