Once a Monster

Some villains are meant to be heroes . . . 

London, 1861: Ten-year-old Nell belongs to a crew of mudlarks who work a stretch of the Thames along the Ratcliffe Highway. An orphan since her mother died, leaving Nell with only broken dreams and a pair of satin slippers, she spends her days searching for treasure in the mud in order to appease her master, Benjamin Murdstone. But one day, Nell discovers a strange body on the shore. Nearly seven feet tall, the creature has matted hair covering his legs, and on his head is the suggestion of horns. Nell-s fellow mudlarks urge her to steal what she can, but as she ventures closer the figure draws breath – and Nell is forced to make a decision that will change her life for ever . . . 

From the critically acclaimed author of The Toymakers comes an imaginative retelling of the legend of the Minotaur, perfect for lovers of historical fiction with a mythical twist such as Stone Blind and Circe.