Is she a skilled killer or is she a skilled seamstress? Is she both?įrom the description the reader knows that one woman is from a life of privilege and luxury while the other is poor - extremely poor. Ruth believes that she has a supernatural power and can/has killed people using her skills as a seamstress. She does charitable work at Oakgate prison and there she meets a sixteen-year-old accused of murder named Ruth Butterham (what a last name!). She is interested in phrenology and believes it can shed a light on one's crimes. 'Dotty' is a smart and inquisitive young woman who wants more out of life than just being a married woman. This book had my attention from the get-go! I loved the synopsis: Is prisoner Ruth Butterham mad or a murderer? Victim or villain? I knew this book would be pretty much up my alley and it was! But what does that say about my alley? It's dark and twisted folks!ĭoretha 'Dotty' Truelove (let's, for a minute, admire her last name!), is a young woman from a 'good home' Her mother died when she was young, and she has been raised by her father. 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. Ruth Butterham is young, poor and awaiting trial for murder. Dorothea Truelove is young, wealthy and beautiful. Is prisoner Ruth Butterham mad or a murderer? Victim or villain?ĭorothea and Ruth. The new Victorian chiller from the author of Radio 2 Book Club pick, The Silent Companions.

The Corset by Laura Purcell