A powerful and gripping historical thriller for fans of The Essex Serpernt and The Miniaturist.

'Original and evocative ... a mesmerising thriller' Daily Telegraph
'Full of twists and turns' Scotsman
'An enthralling exploration of revolutionary science in post-revolutionary France' Guardian
'A book of penetrating humanity and a vivid evocation of Paris' Financial Times

Paris, 1815. Daniel Connor, a young medical student from Edinburgh, has just arrived in Paris to study anatomy at the Jardin des Plantes - only to realise that his letters of introduction and a gift of precious coral specimens, on which his tenure depends, have been stolen by the beautiful woman with whom he shared a stagecoach.

In the fervour and tumult of post revolutionary Paris, nothing is quite as it seems. In trying to recover his lost valuables, Daniel discovers that his beautiful adversary is in fact a philosopher-thief who lives in a shadowy world of outlaws and emigres. As Daniel embark on a passionate love affair with the Coral Thief, he is drawn to join her salon of thieves to execute one last breathtakingly bold robbery...

A young scientist becomes involved with a mysterious band of antiquities robbers in the heady atmosphere of nineteenth-century Paris. A powerful and thrilling novel from the author of GHOSTWALK.

About the Author
Rebecca Stott is a writer and broadcaster. She writes both fiction and non-fiction, is affiliated to the Cambridge history of science department and is Professor of English Literature and Creative Writing at UEA. Her work, in radio writing, fiction and non-fiction, weaves together history, literature and the history of science. She is the author of the non-fiction book DARWIN AND THE BARNACLE and the novel GHOSTWALK.

Reviews
Combines theories of evolution with the intrigue of an old-fashioned thriller...Clever and thought-provoking. * LONDON METRO *
An utterly gripping, fascinating read. * SUGAR *
Original and evocative, this thriller set in 19th-century Paris deftly weaves together history and science. * DAILY TELEGRAPH *
Keenly researched, lovingly decorated, brimming with ideas but never short on character or charm -- Boyd Tonkin * INDEPENDENT *
This book, like the coral that Daniel was originally carrying, is a rare and fascinating specimen. * TIMES *
It makes for an entertaining narrative as Lucienne's band of well-spoken rogues duck and dive to avoid Jagot, the head of police. * GUARDIAN *
An original and enthralling read. * BIG ISSUE IN THE NORTH *
A riveting read * SUNDAY BUSINESS POST, Ireland *



Book Information
ISBN 9780753827109
Author Rebecca Stott
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Publisher Orion Publishing Co
Weight(grams) 220g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 131mm * 19mm