Janice McKenzie

Judith Flanders retells the gruesome stories of many different types of murder, both famous and obscure. From the crimes (and myths) of Sweeny Todd and Jack the Ripper, to the tragedies of the murdered Marr family in London’s East End, to Greenacre who transported his dismembered fiancée around town by omnibus, amongst others.

Little Egypt, once a well-to-do country house, looks deserted but it isn’t. Twins Isis and Osiris, still live in the home they were born in, and from which in the 1920s their Egyptologist parents left them, to search for the fabled tomb of Herihor – but never returned. The twins have been guarding a terrible secret, but a chance meeting with young American anarchist Spike, sparks an unlikely friendship and proves a catalyst for change.

Following the death of her mother, Abi Rutherford receives a mysterious bequest – a misshapen crystal sphere known as the Serpent’s Stone, which gives her glimpses into mysteries long concealed by the church. Abi questions what connects these ancient events and her gift. Why do so many people seem desperate to hide the truth?