Fiction: Maude Horton’s Glorious Revenge by Lizzie Pook
Sensational and gripping, Maude Horton’s Glorious Revenge is a breathless romp, a tale of adventure, hidden identity, sisters, secrets and revenge.
Two years ago, Maude Horton’s brilliant, vivacious sister Constance ran away to sea. Disguised as a boy, Jack Aldridge, she joined the crew of the Makepeace on its expedition to the Arctic, to determine the fate of the missing explorer Sir John Franklin and his ships.
Now, when Maude receives news of her sister’s death by misadventure, ‘an unfortunate accident’, she is certain that the British Admiralty have not given her the full story. Attempting to uncover the truth, Maude comes into possession of Jack’s journal, uncovers a shocking tale, and finds a target for her investigation; Edison Stowe, the ship’s former scientific officer.
Stowe is a ruthless man, violent and manipulative. Recently let go by the admiralty, and with spiraling debts, he is slipping even further into London’s grisly underbelly. He owes money to London’s most brutal moneylender but has just the scheme to restore his fortunes.
Inspired by early travel company tours to view public executions, Lizzie Pook examines the murder-mania and fascination with the grotesque which was all the rage in Victorian England, and brings the darkness and squalor of 19th century London to life.
Following Maude’s clever cat-and-mouse game of revenge as she seeks justice for her sister, this is a brilliant story of bad men, deadly poisons, Newgate hangings and Madame Tausauds. Grisly, gruesome and utterly glorious!
– Ruth, Bookshop Manager
Non-Fiction: Let’s plant & grow together by Ben Raskin
Community gardening is a growing movement that is taking root in towns and cities all over the world. Groups of likeminded people are transforming neglected plots of land into green, flourishing spaces for everyone to enjoy. Start and nurture your own thriving community garden with this seasoned guide to cultivating your local outdoor space.
In Let’s Plant & Grow Together, farming and gardening pioneer Ben Raskin shares his keen expertise in his introduction to collective self-sufficiency, encouraging a community audience to grow food and garden together. With a thoughtful foreword by Hélèna Dove, Head of Kitchen at Kew Gardens, this guide is uniquely placed to teach you how to make urban spaces bloom.
This book contains everything you need to start gardening in a group. Whether that’s with family, neighbours, or allotment co-owners, you’ll find practical steps to promote harmony, grow more successfully, and make space for everybody.
With clear instructions for all ages and backgrounds, your collective will learn to grow and harvest: Kale, Pears, Beetroot, Asparagus, Gooseberries, Oregano, Currants, Melons & Figs
Written by an expert in the field, this insightful and comprehensive guide leaves no stone unturned when it comes to building and maintaining your dream co-gardening space.