Description

The year is 1872. The place is Wigan, England, a coal town where rich mine owners live lavishly alongside miners no better than slaves. Into this dark, complicated world comes Jonathan Blair, who has accepted a commission to find a missing man. When he begins his search every road leads back to one woman, a haughty, vixenish pit girl named Rose. With her fiery hair and skirts pinned up over trousers, she cares nothing for a society that calls her unnatural, scandalous, erotic. As Rose and Blair circle one another, first warily, then with the heat of mutual desire, Blair loses his balance. And the lull induced by Rose's sensual touch leaves him unprepared for the bizarre, soul-scorching truth...

Synopsis

Title: Rose
Author/Publisher: Martin Cruz Smith
Publication Year: 1996
Format: Hardcover with Dust Jacket

Set in the grime and grandeur of 1872 Wigan, England, Martin Cruz Smith's 'Rose' plunges readers into a compelling 19th-century thriller. This vivid historical novel paints a stark picture of a society divided, where the opulence of mine owners stands in stark contrast to the harsh existence of the coal miners.

The story follows Jonathan Blair, an investigator tasked with uncovering the whereabouts of a missing man. His quest quickly unravels, leading him through the town's shadowy depths and invariably back to the enigmatic figure of Rose, a spirited 'pit girl' whose fiery demeanour and unconventional appearance hint at secrets untold.

• Victorian Industrial Setting: Immerse yourself in the meticulously researched backdrop of 1870s Wigan, a vibrant yet brutal industrial town at the height of Britain's coal mining era. The narrative captures the social dynamics and stark class distinctions of the period.
• A Gripping Historical Mystery: Follow Jonathan Blair's intricate investigation as he navigates the complex social strata and hidden dangers of Wigan in search of a missing person. Each clue draws him deeper into a web of intrigue centred around the formidable Rose.
• The Enigmatic Rose: Discover the captivating character of Rose, a fiercely independent and spirited woman defying societal expectations in a male-dominated world. Her unique persona is central to the unfolding mystery and the novel's dramatic tension.

Martin Cruz Smith is celebrated for his atmospheric and meticulously crafted thrillers, and 'Rose' stands as a captivating example of his historical fiction. This hardback edition with its original dust jacket offers readers a chance to own a powerful narrative that masterfully combines historical detail with a gripping mystery.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Very Good condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

Specifications