This week we’re bringing you a gripping literary thriller set in the world of dark academia, for fans of Donna Tartt’s The Secret History and Katy Hays The Cloisters. 

In Joanna Margaret’s debut novel The Bequest, PhD student Isabel Henley arrives to study at St Andrew’s University but when her friend Rose disappears she must solve a 450 year-old mystery to save both their lives. Dive into this gothic mystery head first!

The Bequest by Joanna Margaret is published by Head of Zeus and available now. We recommend buying a copy from your local indie bookshop or you can visit our shop on Bookshop.org.

'Richly atmospheric and irresistibly readable' Joyce Carol Oates





Produced and edited by Megan Bay Dorman
Programmed by Matt Casbourne

BOOK OF THE WEEK: The Bequest by Joanna Margaret

Damian Barr's Literary Salon tempts the world's best writers to read exclusively from their latest greatest works and share their own personal stories. Star guests include: Jojo Moyes, John Waters, Yaa Gyasi, Mary Beard, Diana Athill and Louis de Bernières - all in front of a live audience at leading glamorous locations world-wide.  Our London home is the Savoy.  Suave Salonnière Damian Barr is your host. 

Produced by Russell Finch.