Kept - Softcover

Taylor, D J

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0061146099 ISBN 13: 9780061146091

Publisher: Harper Perennial, 2008

Synopsis

When Henry Ireland dies unexpectedly from what appears to be a riding accident in August 1863, the failed landowner leaves behind little save his high-strung young widow, Isabel--who somehow ends up in the home of Ireland's friend James Dixey. A celebrated naturalist, Dixey collects strange trophies in his secluded, decaying manse and has questionable associations with rather unsavory characters--including a pair of thuggish poachers named Dewar and Dunbar. Dixey's precocious, inquisitive young servant, Esther, cannot turn a blind eye to the suspicious activities surrounding her. While in the crime-ridden streets of London, a determined captain of Scotland Yard follows the threads that may well link a daring train robbery to the disappearance of a disturbed heiress as well as to the possible murder of Henry Ireland.

D. J. Taylor's Kept is a gorgeously intricate, dazzling reinvention of Victorian life and passions that is also a riveting investigation into some of the darkest, most secret chambers of the human heart.

About this title

Review:

"Kept is a great read. It intrigues, diverts and delights. It is clever and intricate and huge fun."--Susan Hill, Guardian

"A smartly satisfying novel...Intricate and vividly realized...a pin-sharp recreation of 19th century life....a playful reimagining of history"--Robert Douglas-Fairhurst, Telegraph

"A gripping tale, crafted with passion and intelligence, and an honorable addendum to the golden age of the English novel."--Simon Baker, New Statesman

"Intriguing."--Charlotte Observer

"...a genuinely fascinating reading experience...a powerful contribution to the changing practice of historical fiction."--Philippa Gregory, Sunday Times (London)

From the Publisher:

Madness, greed, love, obsession, Machiavellian plotting and a great train robbery... in a captivating Victorian mystery about the extreme and curious things men do to get - and keep - what they want.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 0061146099
• ISBN 13: 9780061146091
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 480