Jennie Jacques Instagram – Collins is an incredible storyteller & also a poet. Her writing is captivating with a talent to slice into the skin of her reader 🔪 🩸 Set in the early 1800’s (mostly London, partly Jamaica) Frannie Langton, “the slave, whore, seductress” is on trial for the murder of her master Mr Bentham & his “beautiful” Wife, Meg the Magpie; who just so happens to “collect people.” The “collection of people” in reality & metaphorically motors this storyline; read the book to better understand the #haunting depth of this. Collins drip feeds her reader the truth – withholding terrible snippets of her protagonist’s traumatic past – until it all spills out at the end. Tension is elevated as even Frannie doesn’t know if she committed the crimes herself. Mrs Linux (Head Housekeeper) found Frannie Langton in a “deep sleep” next to the bloody body of Meg ☠️ Moreover, killing an unborn child also bleeds unforgivably into this narrative too. Meg Benham’s autopsy reveals she was recently with child🤰 💥 big question – who’s the Daddy? The book is undoubtedly better than the series; richer, more detailed; I’d still 💯 recommend watching the series; well executed with some passionate performances 💥 But, first & foremost, read this book! Love, Control, Racism, Slavery, Abuse, Indoctrination, Marriage & Murder ink the pages 📖 A unique (& superbly written) 19th century murder mystery. I raced through it & I’m hungry for more from this author! #booklover #love #bookrecommendations #bookreview