Description

A dazzling mixture of crime, romance, magic and myth from the author of the bestselling The Psychology of Time Travel.
The Kendricks have been making world-famous dolls for over 200 years. But their dolls aren’t coveted for the craftmanship alone. Each has an emotion laid on it; a magic that can provoke bucolic bliss or consuming paranoia at a single touch.

Persephone Kendrick longs to learn her ancestors’ craft, but only men may know the secrets of the workshop. So when a handsome stranger arrives claiming doll-making talent and blood ties to the family she sees a chance to grasp all she desires.

But then, one night, the firm’s most valuable doll is stolen. Only someone with knowledge of magic could have taken her. Only a Kendrick could have committed this crime…

‘Captivating, inventive and tender’ ADELE PARKS

‘An atmospheric examination of gender inequality’ GUARDIAN

‘A magical tale that blends very human people with a hidden world of enchantment’ WOMAN & HOME

‘An addictive fantasy with a smart feminist twist’ iNEWS

Publisher Review

'Bringing magic realism to a contemporary Oxford setting in an atmospheric examination of gender inequality' * Guardian * 'Mascarenhas's lushly inventive second novel is an addictive fantasy with a smart feminist twist' * iNews * 'Captivating, inventive and tender ... A dazzling mix of crime, romance, magic and myth' -- Adele Parks 'This magical tale blends very human people with a hidden world of enchantment' * Woman * '[A] vividly imagined second novel' * The i * 'I adored this beautifully crafted and thought-provoking magic realist novel ... Multi-faceted, challenging, and entirely captivating ... A truly lovely read' * LoveReading * 'There's a wonderful sense of magic and tradition, but the story as a whole has a very contemporary feel' * Waterstones * '[A] dazzling mixture of crime, romance, magic and myth ... Captivating, inventive and tender' * Platinum * 'Kate Mascarenhas' striking visual images and characters will have you casting the movie whilst reading ... This is simply a great and original tale that put me in mind of such as Stardust by Neil Gaiman. The magic lingers along with the family issues. The ending is surprising and clever and I look forward to more by Kate Mascarenhas' * SF Crowsnest *