An immersive historical debut about mixed-race actress in Victorian London who is searching for a missing performer - at any cost. For fans of Stacey Halls and Susan Stokes-Chapman

'Exploitation and empowerment, race and class are all explored in this gripping historical novel. Dillsworth is a class act' Woman & Home
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Zillah's star turn as the Great Amazonia has taken her from the slums of St Giles to headline billing at Crillick's Variety Show on Drury Lane. She's proud of her Black and British roots but if audiences discover she is fooling them each night, her existence will be shattered.

When a fellow stage act goes missing, Zillah determines to save her - for she knows better than anyone the dangers that hide within gaslit streets of London.

Her pursuit of the truth takes her through the underbelly of the city to the parlours of Mayfair - and sees her caught in web of lies, and between two powerful male admirers.

Everyone is playing a part and everyone has secrets they'll protect at any cost.
Will Zillah face ruin - or will she be the maker of her fate?

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW
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'A tale steeped in Victorian London, I fell in love with Zillah and her theatre world. I was gripped from the opening pages - highly recommended for anyone who loves mystery, drama and Victorian London' LOUISE HARE, author of This Lovely City

'Zillah is a memorable heroine' Sunday Times

'Exploitation and empowerment, race and class are all explored in this gripping historical novel. Dillsworth is a class act' Woman & Home

'A startling, original and utterly compelling novel which subtly navigates the core issues of race, gender and class' MARY CHAMBERLAIN, author of The Dressmaker of Dachau

'Thrilling, eye-opening and absorbing' LIZZIE POOK, author of Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter

'A thought-provoking, atmospheric debut' Daily Express

'Fresh, original and full of atmosphere - a compelling story with a heroine I'll remember for a long time' FRANCES QUINN, author of The Smallest Man

'A story that shines a spotlight into the shadows of the 19th century, while also exploring very relevant themes of identity. So fantastic to read a novel that centres POC in the Victorian era. Loved it!' SAARA EL-ARIFI, author of The Final Strife

'Loved Lianne Dillsworth's Theatre of Marvels. A gripping story about identity and belonging with a strong sense of place. Can't wait for everybody to meet Zillah who is such strong and nuanced heroine.' LAURE VAN RENSBURG, author of Nobody But Us