Good afternoon everyone I was lucky enough to receive this surprise book post this week. The Blackbirds Of St Giles is a historical novel co-written by Marcia Hutchinson and Kate Griffin. It’s based on real historical facts and the real life gang The St Giles Blackbirds which I always love. It’s fascinating to learn more about a bit of history I knew nothing about previously.
Huge thanks to Rhys from Simon and Schuster for sending this to me. I can’t wait to read it.
Out January 2025.
Book Synopsis:
Born on a Jamaican sugar plantation, Daniel escapes enslavement, along with his sister Pearl, to find freedom and respect while fighting for the British in the American War of Independence. When he arrives in Georgian London with Pearl, he is in possession of a remarkable inheritance but is cruelly betrayed.
‘Blackbirds’ was the scornful name given to the community of the destitute who sought refuge in the infamous ‘rookery’ of St Giles. There was nowhere lower to fall in 18th-century London and many of the ‘Blackbirds’ were indeed Black men, women and children – mostly former soldiers, sailors and servants.
Daniel and Pearl become trapped in this dangerous world; a warren of dark and menacing alleyways, open sewers, drinking dens and brothels. Ruled by the robber king, Elias, the St Giles Rookery is rife with crime, violence and poverty.
Soon their lives are in danger and Daniel must use his strength, wit and the fellowship of the other Blackbirds to overthrow Elias and truly find the freedom he fought for.
About The Author:
Writing together as Lila Cain, Marcia Hutchinson and Kate Griffin are the co-writers and creators of The Blackbirds of St Giles, the first of two books centred on the lives of members of the little-known black community in Georgian London. United by their passion for history and a strong desire to tell an unfamiliar – and hugely resonant – story, Kate and Marcia are delighted that ‘Blackbirds’ and its sequel will be published by Simon & Schuster.
Marcia Hutchinson worked as a lawyer before founding educational publishing company Primary Colours and was awarded an MBE for services to Cultural Diversity in 2010. Her solo debut novel Mercy is due for publication in summer 2025.
Kate is the author of Fyneshade (Viper), a stand-alone Neo-Victorian gothic novel of witchcraft in a house of dark secrets. She is also the writer of the popular Kitty Peck thriller series (Faber and Faber) set in the Music Halls of Victorian London. After studying English Literature at university, Kate worked as assistant to a London antique dealer, as a journalist and in PR. Until recently she was Head of Communications for Britain’s oldest conservation charity, The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB). Her love of old buildings and the stories they tell continues to inspire her.
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