The Mallen men who bore the white streak in their hair did not usually reach old age, nor did they die in their beds. From generation to generation, the Mallen family is said to have been cursed by a dramatic white streak in their jet-black hair. The streak is only borne by the men, but the lives of all those connected to the family by blood or otherwise, will be touched by the Mallen curse. Thomas Mallen, heir of High Banks Hall comes to realise this as he faces disaster and financial ruin in the turbulent 1850s. But the curse of the Mallen streak doesn't end there, and the consequences will be truly devastating for generations to come. The Mallen Streak is the compelling first novel in one of Catherine Cookson's most gripping series.