A compulsively entertaining historical YA novel that blends dark academia with scandal, murder mystery, and queer romance. In Regency England, Cascabel Gray dreams of freedom and disguises herself as a boy to secure a place at Oxford University. Her plans are disrupted when she receives a blackmail letter from Charles Lafleur, a member of the notorious Rogues Club, threatening to expose her. When Lafleur is found dead, Cascabel becomes a prime suspect. To clear her name, she infiltrates the Rogues Club and begins her own investigation, leading her life to spiral out of control. She must navigate her dual identities, attracting both fellow student William Grenville and a chambermaid known as Mouse, while even attending a ball with an Austrian prince. Can she balance her double life and prove her innocence before it’s too late? This story combines cosy crime, queer romance, and dark academia in a fast-paced plot, perfect for fans of Agency for Scandal and Laura Steven. With a fierce protagonist who fluidly shifts between identities, it offers a vibrant, modern sensibility alongside the charm of a historical Regency setting, all while sensitively addressing themes of prejudice.
Joe Heap Book order (chronological)
Joe Heap crafts narratives with a distinctive voice, blending keen observation with unexpected humor. His writing delves into the intricacies of human experience, often revealing profound truths through seemingly ordinary circumstances. Heap's unique perspective and engaging style make his work a captivating exploration for any reader.
In letzter Zeit ist die alte Dame Ella nicht mehr gut beisammen. Sie wird langsam vergesslich. Wie um Himmels willen ist sie zum Beispiel auf dieses Segelboot gekommen? Und wie gelangt sie wieder sicher an Land? Doch Ella ist nicht ganz allein. Ihre Gitarre ist auch an Bord, und damit der Schlüssel zu ihrer Vergangenheit. Die Musik hilft ihr, sich zu sammeln und zu erinnern. Zwar nicht an die jüngsten Geschehnisse, dafür an das London zur wilden Rock’n’Roll-Zeit, als Ella eine blutjunge erfolgreiche Musikerin war. An Freunde, die sie viel zu früh verabschieden musste. Und an Robert, ihre große Liebe.
'The sheer definition of a page-turner' Reader review 'A truly original, bittersweet tale of life, loss and enduring love that had me completely hooked. A treasure of a book!' Sunday Times bestseller, Ruth Hogan 'Stunning, stunning, stunning' Anstey Harris
Winner of the Debut Romantic Novel of the Year Award 2019 When you make eye contact, when you hold someone's gaze, it's the closest thing to knowing you're not alone in the world. 'This year's Eleanor Oliphant' Claire Allan 'Astonishing' Ruth Hogan