Jane Squire's 3 favorite reads in 2024

A thrilling tale of murder and mystery in a city where history has run a little differently -- from the best-selling author of Golden Hill.

'Utterly immersive.' Spectator
'Thrilling.' Financial Times
'Unlike anything else you will read this year.' Daily Express
'A classic of alternative history.' Observer
'A delight.' Sunday Telegraph

It's 1922 and Americans are drinking in speakeasies, dancing to jazz, stepping quickly to the tempo of modern times. In the ancient city of Cahokia - a teeming industrial metropolis, a tinderbox of every race and creed - peace holds. Just about.

But on a snowy night at the… show more.

It all happened so quickly. First, animals became infected with the virus and their meat became poisonous. Then governments initiated the Transition. Now, 'special meat' - human meat - is legal.

Marcos is in the business of slaughtering humans - only no one calls them that. He works with numbers, consignments, processing. One day, he's given a gift to seal a deal: a specimen of the finest quality. He leaves her in his barn, tied up, a problem to be disposed of later.

But she haunts Marcos. Her trembling body, and watchful gaze, seem to understand. And soon, he becomes… show more.