This shouldn't have felt boring as the premise was definitely intriguing with real life historical figures and events setting a backdrop for other fictional characters and their stories. The social injustice of Victorian London is something I would normally find interesting. 

But this feels too episodic in plot structure. I became quickly bored with things looking like something happening which then turned out to be nothing. The characters were underdeveloped and Halls didn't give me chance to take time to get to know them and connect with them in their troubles. So, therefore, instead I didn't care. The pacing was all wrong tripping through plot with a disposable attitude rather than care in building moments of emotion and significance.

DNFd at 29%. I often feel that books based on fact can fall foul to the level of research and historical accuracy at the expense of good story and character development - it's a hard balance and this book didn't work for me.

This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.