The Silent Companions

Gothic historical horror following a recently widowed woman, Elsie, as she moves 
in her late husband's country estate alongside her cousin in law and stumbles across some strange painted wooden figures. 

My first 2025 truly starts with an incredible book! The author created such a dark and compelling story, where the bleak and creepy atmosphere of the house is rendered.
The story is told through alternative segments of Elsie in the mid 19th century but in different settings, while we also learn about one of her husband's ancestors who lived in the house during the 17th century. 
The writing is gorgeous and evocative, slowly increasing the tension and the doom coming upon the characters but also perfectly rendering Elsie's mental state throughout the events. There were some gruesome moments though not particularly gory, it was more of a subtle psychological horror with a great use of sounds and imagery, particularly with the painted wooden panels. 

The ending while abrupt was properly horrifying to read. 
I'll be looking forward to read more books by Laura Purcell.