<p><b>It's remarkable how men react when women break the rules. But, as the people of Hastings are about to discover, women can be remarkable too...</b></p><p><b>1896.</b> At 28, Violet's father is beginning to fear she will never marry. Every suitor he puts forward, she finds an increasingly creative way of rebuffing.</p><p>Because Violet is a woman who knows her own mind – and her mind is on her mother, who went missing 10 years earlier, vanishing from Hastings Pier without a trace.</p><p>Looking for the missing is not a suitable pastime for a lady. But when Violet hires a seaside detective to help, she sets off an unexpected chain of events that will throw her life into chaos.</p><p>Can Violet solve the mystery of Lily Hamilton's vanishing? Or will trying to find her mother cost her more than she can afford to lose?</p><p><b>The most quirky and joyful book of 2023. For fans of <i>Dear Mrs Bird</i>, <i>The Maid</i> and <i>Lessons in Chemistry</i>.</b></p>
<p>1896. Every suitor Violet's father puts forward, she finds an increasingly creative way of rebuffing – because Violet has more important things on her mind: solving the mystery of her mother's vanishing.</p>
<p>Truly one of the funniest, most joyful books you'll read this year – Dolby writes with an effortless, almost Pratchett-esque humour.</p>
<p>Smart, quriky and empowering historical women's narrative sets this book up to be 2023's LESSONS IN CHEMISTRY.</p>
<p>We have World English Language rights, so a big opportunity for a global HoZ launch.</p>
<p>Author is based locally, in Sydenham, and has a PR background, in PR for museums, galleries and gardens.</p>
<p>MARKET: <i>Dear Mrs Bird</i>; <i>Lessons in Chemistry</i>; <i>The Maid</i>; <i>A Lady's Guide to Fortune Hunting</i>.</p>