The Woman in the Wallpaper

Are some patterns destined to be repeated?

"Spellbinding and decadent . . . an astounding debut" SUSAN STOKES-CHAPMAN, author of PANDORA

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Paris, 1789. The Oberst Factory, which crafts exquisite wallpaper for the most fashionable French homes, is a place shrouded in mystery. Most enigmatic is the woman pictured in each of its prints, rumoured to be the late Mrs Oberst, who died in peculiar circumstances.

When sisters Lara and Sofi arrive there for work, they quickly form a friendship with Josef Oberst, the motherless heir to the factory. Whilst Sofi's political fervour intensifies, Lara is disturbed by the uncanny way her life appears mirrored in the wallpaper. Meanwhile Hortense, Josef's spoilt aristocratic wife, is similarly unnerved by the scenes that line the walls of her new home. With the mobs growing ever more violent, is she in danger of meeting the same untimely end as the last Mrs Oberst?

As revolution blazes across France, the lives of Sofi, Lara and Hortense are set to collide in unimaginable and irrevocable ways. Can they change what lies ahead, or are some patterns destined to be repeated?

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'We are gifted a platter of intriguing, unpredictable characters and an expertly-plotted narrative that delights and amuses despite the darkly unsettling mystery' JOANNE BURN, author of THE HEMLOCK CURE

'Exquisite writing and a riveting plot' ANNA MAZZOLA, author of THE CLOCKWORK GIRL

Spellbinding and decadent, this is an utterly original novel with taut evocative prose and a plot of stunning and intricate complexity, making THE WOMAN IN THE WALLPAPER an astounding debut of true turn-paging quality. -- SUSAN STOKES-CHAPMAN, author of PANDORA
An enthralling story, deftly plotted, with a mystery that winds ever more tightly around the characters, as relentless as the advancing French Revolution with all its hopes and terrors. -- HESTER MUSSON, author of THE BEHOLDERS
A brilliant debut: vivid, passionate and beautifully woven, which completely transports us back to 18th century France -- HARRIET CONSTABLE, author of THE INSTRUMENTALIST
An epic, elaborate plot told with exquisite, captivating detail. Political intrigue and personal mysteries unfold through the eyes of three riveting female characters searching for some kind of freedom even as they are held in traps beyond their making. An astonishingly accomplished debut. -- CARI THOMAS, author of SHADOWSTITCH
A gorgeous, haunting story of how love, ideals, and art can become twisted but also how they can survive -- SARAH BROOKS, author of THE CAUTIOUS TRAVELLER'S GUIDE TO THE WASTELANDS
Sumptuous, mysterious and so beautifully textured. Each scene is crafted with the same care as the wallpaper vignettes. What a debut! -- ALEX HAY, author of THE HOUSEKEEPERS
Exquisite writing and a riveting plot. As beautifully crafted, and mysterious, as the wallpaper that seems to mirror the characters' lives. A truly brilliant book. -- ANNA MAZZOLA, author of THE CLOCKWORK GIRL
Extraordinary. Lora Jones's storytelling is exquisite, her characters as intricately drawn as the images on the detailed wallpaper patterns that appear throughout the book. The Woman in the Wallpaper is sweeping and yet intimate, powerful and passionate and yet subtle and unnerving. Full of atmosphere and intensity, it's a glorious read and I loved it - I predict great things for Lora Jones! -- LIZ HYDER, author of THE GIFTS
Immediately swept away into the tumultuous world of revolutionary France, I was captivated from the opening pages by the three young women whose lives are thrown into turmoil by events both personal and political. Skilfully written, we are gifted a platter of intriguing, unpredictable characters and an expertly-plotted narrative that delights and amuses despite the darkly unsettling mystery that urges the story on at a pace. -- JOANNE BURN, author of THE HEMLOCK CURE
The Woman in the Wallpaper by Lora Jones is that rare delight: a work of historical fiction that makes you consider anew the past you thought you understood, and see it through fresh eyes. An immersive tale of the French Revolution through the eyes of three women and their personal tragedies, The Woman in the Wallpaper will keep you guessing until the end. -- LAURA SHEPPERSON, author of THE HEROINES
The Woman in the Wallpaper is a beautifully crafted novel, filled with the kind of exquisite historical details that make a story sing. Perfection. -- POLLY CROSBY, author of VITA AND THE BIRDS
Beautifully written with a heart-stopping plot -- THERESA HOWES
A dark mystery set against the backdrop of revolutionary France. An exquisite page-turner that will keep you up at night. -- DR LINDSEY FITZHARRIS, author of THE BUTCHERING ART
Spellbinding, chilling and utterly mesmerising. A twisty portrayal of sisterly devotion and a moving exploration of generational trauma set during the turmoil of the French Revolution. This stunning debut is not to be missed. -- JESSICA BULL, author of MISS AUSTEN INVESTIGATES
Set during the French Revolution, this sweeping historical debut is a gripping and beautifully woven tale of intrigue and darkness that is hard to put down -- REBECCA NETLEY, author of THE WHISTLING
Lora Jones is a remarkable new talent in the world of historical fiction. An utterly spellbinding novel. -- ESSIE FOX, author of THE FASCINATION
As detailed as a Toile de Jouy designs, The Woman in the Wallpaper is an impressive historical novel about sisters, tragedy, & the dangers of harbouring bitterness and seeking revenge. -- RACHEL LOUSE DRISCOLL, author of NEPHTHYS
A gorgeously atmospheric story about three women grappling to find their place amidst tumultuous social changes. Witty, moving and nail-biting in equal measure, this is a perfectly crafted novel. -- CARMELLA LOWKIS

After studying English Literature at Durham University, Lora Jones began her career working in the TV industry in London, writing factual programme content and comedy material for the BBC, Channel 4 and others. She now lives high amongst the rugged hills of North Wales, where she is currently rewilding an ex-sheep farm. In her spare time she paints wildlife. The Woman in the Wallpaper in her first novel.

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