'I was completely spellbound' - Ruth Hogan; author of The Keeper of Lost Things 'Setterfield 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 midwinter's 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 Setterfield: 'An absolute feast of a book; which will keep you engrossed' RED magazine 'Brimming with folklore; intrigue and romance; this is a story to savour' Woman & Home 'Once Upon a River continues to demonstrate [Setterfield's] mastery of the Gothic genre in a way that will appeal to modern readers' The Independent Readers 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.'