It's Christmas 1845 and Haworth is in the grip of a freezing winter. Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte are rather losing interest in detecting until they hear of a shocking discovery: the bones of a child have been found interred within the walls of a local house, Top Withens Hall, home to the scandalous and brutish Bradshaw family.

When the sisters set off to find out more, they are confronted with an increasingly complex and sinister case, which leads them into the dark world of orphanages, and onto the trail of other lost, and likely murdered children. After another local boy goes missing, Charlotte, Emily and Anne vow to find him before it's too late.

But in order to do so, they must face their most despicable and wicked adversary yet - one that would not hesitate to cause them the gravest of harm. . .

Praise for Bella Ellis and the series:

'Bronte aficionados are sure to enjoy the accurate characterization and context, the twists turns and Gothic touches of the plot, and the strong feminist streak that manifests itself throughout, but most triumphantly at the end. Happily, more Bronte mysteries are to be expected.' The Times Literary Supplement

'A delight' The Wall Street Journal

'Clever and captivating' Milly Johnson

'Fun, charming and intriguing' Araminta Hall

'An incredible book - Bella Ellis is a very special talent' Angela Clarke

'Elegant, witty and compulsively readable - I think the Bronte sisters would have been delighted' Rosie Walsh