The Binding meets The Vanishing Half in this extraordinary historical debut - perfect for readers who love gothic mysteries with books at the heart of them, as well as stories about people often overlooked by history. 'Intriguingly and superbly plotted. Weaves race, identity, feminism, sexuality and class into a beguiling mystery' Woman & Home Some secrets are too scandalous to conceal. Since they left Jamaica for England, Florence's father has tried to tame her - from hot-combing her unruly hair, to training her in the art of bookbinding. But when Florence brings scandal to his door, he throws her onto the streets. Florence has nowhere to turn, but intercepting her father's commission to restore a private library, she talks her way into the remote, imposing Rose Hall. There, even the wonders of Lord Belfield's library can't distract Florence from the whisper of scandal around the late lady of the house and her black maid. Then one night, someone breaks into the library - yet strangely, they take none of the priceless tomes.

Discovering a half-burned diary in the fireplace, Florence holds the key to a mystery that will reshape everything she knows about herself, and shake Rose Hall to its very foundations . 'Swells with secrecy and intrigue' Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie 'A love letter to the golden age of Du Maurier and Bronte. Lyrical, beguiling and powerfully relevant' Juno Dawson, author of Her Majesty's Royal Coven 'If this book's a thief of anything - it was of my attention. I was hooked' Cari Thomas, author of Threadneedle 'Powerful and wholly original' Joanne Burn, author of The Hemlock Cure 'Gut-wrenchingly conveys a unique historical perspective on race, gender and sexuality. [For] fans of Sarah Waters and Bridget Collins' Library Journal 'I was blown away' Stacey Thomas, author of The Revels 'Atmospheric, compelling Victorian gothic with a fresh twist' Freya Berry, author of The Birdcage Library.