Winner of the New Mexico-Arizona Book Award for Historical Fiction
This dazzling new Victorian mystery from USA Today bestselling
author Karen Odden introduces readers to Nell Hallam, a determined young
pianist who stumbles upon the operations of a notorious--and
deadly--crime ring while illicitly working as the piano player in a Soho
music hall. Perfect for readers of Tasha Alexander, Anne Perry, and
Deanna Raybourn.
Nineteen-year-old Nell Hallam lives in a modest corner of Mayfair with
her brother Matthew, an inspector at Scotland Yard. An exceptionally
talented pianist, she aspires to attend the Royal Academy; but with
tuition beyond their means, Nell sets out to earn the money herself--by
playing piano in a popular Soho music hall. And the fact that she will
have to disguise herself as a man and slip out at night to do it doesn't
deter her.
Spending evenings at the Octavian is like entering an alternate world,
one of lively energy, fascinating performers, raucous patrons--and dark
secrets. And when Nell stumbles upon the operations of an infamous crime
ring working in the shadows of the music hall, she is drawn into a
conspiracy that stretches the length of London. To further complicate
matters, she has begun to fall for the hall owner's charismatic son,
Jack, who has secrets of his own.
The more Nell becomes a part of the Octavian's world, the more she risks
the relationships with the people she loves. And when another performer
is left for dead in an alley as a warning, she realizes her future could
be in jeopardy in more ways than one.
