Impossible causes - Julie Mayhew

Eerie and menacing, timely and moving, Impossible Causes is an unputdownable novel that examines the consequences of silence kept at young women's expense.'A tightly told and powerful story of sins, lies and secrets long held' i 'This highly atmospheric tale is both thrilling and poignant' HeatThe arrival of three strangers on Lark, a remote island with a population of 300, is the cause of much speculation. The first is a young teacher - the only male teacher on the island - the other two, a bereaved mother and her teenage daughter. What have they come to escape? What will they find waiting for them on Lark?And whose body will soon be found lying in the island's stone circle?

Julie is an actress turned writer. She is an award-winning novelist, an award-nominated radio dramatist and has written short stories and stage plays to critical acclaim. As a participant in the BFI Network x BAFTA Crew scheme, she also writes and directs for the screen.

Atmospheric and disorientating … A claustrophobic tale of outsiders versus insiders, religious fervour versus age-old paganism and, ultimately, women and men. A tightly told and powerful story of sins, lies and secrets long held
i

Dense and claustrophobic, this well-written novel reprises the old themes of men whose need to control women is so frenzied that they cannot see any female as an independent human being
Literary Review

This highly imaginative novel and its meticulously created community of characters was an addictive read with twists and turns and a wonderful sense of place. Beautifully written, beguiling and compelling

A beautiful piece of writing - hypnotically convincing, eerie and disturbing. Mayhew's is a voice I long to hear more of

Exploring the consequences of staying silent at one woman's expense, this highly atmospheric tale is both thrilling and poignant
Heat

Pacey and original - Mayhew's characters will enthral and appal in equal measure
Woman

A clever, claustrophobic story of suspicion and superstition
Sunday Express