{New Historical Thriller} Eva is Waiting by Romola Farr

Eva is Waiting by Romola Farr
Published by Wildmoore Press on February 14th, 2025
Genres: Fiction, Adult, Thriller, Historical
Buy on Amazon, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada, Amazon Australia
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Following the death of her mother, Lily is sent to a remote girls’ boarding school, tearing her away from all the excitement of London in the Swingin’ Sixties. Bereft, she develops a relationship with Rainer, the husband of Sylvia, the headmistress.

One day, Bella, the school Collie, goes missing whilst playing on the shore below sheer cliffs. Despite a rising tide, Lily is determined to find the beautiful dog and discovers her trapped between rocks in a cave. Deepening water swirls around them as her fingertips dig into the sand and touch the smooth surface of what she believes to be an animal skull. From that moment on, she is haunted by a young girl pleading for help.

Lily speaks to her headmistress and learns that eleven years previously a pupil went missing. Eva was a refugee from Hungary, and it was assumed by the police that she had run away.

Forced to stay on at school during the Christmas holiday, Lily is caught between those who know what really happened and wish to silence her, and her determination to end Eva’s wait for justice.

But is history about to repeat itself?

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Exclusive Excerpt from Eva is Waiting

‘Do you have plans for when you’ve completed your A-levels?’ he asked, as she picked up her glass of Coca-Cola and put it to her lips; lips that he longed to kiss. She put her drink down and fixed him with her wonderful eyes. ‘What would you suggest?’

Her question surprised him. ‘I think the world is your oyster,’ he said. ‘Does university appeal?’

‘I want to formulate my own views. I have had enough of old people spouting old thoughts. Times they are a-changing.’ She smiled and he marvelled at her brilliance. He was enchanted but knew he needed to focus. ‘Do you like Bob Dylan?’ she asked, slightly tilting her head.

He nodded. Popular music was good turf to venture upon. ‘Yes. He’s very cool.’ 

‘What is your taste in music?’

‘I would say, it is a little eclectic. I like The Beatles, but I also like ballads. Have you heard of The Righteous Brothers?’

‘Yes. They can sing, but they don’t really speak to me.’ She took a sip of her Coke. 

‘Speak to you?’ he questioned. 

‘They don’t have any of the bad boy about them.’

Malcolm laughed. ‘I see.’ In his heart he saw a wild and beautiful young woman sitting across from a buttoned-up, straitlaced man. ‘Do you think they are a bit too square with their short hair and smart suits?’

‘I like square,’ she said. 

Now Malcolm was confused and did not have a ready response.

‘There are two types of boys,’ she said. ‘The ones parents like and the ones that smoke pot, protest against the bomb, and play guitar.’

Malcolm was now out of his depth and decided to change gender. ‘What about women? Do you like Petula Clark?’

‘My father does.’

That hurt! He soldiered on. ‘Joan Baez? She’s like Bob Dylan.’

‘There but for fortune…,’ she said. ‘I love the guitar intro, and the lyrics really strike home. Her voice is so perfect, so rich, it makes me shiver.’

He nodded. ‘I agree. To be frank, I also like Nancy Sinatra, pun not intended.’

‘Pun?’

‘Frank, her father?’ He raised an eyebrow.

‘Frank who?’

‘Sinatra.’

She shrugged. ‘I don’t know him.’

Malcolm chuckled. ‘Why should you?’ There was a pause. Not quite awkward, but he felt he had to fill it with something clever. ‘Peter Noone. Name the group.’ 

‘I do not have the least idea, but I know he’s not in the Rolling Stones.’

‘Herman’s Hermits.’

‘I’ve heard them on Radio Luxemburg. I’m into something good, I think.’

He hoped she truly felt that. Somehow, he had to keep their relationship ticking over until she left school, and he could really stake his claim.

She smiled. ‘I like you, Malcolm. You’re very funny.’

‘I try.’ He laughed and looked deeply into her eyes and knew he had fallen for her hook, line, and sinker. 

Lunch concluded too quickly. Outside the pub, by his car, he wanted to take her in his arms but didn’t want to scare her by coming on too strong. Later, when she insisted he drop her at the end of the drive leading up to her school, he was desperate they part with a romantic kiss. But where was his courage? 

He leaned across in the gloom of his car and found her cheek. ‘May I see you again?’ he whispered.

She squeezed his hand. ‘Write to me.’ Her voice was angelic, almost seductive.

‘I will.’

He leapt out to open her door, but she was too quick. 

‘Goodbye Malcolm.’ He watched her hurry away until the darkness took her.