Compelling and utterly absorbing ... an artfully crafted debut that echoes the dark essence of
Mary Shelley's FRANKENSTEIN while maintaining a fascinating originality all of its own' Susan
Stokes-Chapman author of PANDORA'A gripping Gothic tale of grief and ambition passion and
intrigue' Jess Kidd author of THE NIGHT SHIP Mary is the great-niece of Victor Frankenstein.
She knows her great uncle disappeared in mysterious circumstances in the Arctic but she doesn't
know why or how... The 1850s is a time of discovery and London is ablaze with the latest
scientific theories and debates especially when a spectacular new exhibition of dinosaur
sculptures opens at the Crystal Palace. Mary with a sharp mind and a sharper tongue is keen
to make her name in this world of science alongside her geologist husband Henry but without
wealth and connections their options are limited. But when Mary discovers some old family
papers that allude to the shocking truth behind her great-uncle's past she thinks she may have
found the key to securing their future... Their quest takes them to the wilds of Scotland to
Henry's intriguing but reclusive sister Maisie and to a deadly chase with a rival who is out
to steal their secret... _______ 'A wonderful book dark passionate multi-layered' Joanne
Harris author of CHOCOLAT & THE STRAWBERRY THIEF 'Exquisitely written... a story worthy of
Mary Shelley' Sean Lusk author of THE SECOND SIGHT OF ZACHARY CLOUDESLEY 'Sumptuously gothic
this atmospheric debut left me reeling' C.J. COOKE author of THE LIGHTHOUSE WITCHES
