Black Lily: A Novel

In late seventeenth century London two women, one white, one black, stake everything to prevent a manipulative mogul destroying them. Zenobia, born in poverty, grasps that her only hope of controlling her own life is to capitalise on her looks; Lily, brought to London on a sugar and slave ship as a `toy’, educated alongside her mistress but used by her master, lives as a kept woman.As their story weaves and folds through a murky and merciless London, both find themselves pitted against a ruthless man the world knows as John Crace. London’s rich but festering possibilities as a rapidly-changing multinational city are breathtakingly painted, and pungent milieux ranging from plague pits to prisons to pastry kitchens – and Pickled Herring Stairs – are vividly brought to life.

Reviews of Black Lily: A Novel

Praise for A Factory of Cunning:`This is a very dirty book.' Spectator`A gripping and intricate narrative . . . this is a cracking tale of depravity.' Observer`A sinister tale of revenge . . . the artful plot has moments of light relief and high comedy.' Sunday Telegraph`A fabulously accomplished novel . . . a great pleasure.' Guardian`Rich and ingenious delights.' Telegraph`She writes with fervent imagination, provoking shivers in the reader.' Evening Standard`Stockley's writing is elegant and exquisite.' Scotland on Sunday`Lust, revenge, and impeccably dressed aristocrats.' Wall Street Journal`You'll get a kick out of Factory of Cunning.' Chicago Sunday Times`Cunning is an apt word for the plot of Stockley's intriguing historical novel . . . "devilishly clever" would be even more appropriate.' Publisher's Weekly`Polished, clever, and really quite shocking.' Kirkus Reviews