The Secrets of Blythswood Square: The gripping and scandalous new 2024 Scottish historical novel from the bestselling author of The Fair Botanists (Hardback) - Sara Sheridan

A story of secrets, friendship and intrigue, set against the backdrop of subversive mid-19th century Glasgow, by the author of the critically acclaimed The Fair Botanists

THE ENCHANTING NEW NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF THE 2022 WATERSTONES SCOTTISH BOOK OF THE YEAR, THE FAIR BOTANISTS, called 'Gripping' by Good Housekeeping.

You wouldn't suspect it, but scandalous secrets are being kept on Blythswood Square...

1846. Glasgow is a city on the cusp of great social change, but behind the curtains, neighbours are watching, and rumours of improper behaviour spread like wildfire on the respectable Blythswood Square.

When Charlotte Nicholl discovers that the fortune she has been bequeathed by her father is tied up in a secret collection of erotic art, she is faced with a terrible dilemma: sell it and risk shaming her family's good name or lose her home.

An encounter with Ellory McHale, a talented working-class photographer newly arrived in Glasgow, leads Charlotte to hope she has found not only someone who might help her, but also a friend. Yet Ellory is hiding secrets of her own - secrets that become harder to conceal as she finds herself drawn into Charlotte's world.

As the truth begins to catch up with both women, will it destroy everything they've fought to build - or set them both free?

'Dripping with intrigue and luscious prose, this sumptuous novel shines a light on a Glasgow long past ... Sherdian's fine writing and expert characterisation just pull you in, so you can hear silk skirts swish and secret doors creak, as if you too are dwelling amongst the bustle of Blytheswood Square. I loved it' KAREN CAMPBELL

'A gripping and beautifully written book' ES THOMSON

Readers love Sara Sheridan's storytelling!
'I absolutely love Sara Sheridan's books. They're so easy to get into and so hard to put down. The Secrets of Bythwood Square is no exception. It's a great story populated with excellent, believable characters and woven with rich historical detail' 5* reader review, NetGalley
'A fascinating, atmospheric story which I greatly enjoyed' 5* reader review, NetGalley
'I absolutely loved it, finished it within 2 days' 5* reader review, NetGalley
'Wonderful characters and a beautifully interwoven story.' 4* reader review, NetGalley

PRAISE FOR THE FAIR BOTANISTS:
'Sheridan creates an evocative, enjoyable portrait of two women determined to lead independent lives' SUNDAY TIMES
'Completely enchanting and fascinating . . . a rollicking and immensely readable tale' SCOTSMAN
'Lush, seductive and scandalous, this is a gorgeous read' DAILY MAIL
'A cracking good read' VAL MCDERMID
'Dazzling, original, full of wonderful characters' KATIE FFORDE
'What a beautiful, immersive gem of historical fiction' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
'An absolute treat for fans of historical fiction and rich storytelling' RED

About the Author

Sara Sheridan is an Edinburgh-based writer of over 20 books including cosy crime noir mysteries set in 1950s Britain and historical novels based on the real-life stories of late Georgian and early Victorian explorers. She has also written non-fiction, as well as books for children.

Sara has been named one of the Saltire Society's 365 most influential Scottish women, past and present.