The second book in the acclaimed new historical crime series following on from the Richard & Judy Book Club 2019 pick, The House on Half Moon Street

'A gripping, fast-paced read stuffed full of atmosphere and murder most foul' Red The second book in the acclaimed new historical crime series following on from the Richard & Judy Book Club 2019 pick, The House on Half Moon Street. It’s been a year since Leo Stanhope lost the woman he loved, and came closing to losing his own life. Now, more than ever, he is determined to keep his head down and stay safe, without risking those he holds dear. But Leo’s hopes for peace and security are shattered when the police unexpectedly arrive at his lodgings: a woman has been found murdered at a club for anarchists, and Leo’s address is in her purse. When Leo is taken to the club by the police, he is shocked to discover there a man from his past, a man who knows Leo's birth identity. And if Leo does not provide him with an alibi for the night of the woman's killing, he is going to share this information with the authorities. If Leo's true identity is unmasked, he will be thrown into an asylum, but if he lies... will he be protecting a murderer?

"A gripping, fast-paced read stuffed full of atmosphere and murder most foul" - Red

"The second novel in the Leo Stanhope series stands alone, and it’s well worth your time … A deeply atmospheric thriller with more twists and turns than the grubby streets of London, and a central character we really care about" - Heat

"Leo Stanhope was one of the finest literary creations of last year – a fully realised trans amateur detective in Victorian London" - i

"Highly original" - Guardian

"Reeve has not only crafted a brilliant crime novel, but has created a character who has made me see the world with new eyes. I await Leo’s – and Reeve’s – return eagerly" - The i

"Creating a genuinely original protagonist in historical crime fiction is difficult, but Alex Reeve has succeeded ... An intriguing murder mystery and a complex portrait of a man isolated by his awareness of who he truly is" - Sunday Times

"This tense, emotional journey through late-Victorian London has an unusual and memorable young hero at its heart, carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders" - Sunday Express