It's not often I get sent a book that's padlocked... actually The Fatal Tree was a first! Beautiful 1700s pamphlet style cover too! The Fatal Tree is the story of Edworth Bess, a sex worker and criminal in the 1700s who after falling from grace gets mixed up in the war between gang leaders or prig-nappers. The story begins as Bess awaits trial, told by an initially unnamed narrator who shares as much of his story as hers. Bess' narrative is thick with the language (Flash) of the street - don't worry there is a glossary!! - and it's clear that author Jake Arnott thoroughly researched the time and the people who pepper the story - many of whom are real criminals!! This is a slow burn novel of life among criminals and hidden LGBTQ society. It comes out on the 23rd of February and I really think you should pick up this excellent, rich novel. Thank you to @sceptrebooks and @hodderbooks for sharing this with me early. What a treat!! #thefataltree #jakearnott #lgbtq #lgbt #book #books #bookstagram #bookblogger #booktuber #bookworm #booklover #book📖 #whatimreading #goodreads #currentlyreading #fiction #fiction2017 #2017books















