Part one of an unusual and astonishing new fantasy trilogy that blends fine literary fare with a terrific romp through the reimagined outskirts of Victorian-era

'Roald Dahl by way of Charles Dickens' - Vox.com 'Astonishing and inventive, it calls out to be read' - The Sunday Times 'Dark and wildly original urban fantasy

"Easily the most brilliant fiction I've seen this year -- it proves the potential brilliance of the novel form." -- John Fowles, author of The Magus Observatory

"A deliciously macabre trilogy . . . channels Dickens crossed with Lemony Snicket . . . magnificently creepy." --Kirkus (starred review)

LONGLISTED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DUBLIN LITERARY AWARD LONGLISTED FOR THE RSL ONDAATJE PRIZE LONGLISTED FOR THE WALTER SCOTT PRIZE FOR HISTORICAL FICTION LONGLI