A THRILLING VICTORIAN MYSTERY — BASED ON THE SHOCKING TRUE CRIME THAT SHOCKED LONDON SOCIETY

A DAZZLING WIDOW IN POSSESSION OF A FORTUNE

London, 1872. Society beauty Cecilia Castello lives alone in a gothic mansion on the outskirts of town. Since the untimely death of her abusive husband, the place has become her sanctuary.

Cecilia’s first marriage nearly killed her and she is in no hurry to repeat past mistakes. But she has a terrible secret . . .

THE RESPECTABLE HUSBAND SHE NEEDED TO SAVE HER REPUTATION

Cecilia sets her sights on unremarkable businessman Mr Charles Cranbrook. No one can believe his luck. Least of all Charles himself. The two wed after a whirlwind courtship.

Then his luck runs out. Soon after his wedding day, Charles is poisoned.

WHO WAS THE ONE TO ADMINISTER THE FATAL DOSE?

There’s talk of suicide, but who would choose such an agonizing death? Does the beautiful Cecilia know more than she is letting on?

As the inquest wears on, Cecilia’s darkest secrets are dragged into light — and London’s high society is scandalized.

Could she be guilty of something worse than even the gossips are claiming?

Based on the notorious Victorian murder involving Charles and Florence Bravo and Dr James Gully, proponent of the “water cure”, this story reaches beneath the veneer of Victorian respectability and twists the ingredients of enormous fortune, sexual adventure, domestic abuse, avarice, and jealousy into a satisfying whole. Expertly researched by the author, this novel proposes an intriguing solution to the case.

Perfect for fans of Josephine Cox, Anna Jacobs, Jeffery Archer and Ken Follet.