Pandora

Author Susan Stokes-Chapman
Narrator Olivia Vinall
Publisher Random House
Publish Date 27 January 2022
Run Time 11 hours and 31 minutes
Format Audio
Genre Ancient Greek religion and mythology, Historical fiction, Historical romance, Narrative theme: Love and relationships.

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What to expect

Brought to you by Penguin.

A pure pleasure of a novel set in Georgian London where the discovery of a mysterious ancient Greek vase sets in motion conspiracies, revelations and romance.

There is a fine line between coincidence and fate...

In London 1799, Dora Blake is an aspiring jewellery artist who lives with her uncle in what used to be her parents' famed shop of antiquities. When a mysterious Greek vase is delivered, Dora is intrigued by her uncle's suspicious behaviour and enlists the help of Edward Lawrence, a young man seeking acceptance into the Society of Antiquaries. Edward sees the ancient vase as key to unlocking his academic future. Dora sees it as her chance to restore her parents' shop to its former glory, and to escape her uncle.

But what Edward discovers about the vase has Dora questioning everything she has ever known, about her life, her family and the world as she knows it. As Dora uncovers the truth she starts to realise that some mysteries are buried, and some boxes are locked, for a reason.

Gorgeously atmospheric and deliciously page-turning, Pandora deals with themes of secrets and deception, love and fulfilment, fate and hope.

Critic Reviews

"Olivia Vinall, who was delightful as DS Matilda Stone in Queens of Mystery, maintains a running current of excitement and copes effortlessly with the challenge of a cast ranging from grandes dames to Cornish seamen." (The Sunday Times)

© Susan Stokes-Chapman 2022 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

Critics Review

Romantic, suspenseful and beautifully written, this is a glorious treat

Daily Mail

A richly textured and elegantly written first novel

The Times

This glorious debut is alive with the sights, sounds and smells of Georgian London as a daring duo delve into the secrets of an ancient Greek vase…wonderfully immersive…Lush, lyrical and pacy, this a brilliantly escapist read.

Daily Express

Pandora weaves together Ancient Greek myth with suspenseful mystery and beguiling romance, set against the brilliantly rendered background of Georgian London. This novel is lush, evocative and utterly irresistible. Susan Stokes-Chapman’s prose is exquisite and the story effortlessly intriguing. This is an absolute treasure trove of a book. Perfect for fans of Laura Purcell and Elizabeth Macneal.

Jennifer Saint, Sunday Times bestselling author of Ariadne

This is an immersive, evocative story full of romance and intrigue

Red

A richly evocative and hugely enjoyable read, bubbling with mysteries, secrets and pleasures.

Joseph O'Connor

Perfect for fans of The Hourglass Factory by Lucy Ribchester or The Binding by Bridget Collins, this is a compelling historical novel that will tempt you to keep lifting the lid and read just one more chapter …

The List

An utterly compelling, convincing piece of historical fiction, threaded through with a dash of mythology. Readers will be rooting for Dora from the start, and spellbound as the story unfolds. I loved it.

Elizabeth Lee, author of Cunning Women

Brimming with authentic Georgian detail and richly imagined characters, Pandora is a dazzling page-turner of a debut! Enticing, surprising and full of mystery, if you’re a fan of The Binding or Daughters of Night, then you’ll love Pandora.

Joanne Burn, author of The Hemlock Cure

Beautifully written with a gripping story and characters who are well drawn and complex, I absolutely loved this.

Katie Fforde

User Reviews

Book 4.0

Narration 4.0

4.0

Quite entertaining and an interesting story.

Jane B 11/03/2025

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