I was blown away by this dark, enchanting story of witchcraft, power and injustice. The writing is exquisite, the atmosphere of late 16th century Hungary magnificently evoked with all its forbidding secrets, sinister machinations and heart wrenching detail. I was gripped from start to finish. The Nightingale’s Castle is a triumph of story-telling and nothing short of brilliant

The Nightingale’s Castle is as intricately and deftly woven as the lace made by the girls of the castle. It’s a moving, fascinating and haunting tale, immaculately researched. A mesmerising combination of gothic horror and elegant restraint

The Nightingale’s Castle is a gripping read – beautifully written, skilfully plotted, and a fascinating exploration of women’s struggle to have their truth heard

An enthralling retelling of the story of the Blood Countess, with all the unsettling mystery of a dark fairytale, yet populated by utterly believable characters. A book to lose yourself in

Dark, unsettling and so skilfully written, The Nightingale’s Castle is a novel that takes the reader by the hand and leads them to the wintry side of the human soul. Tinged with a creeping horror from the opening pages, it reads like the finest fairy tale. I loved it, and admired it greatly

[An] incredible story. Sonia Velton’s writing and characterisation are masterful

In The Nightingale’s Castle, Sonia Velton expertly blends historical research, fiction and myth to bring to life a fascinating historical figure and show the destructive power of propaganda, rumour and political intrigue. I was captivated by the story of Elizabeth Barthory, her supposed terrible crimes and the truth behind them – a vivid, visceral and compelling read

A gripping tale of feminism and power, love and deceit, secrets and revenge, all soaked in a dark and rich tapestry of history. An unforgettable novel that inspires and enthralls in equal measure, it had me reading well into the night. Velton’s best one yet

The Nightingale’s Castle is a beautifully crafted story that keeps the reader constantly balanced between hope and fear, just as the characters are. A gripping tale of power, loyalty and betrayal. I loved it

A dark and powerful tale of women fighting for their truths to be heard. Dripping with unease, it is a story filled with the bloodthirsty horror, not of monsters, but of humankind

Absolutely loved this novel of the ‘Blood Countess’ – secrets, betrayals and survival, and how women’s stories are told and twisted and changed

A literary gem! Written with the expertise of a historian, Velton interweaves captivating storytelling and evocative prose to bring this most sinister history to life