2022/141: The Shape of Darkness — Laura Purcell

2022/141: The Shape of Darkness — Laura Purcell

Pearl’s started to do this every night: take out the carpet bag and sit waiting for bravery to possess her, like the ghosts do, so she can put on the boy’s clothes and follow the map. But it turns out bravery is the hardest spirit of them all to catch. She calls and calls, yet it doesn’t come. [loc. 3106]

1854: the ominously named Agnes Darken lives in Bath, ekeing out a living as a silhouette artist. She worries that she won't be able to earn enough to support her widowed mother and her dead sister Constance's child; and she's recovering from a bout of pneumonia that nearly killed her. Luckily she has the support of her brother-in-law, Simon, a respected physician. When one of Agnes' clients is found dead, Simon takes charge and protects Agnes from the ordeal of being questioned by the police. Of course, he reassures her, it's mere coincidence. But then another client dies ... ( Read more... )