Now a major BBC film, directed by Oscar-winner Christopher Hampton (Atonement and Dangerous Liaisons), starring Vanessa Redgrave and Olivia Colman.

Vastly entertaining Daily Mail This is an excellent emotional mystery which I found harder to put down every night! Woman's Own Setterfield proves a mistress of the craft of storytelling Guardian Beautifully written The Times A real treat ... like all the best first novels, this one seems to bulge with a lifetime's hoarded inspirations Time Out (Book of the Week) Compelling page-turner Woman and Home A remarkably compelling debut ... extraordinary, unusual and atmospheric ... The plot is razor sharp Scotland on Sunday Start reading this on the bus and, I swear, you won't only miss your stop, you might even lose the whole day Cosmopolitan Simply brilliant - I haven't enjoyed a first novel so much for absolutely ages Kate Mosse Deliciously chilling, compulsive reading TELEGRAPH & ARGUS

Born in Berkshire, Diane Setterfield was educated at Theale Green Comprehensive School and Bristol University. Her degree in French literature led her to teach in universities in England and France, where she lived for several years. Diane's previous publications have been in the field of 19th and 20th century French literature, specialising in the writings of Andre Gide. After returning to the UK, Diane ran a business teaching French to those intending to live in France. She lives in Oxford.