A Fate Worse Than Drowning

By Sarah Hawthorn

For fans of A Dark and Drowning Tide and The Lighthouse Witches comes a queer speculative novel about a lighthouse keeper who made a devil's bargain to save her sister, but when a shipwrecked survivor washes ashore, she is left with an impossible choice...

One deal with the devil makes a fool. Two? A villain...

A year ago, Elle made a deal with the devil to save her sister. Now, they live on a desolate spit of land beyond Halifax harbor. Elle, as lighthouse keeper, steers unsuspecting sailors to their destruction; those are the terms of her bargain. Liney need never know the cost. Her safety is worth every drop of blood.

But a sinner's pact is not so simple. When the devil returns, demanding more - more shipwrecks, no survivors - Elle knows what she must do to keep Liney safe...

Another ship. Another crew killed in the devil's name.

Then a woman washes ashore. Is she a soul to be sacrificed, or part of a darker design? As Liney and the stranger grow closer, Elle faces an impossible choice: kill, and break Liney's heart, or forfeit her own soul.

Danger arises from all sides: the merciless sea, ruthless men on the mainland, and the infernal bargain itself...

Souls and sisterhood, fate and fire - what must be sacrificed for the devil to get his due?

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1464238146
• ISBN13: 9781464238147
• Release Date: July 2026
• Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
• Length: 320 Pages
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.5" x 8.3"