I loved the premise and indeed the first third of this book. As a long time fan of Sarah Waters there was enough to engage my interest in a similar vein, the grim poverty of nineteenth century London is particularly well imagined and the prose is undeniably well written.

However I just found it ultimately too long winded and a little convoluted. The ending was contrived and my interest was flagging by then.

However I would be very interested in reading anything else by this author in future.

This would usually be just my kind of book - a historical mystery set in the Victorian era with a female lead. In this case the focus is on Hester White, a young woman living in abject poverty in London after falling on hard times. A carriage accident changes her fate and introduces her to Rebekah Brock and her family. Against a backdrop of a spate of missing people in London, Hester and Rebekah scramble to solve the mystery which gets increasingly dangerous.


The historical setting was particularly grim and realistic, which worked well, but was a bit stomach-churning at times. The characterisation of the women and the relationship between them was also well done.


However, I just didn't find the book very satisfying, especially the skimming over time to get to the (slightly unbelievable) resolution. I also found the mix of genres a bit unevenly balanced - the mystery took a long time to get going and the relationship element was also slow. Finally, I just found so much of it grim - I realise it's intended to present the seedy underworld of London, but it was just unrelentingly bleak and cheerless, which made it hard reading.


Overall, I can't deny that this is well written and researched, but approach with caution if you are anticipating a light or easy historical read.