Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes

Home is where the heart is: a place where memories are forged, a refuge from the world. But what if those memories are painful? And the refuge becomes a prison?

Jessica Lockhart is in need of a live-in carer over the Christmas period; Isla Barrow is the woman who takes the job. After a fraught journey to reach her along remote country lanes, Isla arrives to find the old woman in distress, and the house strangely unnerving.

With the weather hostile, no phone line or mobile signal, and her charge growing increasingly frail, Isla realises death is waiting. And something else besides: vengeance.

Jessica is clearly a woman with secrets, but then so too is Isla. Together they must work out a plan of redemption before what stalks Wildacre destroys them both.

Christmas, a time of joy and wonder.

The darkest time of year.

About the author

Shani Struthers

In Shani Struthers’ latest novel, reality meets fantasy in a dark and thrilling retelling of the Arthurian legend with Morgan the Fay at ithe epic heart of it. She is also the author of over 30 supernatural thrillers and ghost stories, including the popular Psychic Surveys and Reach for the Dead series, as well as a collection of festive ghost tales.

For readers who enjoy romance blended with the paranormal, don’t miss Jessamine and its heart-wrenching sequel Comraich, both set in the hauntingly beautiful Highlands of Scotland. There’s also Summer of Grace—a sizzling psychological thriller with a supernatural twist.

What binds all of Shani’s books are her compelling, often flawed characters, richly atmospheric settings, and twist after twist that will keep you turning the pages.

Our Review

Any thoughts I had about cuddling up on the sofa, reading a cosy Christmas ghost story, rapidly faded as I started reading Wildacre by Shani Struthers.

One step inside that house and all my childhood fears arrived. I kept looking over my shoulder, expecting the worst.

As the suspense carried on building, I didn’t want to continue reading, but somehow I couldn’t stop. I was an emotional and nervous wreck by the time I reached the end, desperate for some relief for both me and the two women.

Wildacre is a very strange Christmas story, where you end up rooting for the ghosts!