Orphaned young, H is sent to live with her doting aunt in London. H’s life is a happy one until her lecherous cousin robs her of her innocence, and the plague takes away the city and the people she loves. H is cast out - friendless, pregnant and destitute - into the rapidly emptying streets of London under quarantine.

Forced to fend for herself, she is determined to gain back the life she lost. H will face a villain out for revenge, find love in the most unexpected places, and overcome a betrayal that she never could have foreseen. Weathering it all, can H charm, or scheme, her way to the life of freedom and independence that she longs for?

‘Full of terrific historical detail… has that sparky confidence and unputdownable quality.’ Alison Pearson, judge for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction Prize

‘This book is well written and the narrator, in whichever guise, is engaging… a very readable, interesting… exciting book, which I am happy to recommend’ Historical Novel Society

‘This is a wonderfully put together story that I easily lost myself in, having well and truly caught my attention from the first few pages.'Laura Patricia Rose

'If you enjoyed Tipping the Velvet by Sarah Waters and are looking for a new fast-paced historical fiction novel to read, this one may be for you.’@this.literary.queendom

‘A gripping and genuinely interesting story to read’@amandallwyd

‘The story-telling is very evocative… great original storyline’@books_and_lovely_things

‘H is a feisty, determined and captivating heroine… a must read’@otterly_bookish

‘A remarkably poignant and timely read’@e.f.paterson

‘I have truly enjoyed this treat of a read, captivating and beautifully written with wonderful characters.’@BooksandEmma

‘I couldn’t put this book down’@noveldelights