The Foundling: The gripping Sunday Times bestselling historical novel, from the winner of the Women's Prize Futures award

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Familiars.

London, 1754. Six years after leaving her illegitimate daughter Clara at London's Foundling Hospital, Bess Bright returns to reclaim the child she has never known. Dreading the worst - that Clara has died in care - the last thing she expects to hear is that her daughter has already been reclaimed - by her. Her life is turned upside down as she tries to find out who has taken her little girl - and why.

Less than a mile from Bess' lodgings in the city, in a quiet, gloomy townhouse on the edge of London, a young widow has not left the house in a decade. When her close friend - an ambitious young doctor at the Foundling Hospital - persuades her to hire a nursemaid for her daughter, she is hesitant to welcome someone new into her home and her life. But her past is threatening to catch up with her and tear her carefully constructed world apart.

About the Author :
Stacey Halls grew up in Rossendale, Lancashire, as the daughter of market traders. She has always been fascinated by the Pendle witches. She studied journalism at the University of Central Lancashire and moved to London aged 21. She was media editor at the Bookseller and books editor at Stylist.co.uk, and has also written for Psychologies, the Independent and Fabulous magazine, where she now works as Deputy Chief Sub Editor.

Review :
If you loved The Familiars, then you won't be disappointed by The Foundling. A gripping and moving read. Pacy, highly atmospheric and tantalisingly gripping from the very first page. The strands of tense and devastating maternal conflict are acutely observed and beautifully sustained throughout the book. Stacey really has created warm and memorable characters, drawn with great sympathy and understanding, who deliver a taut and riveting read. With rich storytelling and a compelling narrative, The Foundling is subtle, satisfying and intensely moving; a fabulous example of great historical fiction. The Foundling dragged me along in its narrative wake. Another gripping, immersive, intelligent work of historical fiction from the bestselling author of The Familiars. It was a privilege to read The Foundling. I really couldn't stop turning the pages as Stacey's beautiful writing drew a compelling tale of love and hope from the vivid streets of Georgian London A masterpiece of storytelling - a perfect, captivating mystery that expands to ask big questions about love and motherhood, all while maintaining the breathless pace of a thriller, and the stunningly vivid and well-researched detail of the very best historical fiction. I can't recommend it highly enough. I was completely swept up in this novel. It's crammed with vivid and engaging characters, there's a beautiful sense of place, revealing hidden aspects of Georgian life. And the central mystery of a missing child gradually plays out as a tenderly observed study of grief and loss, while offering the possibility that love will indeed find a way. A truly spellbinding debut An arresting piece of fiction Assured and alluring Beautiful and captivating If you enjoy Mindhunter levels of suspense, you'll love it The Foundling is a ripping yarn with real heart and depth Stacey Halls is back with another mesmerising story Teeming with atmosphere this is a gripping historical yarn The Familiars the bestselling debut of 2019. And her follow-up does not dissapoint "Fine examples of historical fiction are The Foundling by Stacey Halls... It's a moving, atmospheric chiller" The young mother's search for answers to this mystery provides the focus for Halls's tour through 18th-century London, which covers territory familiar from other novels but has its own energy" Brimming with atmosphere, this fabulous period drama will tug at your heartstrings You'll be carried along by the period details This second novel from Stacey Halls explores secrets and the meaning of motherhood Halls paints a vivid picture of life in the 1740s... descriptions are so vivid and dialogue so fluid Stacey Halls vividly captures the sights, sounds and smalls of Georgian London, the language and the lifestyle, the customs and quirks, and the sense of time and place is a breathtaking achievement. This is a book that was clearly extensively researched, but the writer wears her learning lightly The squalor, grim and drudgery of Bess' world is brought to life in this easy reading story enjoyable and atmospheric novel Author Stacey Halls paints a wonderfully evocative picture of Georgian London...this engaging story drew me in from the first chapter and I loved this unique exploration of motherhood... This is easily a book to read in one sitting- gripping and atmospheric, this is historical drama at its very best With a gripping sense of 18th century time and place, vividly portrayed characters who stay in the mind long after the last page has turned, and a clever, fast-moving, dual narrative which allows readers to understand both sides of a multi-layered mystery, this is captivating, compelling storytelling. Foundling is a ripping yarn with real heart and depth Irresistible This is quite simply a joy to read. The attention to detail is perfect and the story is one that will wrap you up as you read. Heart tuggingly emotional A thought provoking and intelligent piece of writing that poses some big questions about motherhood, love and loss fast-paced- elegantly written novel that vividly conveys the sights, sounds and smells of Georgian London Stacey Halls' vibrant second novel is packed to the gills with the teeming tempestuous life of Georgian London... Halls' story is an engaging read Rich in research and resonant in detail, Stacey Halls writes the sort of historical fiction that effortlessly brings the past to life... her storytelling pulls you in from the start A beguiling story of motherhood and emotions that brings Georgian London to life