A Fate Worse than Drowning: A Novel

Summary

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.

©2026 Sarah L. Hawthorn (P)2026 Audible, Inc.