A Taste for Nightshade - Hardcover

Intelligent and engrossing reading... An ingenious exercise in gothic pastiche, this is a richly rewarding read "The Sunday Times, Best Summer Reads 2015 (UK)"

A compelling and haunting story, brimming with malice and darkness, and powerfully alive to the harsh realities of 18th century life, but it also an invigorating account of the indomitability of the human spirit in the face of terrible hardship. "The Lancashire Evening Post (UK)"

There is much to admire in this sprawling tale of lies, secrets and puddings. Bailey's prose sparkles...delicious "The Times (UK)""

"Certain to be well received by those who love Gothic tales of naive young women, shadowy spouses, and houses brimming with secrets. Bailey skillfully reveals just enough to heighten the suspense while also throwing in plenty of surprising turns along the way. With this entertaining and engrossing tale, Bailey proves herself to be an author to watch." "Library Journal," starred review

"This mesmerizing story of revenge will keep readers riveted until the final pages. The struggles of two very different women are explained in rich historical details. The final chapters reveal an intricate puzzle of greed and deception. Fortunately, the wicked get their due and the strong survive, creating a satisfying ending to this well-written tale." "RT Book Reviews"

"This novel of psychological suspense, told from both Grace and Mary's points of view, contains numerous twists, flashbacks, historical details, and a sympatheic main character, framed with an eerie, foreboding setting." "Booklist"

Intelligent and engrossing reading... An ingenious exercise in gothic pastiche, this is a richly rewarding read "The Sunday Times, Best Summer Reads 2015 (UK)"

"An intoxicating and suspenseful novel filled with passion, intrigue, danger and period recipes for the food of the time." "Readerly"

"The author follows her U.S. debut, the culinary-themed "An Appetite for Violets," with a historical mystery told through the eyes of two women Grace, a well-to-do innocent in an unhappy marriage, and Peg, her devious cook. Turns out they have a lot in common: They re not too fond of the master of the manor. Look for double-crosses, deceit and revenge." "Fort Worth Star Telegram"

A compelling and haunting story, brimming with malice and darkness, and powerfully alive to the harsh realities of 18th century life, but it also an invigorating account of the indomitability of the human spirit in the face of terrible hardship. "The Lancashire Evening Post (UK)"

There is much to admire in this sprawling tale of lies, secrets and puddings. Bailey's prose sparkles...delicious "The Times (UK)"
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"""Set in northern England in the late 18th century, with plenty of local color, romance, intrigue, and deception... For fans of conniving and not particularly lovable rogues and roguesses." "Kirkus""

"Certain to be well received by those who love Gothic tales of naive young women, shadowy spouses, and houses brimming with secrets. Bailey skillfully reveals just enough to heighten the suspense while also throwing in plenty of surprising turns along the way. With this entertaining and engrossing tale, Bailey proves herself to be an author to watch."--Library Journal, starred review

"This mesmerizing story of revenge will keep readers riveted until the final pages. The struggles of two very different women are explained in rich historical details. The final chapters reveal an intricate puzzle of greed and deception. Fortunately, the wicked get their due and the strong survive, creating a satisfying ending to this well-written tale."--RT Book Reviews

"This novel of psychological suspense, told from both Grace and Mary's points of view, contains numerous twists, flashbacks, historical details, and a sympatheic main character, framed with an eerie, foreboding setting."--Booklist

"Intelligent and engrossing reading... An ingenious exercise in gothic pastiche, this is a richly rewarding read" --The Sunday Times, Best Summer Reads 2015 (UK)

"An intoxicating and suspenseful novel filled with passion, intrigue, danger and period recipes for the food of the time."--Readerly

"The author follows her U.S. debut, the culinary-themed An Appetite for Violets, with a historical mystery told through the eyes of two women -- Grace, a well-to-do innocent in an unhappy marriage, and Peg, her devious cook. Turns out they have a lot in common: They're not too fond of the master of the manor. Look for double-crosses, deceit and revenge."--Fort Worth Star Telegram

"A compelling and haunting story, brimming with malice and darkness, and powerfully alive to the harsh realities of 18th century life, but it also an invigorating account of the indomitability of the human spirit in the face of terrible hardship." --The Lancashire Evening Post (UK)

"There is much to admire in this sprawling tale of lies, secrets and puddings. Bailey's prose sparkles...delicious" --The Times (UK)

"Set in northern England in the late 18th century, with plenty of local color, romance, intrigue, and deception... For fans of conniving--and not particularly lovable--rogues and roguesses."--Kirkus

Manchester 1787. When budding young criminal Mary Jebb swindles Michael Croxon's brother with a blank pound note, he chases her into the night and sets in motion a train of sinister events. Condemned to seven years of transportation to Australia, Mary sends him a 'Penny Heart'-a token of her vow of revenge.

Two years later, Michael marries naïve young Grace Moore. Although initially overjoyed at the union, Grace quickly realizes that her husband is more interested in her fortune than her company. Lonely and desperate for companionship, she turns to her new cook to help mend her ailing marriage. But Mary Jebb, shipwrecked, maltreated, and recently hired, has different plans for the unsuspecting owners of Delafosse Hall.

A Taste for Nightshade is a thrilling historical novel that combines recipes, mystery and a dark struggle between two desperate women, sure to appeal to fans of Sarah Waters and Carolly Erickson.