“This novella, both historical and relevant to current times, combines the ghostly with the very real horror of a rampant serial killer, just in time for the creepy Halloween season.”
Near London in 1855, Helena Morrigan is tormented by poverty and the burdens of her past. A mortician and funeral director, she resides in an old house close to the graveyard, close to the lost souls that know of her torment, determined to take her place in this world. While working to tame, and free, the ghosts that surround her, she learns more about the owners of the home, Eric, Audrey, and Christian Tarter.
The souls she wants to save are tormented themselves, as a monstrous serial killer runs the area.
Now Helena is thrust into a strange mystery, new and old friendships are tested, and a terrifying family secret threatens all she holds dear.
Why we’re excited about this book:
Australian author and filmmaker Claire L. Smith is making her debut in the world of horror fiction. Working as an associate producer and production assistant for numerous short and feature films, Helena is her first long form published work. Her stories and poetry have appeared in Moonchild Magazine, Dark Marrow, and Luna Luna. This novella, both historical and relevant to current times, combines the ghostly with the very real horror of a rampant serial killer, just in time for the creepy Halloween season. Sara Tantliner (The Devil’s Dreamland) says: “Readers will delight in being thrown into Helena’s dark, poetic world with a witty protagonist and a cast of characters who are impossible not to fall in love with. Easily one of my favorite reads of 2020—a beautiful work of modern Gothic literature that is not to be missed.” Stephanie M. Wytovich (Mourning Jewelry, Sheet Music to My Acoustic Nightmare) says: “A hauntingly beautiful debut, Helena by Claire L. Smith invites readers into a Gothic tale of death, mourning, and ritual, one that is an absolute treat for those who like their coffins handmade and their tea with a touch of lavender and ghosts.”
Forthcoming 13 October 2020 from Clash Books, Helena by Claire L. Smith is available for pre-order now.
BOB PASTORELLA
