Blood & Sugar & Related Reads 2 Books Collection Set - Fiction - Paperback

Titles in This Set:
Blood & Sugar
Daughters of Night

ISBN: 9781509880775; 9781509880843

Overview:
This two-book collection pairs Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s riveting debut with its acclaimed follow-up, delivering a powerful double feature of Georgian era crime and social drama. Blood & Sugar, first published in 2019, invites readers into June 1781 Deptford and the perilous intersections of slavery, politics, and justice as war hero-turned-politician Harry Corsham uncovers a perilous conspiracy after a mysterious, branded body is found at the docks. The novel not only grips with its twisting mystery but also confronts the moral shadows of empire, earning praise from prominent figures in crime fiction and winning prestigious awards including the HWA Debut Crown 2019 and the Specsavers Debut Crime Novel Award 2020. Daughters of Night, arriving in 2022, shifts to London in 1782 and follows Caroline “Caro” Corsham as she investigates a prostitute’s murder in the bowers of Vauxhall, challenging society’s hypocrisy and exposing hidden networks of power. Together, this collection showcases two richly textured, character-driven mysteries that blend meticulous period detail with page-turning suspense. The author’s signature blend of historical scope and moral complexity makes this set a standout for readers who crave immersive, thoughtful crime fiction.

Notes on authority: Blood & Sugar has been hailed as a masterful debut and has received recognition from industry critics, while Daughters of Night continues to build on that momentum with continued critical and reader appeal. This pairing is a perfect entry point for fans of literary crime with a strong sense of place and history, and for readers who appreciate nuanced heroines navigating a society defined by class, gender, and power.

What This Collection Covers:
Across two World War-era–adjacent eras in late 18th-century London, this set traces the ripples of empire, abolitionism, and reform through two intertwined ladders of investigation. Blood & Sugar introduces readers to a perilous world where Tad Archer’s abolitionist crusade collides with a powerful slave-trading network, forcing Corsham to weigh political ambition against moral duty. Daughters of Night expands the stage to Covent Garden, Mayfair, and the darker byways of Georgian society, where Caro Corsham’s personal stake in justice pushes her to confront complicity at the highest levels. Together, the books illuminate how crime and corruption flourish when people turn away from uncomfortable truths, and how fearless, determined individuals can spark change. The collection also highlights Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s deft talent for weaving social history into intricate mysteries, making each novel a vivid, educative, and highly entertaining reading experience.

Book-by-Book Guide:
Blood & Sugar — In the summer of 1781, a grotesquely tortured body bearing a slaver’s brand is found at Deptford Dock, pulling Captain Harry Corsham into a dangerous investigation that could derail his fledgling political ascent. The case intersects with Tad Archer, a passionate abolitionist who has uncovered dangerous secrets about the slave trade. As Corsham threads together clues—braving political factions, criminal networks, and personal risk—he must decide how far he will go to expose the truth. Laura Shepherd-Robinson crafts a tightly wound, morally charged thriller that blends meticulous period detail with a modern sensitivity to justice, offering a powerful meditation on complicity and courage in a world built on exploitation.

Daughters of Night — London, 1782: Caro Corsham discovers a well-dressed woman murdered in the Vauxhall Bowers. The police investigation stalls as society’s elites shield their reputations, but Caro refuses to let the killer go unchallenged. Teaming with Peregrine Child, a keen-eyed thief-taker, she dives into a web of secrets that spans salons, taverns, and the glittering façades of Mayfair. The deeper she goes, the more she unravels a story of power, sex, and complicity that reveals how far people will go to protect their standing. This is a smart, suspenseful historical mystery that combines sharp character work with intricate plotting and a keen eye for social history.

Who This Set Is Perfect For:
Ideal for adult readers who adore immersive historical crime with a strong sense of place, this duo will satisfy fans of C. J. Sansom and Andrew Taylor. It’s an excellent choice for book clubs seeking thoughtful, character-driven mysteries that also illuminate archival social contexts. Gift buyers will find two complete, highly acclaimed novels in a single, collectible package that fits fans of literary crime and historical fiction alike. Teachers and students exploring late 18th-century British history will appreciate the nuanced treatment of abolitionism, class, and gender, while general readers will enjoy the suspenseful storytelling and satisfying, earned endings.

Key Benefits:

• Two critically acclaimed historical crime novels in one set
• Rich, authentic Georgian London settings with strong period detail
• Compelling heroines and morally complex protagonists
• Thoughtful exploration of abolitionism and the slave trade
• Ideal for gifting, reading groups, and classroom discussion
• Designed for long, binge-worthy reading sessions

About the Author:
Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a Sunday Times and USA Today bestselling author celebrated for pairing lush historical atmospheres with hard-hitting moral questions. Blood & Sugar marked her debut in historical crime, earning the HWA Debut Crown in 2019 and the Specsavers Debut Crime Novel Award in 2020, cementing her reputation as a rising voice in the genre. Daughters of Night solidified her status as a prominent voice in historical mysteries, building on the strong reception of her first novel and reinforcing her gift for weaving social critique into suspenseful narratives. Her writing is distinguished by its rigorous research, vivid cityscapes, and fearless, multi-dimensional characters who challenge the conventions of their time. Readers experience a seamless blend of literary depth and gripping mystery in every page.

Why You’ll Love This Set:
This collection offers a complete, engaging immersion into two distinct but thematically linked chapters of Georgian crime fiction. You’ll enjoy expansive world-building, razor-sharp plotting, and the satisfaction of following two strong heroines who navigate the era’s dangerous power dynamics with courage and wit. Owning the full set provides a richer understanding of Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s voice and thematic interests, and it makes a superb gift for readers eager to dive into historically grounded mysteries with contemporary resonance.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.