A tattered ballet slipper found under the floorboards of Braithwaite Manor may be the key to Clara’s sinister family secrets in this delightful, lightly Gothic mystery for fans of Maryrose Wood and Claire Legrand. Clara Starling lives a life of dull rules, deadly routine, and flavorless meals under her cold uncle's strict regime—until the day Uncle disappears, leaving Clara alone in his old mansion. When streetwise orphan Peter and his rescue cat arrive unexpectedly, the children seize the chance to live by their own rules. But when the pair’s wild romps through the halls of Braithwaite Manor reveal a single, worn ballet slipper, they are hurled into a mystery that will lead to London’s glittering Royal Opera House and the unraveling of twisted Starling family secrets of poison, passion, and murder. Diabolical villains, plucky orphans, and glamorous ballet stars populate this absorbing adventure with a classic feel.

The acclaimed debut novel from the author of The Pear Affair and The Accidental Stowaway! Abandoned children running wild on the moors, evil child catchers, cunning cats and mysterious ballet shoes abound in this incredible first novel. Clara has lived a life of solitude, home schooled under her mean uncle's strict regime . . . until now! The day that Uncle abandons Clara, leaving her with nothing but a wedge of 'guilt money' and a half empty, crumbling manor house, she is determined to do things her way for a change. And when streetwise Peter turns up, with his rescue cat and a surprising array of knowledge, she is sure that between them they have everything they need to survive. But the house is to be sold . . . and Uncle has lied to Clara . . . and nothing, NOTHING is as it seems. 'A riveting adventure.' The Guardian 'An absolute delight.' Hilary McKay, author of The Skylarks' War 'Thrilling .' Telegraph 'An absolute joy of a read.' Emma Carroll, author of Letters from the Lighthouse 'A sweeping adventure .' The Bookseller 'Should also appeal to fans of Emma Carroll.' Michelle Harrison, author of A Pinch of Magic 'A great mystery adventure.' The Bookbag 'Gripping.' Golden Books Girl 'Wonderfully compelling.' Book Lover Jo 'A cracking pacey novel.' MinervaReads 'Superb storytelling.' BookTrust 'Wonderful.' Bellis Does Books 'A treat.' Bookanista

"First published by Faber & Faber Limited (UK) 2020"--Title page verso.

From the author of Messiah, Storm and Vodka comes a thrilling mystery set during the Great Fog of post-World War Two London, a time of secrets and intrigue. At first, it seems the Great Fog has claimed another victim. A drunk, perhaps, wandering unsighted through Hyde Park and stumbling into the icy shallows of Long Water. But Max Stensness was stone cold sober when he died. And in the hours before his death, the young biochemist had claimed to be in possession of a secret that would change the world. Having traded MI5 for New Scotland Yard, Detective Inspector Herbert Smith thinks he has left the murky world of espionage behind him – until he begins retracing the final footsteps of Max Stensness. Suddenly he’s being tailed, and thinly veiled threats are issued–danger lurks at every turn in the investigation. The CIA, KGB and MI5 are all vying to get their hands on the dead man’s secret, and as the body count climbs, it’s clear there’s someone who will stop at nothing to claim it.

Darling is a small isolated town, made up of small-town people who have small-town kids who rarely leave; it is the last place anyone would expect to find a visitor from another world, but that is what Starling Rust claims to be, and the town-folk, led by their corrupt mayor, are terrified--the Wilding sisters, Delta and Bee, are determined to protect Starling from the town's escalating xenophobia but the growing feelings between Starling and Delta may prove to be the greatest threat of all.

Mason Starling is a champion fencer on the Gosforth Academy team, but she's never had to fight for her life. Not until the night a ferocious, otherworldly storm rips through Manhattan, trapping Mason and her teammates inside the school. Mason is besieged by nightmarish creatures more terrifying than the thunder and lightning as the raging tempest also brings a dangerous stranger into her life: a young man who remembers nothing but his name—the Fennrys Wolf. His arrival tears Mason's world apart, even as she feels an undeniable connection to him. Together, they seek to unravel the secrets of Fenn's identity as strange and supernatural forces gather around them. When they discover Mason's family—with its dark allegiance to ancient Norse gods—is at the heart of the mystery, Fennrys and Mason are suddenly faced with a terrifying future. Set against the gritty, shadowed back-drop of New York City, this first novel in award-winning author Lesley Livingston's epic Starling Saga is an intoxicating blend of sweeping romance and pulse-pounding action.