Description

Book Synopsis

A gothic, historical tale of found family and friendship, loss and redemption, Once a Monster is a dazzling reimagining of the myth of the Minotaur set in 19th century London.

‘Robert Dinsdale mixes history and mythology with great panache . . . Richly textured and with an appropriately labyrinthine plot . . . Book of the Month’ - Book of the Month, The Sunday Times

Some villains are meant to be heroes . . .

London, 1861: Ten-year-old Nell belongs to a crew of mudlarks who work a stretch of the Thames along the Ratcliffe Highway. An orphan since her mother died, leaving Nell with only broken dreams and a pair of satin slippers, she spends her days searching for treasure in the mud in order to appease her master, Benjamin Murdstone.

But one day, Nell discovers a strange body on the shore. Nearly seven feet tall, the creature has matted hair covering his legs, and on his head is the suggestion of horns.

Once a Monster

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    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Fri 26 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback by Robert Dinsdale

    4 in stock

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      Publisher: Pan Macmillan
      Publication Date: 9/5/2024
      ISBN13: 9781529097399, 978-1529097399
      ISBN10: 1529097398
      Also in:
      Historical Fiction

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      A gothic, historical tale of found family and friendship, loss and redemption, Once a Monster is a dazzling reimagining of the myth of the Minotaur set in 19th century London.

      ‘Robert Dinsdale mixes history and mythology with great panache . . . Richly textured and with an appropriately labyrinthine plot . . . Book of the Month’ - Book of the Month, The Sunday Times

      Some villains are meant to be heroes . . .

      London, 1861: Ten-year-old Nell belongs to a crew of mudlarks who work a stretch of the Thames along the Ratcliffe Highway. An orphan since her mother died, leaving Nell with only broken dreams and a pair of satin slippers, she spends her days searching for treasure in the mud in order to appease her master, Benjamin Murdstone.

      But one day, Nell discovers a strange body on the shore. Nearly seven feet tall, the creature has matted hair covering his legs, and on his head is the suggestion of horns.

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