The Misbegotten

Bath, 1821.

Rachel Crofton escapes her unhappy employment as a governess by marrying a self-made businessman. But her new life soon takes an unexpected turn.

Reclusive Jonathan Alleyn is a man tormented by the disappearance of his childhood sweetheart, Alice.

Starling, foundling child and now servant, is convinced that Alice, the woman she loved as a sister, was stolen from her. Did Alice run away? Or did something altogether more sinister occur?

As Starling tries to expose the lies behind Bath's immaculate facades, others want only to forget, and will go to extreme lengths to do so. And the courage both Rachel and Starling need to bring these truths to light will come at a very high price...

“This is an engrossing and totally convincing piece of storytelling, a perfect curl-up-by-the-fire read-- YOU MAGAZINE on The Unseen”

The mystery of a woman's disappearance powers this gripping story of two young women who unravel past misdeeds to discover the truth. An engrossing tale of deceit, passion and courage WOMAN & HOME on The Misbegotten
This is an engrossing and totally convincing piece of storytelling, a perfect curl-up-by-the-fire read YOU Magazine on The Unseen
In a series of flashbacks, Katherine Webb's enticing Gothic tale weaves between the 'present' Bath of 1821 and the events of 16 years earlier, with some stark depictions of the horrors of war. A compelling and convincing novel DAILY MAIL on The Misbegotten
An atmospheric page-turner WOMAN & HOME on The Unseen
Brilliant and absorbing drama GOOD HOUSEKEEPING on The Legacy
A dreamy summer epic ESSENTIALS on A Half Forgotton Song
Another intricately constructed, beautifully written historical masterpiece -- Lisa Ballantyne
A wonderful book! The atmosphere and detail is really quite incredible. . .a truly gifted writer of historical fiction -- Lucinda Riley, author of Hothouse Flower and The Girl on the Cliff
A wonderful book, gripping plot, unforgettable characters...Webb has a true gift for uncovering the mysteries of the human heart and exploring the truth of love. A detective story you can't put down, heart-stopping suspense and a heroine who will stay with you long after you close the book - what more could you want? -- Kate Williams
Katherine Webb's writing is beautiful and THE MISBEGOTTEN reads like a journey through the dark hidden world beneath a Jane Austen novel -- Elizabeth Fremantle
Intricately plotted and chillingly imaginative, this is a dramatic and evocative period mystery, a compelling exploration of obsession, deceit and steadfast affection GOOD BOOK GUIDE one The Misbegotten

Katherine Webb was born in 1977 and grew up in rural Hampshire before reading History at Durham University. She has since spent time living in London and Venice, and now lives in Wiltshire.

Bath, 1821. Rachel Crofton escapes her unhappy employment as a governess by marrying a self-made businessman. But her new life soon takes an unexpected turn.Reclusive Jonathan Alleyn is a man tormented by the disappearance of his childhood sweetheart, Alice.Starling, foundling child and now servant, is convinced that Alice, the woman she loved as a sister, was stolen from her. Did Alice run away? Or did something altogether more sinister occur?As Starling tries to expose the lies behind Bath's immaculate facades, others want only to forget, and will go to extreme lengths to do so. And the courage both Rachel and Starling need to bring these truths to light will come at a very high price...

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