A spellbinding tale of sisterhood, betrayal and reclamation revolving around three 18th-century wax models of women, known as Anatomical Venuses or 'slashed beauties'. Legend has it, these beauties are bewitched, coming to life to murder men who have wronged them.

Finally, these men will get what they deserve. We will make sure of it. Together.

Seoul, present day: Antiques dealer Alys is offered a vast sum of money to transport one of three highly coveted Anatomical Venuses to London, with one key condition - she must destroy it when she reaches the city.

London, 1769: After a chance meeting at the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, young and inexperienced Eleanor is promised a life of luxury by the beautiful and charismatic Elizabeth and her protege, Emily. All she must do is allow Elizabeth complete control of her destiny.

In a darkly compelling and magical plot, prepare to discover the dangerous secret shared by these women - a secret that spans centuries, and which will unearth horrors not of this world.

About the Author
A. Rushby (also writing as Allison Rushby), was gifted the middle name of Jane, for Jane Austen. Wordsmithing was duly destined and, under several pseudonyms, she has published more than thirty books. She has long been a fan of cities steeped in history, wild, overgrown cemeteries, red brick Victorian museums, the curious and the uncanny. She prefers to write with a cup of French Earl Grey tea by her side and a cat curled up in her lap.

Reviews
Adored this gorgeous, sumptuously gothic feminist novel. Slashed Beauties moves from present-day Seoul to the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens of Georgian London in a colourful riot that examines the macabre world of the anatomical Venus and the seedy underbelly of the modern-day antiques trade, with a dash of witchcraft thrown in. It's also about sisterhood, friendship and the ties that bind a beautifully-rendered love story that spans centuries. I loved it -- Emma Cowing, author of The Show Woman
Easily one of the best books I've read this year... Captivating from start to end and tells a haunting tale of feminine rage -- Abbie Eaton, author of Dragonhart
The warped, witchy lovechild of Madame Tussaud and Jack the Ripper - an engrossing gothic tale of friendship, misogyny and the murderous consequence of denying women's autonomy -- Ellie Marney, author of None Shall Sleep

Two timelines collide with imaginative verve

* Times *
Slashed Beauties, like all the best horror, uses its brilliant concept to lay bare uncomfortable truths about the world we live in... Slashed Beauties is the perfect mix of old school horror chills and thoughtful social commentary, all delivered through compelling characters and unforgettable monsters. A horror classic for the ages -- Fantasy Hive



Book Information
ISBN 9780857309464
Author A. Rushby
Format Paperback
Page Count 352
Imprint Verve Books
Publisher Verve Books