Essie Fox

Hey there! I'm Essie Fox, and I write dark Victorian Gothic novels that dance in the shadowy spaces between historical fiction and psychological suspense. (Yes, I'm that author who's a bit obsessed with mermaids, spiritualism, and all the deliciously unsettling aspects of the Victorian era.)

I grew up absolutely devouring 19th century literature – we're talking Wilkie Collins, the Brontës, Charles Dickens... basically anyone who wrote about fog-shrouded London streets and characters with questionable morals. Little did I know those childhood reading habits would end up shaping my entire writing career! Before I started writing novels, I actually worked as an illustrator and designer in the publishing industry. Maybe that's why I'm so drawn to the visual aspects of storytelling – I can't help but paint scenes with words the way I used to with brushes.

My debut novel "The Somnambulist" (which, rather surprisingly and delightfully, was selected for the TV Book Club) really set the tone for my signature style. But it's "Elijah's Mermaid" that really lets me explore all my favorite themes: the murky world of Victorian London, the fine line between art and obsession, and those complicated questions about identity and belonging that I just can't seem to leave alone. (And yes, there's an actual mermaid involved... sort of. You'll have to read it to see what I mean!)

When I write, I'm trying to recreate that feeling you get when you're walking through an old house at twilight – you know something fascinating and possibly terrifying is just around the corner, but you can't stop yourself from looking. I love weaving together historical fact with Gothic fantasy, taking real Victorian settings and traditions (especially all that wonderfully creepy spiritualism stuff) and threading them through with darkness and mystery.

I spend ridiculous amounts of time researching the Victorian era (my house is practically a library of Victorian literature and historical documents at this point). I'm particularly fascinated by the period's contradictions – all that proper etiquette masking scandalous secrets, the scientific progress alongside spiritual beliefs, the extreme wealth next to desperate poverty. These contrasts make their way into my stories, usually through characters who are trying to navigate these opposing worlds.

When I'm not writing, you'll probably find me wandering through old London neighborhoods, imagining what they were like 150 years ago, or visiting historical houses and museums. (I've been known to get so lost in research that I forget what century I'm in!) I also run a blog called The Virtual Victorian, where I share all the fascinating historical tidbits I discover during my research – because apparently, I can't keep all this Victorian-era knowledge to myself!

To my readers: expect to be transported to a Victorian world that's both historically authentic and darkly imaginative. My books aren't your typical historical romances – they're more like Gothic psychological puzzles with a heavy dose of mystery and a dash of the supernatural. Fair warning: I don't always guarantee happy endings, but I do promise an unforgettable journey through the gaslit streets and shadowy drawing rooms of Victorian London.

I love connecting with readers who share my passion for historical fiction with a dark twist. You can find me on social media, where I'm always happy to chat about Victorian literature, share interesting historical facts, or discuss the finer points of 19th-century fashion (don't get me started on mourning jewelry – I could talk about that for hours!).

So if you're ready for a journey into the darker side of Victorian London, where mermaids might be real and nothing is quite what it seems, come join me. Just mind the gap between reality and fantasy – it's not always as wide as you might think.