The Crimson Rooms p1

Evelyn is a young woman who has defied convention to become one of the country's pioneer female lawyers. Living at home with her mother, aunt, and grandmother, Evelyn is still haunted by the death of her younger brother James in the First World War. Therefore when the doorbell rings late one night and a woman appears, claiming to have mothered James's child, her world is turned upside down. Evelyn distrusts Meredith at first, but also finds that this new arrival challenges her work-obsessed lifestyle. So far her legal career has not set the world alight. But then two cases arise that make Evelyn realise perhaps she can make a difference. The first concerns woman called Leah Marchant whose children have been taken away from her simply because she is poor. The second, Stephen Wheeler - a former acquaintance of Daniel Breen, her boss - has been charged with murdering his own wife. It is clear to Breen and Evelyn that Wheeler is innocent but he won't talk. After being humiliated in court, Evelyn is approached by a dashing lawyer called Nicholas Thorne. She is needled by his privileged background and old-fashioned attitudes, but despite being engaged, he cannot seem to resist sparring with this feisty young female. In the meantime, Meredith makes an earth-shattering accusation about James. With the Wheeler case coming to a head, and her heart in limbo, Evelyn takes matters into her own hands.

“a piercingly sad but sexy period drama about a woman whose nearest and dearest are devastated by the death of her brother in the trenches. Then a young Australian (? – I’m sure she was Canadian, but now I can’t find a copy to check!) appears at the family home with a child she claims to Evelyn’s dead brother’s. Testament of Youth meets Sherlock Holmes”

McMahon's historical novels (The Alchemist's Daughter; The Rose of Sebastopol ) are often complex but extremely rewarding in their depth and character development. Her latest is her best novel to date. Strongly recommended for readers who enjoy Sarah Waters, Geraldine Brooks, and Jacqueline Winspear.

The mysteries accrete to spine-tingling effect in this smartly constructed tale. McMahon
based the character of Evelyn on a real lawyer named Carrie Morrison, a groundbreaking
British barrister, and the cases she features in the book were drawn from true events.
The historical foundation gives weight and significance to her briskly paced thriller.