Description

SHORTLISTED FOR THE HWA DEBUT CROWN AWARD

SHORTLISTED FOR THE CWA JOHN CREASEY DAGGER AWARD

‘Splendid’ Wall Street Journal

‘A wry, warm and proper rib-tickling slice of dirty Victorian gothic’ Julia Crouch

1876, Victorian London. Minnie Ward, a feisty scriptwriter for the Variety Palace Music Hall, is devastated when her best friend is found brutally murdered. She enlists the help of private detective Albert Easterbrook to help her find justice.

Together they navigate London, from its high-class clubs to its murky underbelly. But as the bodies pile up, they must rely on one another if they’re going to track down the killer – and make it out alive . . .

The first in a sharp, witty series of Victorian mystery novels, The Tumbling Girl is sure to delight fans of Sarah Waters, Elizabeth Macneal, and Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Publisher Review

'Ms. Walsh does a splendid job depicting Minnie's flea-bitten yet appealing theatrical world and Albert's monied yet treacherous milieu.' Wall Street Journal 'Neatly weds historical detail and quiet wit' Sunday Times 'This atmospheric debut historical mystery captures the world of music halls and the danger to women in Victorian London' Library Journal (Starred Review) 'Walsh's diligent research pays off in spades here, and her rich and nuanced portrayal of the period will leave readers feeling like they're on the soggy streets of London. Imogen Robertson readers will be eager for a sequel to this un-put-downable mystery' Publishers Weekly (Starred Review) 'A sparkling novel and a complete delight to read. The characters and world are wild, vivid and enchanting. A wry, warm and proper rib-tickling slice of dirty Victorian gothic . . . I can't wait to see what Minnie and Albert are up to next' Julia Crouch, author of The Daughters 'A brilliantly written page-turner. A bravura performance tumbling us into a compelling mystery in a vivid, richly imagined world. You can smell the greasepaint and hear the roar of the crowd on every page' Imogen Robertson, author of The Paris Winter 'Beautifully evocative, deftly plotted and with engaging characters, it was a page-turner from beginning to end' Sheila O'Flanagan, author of What Eden Did Next 'Brilliant . . . Beautifully written . . . keeps you guessing till the end' A. J. West, author of The Spirit Engineer 'An accomplished crime murder mystery, with an addictively gritty plot and truly remarkable cast of characters . . . deliciously dark and compelling' Essie Fox, author of The Somnambulist 'Minnie Ward is a woman you want to follow through all the wicked twists and turns of Victorian London. Bridget writes wonderfully. It had me on the edge of my seat until the final page' S. J. Bennett, author of Murder Most Royal 'Smart, funny and expertly plotted, The Tumbling Girl cartwheels off the page . . . A cracking start to a charismatic and distinctive series' Emma Styles, author of No Country for Girls 'I absolutely loved The Tumbling Girl. Bridget Walsh is a fresh and fabulous new voice in historical crime fiction' Elizabeth Chadwick, author of The King's Jewel 'One of the most engaging double acts I've read in ages. Delightful, dark and depraved' Trevor Wood, author of You Can Run 'A racy and thrilling ride that doesn't let up till the last sentence. Superbly done' Femi Kayode, author of Lightseekers 'Walsh resurrects the culture and crimes of Victoriana without cliche or condescension, but with warmth, wit, remarkable texture and rare authority' Tom Benn, author of Oxblood 'The Tumbling Girl is gripping, dark and thrilling and takes the reader on a rollercoaster journey from music hall to gentleman's club and back again; all in the company of two engaging protagonists' W. C. Ryan, author of A House of Ghosts