A story of class and corruption, sex and the Sixties, for fans of A Very English Scandal and The Trial of Christine Keeler

Nik felt the mistake in his bones.
The man in the snakeskin suit reached down towards him and pulled Nik upright by the collar of his coat. Nik didn't see what happened next but he felt the wall. He cried out and then someone hit him and he closed his eyes and waited for it to be over...

London. 1967.

Nik Christou has been a rent boy since he was 15. He knows the ins and outs of Piccadilly Circus, how to spot a pretty policeman and interpret a fleeting glance. One summer night his life is turned upside down, first by violence and then by an accusation of murder.

Anna Treadway, fleeing the ghosts of her past, works as a dresser in Soho's Galaxy theatre. Experience has taught her never to put too much faith in the law, so, convinced Nik is innocent she determines to find him an alibi.

Merrian Wallis, devoted wife to an MP whose career has already been tarnished by scandal, just wants proof that her husband couldn't have been involved.

As Anna searches for clues amongst a cast of MPs, actors, members of gentlemen's clubs and a hundred different nightly clients, will anyone be willing to come forward and save Nik from his fate?

About the Author

Miranda Emmerson is a playwright and author living in Wales. She has written numerous drama adaptations for BBC Radio 4 as well as some highly-acclaimed original drama. Her debut novel, Miss Treadway & The Field of Stars, was published in 2017.

Reviews

'If you loved A Very English Scandal or The Trial Of Christine Keeler, then this is a must-read' Red Magazine

'Miranda Emmerson is a genius at portraying summer nights in the city - with all their "distemper and secretions" - and a cruel, surprisingly small world in which privilege and prejudice quash any compassion. Fortunately, light relief is provided by the backstage goings-on at the Galaxy Theatre in Soho, where, in order to succeed, the actors need "lead stomachs, steel minds and loose knickers"' The Times

'A pitch-perfect evocation of 1960s London with a smart, sharp voice all of its own' iNews

'Entertaining and satisfying: the perfect book for people who enjoyed A Very English Scandal and The Trial of Christine Keeler... Anna Treadway is the compassionate detective we need, and a great addition to the world of detection' Caroline Hulse, author of The Adults

Well-plotted, moving and engrossing. A rich portrait of 60s London from the perspective of a range of engaging characters. Particularly moving is the voice the novel gives to the marginalised and disdained'
Rebecca Wait, author of Our Fathers

'Conjures up the true spirit of multicultural 60s London - with all its charm and danger - with compassion and heart'
Samira Ahmed

Book Information
ISBN 9780008244330
Author Miranda Emmerson
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Fourth Estate Ltd
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 400g
Dimensions(mm) 222mm * 141mm * 27mm