But when strange events begin to take place around the theatre, Jenny wonders if the rumours are true, and fears that when the Muse comes calling for payment, the cost will be too high. She is a must read author for me as I have read her four previous Gothic novels and all have impressed me. On stage, it's as though Lilith is possessed by the characters she plays, yet off stage she is as tragic as the Muse who inspires her, and Jenny, sorry for her, befriends the troubled actress. ‘The Whispering Muse’ is Laura Purcell’s fifth historical Gothic thriller. What Jenny finds is a woman as astonishing in her performance as she is provocative in nature. Suspicious of Lilith, the jealous wife of the theatre owner sends dresser Jenny to spy on her, and desperate for the money to help her family, Jenny agrees. Just like Laura’s other novels, this too is richly imagined and dark with supernatural elements thrown in for good measure. No one does modern gothic literature quite like Laura Purcell.

It is said that the lead actress Lilith has made a pact with Melpomene, the tragic muse of Greek mythology, to become the greatest actress to ever grace the stage. The Whispering Muse is an evocative gothic tale of murder set in the Victorian theatre.

At The Mercury Theatre in London's West End, rumours are circulating of a curse. On stage, its as though Lilith is possessed by the characters she plays, yet off stage she is as tragic as the Muse who inspires her, and Jenny, sorry for her, befriends the troubled actress. glitteringly dark and mesmerising' Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ariadne and Elektra _ Be careful what you wish for. What Jenny finds is a woman as astonishing in her performance as she is provocative in nature. Watch out for it - but beware.' Bridget Collins, author of number one bestseller, The Binding 'Deliciously creepy, riveting and full of heart with compelling characters and brilliant twists. I think I love it the best out of all Laura's books.

_ 'Laura Purcell, a skilful purveyor of gothic tales, has created another darkly twisting narrative in The Whispering Muse' Sunday Times 'Spooky, atmospheric, brilliant.

The Whispering Muse by Laura Purcell