Helena Appio

Smoke and Silk is a captivating historical crime novel exploring the shadowy underbelly of Victorian London. It offers a compelling perspective through the eyes of the strong female protagonist, mixed race Irish Chinese heroine Pearl. There’s a diverse cast of well developed characters, each with their own motivations and secrets. Fiona Keating creates a vibrant, often brutal world where cultures collide and secrets fester. Pearl is intelligent and resilient and Keating portrays the prejudices and challenges Pearl faces, not just as a woman, but as a foreigner in a society that often views her with suspicion and exoticism. Pearl navigates these obstacles with determination, her cultural background providing her with insights and skills that prove invaluable in her pursuit of justice. The mystery is intricately plotted and gripping and opens a window into the social inequalities of the era. The author explores the darker aspects of Victorian life, opium addiction, poverty, and the exploitation of the vulnerable. The author's extensive research, allows her to weave historical details into the narrative and create a rich tapestry against which the drama unfolds. The descriptions are evocative– the scent of opium, the clamour of the streets, the rustle of silk gowns. Great pacing builds tension and the various threads of the narrative converge in a satisfying and surprising conclusion.