Picture an English storyteller who spins mysteries as enchanting as a misty forest—meet Eve Chase! With her breakout novel, The Glass House, topping the Sunday Times bestseller list and captivating readers worldwide, Chase has carved a niche in historical mystery fiction. Her tales of family secrets and Gothic allure have made her a beloved voice in contemporary literature.
Born and raised in England, Chase’s knack for storytelling weaves together the haunting beauty of old manor houses with the complexities of human relationships. Her novels, translated into twenty languages, invite readers to lose themselves in richly atmospheric worlds where secrets lurk behind every creaky door.
The Making of Eve Chase
Eve Chase, a graduate of Manchester University with a degree in English Literature, didn’t always pen mysteries. Before her novels took flight, she honed her craft as a journalist, writing for publications like InStyle, Marie Claire, and national newspapers. This background sharpened her ability to capture vivid characters and settings, a skill that shines in her fiction. Married with three children, Chase now writes from a cozy garden shed in Oxford, surrounded by roses and accompanied by her golden retriever, Harry.
Her transition to novels came after years of journalism, when she adopted the pseudonym Eve Chase—her married surname paired with a name she chose for its elegant simplicity. This shift marked a new chapter, allowing her to explore darker, more ambitious stories with historical depth.
Eve Chase’s Unforgettable Stories
Chase’s novels are page-turners that blend Gothic mystery with family drama, set in evocative locales like crumbling manors and ancient woods. Her breakout, The Glass House (also published as The Daughters of Foxcote Manor in the US), sold over 200,000 copies and was a Richard and Judy Book Club pick. Set in the 1970s and present day, it follows the Harrington family as they unravel secrets surrounding an abandoned baby and a mysterious death in the Forest of Dean.
Other notable works include Black Rabbit Hall, her debut, which won the Saint-Maur en Poche prize for Best Foreign Fiction, and The Vanishing of Audrey Wilde, longlisted for the HWA Gold Crown Award. Her 2022 novel, The Birdcage, transports readers to Cornwall’s rugged coast, exploring sisterhood and buried truths. Her latest, The Midnight Hour (2024), continues her signature style of suspense and emotional depth. Chase’s writing is lyrical yet accessible, with dual timelines and layered characters that keep readers guessing until the final page.
Her stories often center on dysfunctional families, grief, and the search for belonging, wrapped in settings that feel alive. Critics praise her poetic prose and ability to craft mysteries that linger, drawing comparisons to Kate Morton and Daphne du Maurier.
Why Eve Chase Matters
Eve Chase’s impact lies in her ability to make historical mysteries feel timeless yet fresh. Her novels resonate with readers who crave emotional depth alongside suspense, offering a blend of nostalgia and intrigue. By exploring themes of family and identity, she taps into universal experiences, making her stories both intimate and expansive. Her global reach—published in countries from France to Poland—underscores her universal appeal.
In an era where readers seek escapist yet meaningful stories, Chase delivers worlds that are as immersive as they are thought-provoking. Her work has not only garnered critical acclaim but also built a loyal fanbase eager for each new release.
- Pen Name: Eve Chase (pseudonym of Polly Williams)
- Key Works: Black Rabbit Hall, The Glass House, The Birdcage, The Midnight Hour
- Awards: Saint-Maur en Poche prize, Richard and Judy Book Club pick
- Home: Oxford, England
Ready to get lost in a world of secrets and suspense? Snag The Glass House or The Birdcage and dive into Eve Chase’s spellbinding mysteries!