1864, Bristol, England

The seamstress is found in the darkened docks, floating, silenced. Those who found her are sure it must be a tragic accident, probably the result of too many drinks in a nearby public house. But journalist Nelly Brooks recognises the dead woman immediately – Nelly has her emerald shawl in her bag.

Because they had met just one day before, when the seamstress had begged Nelly to investigate the death of the woman who’d given her that same shawl – a wealthy man’s wife. Nelly had tried to insist that her job at the newspaper is only meant to be writing about the best ways to darn a sock or to decorate a drawing room. She’s not meant to actually investigate anything. That’s a job for a man.

But the seamstress trusted her, and Nelly knows she must find out the truth. Even though her investigation will bring her up against the great and the good of the city; with connections that go as high as the crown. And she will have nothing but her wits to ensure she does not become a murderous man’s next victim…

Bestselling author Louise Douglas returns with darkly gothic historical novel of love, murder, madness and secrets, perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Lucinda Riley and Jane Eyre.

‘This atmospheric Victorian mystery pulls you in from the first page right through until the cracking conclusion. A brilliant read!’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rachel Burton, author

‘An evocative, gothic tale of a feisty pioneering journalist taking on both the murky underworld of Victorian Bristol and the era’s restrictions on women's lives. Louise Douglas’ writing envelops you in swirling mist and unseen menace.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Victoria Scott, author

‘Oh my goodness, what a read – such a gripping story, wonderfully told – I honestly loved every moment... If historical and gothic are things that whet your appetite, with a substantial slice of excitement and danger, this is a book you’re going to love… Most definitely one of my books of the year.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

‘Words cannot describe what I felt for this work of art that this novel is… a brilliant Victorian Era mystery… I was on the edge of my seat many times.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

‘An absolutely terrific read… I read on long after I should have been in the land of nod and couldn’t wait to continue the next day. A beautiful read, well written with a great cast of characters and a firm storyline. Highly recommended and most definitely meriting all five glowing stars.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

‘A superb novel full of mystery, suspense and investigative charm… The author’s writing is so atmospheric… A real page-turner… I loved it.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

‘A great murder mystery that is steeped in danger, drama, and mysticism… Descriptive and intriguing. It captivates from the beginning… Had all my favourite things. Emotions, history, drama, romance, danger… I mean, what more can a reader ask for?’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

Praise for Louise Douglas:

‘A master of her craft, Louise Douglas ratchets up the tension in this haunting and exquisitely written tale of buried secrets and past tragedy.’ Amanda Jennings

‘Beautifully written, chillingly atmospheric and utterly compelling.’ Tammy Cohen

‘I love the way in which Louise creates such an atmospheric mystery, building the intrigue and suspense brick by brick.’ Nicola Cornick