The Residency: A Gothic Suspense Novel Set on a Remote Scottish Island That Will Keep You Up All Night

The opportunity of a lifetime, or the worst mistake of your life?

Life in London is hard for Ginny as a single mother barely scraping by. Once she was a promising artist with a glittering future ahead. On a whim, she applies for an artistâ (TM)s residency â " all expenses paid â " and is astonished to be accepted.

Soon, Ginny is on a boat to a remote Scottish island, her daughter by her side. But was she too hasty, attracted by the promise of security and a chance to make art again? Locals she meets are tightlipped about the man who is Ginnyâ (TM)s benefactor, but she senses underlying fear. Her contract contains odd rules about avoiding the gallery at the vast property where she is living, and there is an undeniable eeriness to the place. If she didnâ (TM)t know better, sheâ (TM)d swear she could hear whispers, and that the people in the paintings were changing overnightâ ]

By the time Ginny realises what a grave mistake she has made, she is stranded. Accepting the invitation has sealed her fate and the only way to survive is through escape â " or sacrifice.

An atmospheric gothic suspense novel to send a chill down your spine and keep you reading late into the night.

Praise for The Residency

'Skin crawlingly good. I was screaming at the page as the boat approached the island. C.D. Major has written a belter. Claustrophobic, isolated, unnerving ... I was on edge from the first page. Loved it.' Rachel Wolf

'An unsettling, atmospheric mystery you'll race through right to the chilling supernatural twist. Loved it!' Ellery Lloyd, NYT Bestselling author of The Club

'Atmospheric, compelling, genuinely chilling. The only thing that stopped me staying up all night to finish was being too scared to read it in the dark!' Tammy Cohen

â ~Beautifully written and utterly chillingâ (TM) Susi Holliday

â ~This modern gothic tale has it all. Creepy, atmospheric, and scarily addictive, youâ (TM)ll never look at a painting the same way againâ (TM) Amanda Jennings

What readers are saying about The Residency

â ~Compelling, atmospheric and impossible to put downâ ] Highly recommend for fans of immersive psychological suspense.â (TM) Reader Review

â ~A unique, gripping readâ ] A creepy, suspenseful gothic novel.â (TM) Reader Review

â ~An original idea that kept me reading.â (TM) Reader Review

â ~An absolute stand outâ ] A gripping, immersive experience that keeps you hooked.â (TM) Reader Review

'Ideal for Stephen King fans, modern day gothic supernatural horror, absolutely loved it!' Reader Review

'Absolutely enthralled me.' Reader Review

'C.D. Major is fantastic at creating that creepy and insidious atmosphere that's so compelling for the reader.' Reader Review

'A thrillingly complex horror.' Reader Review

'Dark, eerie and so atmospheric - the kind that pulls you in from the first page and doesn't let go.' Reader Review

'The day after reading this, I couldn't let it go.' Reader Review

'This book is an absolute standout.' Reader Review

'A gripping, immersive experience that keeps you hooked.' Reader Review

'The residency delivers on all fronts. It's the kind of book that lingers long after the final page.' Reader Review

'Spine-tingling twists and turns kept me hooked throughout.' Reader Review

Author: C. D. Major
Publisher: Canelo
Published: 08/04/2026
Pages: 336
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.50lbs
Size: 7.70h x 5.00w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9798217269495

About the Author
C. D. Major is the pseudonym of novelist and screenwriter Cesca Major. She's been published in over 12 countries and has TV and film in development with major streamers. She's been a Reese's Book Club Pick and nominated for both the CWA and the HWA Awards. She loves teaching and has mentored for both Reese's Book Club and the Black Girl Writers.