For centuries, Caldonbrae Hall, an elite boarding school for girls, situated on the cliffs of remote Scotland, is a vestige of excellence in the ancestral castle of Lord William Hope. In the autumn term of 1992, Rose Christie, a 26-year-old Classics teacher starts her new position at the school. Rose is overwhelmed by the institution's antiquated traditions and attitudes. As time passes and Rose settles into her new role, she uncovers the darkness that hides behind the pretence of a school that promises that its pupils will emerge 'resilient and ready to serve society'.

Madam is Phoebe Wynne's debut suspenseful dark academia novel that I am now obsessed with. The setting, atmosphere, dialogue and mystery, all coalesce to create a perfect contemporary, gothic novel with stunning writing. I was fascinated by the mystery and sinister undertones, it made me feel unsettled all  the way through. This book, is without a doubt a page-turner, the horror escalated with ferocious pace that I absolutely devoured.

Thank you Quercus for providing my advanced copy!