London, 1908, and the Fitzglens are proud of their reputation as one of London’s leading theatre families.
They are, however, equally proud of another profession which they pursue very discreetly… When not on stage, they are thieves.
Jack Fitzglen’s latest plan is to seek out the infamous Talisman Chalice, steal it and create a dazzling piece of theatre around it.
He travels to Vallow Hall in Northumberland to find the mysterious Maude — the last known link to the Chalice — but uncovers something far darker.
Scandal, secrets and danger lurk in every shady corner. Perhaps the legend of the Chalice has come true: that in the wrong hands, the Chalice drags a person into a darkness from which he or she can never emerge.
As past and present collide, can Jack find the Chalice, the truth and return to his theatre of thieves unscathed?
Chalice of Darkness by Sarah Rayne is published on 7 February, 2023.
It’s the first in her Theatre of Thieves mystery series.
We’re delighted that Sarah is writing a piece about Victorian music hall songs, part of the background to her book, for Historia.
