With its blend of mythology, suspense, and mystery, this novel is engaging and atmospheric—as long as listeners can suspend disbelief and dive into the engaging narration. Penelope Rawlins shifts expertly between the past and present timeframes of the story. She also creates believable distinctions between the two primary characters—DS Joanna Harper and her estranged daughter, Ruby—as well as an assortment of supporting characters. Two storylines unfold simultaneously: Ruby collects her friend's young daughter, who was apparently abandoned by her mother when she left to join her selkie family. At the same time, Gregor, a seemingly single man, is found nearly dead in his apartment, and Joanna leads the investigation into what happened. As the stories become intertwined, Rawlins provides a nuanced and thought-provoking delivery. K.S.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine

Praise for The Hidden:

“Golding smoothly mixes folklore with an insightful exploration of motherhood.”
—Publishers Weekly

“As dexterously shape-shifting as the legends it draws from.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Intense and unflinching...irresistible to the last page.”
—Foreword Reviews

“A beautifully original thriller. Melanie Golding injects lonely, mournful Celtic myth into a breathless tale of murder, desperation, and the nature of motherhood. The result is seamless, and utterly compelling.”
—Christopher Golden, New York Times bestselling author of Road of Bones and Ararat

“A dark, intense tale that sinks its teeth into the reader and won't let go.”
—Camilla Sten, author of The Lost Village

“A lush, hypnotic page-turner that illuminates the beauty of Selkie mythology and the horror of real monsters. Dark, twisty, and absolutely chilling.”
—Rachel Harrison, author of The Return

“Wonderfully original, full of heart and often suspenseful and surprising, [The Hidden] breathes new life into the thriller genre with its mashup of crime and myth. Golding is a terrific talent who sweeps you off your feet and carries you away on her words. I can't wait to read more from her. I loved this.”
—C. J. Skuse, author of the Sweetpea mystery series

“The Hidden is a dark and captivating blend of folktale and thriller. Beautifully written with compelling characters, it grabs you from the very first page. Melanie Golding has crafted a  riveting story difficult to put down and impossible to forget.”
—Damien Angelica Walters, author of The Dead Girls Club

“A modern mythological thriller for those who miss Grimm Brothers fairy tales.”
—Rea Frey, author of Secrets of Our House

Praise for Little Darlings:
“Unforgettable . . . One suspects that the real sorceress here is Golding, whose writing has given a voice to every wronged mother.” 
—The New York Times

“Atmospheric and very creepy indeed.”
—The Guardian

“A lyrical and atmospheric folktale for the modern age, Little Darlings is a gorgeously crafted story that makes even the grimmest of subjects shine.”
—Bustle

“Chilling story, beautiful prose. Little Darlings is stunning.”
—Clare Mackintosh, New York Times bestselling author

With its blend of mythology, suspense, and mystery, this novel is engaging and atmospheric—as long as listeners can suspend disbelief and dive into the engaging narration. Penelope Rawlins shifts expertly between the past and present timeframes of the story. She also creates believable distinctions between the two primary characters—DS Joanna Harper and her estranged daughter, Ruby—as well as an assortment of supporting characters. Two storylines unfold simultaneously: Ruby collects her friend's young daughter, who was apparently abandoned by her mother when she left to join her selkie family. At the same time, Gregor, a seemingly single man, is found nearly dead in his apartment, and Joanna leads the investigation into what happened. As the stories become intertwined, Rawlins provides a nuanced and thought-provoking delivery. K.S.M. © AudioFile 2022, Portland, Maine