Spring of Hope - (Gaslight Mystery) by Cora Harrison (Hardcover)

About the Book

March, 1859. During an exhibition to showcase London's top engineers' plans to solve the 'Great Stink' of sewage from the River Thames, proceedings are disrupted by an agonised scream - and the discovery of a blood-soaked body. Charles Dickens is convinced of foul play, and once again he and Wilkie Collins set about uncovering the shocking truth.

Book Synopsis

When an exhibition featuring London's top engineers results in sudden, violent death, Victorian writer-sleuths Wilkie Collins and Charles Dickens investigate.

"Victorian whodunits don't get much better than this" - Publishers Weekly Starred Review

March, 1859. After the 'Great Stink' of the previous summer when Parliament was overwhelmed by the stench of sewage from the River Thames, and with cholera running rife throughout the city, Charles Dickens has a new enthusiasm. Having formed a firm friendship with Joseph Bazalgette, he is assisting the ambitious young engineer in his efforts to find a solution to London's pollution problem.

Dickens' friend and fellow writer Wilkie Collins meanwhile is distracted by thoughts of his pretty new housekeeper and her charming daughter. But what does he really know of his new employee's past - and just who - or what - is making her so frightened?

During an exhibition to showcase London's top engineers' plans to solve the sewage issue, proceedings are disrupted by a high-pitched, agonised scream - and the discovery of a blood-soaked body; the result - it would appear - of a terrible accident. Dickens however is convinced of foul play, and once again he and Wilkie Collins set about uncovering the shocking truth.

From the Back Cover

CORA HARRISON SPRING OF HOPE March, 1859. After the 'Great Stink' of the previous summer when Parliament was overwhelmed by the stench of sewage from the River Thames, and with cholera running rife throughout the city, Charles Dickens has a new enthusiasm. Having formed a firm friendship with Joseph Bazalgette, he is assisting the ambitious young engineer in his efforts to find a solution to London's pollution problem. Dickens' friend and fellow writer Wilkie Collins meanwhile is distracted by thoughts of his pretty new housekeeper and her charming daughter. But what does he really know of his new employee's past - and just who - or what - is making her so frightened? During an exhibition to showcase Bazalgette's and other top engineers' plans to solve the sewage issue, proceedings are disrupted by a high-pitched, agonised scream - and the discovery of a bloodsoaked body; the result - it would appear - of a terrible accident. Dickens however is convinced of foul play, and once again he and Wilkie Collins set about uncovering the shocking truth.

Review Quotes

'Victorian whodunnits don't get much better than this' - Publishers Weekly Starred Review

'A period mystery bolstered by an exciting mix of imagination and historical truth' - Kirkus Reviews

'Cleverly plotted, deftly written, with vivid characters, rich period ambience, and gentle humor, Harrison's latest is sure to please fans of historical mysteries' - Booklist

'Subtle humor, period ambience, skulduggery, larger-than-life characters, a clever plot, and a satisfying ending'
-Booklist on Summer of Secrets

'Superior plotting and characterization ... Fans of Harrison's Burren mysteries will be pleased'
-Publishers Weekly Starred Review of Winter of Despair

About the Author

Cora Harrison turned to writing historical fiction after she retired from teaching to live on a farm near the Burren in the west of Ireland. As well as the Gaslight mysteries, she is the author of the Reverend Mother mysteries, and the 'Mara' series of Celtic mysteries, set in 16th century Ireland.