People of Abandoned Character

Written by Clare Whitfield

Narrated by Tuppence Middleton

'Astonishing ... I'd be amazed if it isn't dominating the shortlists come next year's awards season' M.W. CRAVEN

Marry in haste... Murder at leisure?

London, 1888: Susannah rushes into marriage to a young and wealthy surgeon. After a passionate honeymoon, she returns home with her new husband wrapped around her little finger. But then everything changes.

Thomas's behaviour becomes increasingly volatile and violent. He stays out all night, returning home bloodied and full of secrets. The gentle caresses she enjoyed on her wedding night are now just a honeyed memory.

When the first woman is murdered in Whitechapel, Susannah's interest is piqued. But as she follows the reports of the ongoing hunt for the killer, her mind takes her down the darkest path imaginable. Every time Thomas stays out late, another victim is found dead.

Is it coincidence? Or is her husband the man they call Jack the Ripper?

2020 Head of Zeus Ltd

• Language: English
• Publisher: W. F. Howes Ltd
• Release date: Oct 1, 2020
• ISBN: 9781800244573

Clare Whitfield

Clare Whitfield was born in 1978 in Morden (at the bottom of the Northern line) in Greater London. After university she worked at a publishing company before going on to hold various positions in buying and marketing. She now lives in Hampshire with her family. Her debut novel, People of Abandoned Character, won the Goldsboro Glass Bell Award and is also published by Head of Zeus.

Reviews for People of Abandoned Character

[Darcia Helle · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

People of Abandoned Character takes us to 1888 London, where women are property at best, and a vicious killer is roaming the streets at night.

I was fully immersed in the setting and atmosphere. I swear I tasted the soot in the air. I felt the desperation and desolation of the poor, as well as the privileged opulence of the upper class.

Susannah, our main character, goes from being an independent nurse to the trophy wife of a prominent doctor. Soon she learns that nothing is as it appears, and her well respected husband may have more secrets than she does.

Pacing starts slowly, settling us in, gradually quickening as Susannah’s life and mind unravels.

I alternated between reading my print copy and listening to the audiobook, and I enjoyed every minute.

[rachael · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Wow. Brilliant writing and gripping story. The genre is not normally my cup of tea but I was drawn by the book title, and the reviews provided the temptation to jump in. Whilst I am a bit delicate for gory stories, I was enthralled by Susana's story from beginning to end. This is a dark tale of a dark London when women's lives are not their own, and everyone is doing what they do to survive.