Set in the buried streets of Georgian London and the outrageous underworld of the molly houses, a carpenter hiding a double life searches for a traitor who is betraying the secrets of the mollies. The visceral, raucous, tender and enchanting historical thriller by the award-winning author of The Spirit Engineer.
 
‘Heartbreaking, beautiful, lyrical. I was captivated from the start … you won't want to put it down’ Catriona Ward
 
‘A rare gem of a novel. Gloriously gritty and compellingly constructed with the pungent, evocative vernacular of the era – a darkly thrilling romp in 18th century London that simmers with sinister menace and illicit temptation’ Susan Stokes-Chapman
 
‘Really very, very good’ Stephen Fry
 
‘Stunning and powerful – an atmospheric thriller that is both heartfelt and meticulously researched … You’ll never forget Thomas True’ Janice Hallett, The Appeal
 
***WINNER OF THE HWA DEBUT CROWN***
 
_________________
 
The only sin is betrayal…
 
It is the year 1715, and Thomas True has arrived on old London Bridge with a dangerous secret. One night, lost amongst the squalor of London's hidden back streets, he finds himself drawn into the outrageous underworld of the molly houses. 
 
Meanwhile, carpenter Gabriel Griffin struggles to hide his double life as Lotty, the molly's stoic guard. When a young man is found murdered, he realises there is a rat amongst them, betraying their secrets to a pair of murderous Justices.
 
Can Gabriel unmask the traitor before they hang? Can he save hapless Thomas from peril, and their own forbidden love?
 
Set amidst the buried streets of Georgian London, The Betrayal of Thomas True is a brutal and devastating thriller, where love must overcome evil, and the only true sin is betrayal… 
 
_______________________
 
‘There has never been a book that made me cry … until today. It chewed me up hard more than once but it was also funny, colourful and decadent. Truly extraordinary’ Suzie Edge
 
‘Quite simply divine – historical, a thriller, comedic, fantastical and, above all, a love story that had me in all sorts of tears’ Jennie Godfrey
 
‘Takes you into the dramatic heart of gay London in the early 18th century. Bursting with memorable characters and stunning imagery … a thriller, a tragedy and a love story all in one’ Sean Lusk
 
‘Plunges readers into the dark, treacherous streets of Georgian London in this epic adventure of love in a time of danger – a must-read for lovers of gritty, thrilling, historical fiction. An absolute page-turner!' Hallie Rubenhold
 
‘Suspense, adventure and romance combine in a thrilling historical mystery, brilliantly researched and lavishly written … passion shines through every page’ Emma Stonex
 
‘You’ll smile, you’ll gasp, you’ll cry at this Georgian-era thriller awash with mystery and mayhem … and magnificent mollies’ Essie Fox
 
‘Writing like a modern Fielding, A.J. West packs in humour, horror and a raging sense of injustice … camp, complex and heartbreaking’ Kate Griffin
 
'Both a roaring Georgian romp and a moving story of injustice and discrimination … an original and hugely entertaining read' Anna Mazzola
 
‘A beautiful, dark love story set in the fetid streets of Georgian London … unputdownable historical fiction’ Gareth Russell
 
‘A beautifully told story that broke my heart and energised my soul in equal measure. A cunningly plotted, twisty and twisted tale of love, betrayal and the human spirit … a timely reminder of the heavy cost of freedom’ Tracy King
 
‘Decadent, gritty, debauched, deliciously seductive, and absolutely beautiful … Pure perfection and jaw-dropping! You don’t want to miss it’ Dan, Waterstones bookseller
 
‘Fierce, funny, and fabulous; this is an important and deeply moving story. Highly recommended’ Jonathan Harvey