I was completely spellbound Ruth Hogan author of The Keeper of Lost ThingsSetterfield is a master storyteller Madeline Miller author of Circe Some say the river drowned her... Some say it brought her back to life On a dark midwinters night in an ancient inn on the Thames the regulars are entertaining themselves by telling stories when the door bursts open and in steps an injured stranger. In his arms is the drowned corpse of a child. Hours later the dead girl stirs takes a breath and returns to life. Is it a miracle Is it magic And who does the little girl belong to An exquisitely crafted historical mystery brimming with folklore suspense and romance as well as with the urgent scientific curiosity of the Victorian age. Praise for Diane SetterfieldAn absolute feast of a book which will keep you engrossed RED magazineBrimming with folklore intrigue and romance this is a story to savour Woman amp HomeOnce Upon a River continues to demonstrate Setterfields mastery of the Gothic genre in a way that will appeal to modern readers The IndependentReaders are captivated by Once Upon a River Pure escapism a beautifully written story. It felt as comforting as the fantastical stories you read as a child yet with a darker edge. I was entranced from the beginning to the end.