X-Book

Spring of Hope

This book is not purchasable in your country. Please select another book.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

When an exhibition featuring London's top engineers results in sudden, violent death, Victorian writer-sleuths Wilkie Collins and Charles Dickens investigate.

March, 1859. After the “Great Stink” of the previous summer when Parliament was overwhelmed by the stench of sewage from the River Thames, and with cholera running rife throughout the city, Charles Dickens has a new enthusiasm. Having formed a firm friendship with Joseph Bazalgette, he is assisting the ambitious young engineer in his efforts to find a solution to London's pollution problem.

Dickens's friend and fellow writer Wilkie Collins meanwhile is distracted by thoughts of his pretty new housekeeper and her charming daughter. But what does he really know of his new employee's past—and just who—or what—is making her so frightened?

During an exhibition to showcase London's top engineers's plans to solve the sewage issue, proceedings are disrupted by a high-pitched, agonized scream—and the discovery of a blood-soaked body; the result—it would appear—of a terrible accident. Dickens however is convinced of foul play, and once again he and Wilkie Collins set about uncovering the shocking truth.

Critics Review

“A period mystery bolstered by an exciting mix of imagination and historical truth.”

Kirkus Reviews
Author Cora Harrison
Narrator Mark Meadows
Series The Gaslight Mysteries
Duration 8 hours and 31 minutes
Release Date
ISBN 9798200948215
Format Audiobook
Publisher Blackstone Publishing
Genre Historical crime and mysteries
Availability US

About xigxag

xigxag is an independent, UK-based audiobook platform and the UK’s only B Corp certified audiobook company. We offer nearly 150,000 audiobooks, all with professional human narration. No AI-generated voices. xigxag is rated an Ethical Consumer Best Buy for audiobooks and a top-rated ethical bookshop.

There is no subscription. You buy the audiobooks you want, you own them permanently, and prices start at £8.99. The more you listen over the year, the less you pay per book, and there is always a selection in Listen for Less from £3.99. You can also send audiobooks as gifts using our audiobook gift cards or in-app gifting.

Every audiobook on xigxag has honest reviews covering both the book and the narration, and our community features make it easy to share what you are listening to, discover what others recommend, and find your next listen.

Download or stream on iOS, Android, or in your browser. Browse the full catalogue at xigxag.co.uk.