Mrs Laetitia Rodd is the impoverished widow of an Archdeacon, living modestly in Hampstead with her landlady Mrs Bentley. She is also a private detective of the utmost discretion. In winter 1850, her brother Frederick, a criminal barrister, introduces her to Sir James Calderstone, a wealthy and powerful industrialist who asks Mrs Rodd to investigate the background of an 'unsuitable' woman his son intends to marry - a match he is determined to prevent. In the guise of governess, she travels to the family seat, Wishtide, deep in the frozen Lincolnshire countryside, where she soon discovers that the Calderstones have more to hide than most. As their secrets unfold, the case takes an unpleasant turn when a man is found dead outside a tavern. Mrs Rodd's keen eyes and astute wits are taxed as never before in her search for the truth - which carries her from elite drawing rooms to London's notorious inns and its steaming laundry houses.
'A Dickensian glow pervades this immensely satisfying novel. Hugely enjoyable' -- James Runcie, author of 'The Grantchester Mysteries
Praise for Five Children on the Western Front:
'Saunders has created a simply brilliant book... beautifully crafted, funny, heart-breaking' Daily Mail
'A skillful and deeply moving piece of work: poignant, beautifully judged, not a crass pastiche but a respectful homage ... Saunders's novel does what fiction does best: it focuses on individuals we care about in order to make a universal point' Guardian
'A skill and charm of its own, as well as compassion and conviction' Sunday Times
Author
About Kate Saunders
Kate Saunders is a full-time author and journalist and has written many books for adults and children. Her books for children have won awards and received rave reviews, and include future classics such as Beswitched, Magicalamity, The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop and The Curse of the Chocolate Phoenix. Kate is a true storyteller and her magical, wickedly hilarious novels allow young readers to escape their everyday lives into wonderful worlds where they are empowered to explore and enjoy themselves. Kate lives in London.
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