Judges’ comments

The brutal murder of a sweet-shop owner in 18th Century Piccadilly leaves his young widow Hannah a fortune of dubious origin, which is threatened by magistrate Henry Fielding’s pursuit of the murderer. Although still in mourning and with her shop heavily in debt, she is swept off her feet by a charming stranger, as she explores the secrets of her husband’s life to save her shop and perhaps even her life. Shepherd-Robinson weaves a fast-paced tale to a surprise ending.