The Betrayal of Thomas True

The Betrayal of Thomas True by A.J. West is a heartbreaking Georgian tale set in the underworld of the molly houses. It had my heart from the outset, and I was completely broken by the end pages.

This is West's second book, and although both books are equally fabulous, I think The Betrayal of Thomas West is my favourite. West's storytelling is immersive, painting the scene of London's hidden gay community and the deadly consequences they face if caught. The characters are flamboyant and feisty, taking great risks at the double life they are leading.

The Betrayal of Thomas True is a captivating read. It is a blend of genres; historical fiction mixed with a thriller vibe as you try to discover who amongst the mollies is a rat. There are some shocking scenes, added twists and an ending that I did not see coming. I loved the setting and the rich portrayal of characters. West's writing flows from the pages seamlessly and I appreciate all the hours of research that went into writing a book of this calibre. It is an emotive read portraying hope, love, betrayal and treachery.

To put it simply, this book is a steal of a read and as fabulous as its sprayed edges