Picture a British storyteller who weaves chilling gothic tales that linger long after the final page—meet Laura Purcell! A former bookseller turned bestselling author, Purcell has captivated readers with her unique blend of historical fiction and spine-tingling horror. Her novels, steeped in the eerie atmospheres of Georgian and Victorian eras, have earned her accolades and a devoted following among fans of gothic suspense.
From her breakout hit The Silent Companions to her haunting Hanoverian series, Purcell’s work is a masterclass in creeping menace. With a knack for blending historical detail with ghostly thrills, she’s quickly become a standout in the literary world. Let’s dive into her journey, her unforgettable stories, and why she’s a must-read for anyone who loves a good scare.
The Making of Laura Purcell
Born in Basildon and raised in Billericay, England, Laura Purcell’s love for storytelling took root early. As a child, she devoured Goosebumps, Point Horror, and the classics, with Jane Austen’s wit and the Brontë sisters’ emotional depth shaping her imagination. By fourteen, she was crafting Regency-inspired tales, inspired by Austen’s elegance. After working in local government, finance, and as a bookseller, Purcell took a leap into full-time writing, fueled by her passion for history and the supernatural.
Her early forays into historical fiction laid the groundwork for her gothic pivot. A chance idea—sparked by a creepy china doll from her childhood and encouraged by her Stephen King-loving husband—led to her first horror novel. This blend of personal experience and literary influences set the stage for her distinctive voice, one that evokes both dread and fascination.
Laura Purcell’s Unforgettable Stories
Purcell’s bibliography is a treasure trove of gothic and historical gems. Her breakout, The Silent Companions (2017), is a Victorian ghost story about a haunted manor and eerie wooden figures that seem to watch their owner. Winning the WHSmith Thumping Good Read Award in 2018, it cemented her as a gothic fiction star. The Corset (2018, aka The Poison Thread in the USA) explores a seamstress accused of murder through supernatural stitches, weaving a tale of betrayal and Victorian phrenology.
Bone China (2019, aka The House of Whispers) transports readers to a Cornish coast where a maid uncovers dark secrets in a cliffside mansion. Meanwhile, The Shape of Darkness (2021) follows a silhouette artist in Victorian Bath entangled with a child medium and a string of murders. Purcell’s Hanoverian series, starting with Queen of Bedlam (2014), dives into the emotional turmoil of Georgian queens, showcasing her historical prowess. Her latest, House of Splinters (2025), promises more gothic chills.
Purcell’s style is atmospheric, with vivid historical settings and psychological depth. Influenced by Daphne du Maurier and Shirley Jackson, she crafts narratives where the past feels alive and danger lurks in every shadow. Her love for Georgian and Regency eras shines through, making her stories both educational and thrilling.
Why Laura Purcell Matters
Laura Purcell has redefined modern gothic fiction, blending historical accuracy with supernatural suspense. Her ability to evoke fear through subtle, creeping dread—rather than gore—has earned her comparisons to gothic greats. Awards like the Fingerprint Award for Historical Crime and the Dracula Society’s Children of the Night Award for The Whispering Muse (2023) highlight her critical acclaim. Her work resonates with readers who crave stories that are as emotionally rich as they are unsettling.
Beyond novels, Purcell’s short stories in anthologies like The Haunting Season and her role as lead writer for the horror podcast Roanoke Falls show her versatility. She’s inspired a new wave of gothic enthusiasts, proving that the past can still send shivers down our spines. For fans and newcomers alike, Purcell’s worlds are a haunting escape.
- Born: Basildon, England
- Key Works: The Silent Companions, The Corset, Bone China, Queen of Bedlam
- Awards: WHSmith Thumping Good Read Award (2018), Fingerprint Award (2022)
- Fun Fact: She lives in Colchester with her husband and pet guinea pigs!
Ready for a literary scare? Snag The Silent Companions and dive into Laura Purcell’s chilling gothic world!