Unholy Island

Esme Gray runs the guest house and tends to the ethereal wards that protect the island. She’s sheltering from a terrible past and will do anything to stay safely hidden.

Luke Taylor has been searching for his missing twin for months, but has begun to believe that his brother might be dead. With his hope in tatters, a tip off leads him to a remote tidal island in the North Sea. It’s further out than the famous Holy Island, and far stranger.

Visitors shouldn’t be able to stay for more than two nights, so when Luke breaks this rule, the close-knit community is sent into turmoil. The residents of Unholy Island have secrets and they intend to keep them.

When Luke stumbles across one of the islanders dead on the shore, he finds himself under suspicion, made worse by his own troubles washing up on the tide.

Esme is drawn to Luke, but she doesn’t trust her own instincts. That’s not ideal for a witch — especially when there is a killer on the loose and a storm is rolling in…

The Ward Witch is the first book in a brand new contemporary fantasy series from the bestselling author of magical fiction, Sarah Painter.

*The Ward Witch is set in the same world as the urban fantasy mystery books, Crow Investigations, but it is the start of a separate series and can be enjoyed independently.

Praise for the Crow Investigations Series:

'I'm a huge fan!'

Charlaine Harris, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse novels

'My favourite new urban fantasy series, clever and twisty and deliciously magical, with a shivery sense of wonder that feels utterly grounded in its London setting. Perfect for fans of Ben Aaronovitch, Genevieve Cogman or Robert Galbraith!'

Stephanie Burgis, author of Snowspelled

'The Lydia Crow books are a firm favourite of mine, combining intriguing crime fiction with a hint of other-worldly mysticism. The characters are brilliantly drawn, and Sarah Painter cleverly makes them believable despite them having magical powers - or even being dead. With just enough comedy to make the dark bits even darker, and the perfect amount of mystery, these books are a wonderful read.' 

Kerry Barrett

Luke Taylor was searching for his missing twin brother when he discovered a new purpose on a magical tidal island. Living in a quirky bookshop is a dream come true - he just didn’t expect it to be so damn dangerous.

Running a business on a tiny island was always going to bring challenges, but Luke didn’t bargain on strange customers, hexed books, or a sentient shop that seems to have its own ideas about how things ought to be done.

Not to mention his deepening feelings for the island’s resident witch...

Esme Gray became the island’s Ward Witch seven years ago and has built a life of safety and quiet for herself. A balm for her abusive past.

Her feelings for the new Book Keeper have disturbed those calm waters, and when his life is threatened, she doesn’t hesitate to dive in to help. But is she strong enough to pull them both out alive?

The Book Keeper is the second book in the Unholy Island series. Drift away with this Cosy Fantasy today!

*The Unholy Island series is set in the same world as the urban fantasy mystery books, Crow Investigations, but it can be enjoyed independently.

Praise for Sarah Painter:

‘I’m a huge fan!’

Charlaine Harris, NYT bestselling author

Praise for The Ward Witch:

‘Fast paced read full of mysterious and quirky characters. My favorite magical realism book that I have read in quite a while.’

Leigh H. Belle, @library_of_velaris on Instagram