The Woman in the Wallpaper - by Lora Jones

About the Book

In a small village outside Paris, sisters Sofi and Lara are hired by a factory renowned for its intricately illustrated "Toile de Jouy" wallpaper. But they begin to notice something unsettling at the heart of the wallpaper's seemingly idyllic vignettes--the same woman, appearing again and again. They learn she's the factory owner's former wife, who met an untimely, mysterious death, and who bears an eerie resemblance to Lara. Soon, Lara realizes that her own life is mirroring the scenes on the wallpaper. As the strange occurrences become increasingly unnerving, she's gripped by paranoia. Is history repeating itself and, if so, will she share the same tragic fate as the woman in the wallpaper?

Book Synopsis

An atmospheric blend of historical fiction and psychological suspense set against the turmoil of the French Revolution, The Woman in the Wallpaper is Kristin Hannah's The Nightingale meets the historical thriller bestseller The Frozen River. When Sofi and Lara, two sisters uprooted by their father's death, begin work at the famed Toile de Jouy wallpaper factory, they notice something chilling: a recurring figure in the wallpaper--a woman whose tragic history may now be repeating itself.

After leaving their family home in Marseilles, Sofi and Lara settle in a quiet village near Paris. But life at the factory is far from peaceful. At the heart of the wallpaper's idyllic vignettes is the haunting image of Madame Justine, the factory owner's late wife, whose untimely and suspicious death still casts a shadow. As Lara finds herself drawn to Josef Oberst, the enigmatic son of the factory owner, unsettling parallels emerge between her life and the tragic events depicted in the wallpaper. Dreams turn dark, suspicion deepens, and Lara begins to fear that her fate may be inextricably tied to the ill-fated Justine.

Perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Ariel Lawhon books, and the intricate storytelling of All the Colors of the Dark, The Woman in the Wallpaper immerses readers in French history while unraveling a chilling psychological puzzle. With vivid depictions of the French Revolution's chaos and an eerie, original premise, this novel masterfully explores paranoia, destiny, and the unseen threads connecting past and present.

Review Quotes

"Spellbinding and decadent . . . an astounding debut."
--Susan Stokes-Chapman, author of Pandora

"An epic, elaborate plot told with exquisite, captivating detail. . . . An astonishingly accomplished debut."
--Cari Thomas, bestselling author of Threadneedle

"An exquisite page-turner that will keep you up at night."
--Dr. Lindsey Fitzharris, bestselling author of The Butchering Art

"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."
--Laura Shepperson, author of Phaedra

"Sweeping and yet intimate, powerful and passionate, and yet subtle and unnerving. A glorious read!"
--Liz Hyder, author of The Gifts

"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

About the Author

After studying English Literature at the University of Durham, Lora Jones began her career in the TV industry, reading scripts and writing for ITV, the BBC, Channel 4, and others. Lora lives in the rugged, myth-steeped hills of North Wales, United Kingdom. The Woman in the Wallpaper is her first novel.