An unforgettable historical debut inspired by a real life legend from the coast of Scotland, set during the dying months of World War One

Shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Debut prize
'Beautifully written' Michelle Paver
'I devoured this' Rebecca Netley
'A rare gem of gothic literature' A. M. Shine

At a Scottish manor house requisitioned as a temporary hospital during the First World War, Esther works as a volunteer nurse while dreaming of becoming a poet. With her husband and beloved father both dead, she knows that if the war ever ends she must build a very different life for herself.

Meanwhile, on the coast beyond her new home lies Gallondean Castle, a gloomy near-ruin that has been unhappily inherited by Jacob. Jacob is already haunted by his own demons but as he uncovers details of the castle's past, the shadows only seem to be growing darker around him.

However it is Daniel, one of the soldiers who appears to have received only a minor, yet mysterious, injury, whose life will come to connect with both Esther and Jacob in horrifying and unexpected ways...

Unsettling and evocative, deeply atmospheric and brilliantly engaging, The Unrecovered is an unforgettable historical debut inspired by a real life legend and marks the arrival of an outstanding new talent.

"Impressive " - Sunday Times

"With a story that crosses the world, from Scotland to Belgium and Jerusalem, this is an intriguing literary debut" - Herald

"Disturbingly atmospheric and evocative, Richard Strachan’s debut is a deliciously dark historical gothic mystery that will go down well with lovers of The Essex Serpent" - Sunday Post

"Ambitious... his audacious novel will give much pleasure to many people" - Allan Massie, Scotsman