I loved this book so much! Although it's outside of my usual historical period of interest (I am obsessed with Victorians), I'm glad I took my chances as this is an amazing novel. Beautifully written and extensively researched, this is an absolute gem of a historical novel. Although it is ostensibly a murder mystery, that feels too restrictive a genre for this book which roams freely through social history, politics, art and ethics and manages to do so with engaging characters and a pin-sharp focus on historical detail.

Caro Corsham is our heroine here, a character who apparently features in Shepherd-Robinson's first novel, 'Blood and Sugar'. I haven't read the first book but am about to remedy that situation! Caro is a likeable and lively heroine, grappling with her own secrets while also seeking justice for a murder she almost witnesses;. the novel opens with a killing at the pleasure gardens in Vauxhall and it is Caro who finds the dead woman. This discovery leads Caro (and us as readers) deep into the seedier side of Georgian London, a world of brothels and prostitution and gin houses and moneylenders and crime. Her investigation is helped by thief-taker Mr Child, himself struggling with his past and secrets. Together, they roam through polite (and much less polite) society, uncovering the secrets of a club of influential men and the prostitutes they hire. In the process, they reveal lies and unleash great danger.

It's almost impossible to sum up the plot of the novel and I don't feel that I have done it justice. Suffice it to say that it is intricately plotted with a host of characters who are all flawed in their own ways. I was totally convinced I had solved it several times, only for the next twist to ruin my thinking!

This is a treat of a novel for anyone who loves a clever, twisty murder mystery. It will keep you turning pages and guessing late into the night and the end, when it comes, is satisfying and credible.

spoiler alert ** There is a lot going on in this book.
The action did not let up for more than a few minutes at a time.
What starts as the death of a lady from Naples,turns into gentlemans clubs,wild parties,murders,secrets,lies and betrayals.
Both Caro Corsham and theif taker Mr Child's are fantastic characters leading this story.. both of them flawed,but genuinely wanting to do the right thing at all costs.
Lots of twists in the story,so that by the end I felt nearly everyone had lied throughout.
Excellently paced and a satisfying ending.
Very very enjoyable