Larkswood

A House of Secrets and Shadows

Larkswood by Valerie Mendes, published in 2014 by Orion, is a haunting and beautifully woven tale of family, love, and long-buried secrets. Spanning decades, this novel transports readers to a grand English country house where silence and mystery have lingered for generations.

Two Timelines, One Enigmatic Legacy

In 1939, young Lorna returns to the once-glorious Larkswood estate to recover from illness—only to discover hints of a scandal that shattered her family decades earlier. Determined to uncover the truth, she delves into the summer of 1896, when a dramatic and tragic series of events forever changed the lives of the house’s inhabitants. What she unearths will not only rewrite her family's past but also her own future.

Atmospheric and Compelling

Mendes crafts a richly atmospheric narrative that captures the tension between tradition and change, secrecy and revelation. With vivid period detail and deeply drawn characters, Larkswood is a gripping and emotional read that will appeal to fans of Kate Morton, Lucinda Riley, and historical fiction with a gothic twist.

Perfect for Lovers of Historical Drama

If you enjoy sweeping family sagas wrapped in mystery, Larkswood offers a satisfying and thought-provoking escape into the hidden corners of the past.