A mountain unexpectedly appears in the Marlborough Downs, overshadowing the city of Swindon. It arrives quietly, straddling the boundary between Oxfordshire and West Berkshire. It looks as if it has always been there.

But it hasn't.

No one knows where it has come from.

Clare Holworth joins an archaeological investigation alongside a multi-agency team tasked with understanding and managing the site - before public pressure grows out of control and the truth is lost in the stampede for the summit.

'The mountain appeared overnight behind that ridge. It arrived five months ago without fuss or storm or earthquake'

Science Fiction merges with archaeology in this sublime exploration of mystery, landscape and personal rediscovery

**As seen in New Scientist's 'The best new science fiction books of February 2025'**

**Bestselling Book of the Year 2025 at Bert's Books, Swindon - independent bookshop**

PRAISE FOR HARRIET HITCHEN
'Definitely left its mark on me ... 5 stars'
'Fascinating'
'Absorbing'

Original Paperback edition with artboard cover with flaps, and archaeological maps created by the author.

**Reader reviews for Harriet Hitchen**

'Definitely left its mark on me ... 5 stars' - reader review

'Fascinating' - Five stars

'Absorbing' - Five stars 
 
**Bestselling Book of the Year 2025 at Bert's Books, Swindon - independent bookshop**

Harriet Hitchen is a former archaeological illustrator and writer. She has a degree in Fine Art, particularly focusing on figure painting. She loves to unpick the emotional stories behind the facts of great artworks and heritage locations, trips to London and exploring rambling country houses. Her first novel nude reimagines the secret life of a forgotten Pre-Raphaelite artist. Swindon Mountain combines her passion for archaeology with science fiction. Fey Fell Fo Fum is her magical new novel.

She lives near Cheltenham with her husband.