A novel of historical suspense set in Victorian England and featuring stolen antiquities, betrayal and murder . . .

Stolen antiques, betrayal and murder . . . Lady Emily is about to uncover some dark secrets indeed!

For Emily, accepting the proposal of Philip, Viscount Ashton, was an easy way to escape her stifling home life. So when her new husband died on safari, she felt little grief for the man she barely knew. Now, two years on, she discovers in his journals a very different man: a gentleman scholar very much in love with his new wife. Emily becomes fascinated and immerses herself in his intellectual pursuits, studying Greek and spending time in the quiet corridors of the British Museum.

But there she uncovers a dark, dangerous secret involving stolen artefacts from the Greco-Roman galleries . . . and as she sets out to solve the crime she discovers even more surprises about her dead husband . . .


‘Tasha Alexander is one to watch – and read . . . despite her cliffhanger climaxes and witty repartees, there’s a depth of sensitivity that sets her apart.’ Huffington Post

‘Enchanting . . . Alexander keeps readers guessing until the very end.’ Publishers Weekly

‘Tasha Alexander has created Victorian London’s most colourful sleuth.’ Jacqueline Winspear

From New York Times bestselling author Tasha Alexander comes a stunning novel of historical suspense set in Victorian England, meticulously researched and with a twisty plot that involves stolen antiquities, betrayal, and murder

Lady Emily's first mystery . . .

For Emily, accepting the proposal of Philip, the Viscount Ashton, was just an easy way to escape her stifling home life and overbearing mother. So when her new husband dies on safari soon after the wedding, she feels little grief. After all, she barely knew the man.

Now, nearly two years later, she discovers that Philip was a far different man from the one she had married so cavalierly. His journals reveal him to have been a gentleman scholar and antiquities collector who, to her surprise, was deeply in love with his wife. Emily becomes fascinated with this new image of her dead husband and immerses herself in his intellectual pursuits, studying Greek and spending time in the quiet corridors of the British Museum.

But there, amid priceless ancient statues, she uncovers a dark, dangerous secret involving stolen artifacts from the Greco-Roman galleries - and as she sets out to solve the crime she discovers even more surprises about the husband she never knew . . .

Praise for Tasha Alexander

'This engaging, witty mix of Victorian cozy and suspense thriller draws its dramatic spark from the endearingly headstrong heroine's growth in life and love. A memorable debut' Booklist

'Enchanting... Alexander keeps readers guessing until the very end' Publishers Weekly

'Tasha Alexander is one to watch - and read... despite her cliffhanger climaxes and witty repartee, there's a depth of sensitivity that sets her apart' The Huffington Post

'Fans of Anne Perry and Elizabeth Peters will welcome this debut novel' The Denver Post