The Unpierced Heart

Oxford, 1887: upright young theological student Edward Fraser finds himself sharing university lodgings with brilliant young medic Stephen Chapman, and the two men soon become close and trusted friends. But when Stephen decides to volunteer his medical skills at a shelter dedicated to reforming fallen women, and meets the beautiful and mysterious young window Diana, their friendship is put to the test. For Edward knows Diana's true history, not as a virtuous woman, but as a dangerous temptress who has broken hearts, inspired fatal duels, and whose presence calls up memories of a terrible tragedy.

Katy Darby has woven a Victorian melodrama worthy of Wilkie Collins in this, dark, gothic and suspenseful debut. A compelling tale of death and despair, passion and obsession, this is a carefully plotted and gripping tale which brilliantly recreates the exaggerated style of the Victorian 'sensation' novel. The 19^th century setting is meticulously researched and Darby paints a powerful picture of the Victorian slums of Oxford, complete with their ill-lit streets, shadowy alleys and seedy taverns. Yet as the narrative unravels, there are some surprises in store for the reader: whilst this novel is undoubtedly a tribute to Collins, Dickens and Conan Doyle, there is also a distinctly modern edge to Darby's approach to questions of gender, sexuality and class.