Crimson Petal & The WhiteSugar is an alluring 19 year old prostitute who plies her trade at Mrs Castaway's brothel in late 19th century London. Her aim is to lift her body and soul out of the gutter.

and because Frank Close worked

of dawdling in Horniman Circle on a lazy morning

they head outside

flowers feature perennially in the landscape of human history

On Halloween night

And of their five children

she and her husband look for the perfect caretaker for their two young children

his cousin and business partner

mischievous prankster

and therefore incredibly human

The fifth novel in Julia Chapman's delightful cozy mystery series featuring Samson O'Brien and Delilah Metcalfe

featuring beautiful drawings throughout and an introduction by writer Val McDermid