Can Ruth be trusted? Is she mad, or a murderer? Bone China, the new Daphne du Maurier-esque chiller from Laura Purcell, is out now. As Ruth reveals her disturbing past to Dorothea, the fates of these two women entwine, and with every revelation, a new layer of doubt is cast. A secret that is leading her straight to the gallows.

When Dorothea's charitable work leads her to Oakgate Prison, she finds herself drawn to Ruth, a teenage seamstress - and self-confessed murderess - who nurses a dark and uncanny secret. Ruth Butterham is young, poor and awaiting trial for murder. Beautifully written, intricately plotted, a masterpiece' Sarah Hilary Is prisoner Ruth Butterham mad or a murderer? Victim or villain? Dorothea Truelove is young, wealthy and beautiful. 'Laura is a masterful writer, her deliciously gothic stories so skilfully woven that you can't get them out of your head even if you wanted to' Stacey Halls, author of The Familiars 'The Corset is a contender for my Book of the Year. 'synopsis' may belong to another edition of this title.īook Description Paperback. The story Ruth has to tell of her deadly creations - of bitterness and betrayal, of death and dresses - will shake Dorothea's belief in rationality, and the power of redemption.Ĭan Ruth be trusted? Is she mad, or a murderer? For Ruth attributes her crimes to a supernatural power inherent in her stitches. But when she meets teenage seamstress Ruth, she is faced with another theory: that it is possible to kill with a needle and thread.

When Dorothea's charitable work leads her to Oakgate Prison, she is delighted with the chance to explore her fascination with phrenology and test her hypothesis that the shape of a person's skull can cast a light on their darkest crimes. Powerful and powerless.ĭorothea Truelove is young, wealthy and beautiful. Is prisoner Ruth Butterham mad or a murderer? Victim or villain? The new Victorian chiller from the author of Radio 2 and Zoe Ball ITV Book Club pick, The Silent Companions.

The Corset by Laura Purcell