This is Julian Leatherdale’s first novel, and he acknowledges the debt he owes to the real history of the Hydro Majestic in Medlow Bath, built by department-store magnate Mark Foy. Leatherdale has researched and written for television series, and has a keen instinct for the novelistic potential of historical events…

This is a well-written book with a great sense of place. The hotel and the surrounds were well-drawn and events of the time exquisitely detailed....this is a great debut novel from Julian Leatherdale which achieves a good balance between educating and entertaining readers…