1778: Walton Grimley inherits his father’s Jamaican sugar plantation but aged just 4 has the seminal realisation that slavery is wrong.

On the early death of his parents he does all he can to improve his slaves’ lives but concludes the only way to abolish the trade completely is to use his inheritance and social position to become an English MP and help William Wilberforce stamp it out. Yet his wealth allows him a good life and to underline his social standing he builds Mulberry Hall in Derbyshire to prove it. As a statement of equality he brings from Jamaica his trusted black manservant, Tobias, to be his butler but the handsome man causes unexpected yearnings from the female servants in the remote mansion.

To offset these distractions - and to pointedly challenge the prejudices of the time – he brings Tobias’ sweetheart Alice over from Jamaica for him… Her arrival, however, causes unintended changes to everyone’s lives – and not least Sir Walton’s. Yet the protracted passages of various slave acts over the years only increase his conflicting moral dilemma and the social mores and expectations of the time eventually force him to wed an English girl to gain the heir he wishes for. When this proves difficult and the marriage sours, his wife turns to desperate measures, teaming up with a jealous dismissed servant to provide one.

A seething, murderous tale ensues involving blackmail, skulduggery and guile, leaving Sir Walton open to turbulent events and potential ruin as the women combine to acquire his home and fortune … So can he hold off his suitors and improve the lives of his slaves before his wealth and influence disappear with slavery’s abolition? Only Alice has the key to his moral dilemma: but will her lowly position be enough to help him prevail and realise his honourable ambition?

‘A riveting and socially fascinating tale – unputdownable.’ David Unite

‘A more accurate rendition of early 19th century social and racial norms for the ‘Bridgerton’ generation – deeply absorbing and exciting.’ Serpina Wang

‘Another invigorating and challenging novel from Simon Holder: revealing, timely, salacious, thrilling… and making some excellent points to boot.’ F.L. Ying