Description

All that is hidden will soon be revealed . . .

‘Steeped in atmosphere, sprinkled with suspense and vivid characters … An engaging, entertaining read’ Daily Mail
‘A triumph … deliciously intriguing’ Harriet Constable, author of The Instrumentalist
‘Impeccably researched, masterfully plotted, beautifully written’ Santa Montefiore
‘Imaginative. The streets, parlours and galleries of London and Oxford come alive in this twisting, Victorian-era drama.’ Charmaine Wilkerson, author of Black Cake

One morning in 1890, a painting wrapped in brown paper appears on the steps of the National Gallery and causes a sensation. It’s clearly by Timothy Ponden-Hall, whose paintings were celebrated and debated not just for their beauty, but for the rumours behind them: they were believed to immortalise the souls of their subjects. But Ponden-Hall has been thought dead for the last 50 years. . .

In a bid to quiet the gossip and rumours that swirl around the streets of London, the gallery brings in renowned and reluctant art historian Solomon Oak to investigate. Oak is assisted by an unlikely aide: his daughter Alice. A passionate but sheltered student, Alice has worldly desires which eclipse the life she’s expected to lead. Together they discover that exposing Ponden-Hall’s legacy will prove more controversial than they could ever have imagined for their family, and for Victorian society.

Set between London and Oxford, The Portrait Artist is a twisting debut exploring race, fame and long-kept secrets.

‘An intriguing and original debut’ Emily Howes

Publisher Review

A triumph ... deliciously intriguing -- Harriet Constable, author of The Instrumentalist Impeccably researched, masterfully plotted, beautifully written -- Santa Montefiore, Sunday Times Bestselling author Imaginative. The streets, parlours and galleries of London and Oxford come alive in this twisting, Victorian-era drama ... An intriguing exploration of art, ambition, race and women's roles in the Victorian era -- Charmaine Wilkerson, author of Black Cake A vivid, twisting debut, full of intrigue ... kept me up late into the night -- Flora Carr, author of The Tower Masterfully written with brilliant, compelling characters ... A beautiful, poignant story delivered with expert precision * Isabelle Schuler, author of Lady MacBethad * An intriguing and original debut -- Emily Howes, author of The Painter's Daughter A mystery of exquisite detail and originality ... What a joy to pass one's hours in the world of this book -- Nicholas Bowling, author of Witch Born