The Girl in the Picture

'Wonderful story which transfixes you from the start – this is the first novel I've read by this author but definitely not the last. The characters are beautifully written and the author effortlessly sucks you in to their worlds.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A beautifully written historical page-turner.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Two women. One house. Centuries of secrets.

East Sussex Coast, 1855

Violet Hargreaves is the lonely daughter of a widowed industrialist, and an aspiring Pre-Raphaelite painter. One day, the naïve eighteen-year-old meets the mysterious and handsome Edwin on the beach. He promises her a world beyond the small coastal village she’s trapped in. But after she ignores warnings about Edwin, a chain of terrible events begins to unfold for Violet…

East Sussex Coast, 2016

For thriller-writer Ella Daniels, the house on the cliff, where she’s moved with her young family, is the perfect place to overcome writer’s block. But there’s a strange atmosphere that settles once they move in – and Ella’s intrigued when she hears stories of brutal murders in the house next door more than 150 years ago. When Ella uncovers a portrait of a beautiful young girl named Violet Hargreaves, who went missing at the same time as the horrific crimes, she becomes determined to find out what happened. And in trying to lay Violet’s ghost to rest, Ella must face ghosts of her own…

This haunting timeslip tale is perfect for fans of Louise Douglas, Tracy Rees, Kate Morton and Lucinda Riley.

Praise for Kerry Barrett:

'What a page turner!' Daisy Wood, author of The Forgotten Bookshop in Paris

'Lovely fireside reading!' Marius Gabriel, author of The German Daughter

‘A fantastic and engaging read. Kerry Barrett truly is a very talented author. It’s absolutely perfect for summer holidays or wintry days snuggled on the sofa.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Once I started reading this book I didn't want to stop. I found it so interesting and intriguing.' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

‘There aren't enough stars for this fun, deep and relaxing read. Highly recommended.’ Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Reviews

Praise for Kerry Barrett:

'A delicious Art Deco novel with a delightfully acerbic heroine and a cast of fabulously diverse characters having perilous adventures in exotic locations – what more could you want? Lovely fireside reading!' Marius Gabriel

‘What a page turner! A bookshop in wartime Lisbon is the gateway to a thrilling world of mystery, espionage, adventure and romance for brilliant and beautiful Lara.' Daisy Wood

'Original and immersive. If you read one Second World War novel in 2025 – make it this one.' Eva Glyn

'I was completely swept away by the story of smart, savvy heroine, Lara and the wonderfully, eclectic cast of supporting characters. A must-read for historical fiction fans and for me, Kerry Barrett’s best book yet.' Annie Lyons

Show less