With the power and intrigue of Jessie Burton's The Silent Companions and Sarah Schmidt's See What I Have Done, Carolyn Kirby's stunning debut takes the reader on a heart-breaking journey through Victorian Birmingham and questions where we first learn violence: from our scars or from our hearts.

Birmingham 1885

Born in a gaol and raised in a workhouse, Cora Burns has always struggled to control the violence inside her.

Haunted by memories of a terrible crime, she seeks a new life working as a servant in the house of scientist Thomas Jerwood. Here, Cora befriends a young girl, Violet, who seems to be the subject of a living experiment. But is Jerwood also secretly studying Cora...?

'The Conviction of Cora Burns is a striking debut. Rich in gothic darkness and period detail, the brutality of Victorian Britain is exquisitely drawn. A beautifully-written story which enveloped me from first page to last.' - Amanda Jennings, author of Cliff House and In Her Wake

'Downton Abbey meets Elizabeth Gaskell.' - GJ Minett, author of Lie in Wait, The Hidden Legacy and Anything For Her

'A gripping historical thriller with a compelling protagonist. I loved the period detail and can't wait to read more from Carolyn Kirby.' - Sarah Ward, Author of the DC CHILDS novels

'An assured debut - atmospheric, dark and emotive. The story is sure to stay with readers long after turning the final page.' - Sam Carrington, author of SAVING SOPHIE, BAD SISTER and ONE LITTLE LIE

'Unique and utterly engrossing...this is a fantastic novel from an incredibly exciting new voice. Fans of Sarah Waters would love this bold debut.' - Emily Elgar, author of If You Knew Her

'An intriguing story of loss, doubleness, and sinister scientific experiment. Carolyn Kirby conjures up the nineteenth-century in a way that will surely satisfy all devotees of 'Vic-lit'.' - Gaynor Arnold author of Girl in a Blue Dress

'A fascinating and evocative journey through the heartbreaking secrets of Cora's past, and a memorable exploration of nature versus nurture.' - Rachel Edwards, author of Darling

'We are drawn into Cora's dark mystery from the first page. A truly haunting and original dbut.' - Jacqui Lofthouse, author of Bluethroat Morning and The Modigliani Girl

'Carolyn Kirby is a born storyteller - a Charles Dickens for the 21st century.' - Jay Neugeboren, author of Imaging Robert and The Stolen Jew