Song of the Sea Maid

In the 18th century, Dawnay Price is an anomaly. An educated foundling, a woman of science in a time when such things are unheard-of, she overcomes her origins to become a natural philosopher.

Against the conventions of the day, and to the alarm of her male contemporaries, she sets sail to Portugal to develop her theories. There she makes some startling discoveries - not only in an ancient cave whose secrets hint at a previously undiscovered civilisation, but also in her own heart. The siren call of science is powerful, but as war approaches she finds herself pulled in another direction by feelings she cannot control.

“An original and uplifting novel that beautifully captures a young woman's determination to succeed.”

A beautifully crafted mesh of conquering adversity/hist-fict/ghost story with a murder investigation slipped in for good measure. A satisfying novel that's worth every penny and, indeed, every melting moment spent in its company. - The Book Bag on The Visitors

What a delightful book. Full of action, drama and emotion, it is a wonderful, inspiring read. Furthermore the writing is stunningly beautiful. ... It is short, immensely powerful and moving. Certainly my favourite book of the month. Stunning. - lovereading.co.uk on The Visitors

Haunting - Irish Tatler on The Visitors

The Visitors may be Mascull's first novel, but she writes with the fluency and dexterity of a born writer, deftly

crafting an engrossing story that imbues her characters with tangible sensitivity, warmth and humanity. - Sydney Morning Herald

Rebecca Mascull's second novel continues to showcase her talent for writing intelligent, impeccably researched, absorbing historical fiction. Dawnay Price - foundling, scientist, feminist - is a wondrous character and I was on the edge of my seat following her fortunes. - Louise Walters, author of MRS SINCLAIR'S SUITCASE

Rebecca Mascull is the author of THE VISITORS and SONG OF THE SEA MAID. She has previously worked in education, has a Masters in Writing and lives by the sea in the east of England. Visit her website rebeccamascull.tumblr.com.

An orphan in a Home for the Destitute dreams of being a scientist. But this is the 18th Century . . . and she is a little girl. As a child living on the streets of London, then in an orphanage, Dawnay Price grows up determined not to let her background stand in the way of her ambitions. In an era when women rarely travel alone, especially for scientific study, Dawnay sets sail aboard The Prospect to the beautiful Iberian Peninsula. Amid rumours of mermaids in the sparkling waters, she makes some unexpected discoveries, including what it means to fall in love. Having fought hard against convention, Dawnay is determined to put her career above all else. Yet as war approaches she finds herself divided by feelings she cannot control. Told in Dawnay's words, from the author of THE VISITORS, this is an unforgettable story about what it takes to achieve your dreams, even when they seem impossible. 'An original and uplifting novel that beautifully captures a young woman's determination to succeed.' S D Sykes, author of Plague Land 'Dawnay Price - foundling, scientist, feminist - is a wondrous character and I was on the edge of my seat following her fortunes.' Louise Walters, author of Mrs Sinclair's Suitcase

In the 18th century, Dawnay Price is an anomaly. An educated foundling, a woman of science in a time when such things are unheard-of, she overcomes her origins to become a natural philosopher.Against the conventions of the day, and to the alarm of her male contemporaries, she sets sail to Portugal to develop her theories. There she makes some startling discoveries - not only in an ancient cave whose secrets hint at a previously undiscovered civilisation, but also in her own heart. The siren call of science is powerful, but as war approaches she finds herself pulled in another direction by feelings she cannot control.

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