Every so often a book comes along that knocks your socks off . . . and “Blood And Sugar” is one of them.
It’s the debut of Laura Shepherd-Robinson, and it’s a powerful and dark read.
Set in 1781, it begins with the discovery of a body at Deptford Dock. The victim has been branded, and that’s when things take a very dark turn . . .
The victim’s friend, war hero Captain Harry Corsham, is about to begin a promising political career.
But when the sister of an estranged friend reveals that her brother, Tad Archer, was the victim at the docks, he has to discover the truth.
Their own past and friendship was complicated, so Corsham is driven by guilt as well as a sense of justice.
Tad was a passionate abolitionist who was determined to damage the British slaving industry.
And Corsham soon finds himself in danger, too, as secrecy and brutality are never far away.
Hard-hitting
“Blood And Sugar” is a stunning book, though it’s a very hard read at times as the brutality of the Britain’s involvement in slavery is laid bare.
The research the author has done is obvious, and any book that features a map at the beginning is always a good sign!
Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s new book, “Daughters Of The Night“, is out later this year.
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Tracey Steel Having worked on a number of magazines over the years, I have found my perfect place on the “Friend” as I’m obsessed with reading and never go anywhere without a book! I read all of our stories with a mug of tea close by and usually a bit of strong cheese too!
