We Kept Her in the Cellar: A Novel By W. R. Gorman

In this dark and twisted reimagining of Cinderella, the story unfolds from the perspective of her stepsister, Eunice, who lives by three strict rules: always refer to Cinderella as family, never let her near rats or mice, and avoid looking at her between midnight and three a.m. For years, Eunice has shielded her family’s dark secret—Cinderella possesses terrifying, eldritch powers that have turned their home into a nightmare.

Eunice’s childhood is marked by fear and the lurking dread of the monster in the cellar, but when she befriends the handsome Prince Credence and secures an invitation to the royal ball, she sees a glimmer of hope for escape. With her younger sister, Hortense, taking on the responsibility of caring for Cinderella, Eunice seizes the opportunity to dance the night away, longing for freedom from her oppressive home.

However, the night takes a chilling turn when Cinderella escapes her confinement, unleashing her dark magic at the ball and enchanting Prince Credence. In her wake, she leaves chaos, destruction, and a single green glass slipper, a symbol of her power.

Now, Eunice must confront the depths of her own sacrifices as she battles to stop her stepsister from wreaking further havoc. This unsettling tale weaves horror and dark fantasy into a compelling narrative that will keep readers on the edge of their seats, anxiously questioning the shadows lurking just beyond their doors. Fans of T. Kingfisher and Naomi Novik will be captivated by this haunting exploration of love, betrayal, and the monstrous depths of family ties.