Shropshire 1749

Sarah Beaumont’s settled life is under threat.  Her home is burgled and buried secrets threaten to resurface. She hires Edwin Hare, a thief-taker, to recover what’s been stolen, but this soon brings risks of its own.

Every day, Meg Valentine, an under-gardener employed by Sarah’s husband, dreams of escaping poverty. When Edwin offers her the chance to assist him, Meg eagerly accepts, hoping to learn the trade of thief-taking. The case takes a dark turn when the thief is found murdered – and both Sarah’s and Edwin’s actions draw suspicion.

As Meg helps uncover a trail of blackmail and hidden motives, she questions the trustworthiness of those around her, including her mentor. She is forced to navigate tangled relationships, dangerous secrets, and her own ambitions, to uncover the killer and secure her future.

In this eighteenth century mystery, every choice carries consequences – and no one is truly innocent.

This is the first in a new crime series featuring Meg Valentine. Check out the other novels from Charlie Garratt here