For Ellen Whitfield, the betrothal of her dear friend Harriet to Ellen’s brother has brought both loss and solace.

But when Harriet suddenly breaks off the engagement, ostensibly at the insistence of her deceased mother, Ellen is bewildered. And when she learns that Harriet is involved with a spiritualist group led by the charismatic Caroline McLeod, she fears losing her friend altogether.

So it is that practical, sceptical Ellen moves into the gloomy East Melbourne mansion where Caroline, along with her enigmatic daughter Grace, has assembled a motley court of the bereaved. Ellen’s intention is to expose the simple trickery—the hidden cabinets and rigged seances, the levers and wires—that must surely lie behind these visits from the departed.

What she discovers is altogether more complicated.

Tara Calaby weaves a compelling and richly detailed narrative around the romance of old Melbourne in this intriguing, possibly supernatural, historical mystery.

Praise for Tara Calaby and House of Longing

‘Thrilling sapphic historical fiction... A poignant exploration of love, grief, sexuality and perseverance.’ - Books+Publishing

‘A moving historical feminist and sapphic narrative that illuminates the shadowy corners of 19th-century colonial culture...’  - The Age

‘House of Longing is a beautiful romance that will break your heart, and set it soaring again, this time with hope.’  - Weekend Australian