The Nightingale Affair

In 1855, Florence Nightingale is stalked by the legendary Beast of the Crimean or someone closer to home. Inspector Charles Field is sent from England to find the killer among the doctors, military men, journalists, and others swarming Turkey's famous Barrack Hospital. Twelve years later, women start turning up dead, their mouths covered by an embroidered rose. Field must race against time to stop the killer before more bodies are discovered and his family gets pulled into danger. The Nightingale Affair is a pure reading delight, offering shocks, vivid scenes, and surprising twists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 01 June 2023
Publisher: Workman Publishing

In 1855, amidst the intense conflict between Britain and France to prevent the Russians from seizing the Crimean Peninsula from the Ottoman Empire, Florence Nightingale, a wealthy young society woman, dedicated herself to improving the appalling conditions in the British military hospitals in Turkey. Despite fierce opposition from the male doctors around her, Nightingale relentlessly pursued her mission. However, a chilling reality emerged when young women began to turn up dead, their mouths meticulously sewn shut with embroidered fabric roses. Inspector Charles Field, the real-life inspiration for Charles Dickens's Inspector Bucket in Bleak House, was dispatched from England to investigate this gruesome series of murders among the doctors, military men, journalists, and others gathered at Turkey's renowned Barrack Hospital.

Upon his arrival in Turkey, Field encountered both Florence Nightingale, renowned for her pioneering work in nursing, and Nurse Jane Rolly, who would later become his wife. As he raced to safeguard them, the prime suspect took his own life, seemingly concluding the case. However, twelve years later, the nightmare resurfaced. In the midst of the political turmoil surrounding the expansion of voting rights in London, women once again began to turn up dead, their mouths covered by the distinctive embroidered rose. Did Field make a mistake in suspecting the wrong man the first time, or was he facing a deranged copycat? Time was running out, and he had to act fast to prevent further deaths and protect his own family from danger.

The Nightingale Affair unfolds against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society in 1860s London. The novel is populated with real historical figures of the era, including Benjamin Disraeli, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, novelist Wilkie Collins, and, of course, Florence Nightingale herself. The author intricately weaves historical details into the narrative, creating a vivid and immersive experience for the reader.

What sets The Nightingale Affair apart is its pure reading delight. It offers a combination of shocks, unforgettable scenes, and surprising twists that keep the reader engaged from start to finish. The plot unfolds with a relentless pace, as Field races against time to unravel the mystery and bring the killer to justice. The characters are well-developed, with their motivations and emotions clearly portrayed, adding depth to the story.

In conclusion, The Nightingale Affair is a captivating historical mystery that delves into the dark corners of 19th-century London. With its intricate plot, well-developed characters, and immersive historical setting, this novel offers a thrilling and engaging reading experience. Whether you are a fan of historical mysteries or simply seeking a compelling story, The Nightingale Affair is a must-read that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Weight: 570g
Dimension: 162 x 237 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781643750392