X-Book

The Darlings of the Asylum

Get in the xigxag app
Already purchased

Click to open directly in the xigxag app.

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book. Pre-order Buy Now ${{ price }} Send as a gift
How does xigxag pricing work?

Listen to a sample

What to expect

To marry is madness.
To escape is impossible.

‘The Darlings of the Asylum by Noel O’Reilly grips like a vice’ Nicola Cornick

In 1886, a respectable young woman must acquire a husband. But Violet Pring longs to be a professional artist and live on her own terms.

When she turns down a desirable marriage proposal from an eligible Brighton gentleman, her family have had enough of her independent streak. Against her wishes, they lock her away in Hillwood Grange Lunatic Asylum.

Now at the mercy of the sinister Dr Rastrick, she must keep her wits about her if she has any hope of escaping.

This tantalizing Gothic novel from Noel O’Reilly tells a thrilling story of duty and desire, madness and sanity, truth and delusion from within a Victorian asylum.

Praise for The Darlings of the Asylum:

‘Always engaging and readable’ Sunday Times

‘The narrative rattles along irresistibly all the way to its suitably gothic climax’ Readers’ Digest

‘This darkly atmospheric psychological thriller oozes menace’ Women’s Own

‘Wow! I have been on the edge of my seat with this one! The Darlings of the Asylum… grips like a vice’ Nicola Cornick, author of The Winter Garden

‘Gripping’ Alison Stockham, author of The Cuckoo Sister

Critics Review

Praise for The Darlings of the Asylum:

'Always engaging and readable' Sunday Times

'The narrative rattles along irresistibly all the way to its suitably gothic climax' Readers' Digest

'This darkly atmospheric psychological thriller oozes menace' Women's Own

'Wow! I have been on the edge of my seat with this one! The Darlings of the Asylum... grips like a vice. I was totally invested in Violet's struggle in this chilling Gothic novel' Nicola Cornick, author of The Winter Garden

'Gripping' Alison Stockham, author of The Cuckoo Sister

Praise for Noel O'Reilly:

'Written with a blazing energy and a Gothic edge' Daily Mail

'Full of secrets, suspicions and rumour' Woman & Home

'Perfect prose, a fast-paced, intricate plot' My Weekly

'A gripping historical tale ... I loved it' Liz Fenwick, author of The River Between Us

'Noel O'Reilly's lyrical writing brilliantly evokes the struggles of life in such a dramatic setting, as well as the hypocrisy and jealousy of society' Sunday Express

'With echoes of Du Maurier... a tangled web of fallen faiths, of sins, seductions and deceits' Essie Fox, author of The Last Days of Leda Grey

More from the same

Author

Narrator

About xigxag and the x-book®

Discover the best audiobooks with xigxag, an innovative and user-friendly audiobook platform designed to simplify finding, purchasing, and enjoying your favourite books in audio format. Our flexible pricing model makes bestselling audiobooks affordable, offering the best audiobook deals without the need for a subscription. You can also give the perfect gift with our convenient audiobook gift cards and in-app audiobook gifting options.

A core differentiator of xigxag is our groundbreaking listen-and-read x-book® technology, which delivers a truly immersive digital book experience. This unique innovation seamlessly combines the audiobook, text, and images into a brilliant, integrated format, complete with exclusive audiobook features and a next-generation digital reading experience. Our growing x-book selection is easily discoverable by looking for the distinctive purple x-book® ribbon, or by simply filtering your search by ‘x-book’.

Beyond our technology, xigxag is committed to sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring a guilt-free listening experience from an exceptional digital book platform. As the only B Corp certified UK audiobook service, we stand as a leader in audiobook innovation and a compelling alternative to big tech. Our commitment extends to delivering extraordinary customer service, provided by our friendly UK support team.

Effortlessly search audiobooks, gain insights from honest audiobook reviews evaluating both the content and narration, and easily discover hidden gems. You can download or stream top audiobook titles anytime, anywhere, guaranteeing the best possible listening experience on the UK’s best independent audiobook app. Experience the future of audiobooks today.