The Unpicking

Open-hearted but naive Lillias Gilfillan is sixteen when she elopes with an older man with ulterior motives. When her expectations of married life are shattered, Lillias must hold onto her sanity in the face of imprisonment. Follow three plucky generations of Gilfillan women as they navigate the dangers of Victorian Scotland and battle against a systemically corrupt police force.

About the Author :
Donna Moore is the author of crime fiction and historical fiction. Her first novel, a Private Eye spoof called Go To Helena Handbasket, won the Lefty Award for most humorous crime fiction novel and her second novel, Old Dogs, was shortlisted for both the Lefty and Last Laugh Awards. Her short stories have been published in various anthologies. In her day job she works as an adult literacy tutor for marginalised and vulnerable women, facilitates creative writing workshops and has a PhD in creative writing around women’s history and gender-based violence.

Review :
"Phenomenally good. Donna Moore's third novel is deadly serious. The three characters are strong and brave, for the situations they find themselves in. They use all their energy on trying to make things better; staying alive; but the world isn't cooperating with them. But working together, women can do a lot." – Ann Giles, The Bookwitch 'The characters have been portrayed by the author in a way that is thoughtful, with incredible bravery and determination. If you want to read three heartfelt stories of courage along with their struggle and the fight for their voices to be heard amongst the dangers of Victorian Scotland while they also battle against a systemically corrupt police force then the Unpicking is the one to read. A brilliant book.' - Shots Magazine ‘Some of the best characters that I have met in a novel, alongside the alluring, descriptive writing and remarkable sense of place.’ – Anne Cater, Random Things Through my Letterbox "The air hangs heavy with constant menace, and Moore evokes the wariness and vigilance of women and girls who have learned never to let their guard down: the heightened senses of the oppressed and vulnerable. There are villains here, of almost stereotypical moustache-twirling wickedness, but at every turn Moore highlights the institutional and societal misogyny that enables them, the collusion they can always rely on, whether in an asylum, a girls’ home or the police force." - Alistair McAbbott for The Herald "You need a strong stomach to follow these three generations of women, as you endure their torment with them... Enthralling? Definitely. I read this in two sittings." - The Yorkshire Times An utterly compelling story with three glorious women protagonists you're rooting for as soon as you meet them. I loved it.' - Sarah Ward, author of The Birthday Girl