The Shiny Night tells the story of the Image House, a modest cottage near Bunbury and Beeston in Cheshire. It spans the reign of Queen Victoria, opening with the celebrations on Beeston Crag for her coronation and reaching its climax in the same place on her diamond jubilee. The Image House was built by Seth Shone on his return from transportation to Australia after he had been convicted of killing a gamekeeper. He adorned his home with stone images of the men who were the instigators of his downfall and laid upon curses in his scheming to regain his rightful place as master of Beggars Oak his ancient family home. It's based upon a true story - you can see the Image House beside the A49 near Bunbury - and you can follow the characters' journeyings around the Cheshire countryside.
I rate this book very highly. It reminded me somewhat of Mary Webb's Shropshire novels but I consider Tunstall a better novelist than Webb. It's a must read for any self-respecting Cheshire person. Crying shame that it's out of print. Rob Crompton