The Golden Hour: A richly atmospheric and compelling historical novel from the author of THE FRENCH HOUSE

The Golden Hour is a novel that explores the hidden world of erotic tableaux, boundary-crossing music hall performers, and the sinister figure of the local gangster in late-Victorian Brighton. It follows the lives of Ellen and Reynold Harper, twins who work as portrait photographers, and their interactions with the models they photograph, as well as with Clementine, a newly-wed woman who becomes entangled in their lives. The novel is praised for its atmospheric and sensual writing, its portrayal of three women determined to find their freedom, and its vivid description of Victorian Brighton.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

At the golden hour, hidden truths and desires come to light, casting a captivating spell over the genteel squares of late-Victorian Brighton. Ellen and Reynold Harper, twins, companions, and colleagues, ply their trade as portrait photographers in this enchanting city. However, at this hour, the models arrive to pose for the lucrative and illicit photographs that truly keep the Harper business afloat. This is the other, shadowy world of Brighton: a world of erotic tableaux, boundary-crossing music hall performers, and the sinister figure of the local gangster, the Croc.

When Ellen is drawn into the orbit of unhappy newlywed Clementine, she finds herself torn between loyalty to her brother, her dangerous attraction to new model, Lily, and her burgeoning friendship with Clem. And as the two worlds of Brighton collide, the three women discover that there is only a knife edge between the promise of freedom and the threat of ruin.

The Golden Hour is a spellbinding portrait of three women determined to find their freedom. Written in gloriously seductive prose, it transports readers to the opulent and tumultuous world of Victorian Brighton. Amanda Geard, author of The Midnight House, praises it as a "divine and sumptuous portrait of Victorian Brighton, written in gloriously seductive prose." Rosanna Ley, author of The Orange Grove, describes it as a "glorious and sumptuous feast for the senses," and Gill Paul, author of The S., calls it "beautifully atmospheric."

In the golden hour, the city comes alive with a vibrant energy that is both alluring and dangerous. The Harpers navigate the treacherous waters of their profession, balancing the demands of their clients and the temptations of the city. Clementine, trapped in an unhappy marriage, yearns for freedom and a chance to escape her suffocating life. Lily, the new model, arrives in Brighton with a mysterious past and a burning desire for success. And Clem, the newlywed, is caught between the expectations of her husband and the desires of her heart.

As the three women's paths cross, they are drawn into a web of secrets and lies that threaten to destroy their lives. The Croc, the local gangster, watches them with a keen eye, waiting for the right moment to strike. The Harpers must use all their skills and resources to stay one step ahead of the danger, but the stakes are high, and the consequences could be fatal.

The Golden Hour is a powerful exploration of the human condition, exploring themes of love, loyalty, desire, and the pursuit of freedom. It is a tale of three women who are determined to break free from the constraints of their society and live their lives on their terms. With its atmospheric prose, vivid characters, and compelling plot, The Golden Hour is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and those who are captivated by the allure of the Victorian era.

Weight: 598g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529377361