The Silence Factory: A Novel BY Bridget Collins

The Silence Factory by Bridget Collins is a gripping gothic novel set across two timelines, exploring the dark secrets of the Ashmore-Percy family and the sinister business they’ve built around a magical silk. In 1820, Sophia Ashmore-Percy joins her husband on a remote Greek island, where she unexpectedly discovers the rare creature he’s searching for and begins questioning her marriage and desires. Decades later, audiologist Henry Latimer arrives at Carthmute House to treat Sir Edward Ashmore-Percy’s deaf daughter, Philomel. However, he becomes captivated by the mysterious silk spun from a rare breed of spiders, which shields sound and offers tranquility but afflicts those nearby with disturbing murmurs and physical and mental maladies.

As Henry delves deeper into the silk business, he uncovers a sinister history and the true cost of the Ashmore-Percy fortune. The silk’s allure draws him into a web of corruption, complicity, and desire, threatening to consume him. Bridget Collins masterfully weaves a tale of suspense, blending rich prose with haunting imagery to create a story that is both enchanting and deeply unsettling. The Silence Factory is a compelling exploration of power, exploitation, and the darkness that lies beneath the surface of a seemingly prosperous family. With its intricate plot and atmospheric setting, this novel is a must-read for fans of gothic fiction and those who enjoy stories about uncovering hidden truths.