The Mabel Adair Mysteries Series

FROM THE AUTHOR OF ‘THE UNPICKING’

When whispers of abuse at Arrol’s department store reach Mabel, a determined policewoman, she knows she must act. Enlisting the help of Johnnie, a cunning thief, and Beatrice, a savvy businesswoman, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth.

Set against the backdrop of 1920s Glasgow, where women’s voices are often silenced, this thrilling tale weaves together crime, justice, and the fight for equality. As the trio inches closer to exposing the scandal, they realize that in a world where women are rarely believed, their very lives may be at stake.

‘A history-mystery, inspired by a true crime, and yet striking in its topicality. Donna Moore tells a dark story, but with a light touch and plenty of pace.’ – Martin Edwards, Author of the Rachel Savernake series

Praise for The Unpicking:

‘A stirring tribute to resilience, hope and self-belief.’ – Alastair Mabbott, The Herald

‘You need a strong stomach to follow these three generations of women… Enthralling? Definitely. I read this in two sittings.’ – The Yorkshire Times

“I had read enough mystery stories to know that girls who went out to meet strangers at night never came to a good end…”

Stirling, 1877. Lillias Gilfillan, a recently orphaned girl of sixteen, falls in love and elopes with a man who sees her as wealthy and naïve: ‘a little boat without its oars’. In a sea of rising debt and deception, Lillias must learn quickly, or drown.

Glasgow, 1894. Clementina knows little mercy living in a home for ‘wayward girls’. With the ‘Jingling Devil’ always lurking in the shadows and a child growing inside her, can she outrun him and save her best friend in the process?

Glasgow, 1919. Mabel is one of the first policewomen in Glasgow, on a mission to find a murderer. In doing so, she finds a web of corruption and now the ‘Jingling Devil’ wants her dead.

The Unpicking spans three generations of ‘hysterical women’ who take on systemic corruption and injustice, despite all odds.

“Phenomenally good. Donna Moore’s third novel is deadly serious. The three characters are strong and brave, for the situations they find themselves in. They use all their energy on trying to make things better; staying alive; but the world isn’t cooperating with them. But working together, women can do a lot.” – Ann Giles, the Book Witch

“Each lead character, in spite of their courage, strength and determination, has a gentleness at their core that it’s impossible not to become fond of.” – Nigel Bird, author of the Southsiders series

“An utterly compelling story with three glorious women protagonists you’re rooting for as soon as you meet them. I loved it.” – Sarah Ward author of The Birthday Girl