Essie Fox’s ‘addictive’ THE GODDESS AND THE THIEF beguiles readers & reviewers

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The latest novel from Essie Fox, ‘the master of Victorian drama’, has been drawing high praise. ‘Entirely pleasurable’ (Metro), ‘a gem of a read’ (The Lady), ‘beguiling, imaginative and original’ (Hello), reviewers have said, while The Times wrote: ‘The plot of this addictive novel is intricate and beautifully turned.’

Published by Orion, Essie Fox’s third novel was launched in style in Windsor, where the novel is set. It was a fabulous evening of delicious Indian canapés, Koh-i-Noor beer (from Windsor’s own brewery,with a name that reflects the brilliant jewel at the novel’s heart), henna hand painting, a fortune-teller, and a beautiful rendition of a carol that features in the novel, newly set to music by a friend of the author.

Essie Fox talks about the inspirations behind THE GODDESS AND THE THIEF in this Female First Q&A and on Fleur Fisher’s blog.

Essie’s debut novel, THE SOMNAMBULIST, was shortlisted at the National Book Awards for New Writer of the Year and was picked up by TV Book Club and optioned for film by Hat Trick Productions. It is published by Castelvecchi in Italy and Damm in Sweden and sold to Bertrand in Brazil.

Her second novel ELIJAH'S MERMAID  also received glowing reviews and she is now completing SILENCE ELECTRIC.  Hear more about the subject matter in  this piece about her writing room on Novelicious.

Essie Fox is appearing at a series of literary festivals in the months ahead – see the news page on her website for more details – and is also part of the author performance trio Memento Moriatas, who do innovative events in special venues around London – their launch was at the Dissenter’s Chapel in the historic Kensal Rise cemetery.

For more news from Essie Fox visit her Virtual Victorian blog and follow her on Twitter.

For wonderful images linked to her novels, see her Pinterest page.

Praise for Essie Fox:

'Essie Fox's style is like the great writers of the Victorian era such as Wilkie Collins: flowing and full of subtleties of meaning.' -- Words and Pieces

'Essie Fox really is the master of Victorian drama, and excels in making historical fiction appeal to all' – Anne Cater, Random Things Through My Letterbox

‘[Essie Fox’s work] is perfect for fans of Sarah Waters and Tracy Chevalier’ – Lovereading.co.uk

Praise for THE GODDESS AND THE THIEF:

'Fans of Essie Fox's first two novels will adore this one, and readers who are experiencing this author's work for the first time cannot fail to be impressed either. A truly outstanding novel, well-researched, colourful, sometimes a little dark, often unusual, but very readable and certainly memorable.' – New Books Mag

‘The plot of this addictive novel is intricate and beautifully turned, and echoes of Frances Hodgson Burnett and George MacDonald Fraser are entirely intentional — Fox’s raids on the story-box cleverly enhance the sense of mystery.’ – The Times

 

Essie Fox signing books for her readers.

Essie Fox signing books for her readers.

Orion Signs Two More Essie Fox Novels

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Orion has bought a further two novels by Essie Fox. Essie was recently shortlisted at the National Book Awards for New Writer of the Year for her debut novel THE SOMNAMBULIST, which was picked up by TV Book Club and optioned by Hat Trick Productions. It is also published by Castelvecchi in Italy and Damm in Sweden and sold to Bertrand in Brazil.

Essie Fox's second novel, ELIJAH'S MERMAID, published by Orion in November 2012 has also received glowing reviews. 

Her new novel THE GODDESS AND THE THIEF, which will be published in November 2013, tells the story of a young woman raised by a spiritualist medium and her involvement in a secret plot to steal one of India's sacred jewels: the priceless Koh-i-Nor diamond claimed by the British Empire at the end of the Anglo-Sikh wars.

Kate Mills says: 'She's a wonderfully talented author, drawing her readers into the shadows of Victorian London and weaving her stories seamlessly together with fascinating research. She has a unique and captivating voice, and we're delighted to have two further novels to look forward to.'

To read more about the deal click here
See Essie Fox's website here
See Essie Fox's blog The Virtual Victorian here

Praise for Essie Fox:

'Essie Fox [is] a specialist on the Victorian Era.' -- BookOxygen
'Essie Fox's style is like the great writers of the Victorian era [such as] Wilkie Collins: flowing and full of subtleties of meaning.' -- Words and Pieces (blog)

Praise for ELIJAH'S MERMAID:

'[ELIJAH'S MERMAID] delights in the underworld and the exotica of Victorian Britain... Memorable and unusual.' -- Nick Rennison, Sunday Times
'Dark secrets, hidden pasts and childhood mysteries are the focus in this sensual melodrama...an entertaining slice of Victoriana, rich in historical detail...a tale of obsessive love and betrayal.' -- Marie Claire Magazine

Praise for THE SOMNAMBULIST:

'Gothic Victorian tale of complicated thespian lives, old secrets and many a twist and turn. It's an absorbing easy read, well worth recommending.' -- The Bookseller
'Essie Fox's debut novel paints a vivid picture of Victorian Times.' -- The Star