The Binding meets The Vanishing Half in this extraordinary historical debut - perfect for readers who love gothic mysteries with books at the heart of them, as well as stories about people often overlooked by history. 'Intriguingly and superbly plotted. Weaves race, identity, feminism, sexuality and class into a beguiling mystery' Woman & Home Some secrets are too scandalous to conceal... Since they left Jamaica for England, Florence's father has tried to tame her - from hot-combing her unruly hair to training her in the art of bookbinding. But when Florence brings scandal to his door, he throws her onto the streets. Florence has nowhere to turn until, intercepting her father's commission to restore a private library, she talks her way into the remote, imposing Rose Hall. There, even the wonders of Lord Belfield's library can't distract Florence from the whisper of scandal around the late lady of the house and her black maid. Then one night, someone breaks into the library - yet strangely, they take none of the priceless tomes. Discovering a half-burned diary in the fireplace, Florence holds the key to a mystery that will reshape everything she knows about herself, and shake Rose Hall to its very foundations . . . 'Swells with secrecy and intrigue' Candice Carty-Williams, author of Queenie 'A love letter to the golden age of Du Maurier and Bronte. Lyrical, beguiling and powerfully relevant' Juno Dawson, author of Her Majesty's Royal Coven 'If this book's a thief of anything - it was of my attention. I was hooked' Cari Thomas, author of Threadneedle 'Powerful and wholly original' Joanne Burn, author of The Hemlock Cure 'Gut-wrenchingly conveys a unique historical perspective on race, gender and sexuality. [For] fans of Sarah Waters and Bridget Collins' Library Journal 'I was blown away' Stacey Thomas, author of The Revels 'Atmospheric, compelling Victorian gothic with a fresh twist' Freya Berry, author of The Birdcage Library Fans of Sarah Waters and Bridget Collins might have in Shenj****é a new author to add to their TBR lists' LIBRARY JOURNAL 'Powerful, gorgeously absorbing and wholly original' JOANNE BURN, author of The Hemlock Cure 'Threads in themes of identity, sexuality and a woman's impossible choices into an intricate web of mysteries that would not let me go' CARI THOMAS, author of Threadneedle 'A love letter to the golden age of Du Maurier and Bronte, The Library Thief is lyrical, beguiling and powerfully relevant' JUNO DAWSON, author of Her Majesty's Royal Coven 'I was swept up with the mystery. A beautifully crafted story full of nuanced characters, gothic undertones and plenty of heart' STACEY THOMAS, author of The Revels 'Atmospheric and compelling. Victorian gothic with a fresh twist' FREYA BERRY, author of The Birdcage Library