Murder Ballad: A gripping mystery of love, betrayal and secrets set in the musical world of 18th century Edinburgh

Description

This glorious romp through the filth, greed and duplicity of 18th century Edinburgh is a feminist delight. Highly recommended. - Mary Paulson-Ellis

'A beautiful sensory overload . . . I didn't want it to end.' - Kirstin Innes

A wildly original and alarmingly readable historical novel whose dark, blood-soaked narrative takes us by surprise at every turn. - Andrew Taylor

Tales of opera singers and murderers, of cobbled streets and Old Town tenements, of audacious women and what can befall them. The writing is sublime, I loved every word. - Elissa Soave


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EDINBURGH, 1791. Isobel Duguid and her friend, the famous castrato Clessidro, are stars of the Edinburgh Musical Society. Despite her cavalier attitude towards holding a tune, Clessidro's friendship and her own shocking murder ballads keep Isobel on stage and enjoying an opulent lifestyle in Auld Reekie.

Yet one night a note arrives from the mysterious Mrs Abercorn, regarding Isobel's most notorious song, The Fiddler's Wrath. It's the tale of a prima donna who died of heartbreak after her husband committed murder and
was sent to the gallows. Isobel is intrigued.

But Mrs Abercorn's curiosity is far more than a fickle interest and the truth is more complicated than anyone could have imagined. As Isobel recounts rising through the social classes, her role in this ill-fated tune is brought to light, awakening the chilling retribution of a once buried secret.