Welsh author and screenwriter Fflur Dafydd has received high praise from renowned television writer Russell T Davies for her upcoming psychological crime novel The House of Water, set for release on May 15, 2025.
Described as a “magnificent” work by Davies, the novel unfolds in a flood-stricken Welsh town and follows a young woman returning to her family home, only to discover her life is about to be irrevocably changed.
“This is a story that vaults powerfully through huge, bold, epic swings,” said Davies, the creator of Doctor Who’s modern revival. “Magnificent writing. I hope it’s a great success.”
Dafydd, an award-winning writer known for her contributions to both literature and screen, described The House of Water as a thriller rooted in themes of identity, heritage, and the fluidity of truth.
“I wanted to write a gripping thriller that also explored family and heritage,” she said. “A story that shifts like water—where truth, identity, and history are constantly changing form. It’s about what we inherit, what we cling to, and what refuses to stay buried.”
In addition to its suspenseful plot, the novel delves into aspects of Welsh culture, language, and the lingering impact of personal and collective histories.
The House of Water will be available in print, audio, and digital formats through major retailers including Amazon and Waterstones, as well as independent bookstores across the UK.
The official launch is scheduled for Sunday, May 26, at the Hay Festival, one of the UK’s most prestigious literary events. A book tour across Wales and the wider UK will follow.
Dafydd’s previous works have earned critical acclaim and have been adapted for film and television. With early endorsements and widespread anticipation, The House of Water is poised to be one of the standout crime releases of the year.
