Whilst this is described as historical fiction it will appeal to fans of gritty thrillers, adventures and compelling characters. It’s a book that at the heart tells a story that is, essentially, a forgotten piece of our history, but in a way that is completely entertaining and will have you hooked from start to finish. Added to which, the characters are so vividly described and portrayed that you’ll be thinking about them long afterwards, like I am.
Sean Lusk describes this as ‘The novel that Dickens didn’t write, but should have done,’ and if that’s not the best endorsement and completely true for this novel, I don’t know what it is! There’s a classic tone to Lila Cain’s writing which resonates with bygone eras of writing but which is tinged with a more modern touch. It is dark but it is also wonderful – with hope woven in to the chapters of complete despair.
Kate Griffin and Marcia Hutchinson are the powerhouses behind the Lila Cain pseudonym and what a combined force of talent they have.
About the Book
It’s 1782, Daniel and his sister Pearl arrive in London with the world at their feet and their future assured. Having escaped a Jamaican sugar plantation, Daniel fought for the British in the American War of Independence and was rewarded with freedom and an inheritance.
But the city is not a place for men like Daniel and he is callously tricked and finds himself, along with his sister Pearl, in the rookeries of St Giles – a warren of dark and menacing alleyways, filled with violence and poverty.
The underworld labyrinth is run by Elias, a man whose cruelty knows no bounds. But under his dangerous rule is a brotherhood of Black men, the Blackbirds of St Giles, whose intention is to set their people free.
Can Daniel use his strength, wit and the fellowship of the other Blackbirds to overthrow Elias and truly find the freedom he fought for…?
About The Authors
Lila Cain is a pseudonym for the writing duo of Kate Griffin and Marcia Hutchinson. Kate Griffin won the Faber/Stylist Magazine competition with Kitty Peck and the Music Hall Murders and went on to write 3 more books in the series. Her first stand-alone novel, Fyneshade, is now available. Born to Windrush-era Jamaican parents in Bradford, Marcia Hutchinson worked as a lawyer before founding and running the educational publishing company Primary Colours. She was awarded an MBE for services to Cultural Diversity in 2010.
Purchase the Book
This book can be purchased in our store either on its own or in a cosy Book Box. Signed editions whilst stocks last!
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