‘An utterly compelling and deeply personal account of a working class Victorian man who broke the bank at Monte Carlo. In telling the remarkable story of her ancestor, the author brings to life one of the most transformative periods in British history. Her painstaking research is as fascinating as the tale itself. Not to be missed.’
- Tracy Borman,
‘A thrilling true detective story that redefines family history. Anne Fletcher deploys impeccably researched social history on the Victorian north of England as the convincing backdrop to a portrait of a desperate man whose last chance is finding improbable luck, a thousand miles from home.’
- Jonathan Foyle,
‘An eloquent and captivating rags-to-riches tale, well-drawn, evocative of character, place and era; a fascinating read.’
- Amy Licence,