It’s impossible not to be captivated by this gothic historical mystery, especially with its eerie and artistic cover that seems to speak to your soul and pique your most eccentric cravings.

I hadn't had the chance to delve into Bridget Collins' previous works before, but after reading this book, I'm certain it won't be my last. If you're in the market for originality, uniqueness, and surprising plot twists, then this book is a perfect fit for you. Just imagine a special silk, spun by spiders, that envelops you in a deafening silence un anything you've ever experienced before. Is it mind-spinning, scary, astounding, and earth-shattering? Absolutely.

The main plot unfolds across two timelines: the first perspective is presented through the diary of Sophia Ashmore Percy in 1820. She travels to a Greek island with her husband James, intending to explore a specimen that could change the course of the world. However, upon arrival, they discover that their scientist friend is already deceased, and they are left in the care of a mysterious woman named Hira. Sophia's budding friendship and deep connection with Hira will change her life in ways she never imagined.

The narrative then shifts to decades later, introducing Henry Latimer, a widower working in his father-in-law's store as an audiologist. Still grappling with grief and depression, Henry's life takes a dramatic turn when he receives a special gift from Sir Edward Ashmore-Percy: a piece of silk produced by spiders, which severs his connection to the earth with its magical properties. Henry's encounter with this fabric leads him to Cathemute House in Telverton, where he meets Sir Edward and his deaf daughter Philomel. Determined to help Philomel, Henry becomes entangled in a partnership with Sir Ashmore-Percy to introduce spider silk to various markets. However, as Henry's feelings for Edward deepen, he begins to question Miss Fielding's warnings about the silk's potentially cursed nature, which manifests in various afflictions among workers and adults a.

Overall, this is a well-written, intense gothic mystery that immediately draws you in. The mechanization of the Telverton silk factory is depicted with vivid realism, offering a glimpse into the lives of workers and the machinery they operate.

The conclusion ties up the narrative threads neatly, making this a must-read for fans of historical thrillers and gothic mysteries a.

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

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I admit I loved two previous novels by Ms Collins. Her historical fiction novels are with a big dose of fantasy and the combination works for me in an extraordinary way. The Silence Factory offers a warning against the theft of what constitutes a natural and sacred element and the use of it for materialistic enrichment. The abuse leads to misfortune and tragedy. There is a strong Gothic feel around the places and characters which is trademark of Ms Collins' novels, and her idea for this book is again unique. I am grateful for the journey to the world in which noise and silence and both separate and intertwined.
*A big thank-you to Bridget Collins, HarperCollins UK, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*favorites71 s22 comments Emma2,596 1,000

Bridget Collins’ books seem to get better and better! I tried to savour this book but it was just too good and I rushed through it. This was gothic in feel- and the factory town of Telverton was sinister.I wasn’t really sure what to make of the main character- maybe *odd* covers it. Arachnaphobics beware! Many thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book.british-hf family historical-fiction ...more15 s Andrea648 63

Thank you for the eARC, NetGalley and HarperCollins!

I've read and enjoyed both The Binding and The Betrayals, so of course I requested this as soon as I saw it on NetGalley!

The writing was great and it had a very unique and interesting concept. It certainly has gothic vibes, with Bridget Collins' signature magical element.

The book has two timelines: Sophia's pov, as she travels to Greece with her controlling husband, in search of a rumoured spider breed with magical qualities. The other pov is Henry, who is coincidentally thrust into the world of Sophia's great-nephew, the owner of a spider-silk factory.

I was interested in the story and curious to see where it would lead, but I didn't particularly care about the characters. The book lost me on the "relationships", which felt very forced and unly to me, unfortunately. It made Henry extremely unable with how intentionally blind he was.
The magical element, while a unique concept, didn't lead to anything particularly interesting for me.

Overall, it didn't really stand out and won't be very memorable for me.13 s Theresa SmithAuthor 5 books205

Every so often you read a novel that is so blinding in its brilliance: uniquely plotted and beautifully written. 

The above quote is from my own review of The Binding by Bridget Collins. In The Silence Factory, she has done it again. The end. Only joking! But seriously, this novel is brilliant. I could not put it down and read it in a day, no mean feat for me as it was 380 pages long and that is getting dangerously close to being a ‘big book’, which I’m reading less and less of lately. But in truth, when it comes to Bridget Collins, I would read any length of novel. She is an absolute master of the Victorian era gothic historical fiction niche.

First of all, if you’re afraid of spiders, this novel will terrify you. This is not a warning to take lightly. Many aspects of this story tread the boards of horror, but when it comes to the spiders, I can only imagine that if they terrify you, you will find this an extremely discomforting read.

Bridget Collins captures the Victorian era of industrial progress and social disharmony with perfection. The poverty, the lack of workplace regulations, the dismissal of the poor as having rights, the abuse of children within the workplace. It’s all here, in technicolour sobriety. I absolutely love how she brings this era to life, highlighting the corruption and greed that drove so many on their quest for wealth and status.

Our main character, Henry, is a sad man, He has lost his wife and infant, he works in a job that he doesn’t particularly for a father-in-law he has nothing in common with and feels a disappointment to. He is ripe for plucking by a manipulative industrialist driven by greed and corruption. While Henry is dazzled at first, by flattery and desire, he slowly begins to comprehend the horror of what he has been drawn into.

Alongside this storyline is another, the diary of the wife of Sir Edward’s uncle, Sophie. It details a sordid tale of botanical theft and greed, of betrayal and desperation. Sophie’s story just about broke my heart. It’s an example of so many historical instances of colonial theft and entitlement.
Needless to say, I highly recommend this one. A stunning, brilliant novel.

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.earcs netgalley10 s2 comments Cáit40 14

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