Beyond Black is a haunting and darkly humorous novel by Hilary Mantel that explores the blurred line between the living and the dead. The story follows Alison Hart, a professional medium who makes her living communicating with spirits. Unlike many fraudulent psychics, Alison is the real deal—her life is constantly haunted by restless ghosts, particularly a group of menacing figures from her own troubled past. Alongside her pragmatic but skeptical assistant, Colette, Alison navigates the strange world of the afterlife while struggling with the burdens of her own existence.

Mantel crafts a deeply atmospheric and unsettling tale, filled with biting wit and eerie supernatural elements. The novel delves into trauma, the weight of memory, and the thin veil between the seen and unseen, making it both an engrossing psychological study and a ghost story unlike any other.

Why read this book:

• A gripping exploration of the supernatural that blends realism with eerie, otherworldly encounters.
• Rich psychological depth, portraying a deeply flawed yet fascinating protagonist.
• A unique take on mediumship, exploring the burden of truly seeing the dead.
• Mantel’s signature sharp prose and dark humor elevate the novel beyond a typical ghost story.
• Thought-provoking themes on trauma, memory, and the past’s relentless hold on the present.

About the author

Hilary Mantel (1952–2022) was one of the most acclaimed British novelists of her time, best known for her Wolf Halltrilogy, which redefined historical fiction and won her two Booker Prizes. Her writing, characterized by piercing intelligence and psychological depth, often explores themes of power, history, and the supernatural. Beyond Blackshowcases her versatility, blending literary fiction with elements of horror, humor, and the uncanny.