A Spear of Summer Grass. Deanna Raybourn

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      Paris, 1923

      The daughter of a scandalous mother, Delilah Drummond is already notorious, even amongst Paris society. But her latest scandal is big enough to make even her oft-married mother blanch. Delilah is exiled to Kenya and her favorite stepfather’s savannah manor house until gossip subsides.

      Fairlight is the crumbling, sun-bleached skeleton of a faded African dream, a world where dissolute expats are bolstered by gin and jazz records, cigarettes and safaris. As mistress of this wasted estate, Delilah falls into the decadent pleasures of society.

      Against the frivolity of her peers, Ryder White stands in sharp contrast. As foreign to Delilah as Africa, Ryder becomes her guide to the complex beauty of this unknown world. Giraffes, buffalo, lions and elephants roam the shores of Lake Wanyama amid swirls of red dust. Here, life is lush and teeming – yet fleeting and often cheap.

      Amidst the wonders – and dangers – of Africa, Delilah awakes to a land out of all proportion: extremes of heat, darkness, beauty and joy that cut to her very heart. Only when this sacred place is profaned by bloodshed does Delilah discover what is truly worth fighting for – and what she can no longer live without. Don’t believe the stories you have heard about me.

      I have never killed anyone, and I have never stolen another woman’s husband. Oh, if I find one lying around unattended, I might climb on, but I never took one that didn’t want taking.

      And I never meant to go to Africa.

      Praise for Deanna Raybourn

      “With a strong and unique voice,

      Deanna Raybourn creates unforgettable characters in a richly detailed world. This is storytelling at its most compelling.” —Nora Roberts, #1 New York Times bestselling author

      “[A] perfectly executed debut… Deft historical detailing

      [and] sparkling first-person narration.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Silent in the Grave

      “A riveting drama that makes page turning obligatory.

      A very fine debut effort from Deanna Raybourn.” —Bookreporter.com on Silent in the Grave

      “A sassy heroine and a masterful, secretive hero. Fans of romantic mystery could ask no more – except the promised sequel.”

      —Kirkus Reviews on Silent in the Grave

      “This debut novel has one of the most clever endings I’ve seen.”

      —Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author, on Silent in the Grave

      “Deceptively civilized and proper, Silent in the Grave has undercurrents of nefarious deeds, secrets and my favorite, poisons.

      An excellent debut novel.” —Maria V. Snyder, author of Poison Study, on Silent in the Grave

      “There are some lovely twists in the plot

      and a most satisfactory surprise ending. I hope to read more from Deanna Raybourn in time to come.” —Valerie Anand, author of The Siren Queen written under the name of Fiona Buckley, on Silent in the Grave

      “Fans and new readers alike will welcome this sparkling sequel

      to Raybourn’s debut Victorian mystery, Silent in the Grave… the complex mystery, a delightfully odd collection of characters and deft period details produce a rich and funny read.” —Publishers Weekly on Silent in the Sanctuary

      “Raybourn takes a leisurely approach to the meat of the

      complex story, meticulously detailing the many colorful characters and creepy Victorian-era setting. But once the game’s afoot, the pace picks up nicely. This is an excellent way to while away a couple of cold evenings.” —RT Book Reviews on Silent in the Sanctuary

      “Following Silent in the Grave and Silent in the Sanctuary,

      the newest book in the Lady Julia Grey series has a lot to measure up to’and it does.… A great choice for mystery, historical fiction and/or romance readers.” —Library Journal on Silent on the Moor

      “Raybourn…delightfully evokes the language, tension

      and sweeping grandeur of 19th-century gothic novels.” —Publishers Weekly on The Dead Travel Fast

      “Raybourn skillfully balances humor and earnest, deadly drama, creating well-drawn characters and a rich setting.”

      —Publishers Weekly on Dark Road to Darjeeling

      “Raybourn expertly evokes late-nineteenth-century colonial India

      in this rollicking good read, distinguished by its delightful lady detective and her colorful family.” —Booklist on Dark Road to Darjeeling

      “Beyond the development of Julia’s detailed world,

      her boisterous family and dashing husband, this book provides a clever mystery and unique perspective on the Victorian era through the eyes of an unconventional lady.” —Library Journal on The Dark Enquiry

      A Spear of Summer Grass

      Deanna Raybourn

      

www.mirabooks.co.uk

      For Valerie Gray, gifted editor and maker of magic.

      I am a better writer for knowing you.

      Contents

       Chapter 1

       Chapter 2

       Chapter 3

       Chapter 4

       Chapter 5

       Chapter 6

       Chapter 7

       Chapter 8

       Chapter 9

       Chapter 10

       Chapter 11

       Chapter 12

       Chapter 13

       Chapter 14

       Chapter 15

       Chapter 16

       Chapter 17

       Chapter 18

       Chapter 19

       Chapter 20

       Chapter 21

       Chapter