Pandora: The instant no.1 Sunday Times bestseller

Description

A pure pleasure of a novel set in Georgian London, where the discovery of a mysterious ancient Greek vase sets in motion conspiracies, revelations and romance. **THE #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER** 'Weaves together Ancient Greek myth with suspenseful mystery and beguiling romance...utterly irresistible' Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne Perfect for fans of THE LEVIATHAN and THE SONG OF ACHILLES A pure pleasure of a novel set in Georgian London, where the discovery of a mysterious ancient Greek vase sets in motion conspiracies, revelations and romance. London, 1799. Dora Blake is an aspiring jewellery artist who lives with her uncle in what used to be her parents' famed shop of antiquities. When a mysterious Greek vase is delivered, Dora is intrigued by her uncle's suspicious behaviour and enlists the help of Edward Lawrence, a young antiquarian scholar. Edward sees the ancient vase as key to unlocking his academic future. Dora sees it as a chance to restore the shop to its former glory, and to escape her nefarious uncle. But what Edward discovers about the vase has Dora questioning everything she has believed about her life, her family, and the world as she knows it. As Dora uncovers the truth she starts to realise that some mysteries are buried, and some doors are locked, for a reason. 'A gripping narrative in which secrets from the past are slowly and ingeniously revealed' Sunday Times, *Historical Fiction Book of the Month* 'A richly evocative and hugely enjoyable read, bubbling with mysteries, secrets and pleasures' Joseph O'Connor Readers love Pandora- 'So addictive... the perfect mix of historical fiction, mystery, fantasy and romance' 'Wonderfully atmospheric' 'A beautifully written piece of historical fiction'

Susan Stokes-Chapman was born in 1985 and grew up in the historic Georgian city of Lichfield, Staffordshire. She studied for four years at Aberystwyth University, graduating with a BA in Education & English Literature and an MA in Creative Writing. Her debut novel, Pandora, was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish Fiction prize 2020 as well as longlisted for the Bath Novel Award that same year. You can find Susan on Instagram and Twitter under the handle @SStokesChapman. Her website is www.susanstokeschapman.com.

Romantic, suspenseful and beautifully written, this is a glorious treat -- Eithne Farry * Daily Mail * A richly textured and elegantly written first novel -- Christina Hardyment * The Times * This glorious debut is alive with the sights, sounds and smells of Georgian London as a daring duo delve into the secrets of an ancient Greek vase...wonderfully immersive...Lush, lyrical and pacy, this a brilliantly escapist read. * Daily Express * Pandora weaves together Ancient Greek myth with suspenseful mystery and beguiling romance, set against the brilliantly rendered background of Georgian London. This novel is lush, evocative and utterly irresistible. Susan Stokes-Chapman's prose is exquisite and the story effortlessly intriguing. This is an absolute treasure trove of a book. Perfect for fans of Laura Purcell and Elizabeth Macneal. -- Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ariadne This is an immersive, evocative story full of romance and intrigue * Red * A richly evocative and hugely enjoyable read, bubbling with mysteries, secrets and pleasures. -- Joseph O'Connor Perfect for fans of The Hourglass Factory by Lucy Ribchester or The Binding by Bridget Collins, this is a compelling historical novel that will tempt you to keep lifting the lid and read just one more chapter ... * The List * An utterly compelling, convincing piece of historical fiction, threaded through with a dash of mythology. Readers will be rooting for Dora from the start, and spellbound as the story unfolds. I loved it. -- Elizabeth Lee, author of Cunning Women Brimming with authentic Georgian detail and richly imagined characters, Pandora is a dazzling page-turner of a debut! Enticing, surprising and full of mystery, if you're a fan of The Binding or Daughters of Night, then you'll love Pandora. -- Joanne Burn, author of The Hemlock Cure Beautifully written with a gripping story and characters who are well drawn and complex, I absolutely loved this. -- Katie Fforde In her debut novel, Susan Stokes-Chapman creates a gripping narrative in which secrets from the past are slowly and ingeniously revealed -- Nick Rennison * Sunday Times, *Book of the Month* * An accomplished debut, vividly portrayed... Stokes-Chapman is a stand-out voice. -- Guinevere Glasfurd, author of the Costa-shortlisted The Words in my Hand Pandora is such an immersive debut - an intriguing mystery, lavish with Georgian detail and tantalising hints of another world. -- Kate Mascarenhas, author of The Psychology of Time Travel A gleaming and brilliant novel of history, mystery and mythology set in Georgian London...a real gem of a debut * Anna Mazzola * A complete and utter joy of a book. I adored the characters and it was an incredibly atmospheric read. The evocation of eighteenth century London was beautifully done, the mystery kept me turning the pages and the love story captured my heart. My only complaint was I didn't want it to end!' * Elodie Harper, bestselling author of The Wolf Den * This novel is a work of genius. Beautifully written and perfectly plotted with a heroine you'll fall in love with. It richly describes Georgian London and weaves character study and gorgeous setting and Greek mythology into a perfect book. One of the best historical novels I've ever read. * Christina Sweeney-Baird * Delicious, intriguing and original...unfolds beautifully into a cracking finale. * Liz Hyder, author of The Gifts * If you like a novel steeped in great characters, a Gothic Georgian London, a world of antiquities and myth - this is an absolute winner. I loved it! * Essie Fox * The author has very skilfully and pleasurably set her tale in Georgian London...wonderful characters ...book groups will love the plot and be entranced by Dora's world * NB Magazine * Sumptuous, hypnotic and unforgettable. This beautifully told story of Gothic Georgian London is filled with mesmeric wonder, compelling mysteries and fascinating characters. I loved every page of it. -- BP Walter, author of The Dinner Guest