Listen to a sample
The Secrets of Blythswood Square
- Author
- Sara Sheridan
- Narrator
- Cathleen McCarron
- Publisher
- Hodder & Stoughton
- Publish Date
- 8 February 2024
- Run Time
- 15 hours 18 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
- Rating
- 4.0 (1 review)
What to expect
A story of secrets, friendship and intrigue, set against the backdrop of subversive mid-19th century Glasgow, by the author of the critically acclaimed The Fair Botanists
______________________________________________
You wouldn't suspect it, but scandalous secrets are being kept on Blythswood Square...
1846. Glasgow is a city on the cusp of great social change, but behind the curtains, neighbours are watching, and rumours of improper behaviour spread like wildfire on the respectable Blythswood Square.
When Charlotte Nicholl discovers that the fortune she has been bequeathed by her father is tied up in a secret collection of erotic art, she is faced with a terrible dilemma: sell it and risk shaming her family's good name or lose her home.
An encounter with Ellory McHale, a talented working-class photographer newly arrived in Glasgow, leads Charlotte to hope she has found not only someone who might help her, but also an unlikely friend.
Yet Ellory is hiding secrets of her own - secrets that become harder to conceal as she finds herself drawn into Charlotte's world.
As the truth begins to catch up with both women, will it destroy everything they've fought to build - or set them both free?
PRAISE FOR THE FAIR BOTANISTS:
'Sheridan creates an evocative, enjoyable portrait of two women determined to lead independent lives' SUNDAY TIMES
'Completely enchanting and fascinating . . . a rollicking and immensely readable tale' SCOTSMAN
'Lush, seductive and scandalous, this is a gorgeous read' DAILY MAIL
'A cracking good read' VAL MCDERMID
'Dazzling, original, full of wonderful characters' KATIE FFORDE
'What a beautiful, immersive gem of historical fiction' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING
'An absolute treat for fans of historical fiction and rich storytelling' RED
(P)2024 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
Critics Review
-
Dripping with intrigue and luscious prose, this sumptuous novel shines a light on a Glasgow long past ... Sherdian's fine writing and expert characterisation just pull you in, so you can hear silk skirts swish and secret doors creak, as if you too are dwelling amongst the bustle of Blytheswood Square. I loved it
Karen Campbell
-
A gripping and beautifully written book
ES Thomson
-
An enchanting new novel
Scots Magazine
-
Sheridan is a mistress of the historical novel, and reading her latest book feels at times like stepping into an elaborate period drama set in Edinburgh and Glasgow . . . this is essential reading
Scottish Field Magazine
See more reviews See fewer reviews
-
A gripping novel
Good Housekeeping
-
Sheridan's spry plot sees secrets discovered, ruinous rumours scotched, happiness regained and friendships founded in a novel that celebrates the search for autonomy
Daily Mail
-
A novel of feeling and intellect . . . a rich and compelling story.
The Scotsman
-
There's never any sense of time being wasted. Sheridan meticulously fills out her characters . . . a positive, optimistic novel.
The Herald Scotland
-
Thoroughly enjoyable, a novel of feeling and intellect which will surely and deservedly be a great success
The Scotsman Magazine
User Reviews
Book 4.0
Narration 3.0
-
4.0 3.0
Despite a slow beginning, this book is hard to put down once you've immersed yourself in its ambiance, story and characters. I deplore some storyline and character traits choices but it is still a solid and enjoyable book.
The narration is overall great but many of the secondary characters have a "children's book caricature" way of talking that really pulls you out of this adult historical fiction.Renard 2024-03-18
Details
- Author
- Sara Sheridan
- Narrator
- Cathleen McCarron
- Duration
- 15 hours 18 minutes
- Release Date
- 8 February 2024
- ISBN
- 9781399701617
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Hodder & Stoughton
- Genre
- Historical fiction, Historical adventure fiction
- Rating
- 4.0(1 review)
- Narration
- 3.0(1 review)
Synopsis
THE ENCHANTING NEW NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF THE 2022 WATERSTONES SCOTTISH BOOK OF THE YEAR, THE FAIR BOTANISTS.A story of secrets, friendship and intrigue, set against the backdrop of subversive mid-19th century Glasgow, by the author of the critically acclaimed The Fair Botanists______________________________________________You wouldn't suspect it, but scandalous secrets are being kept on Blythswood Square...1846. Glasgow is a city on the cusp of great social change, but behind the curtains, neighbours are watching, and rumours of improper behaviour spread like wildfire on the respectable Blythswood Square. When Charlotte Nicholl discovers that the fortune she has been bequeathed by her father is tied up in a secret collection of erotic art, she is faced with a terrible dilemma: sell it and risk shaming her family's good name or lose her home. An encounter with Ellory McHale, a talented working-class photographer newly arrived in Glasgow, leads Charlotte to hope she has found not only someone who might help her, but also an unlikely friend. Yet Ellory is hiding secrets of her own - secrets that become harder to conceal as she finds herself drawn into Charlotte's world. As the truth begins to catch up with both women, will it destroy everything they've fought to build - or set them both free? PRAISE FOR THE FAIR BOTANISTS:'Sheridan creates an evocative, enjoyable portrait of two women determined to lead independent lives' SUNDAY TIMES'Completely enchanting and fascinating . . . a rollicking and immensely readable tale' SCOTSMAN'Lush, seductive and scandalous, this is a gorgeous read' DAILY MAIL'A cracking good read' VAL MCDERMID'Dazzling, original, full of wonderful characters' KATIE FFORDE'What a beautiful, immersive gem of historical fiction' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING'An absolute treat for fans of historical fiction and rich storytelling' RED(P)2024 Hodder & Stoughton Limited
About xigxag
xigxag is an independent, UK-based audiobook platform and the UK's only B Corp certified audiobook company. We offer nearly 150,000 audiobooks, all with professional human narration. No AI-generated voices. xigxag is rated an Ethical Consumer Best Buy for audiobooks and a top-rated ethical bookshop.
There is no subscription. You buy the audiobooks you want, you own them permanently, and prices start at $13.95. The more you listen over the year, the less you pay per book, and there is always a selection in Listen for Less from $7.95. You can also send audiobooks as gifts using our audiobook gift cards or in-app gifting.
Every audiobook on xigxag has honest reviews covering both the book and the narration, and our community features make it easy to share what you are listening to, discover what others recommend, and find your next listen.
Download or stream on iOS, Android, or in your browser. Browse the full catalogue at xigxag.co.uk.