1857, Glasgow. A young socialite named Madeleine Smith stands accused of murdering her lover.
Thousands wait outside the court to hear the result.
The scandalous nature of the affair, detailed explicitly in letters published in newspapers across the world, has made her case a worldwide sensation. But when the jury find themselves unable to decide whether she is guilty, they render a verdict of ‘Not Proven’ — and Madeleine is freed.
1927, New York. Harry Townsend, a handsome Hollywood film scout believes he has found the woman once known as Madeleine Smith.
He wants to tell her story on film for the new ‘talkie’ generation.
Since her trial she has lived under many names, as a glamourous society hostess in bohemian Bloomsbury to the likes of Dante Gabriel Rossetti, George Bernard Shaw and William Morris.
Until suddenly, in 1890, when she disappeared off the face of the earth.
Could this quiet, secretive widow of an Irish labourer be the same Madeleine Smith who once stood trial for murder and escaped?
She has one last secret to reveal. Will Harry persuade her to tell it?
Love and Other Poisons by Lesley McDowell is published on 17 July, 2025.
Lesley’s writing us a feature about women who murder. It’ll be up soon.
There are over 180 books in our round-up of historical fiction to look forward to in 2025. You might find your next favourite novel there!
