Overview

From the brothels of Covent Garden to the oppressive society of the eighteenth century, discover the enthralling historical masterpiece from Louise Hare. ‘The sharp-witted, courageous heroine is the perfect narrator of the atmospheric, enthralling story that Hare has woven … a fantastic read’ Harriet Tyce, Sunday Times bestselling author ‘A beautifully drawn cast of characters and a heroine you care about from the very first page. I had to stop myself racing through it because I didn't want it to end’ Frances Quinn, author of The Smallest Man **** December, 1765. In the early hours of the morning, Sukey Maynard flees her home – a brothel in Covent Garden. Her maidenhood is about to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, and she is too frightened to stay. But when she is captured and returned to the house of fallen sisters, she has a choice to make – should she stay, or should she run again? As Sukey accepts her fate, she begins to learn how to navigate this strange new life of hers, and soon realises that there are those who wish her and her sisters harm. But this world that operates in the shadows has its own set of rules, and if Sukey is to survive then she must learn to play the game … The exquisite new novel from bestselling author Louise Hare based in 18th century London paints a vivid picture of London’s underbelly and shows how, even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future. * * * * Praise for Louise Hare ‘The best of historical fiction gives voice to those excluded from the history books, and Hare does exactly this with great skill and exceptional storytelling. I absolutely loved it!’ Louise Fein, author of People Like Us ‘A shocking, visceral tale that’s also uplifting and empowering. Louise Hare has given voice to the disenfranchised … Like nothing I’ve read before. I loved it’ Eleni Kyriacou, author of The Unspeakable Acts of Zina Pavlou ‘A thought-provoking and compelling tale about freedom, identity and agency’ Nicola Gill, author of Swimming for Beginners 'Poignant and authentic … it’s [Hare’s] steady, calm prose and the animating authenticity of her material that make it so hard to resist' Observer 'Hopeful and inspiring' Abi Daré

Full Product Details

9780008495015

Table of Contents

Reviews

‘Charming characters, a cross-Atlantic setting, jazz, cocktails, sex and a brilliant murder mystery. You couldn’t ask for more! I loved it’ Harriet Tyce ‘This is a cracker. A thoroughly absorbing and thought-provoking historical crime novel that oozes glamour’ Cathy Rentzenbrink, The Last Act of Love ‘An engrossing read’ Guardian ‘Hare’s well-crafted second novel oozes glamour … Did someone mention Agatha Christie? Yes, but with the bonus of subtle reflections on race and class’ Observer

Author Information

Louise Hare is a London-based writer and has an MA in Creative Writing from Birkbeck, University of London. Originally from Warrington, the capital is the inspiration for much of her work, including This Lovely City, which began life after a trip into the deep level shelter below Clapham Common.

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