Set in Stone

When Samuel Godwin, a young and naive art tutor, accepts a job with the Farrow family at their majestic home, little does he expect to come across a place containing such secrets and lies. His two tutees are as different as can be — younger sister Marianne, full of flightiness and nervous imagination, and Juliana, sensible and controlled. Helped by their governess, Charlotte Agnew, Samuel begins to uncover slowly why Marianne is so emotionally fragile, and in doing so uncovers a web of intrigue. But his discoveries lead to revenge and betrayal — and lives all around are turned upside down.

Linda Newbery has written a novel in diary style, combining different voices and a different century with her usual brilliance and ease. These are characters full of the same passions as our own today, while living in an unfamiliar and fascinating time.

"Newbery's (Sisterland) absorbing, haunting mystery set in Victorian England explores the dark secrets found among the wealthy. Fourwinds, the beautiful and architecturally impressive estate belonging to the recently widowed Ernest Farrow, holds a disturbing secret. Samuel Godwin has been hired to give art lessons to Farrow's two teenage daughters, Juliana and Marianne. He resolves that at Fourwinds, 'I should find myself an artist.' Shortly after his arrival, 21-year-old Samuel meets newlywed Eliza Dearly, former governess at Fourwinds. Samuel's been led to believe that Eliza's young son, Tommy, was conceived by another former employee, Gideon Waring, the man responsible for the exquisite stone carvings found throughout the estate. However, since Mrs. Dearly's visit, Juliana seems more withdrawn. The disturbing truth unfolds in alternating chapters between Samuel and the new governess, Charlotte Agnew, who has a secret of her own about Mr. Farrow. The consequences of incest and premarital sex in this era bubble below the surface of the novel and erupt near its conclusion; these themes plus the adult narrators and the antiquated dialogue that mimics Victorian conversation make this more appropriate for sophisticated readers. The writing style, reminiscent of Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, brims with atmospheric descriptions sure to delight seasoned book lovers, despite the disturbing plot twists. Ages 10-up." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

"Evocatively written and carefully crafted...this will tantalize readers." Booklist

"A worthy descendent of Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters." Kirkus Reviews

"Rich in atmosphere and descriptive narrative and written with an accurate sense of the era, the book resembles classic gothic mysteries." VOYA

"Readers who love Wuthering Heights and other such Gothic tales will certainly enjoy shivering over Set in Stone." KLIATT

Linda Newbery is the author of over twenty books for children and young adults, and lives in Northamptonshire with her husband and three cats. The author lives in England.