The Secret Photographs

'What a sumptuous, evocative triumph of a novel!' Jenny Ashcroft

A picture can tell a thousand words. And hide as many secrets...

England, 1895: In the bustling seaside town of Brighton, Ellen Harper assists her brother running their photography studio, where fashionable ladies and gentlemen pose in all their finery. Behind the facade of a respectable business, the siblings hide a dark and shadowy secret. One that if exposed to the light of day could destroy them all.

When newly married Clementine comes to sit for a portrait, Ellen learns she is looking for a lady's companion. Longing for a life of her own choosing and freedom from the deals her brother has made, Ellen accepts the post. The new position transports her to a sweeping white-fronted townhouse on one of Brighton's most prestigious crescents, full of every luxury imaginable.

But Clem's gilded world hides as much darkness as Ellen has hoped to escape. And what will happen when Clem discovers the truth about the young woman she has welcomed into her home?

Perfect for fans of The Clockmaker's Daughter, The Doll Factory and Sarah Waters. This is richly atmospheric and gripping historical fiction shining a light on the role of women in a world dominated by men.

This book was first published as The Golden Hour.

Praise for The Secret Photographs:

'I was instantly hooked into the story, it has vivid descriptions of the times and places, and a plotline that kept me guessing. Ellen and Clem are particularly strong and fascinating characters, I very much enjoyed sharing their battles and endeavours during such unfair times for women' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I could not put it down... Fantastically researched. Got to be a 5-star rating from me' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'A divine and sumptuous portrait of Victorian Brighton, written in gloriously seductive prose, I was enthralled' Amanda Geard

'A glorious and sumptuous feast for the senses and it drew me in from the start, wanting to find out more about these women's stories and their struggles for freedom and change. It's an absolute joy. I couldn't put it down' Rosanna Ley

'Beautifully atmospheric' Gill Paul

'Beautifully written book with fabulous characters and plot, hard to put down!' Reader review ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐