An enchanting new novella set in the magical world of Sunday Times bestseller Threadneedle and The Times bestseller Shadowstitch

“The unopenable box. A mythical object that appears in fairy tales and folklore across all cultures around the world. Sometimes the box can only be opened by the right person at the right time, such a rightful heir, and in other tales it is considered a warning. A test given to the protagonist who are typically forbidden from opening the box. When they eventually succumb, what they unleash cannot be put back in.”

At home one memorable summer, Miranda unearths a mysterious suitcase in her attic that once belonged to her late grandmother. Inside, she finds a strange and unopenable wooden box.

Determined to discover what’s inside, she ends up enlisting the help of Maya, the owner of a local spiritualist shop, and is drawn into a world of witchcraft, magic and temptation.

As she tries to keep up appearances as the perfect daughter, her discovery threatens to tear everything apart, putting everyone around her in danger.

Can she find a way to stay in control or would the box have been better left buried?

Taking place before events in Threadneedle and Shadowstitch, this is a perfect read for not just fans of the series, but for anyone who loves to be transported by magical fantasy.

In this latest tale from Cari Thomas, the author of the Sunday Times bestselling book, we delve into the urban legends and mythology that surround the unopenable box. As Miranda grapples with the coming of age, the story takes us on a journey through the contemporary world of witchcraft and magic.

For fans of Lynette Noni (The Blood Traitor), Charlie N. Holmberg (The Master Magician), Devney Perry (Shield of Sparrows), Iris Beaglehole (The Crone of Midnight Embers), and T Kingfisher (Paladin's Faith).

HarperCollins 2025

The Burial Witch: A Threadneedle Novella (Threadneedle)

The Burial Witch: A Threadneedle Novella (Threadneedle)