At the Stroke of Nine O’Clock

Description:

London 1949. The lives of three very different women are about to collide.

A Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choice

A seductive tale of glamour, intrigue, scandal and deception, featuring three remarkable women who dare to break society’s strict conventions and forge paths for themselves in a man’s world.

‘An extraordinary novel so rich and detailed you emerge feeling as if you’ve just watched a classic film.’ ~ JJ Marsh, author

‘You don’t read a Jane Davis book – you inhabit it. At the Stroke of Nine O’clock is no exception.’ ~ Clare Flynn, author of The Pearl of Penang

Like most working-class daughters, Caroline Wilby is expected to help support her family. Alone in a strange city, she must grab any opportunity that comes her way. Even if that means putting herself in danger.

Star of the silver screen, Ursula Delancy, has just been abandoned by the man she left her husband for. Already hounded by the press, it won’t be long before she’s making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

Patrice Hawtree was once the most photographed debutante of her generation. Now childless and trapped in a loveless marriage, her plans to secure the future of her ancient family home are about to be jeopardised by her husband’s gambling addiction.

Each believes she has already lost in life, not knowing how far she still has to fall.

Six years later, one cause will reunite them: when a young woman commits a crime of passion and is condemned to hang, remaining silent isn’t an option.

“Why do I feel an affinity with Ruth Ellis? I know how certain facts can be presented in such a way that there is no way to defend yourself. Not without hurting those you love.”

‘It’s a feminist treatise against men. It’s a battle in the class war against noblesse oblige and inbred rights. It’s a plea for the understanding of women everywhere. It’s all of these things and more.’ ~ Perry Iles

‘A pulse-pounding historical novel that follows three women against the backdrop of post-war London as they struggle to create a life for themselves.’ ~ Grace Masso, Readers’ favourite

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A Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choice

‘This is the first time I have come across this author, and what a revelation! She writes stunning prose that keeps the pages turning. She understands her women, their faults, and the way they pull together when the chips are down. Some succeed, but too many, like poor Ruth Ellis, fall between the cracks. In this telling, the reader feels that not only should Ruth not have been hanged, but she should never have been found guilty. Highly recommended.’ Read full review. 

Two novels for the price of three

At the Stroke of Nine O’Clock is also included in the value box set, The London Collection.

Prefer audiobooks?

At the Stroke of Nine O’Clock is now available as an audiobook from Saga Egmont, with narration by Bea Holland. 

Click here to listen to sample or buy.  

Read an interview

In Conversation with JJ Marsh, author of the Beatrice Stubbs series. 

For more interviews, visit my archive of news and reviews.

Questions for book clubs

Click here for PDF download. 

Further reading

If you enjoyed At the Stroke of Nine O’Clock, you might like Kate Manning’s reading list of historical novels about women who challenge the status quo.