Release date: July 4th 2024
Publisher: Orenda Books
Pages: 320
Find it: Goodreads Waterstones
Source: The publisher kindly sent me a copy of this book to review
Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Synopsis

It is the year 1710, and Thomas True has arrived on old London Bridge with a dangerous secret. One night, lost amongst the squalor of London’s hidden back streets, he finds himself drawn into the outrageous underworld of the molly houses.

Meanwhile, carpenter Gabriel Griffin struggles to hide his double life as Lotty, the molly’s silent guard. When the queen of all ‘he-harlots’, Mother Clap, confides in him about a deadly threat, he realises his friends are facing imminent execution.

To the horror of all mollies, there is a rat amongst them, betraying their secrets to a pair of murderous Justices, hell-bent on punishing sinners with the noose.

Can Gabriel unmask the traitor before it’s too late? Can he save hapless Thomas from peril, and their own impossible love?

Set amidst the hidden world of Georgian London’s gay scene, The Betrayal of Thomas True is a brutal and devastating thriller, where love must overcome evil, and the only true sin is betrayal…

Review

The Betrayal of Thomas True is a dark historical thriller set in Georgian London. The story follows young Thomas True as he escapes his life in Highgate to find a new life in London. He soon finds himself wrapped up in the world of London’s molly houses. There he meets carpenter Gabriel who spends his nights as the silent guard at Mother Clap’s. When he discovers there’s a rat in their midst, Gabriel must do everything he can to protect Thomas and those he cares about.

This is a such a beautifully written tale that is captivated me right from the very first chapter. It is a heart breaking story, one that is at times particularly dark and brutal. This is my second book from the author and I really enjoyed West’s writing style. The story is a really compelling one and the short chapters had me turning pages long into the night. It’s not often that I cry at books but I definitely found myself tearing up at this well crafted story.

West does a terrific job of bringing the sights and sounds of London in the 1700s to life. The decadent costumes and wildness of Mother Clap’s really came to life and the story felt incredibly well researched. This is an addictive historical thriller, full of twists and turns with an ending that I absolutely did not see coming. The story also features some incredibly compelling characters and all of the cast felt very well fleshed out.

The Betrayal of Thomas True is a book that will stick with you long after reading. If you’re looking for a brilliant, engaging historical thriller this is a book you will not want to miss.