The Nightingale's Castle

'The 17th-century Hungarian countess Elizabeth Bathory, allegedly responsible for the torture and murder of hundreds of young girls, is one of history's most notorious serial killers... an absorbing work of fiction' Sunday Times

When 15-year-old Boróka reluctantly leaves the safety of the only home she has ever known in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, the future looks uncertain - and dangerous. Members of Countess Báthory's household have been sent out to gather new serving girls and the kindly old man who gave Boróka a home as a baby knows that it is dangerous to turn them away.

She is frightened of the countess's reputation and the women who run Cachtice Castle are terrifyingly cruel. Despite this, Boróka and the Countess Báthory slowly begin to form a bond especially when plague breaks out at the castle.

But powerful forces are moving against a woman whose wealth poses such a threat to the king. And when the show trial begins against the infamous 'Blood Countess' where will Boróka's loyalties really lie?

'Gripping... a fascinating exploration of women's struggle to have their truth heard' Louise O'Neill

'Reads like the finest fairy tale' Joanne Burn