The curtain rises on a corpse, but who waits in the wings?

London, 1759

An undercover assignment for the Bow Street magistrates has the fabulous Lizzie Hardwicke posing as a pitiable seamstress at a popular theatre on Drury Lane. She soon learns that behind the scenes there is a world as sordid as the bawdy house she calls home, but possibly far more dangerous.

When a nobleman and patron of the arts is brutally murdered and left on display centre-stage, the theatre is thrown into disarray. The investigation becomes all the more urgent with public scrutiny on the magistrate s men including William Davenport, his assistant, with whom Lizzie continues to grow closer. Her suspect list is long but she must find a way to see through all the masks worn backstage without letting her own slip.

The Corpse Played Dead is the second instalment of the gripping and vividly imagined Lizzie Hardwicke mystery series.

Perfect for fans of Sarah Waters and Diana Gabaldon, echoing the atmospheric pull of a Nancy Drew esque mystery

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING:

A wild ride through the seedy side of 1750s London...Lizzie Hardwicke is razor sharp and brilliantly original. I couldn t put it down!

Joe Heap, author of When the Music Stops

This novel is a refreshing add to the historical mystery genre. Atmospheric and full of authentic details... Brava to this new, engaging voice and her strong woman protagonist!

Karen Oden, author of A Lady in the Smoke

A gripping page-turner with a sassy and fabulously original heroine in the form of Lizzie Hardwicke I loved it!

Annie Lyons, author of Eudora Honeysett is Quite Well, Thank You

Death and the Harlot backs a distinctive heroine who puts up a great show of quiet resilience and battles with her inner demons. The atmospheric debut places it amongst a new wave of dark, character-driven literary fiction.

- Aparna Prabhu, Book Critic

As the story unfolds, so do the secrets it had my attention right from the first page, and trust me, once you start, it's really hard to look away. I flew through the pages.

- Sakshi, Book Critic

Georgina Clarke retained my interest right the way through, aided by her excellent use of smoke and mirrors, pointing the finger of suspicion at many characters.

Goodreads Review