Product details
Biographical note
Michelle Sloan trained as a primary school teacher and studied drama and arts journalism. She is the author of several books for children. The Edinburgh Skating Club is her debut adults’ novel. Originally from Edinburgh, Michelle now lives in Broughty Ferry with her family.
<p>'Sloan constructs <strong>a gripping, downright enthralling tale</strong>... A brilliantly readable novel that succeeds in bringing in a new perspective to the crowded field of Burke and Hare literature, and is <strong>full of wisdom and compassion</strong>'</p>
- Joyce McMillan, The Scotsman
<p>'Between the covers of Mrs Burke and Mrs Hare lies <strong>the tale of two impressively cunning women</strong> who bring vigour and vitality to the page. Through their characters, the story <strong>explores history, politics, and the unfairness of power</strong>'</p>
Gutter, July Book of the Month
<p>'<strong>a beautifully crafted novel</strong> that visits a subject known to many – the story of the bodysnatchers – but <strong>brings a new dimension to its telling</strong>'</p>
- Ken Lussey, Undiscovered Scotland
<p>'Laced with the <strong>politics, art and gender</strong> issues of the day'</p>
Sunday Post
<p>'Sloan has found <strong>a new angle</strong> that is not only <strong>fresh and interesting</strong> but also exhibits her painstaking research.'</p>
Scottish Field
<p>'The names of 19th-century body-snatchers Burke and Hare are well known, but Sloan’s <strong>fascinating and page-turning novel</strong> looks at the women behind them... <strong>A violent, chilling and absorbing read</strong> from the author of The Edinburgh Skating Club</p>
- Kate Pettigrew, Historical Novels Society
In the shadowy closes of Edinburgh’s Old Town, sixteen people are murdered to feed surgeon Dr Robert Knox’s insatiable need for his anatomy classes. Burke and Hare and their wives, Lucky and Nelly, are all complicit, but only Burke swings for their crimes. Lucky, Nelly and Hare go on the run from the angry mob, reinvention their only means of survival.
Years later, journalist Duncan Fletcher hears rumours of sightings of the two women. Keen to impress his editor, Duncan investigates the aftermath of the murder trial. With cobbler Joseph Campbell in tow, Duncan’s quest leads him to the backstreets of London, where the horrors of the past collide with the present.
The time for retribution has come.
From the author of the critically acclaimed bestseller, The Edinburgh Skating Club.
From the author of the critically acclaimed bestseller, The Edinburgh Skating Club.
Delve into one of Scotland's most notorious periods of history, and discover the women behind the killers - the scheming wives of Burke and Hare. This is a story that takes the reader deep into the darkness of Victorian Scotland, where sinister events unfold.
Product details
Biographical note
Michelle Sloan trained as a primary school teacher and studied drama and arts journalism. She is the author of several books for children. The Edinburgh Skating Club is her debut adults’ novel. Originally from Edinburgh, Michelle now lives in Broughty Ferry with her family.