Maria's photograph, although fictional, is based on the story of a real photograph which was at Hevingham school in Norfolk, UK
She was kept in the headmaster's classroom, and pupils and teachers alike were convinced that she was seen moving in her frame. Some stories say she was a former pupil who died of pneumonia before leaving school. Others suggest that it was simply a former pupil who has more than likely now passed away. Rumours said that when she was left at the school, items were moved and desks turned over.
Hearing the story as a child, I asked the teachers and was told it was nonsense but when I asked those same staff members over many years later, they admitted that there was a lot of truth in the rumours. Though we never know who the girl really was, in every story, the girl's name was Maria, and she simply wanted to go to school. Fascinated by her story, in 2019, I decided to write my story as a tribute to the child in the photograph.
Since I started attending events in 2023 this book has become by far my most successful book.
Synopsis
After being widowed in the Second World War, Young School teacher Judith moves to start a new life in a remote Norfolk village. Finding herself alone in her remote cottage for long evenings, she often finds herself talking to an old photograph of a young girl which came with the house. When the girl begins to haunt her dreams, Judith becomes involved in a terrifying and jumpy ghost story.
'A well-written story with thrilling plot twists and turns you will never see coming. The author continues to take his readers on a journey through his imagination one book at a time. I highly recommend this book to readers of every type of genre.' Teneesah Miller
'This was such an interesting journey through time, grief, and transformation. It had all the feel of a great cozy with a fascinating twists on paranormal themes of ghosts and memory. I was spooked and thrilled, constantly turning the page to continue the story.' J coote USA
Maria’s Photograph is creepy, gripping, surprisingly loving, and difficult to put down.
It is one of those books that takes hold of you and makes you think you know how things are going to go, but you are oh so wrong.
Samuel J White has woven a masterful tale and doesn’t leave you disappointed. Richard Griffiths
This was the first book by Samuel J White and I loved it! As soon as you thought you had figured out the plot, he threw in a new twist. I can't wait to read more from him xx Faith Hook