YOU READING GROUP

THE STORY

This boisterous, atmospheric novel, set in Georgian London in 1763, begins playfully enough. Anne Jaccob, the 19-year-old daughter of well-to-do parents, is smitten the moment she sets eyes on Frederick ‘Fub’ Warner, the handsome young butcher’s boy who delivers meat to the Jaccob household. Although innocent in matters of the heart, Anne is a feisty girl who determines to do everything she can to be with Fub, despite the gulf in their social status.

She has to keep the relationship a secret from her parents, particularly her domineering father. He has decided that Anne will marry a wealthy but effete landowner called Simeon Onions, whose only interest in a wife is to have someone who can produce an heir. But he is not the only obstacle between Anne and her love. There’s her former tutor, who learns of the affair and threatens to spill the beans, and Fub’s attractive young cousin – a rival for his affections. This is when Anne’s consuming passion shifts gear into something altogether darker and unexpectedly shocking. THE BUTCHER’S HOOK BY JANET ELLIS

THE TASTER

‘At the door, leaning on the jamb, stands the butcher’s boy. At his feet, a basket. In his hands, a joint of beef. I have never seen him before, but it is as if I recognise him. I stop in my tracks because otherwise I might run into him. He looks as though he would speak, but cannot remember how. We stare as intensely as if we’re about to jump together from a great height. The world gives a great lurch, then resumes its customary spinning.’

THE AUTHOR

Janet Ellis, probably best-known as a presenter of Blue Peter in the 80s, submitted The Butcher’s Hook to publishers under the pseudonym Jo Winter, to avoid any preconceptions. And it certainly isn’t the kind of novel you would expect from a smiley children’s TV presenter. Read more about the background to Janet’s debut novel in her exclusive piece at youreadinggroup.co.uk, where you will also find suggested topics for your own book club discussion.

An 18th-century psychological thriller full of passion, secrets, lies and butchery