People of Abandoned Character

  • Crime; Gothic; Historical; London

  • October 2020

    • World Rights: Head of Zeus

    • Russia: Eksmo

Marry in haste...
Murder at leisure?

London, 1888: Susannah Chapman rushes into marriage to a young and wealthy surgeon. After a passionate honeymoon, she returns home with her new husband wrapped around her little finger. But then everything changes.

Thomas's behaviour becomes increasingly volatile and often violent. He stays out all night, returning home bloodied and full of secrets. The gentle caresses Susannah enjoyed on her wedding night are now just a honeyed memory.

When the first woman is murdered in Whitechapel, Susannah's interest is piqued. But as she follows the reports of the ongoing hunt for the murderer, her mind takes her down the darkest path imaginable. Every time Thomas stays out late, another victim is found dead.

Is it coincidence? Or is her husband the man they call Jack the Ripper?

  • WINNER OF THE GLASS BELL AWARD 2021

  • LONGLISTED FOR THE HWA DEBUT CROWN AWARD 2021

Selected Praise

Astonishing... I’d be amazed if it isn’t dominating the shortlists come next year’s awards season.
— M. W. Craven
A mistreated wife suspects her husband might be the Whitechapel killer ... Compelling.
— Sunday Times
This impressive debut builds up pace, pathos and intrigue superbly, with plenty of twists and turns.
— Woman's Weekly

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