Books
Book 1 - A Fitting End
In the heart of Victorian London, fearless journalist and suffragist, Verity Mallard, finds herself entangled in a web of mystery and danger. When her barrister brother, Mortimer, aids Mrs Clara Powell in a divorce case, he discovers that her husband is the bearer of a sinister secret.
As they delve into the seedy underbelly of the East End, the siblings, aided by the tenacious investigator, George Benson, uncover a chilling truth – their target is a depraved murderer.
However, a twist of fate destroys the evidence they desperately need to bring him to book.
Realising that justice may slip through the cracks, Verity persuades George and Mortimer to embark on a perilous plan to neutralise the killer.
Book 2 - Death in Earnest
In 1895 London, spirited journalist Verity Mallard, and her twin brother Mortimer, applaud the news that their dear friend, Mary Phillips, is embarking on her first engagement as a professional actress. Joining a touring company in the cast of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, Mary is both intrigued and thrilled by her new life, until the sudden disappearance of fellow actress Cynthia Grant.
When Verity takes Cynthia’s place in the cast, she sets out to discover what lies behind Cynthia’s decision to abandon the play, calling on the services of dogged private investigator, George Benson.
Soon they find themselves entangled in a web of murder, blackmail, and kidnapping; threatened by some of the most feared denizens of the Victorian underworld.
Book 3 - Sovereign Risk
As the nineteenth century draws to a close, a grateful nation prepares to celebrate its sovereign’s long reign.
Meanwhile, a traitor at the heart of the establishment is working in the interests of a foreign power to shake the very foundations of the British Empire and Verity Mallard and private detective George Benson soon find themselves enmeshed in the machinations of hostile forces.
While Irish revolutionaries and agents of Imperial Germany pursue twin plots to strike at the pinnacle of the British state, Verity and George team up once again in a race against time to protect the realm.
The thrilling third instalment of the Mallard Melodramas.
Book 4 - Death for Art's Sake
It's 1898. Ever on the hunt for a good story, redoubtable journalist Verity Mallard enters Chase Manor, a utopian community nestled in the English countryside. Posing as an aspiring member of the commune, she soon senses dark undercurrents beneath its veneer of simplicity, harmony, and dedication to the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement.
The sudden disappearance of wealthy, mild-mannered Gregory Manning brings matters to a head, confirming Verity's worst fears about the true motives of the commune's leaders, Oswald and Ursula Lamont.
Summoning the aid of resourceful private investigator George Benson, Verity sets in train a headlong race to save Gregory's life. Deep in the wild, rugged hinterland of West Wales, George must confront the brilliant and sinister Dr Maynard Floate, while back at Chase Manor, Verity is menaced by the brutish, unhinged medievalist, Aquinas Thorpe.
Once again, Verity and George are drawn into a high-stakes game of life and death.
The fabulous fourth instalment of the Mallard Melodramas.