The Blackbirds of St Giles: 'The novel Dickens didn't write, but should have done'

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Description

Some things are earned. Some things are worth fighting for

Its 1782, Daniel and his sister Pearl arrive in London with the world at their feet and their future assured. Having escaped a Jamaican sugar plantation, Daniel fought for the British in the American War of Independence and was rewarded with freedom and an inheritance.

But the city is not a place for men like Daniel and he is callously tricked and finds himself, along with his sister Pearl, in the rookeries of St Giles a warren of dark and menacing alleyways, filled with violence and poverty.

The underworld labyrinth is run by Elias, a man whose cruelty knows no bounds. But under his dangerous rule is a brotherhood of Black men, the Blackbirds of St Giles, whose intention is to set their people free.

Can Daniel use his strength, wit and the fellowship of the other Blackbirds to overthrow Elias and truly find the freedom he fought for

Reviews

'Bringing Black Georgian London to life, this is a dark and wonderful tale of a brother and sister finding their feet in an unfriendly city' -- Louise Hare
'A memorable and thoroughly entertaining narrative * Sunday Times, Book of the Month *
'A powerhouse historical novel' * Stylist '26must-read books that will be massive this year' *
From the very first sentence of Lila Cains wonderful, eye-opening, page-turner of a novel I was hooked. Readers are in for a true treat' Paterson Joseph

This powerful story is steeped in truth and resonates with humanity. Its a gritty thriller and a whirlwind adventure, but most of all its a tale of love and hope. A beautiful, original and heart-stopping read' Janice Hallett
Bringing Black Georgian London to life, this is a dark and wonderful tale of a brother and sister finding their feet in an unfriendly city Louise Hare


Brava! A charismatic cast. A plot to stir your heart. This is very fine historical fiction Essie Fox
Full of twists and turns, peopled with characters to care about and shining a light on a little-known area of history Frances Quinn
Equally thrilling and informative, a journey you wont forget! AJ West


The novel Dickens didnt write, but should have done. Simply magnificent Sean Lusk

'This captivating story of a little-known period in history is genuinely heart-stirring' Chat Magazine

'A story of survival and freedom' Best Magazine

Author Bio

LILA CAIN is the pen name for writing duo, Kate Griffinand Marcia Hutchinson. Kate Griffin won the Faber /Stylist magazine competition with Kitty Peck and the MusicHall Murders and went on to write three more novels in theseries. Marcia Hutchinson worked as a lawyer before founding educational publishing company Primary Colours and was awarded an MBE for services to Cultural Diversity in 2010. Her solo debut novel Mercy is due for publication in summer 2025.