The Mersey Orphan

The start of an gritty family drama series set against the backdrop of Liverpool's dockyards from bestselling saga author Sheila Riley

On the cruel streets of Reckoners Row by the frozen River Mersey, only the tough survive...

Winter, Liverpool 1947

Evie Kilgaren is a fighter.
Abandoned by her mother and with her father long gone, she is left to raise her siblings in dockside Liverpool. As they battle against the coldest winter on record she's determined to make a life for herself and create a happy home for what’s left of her family.

Desperate for work, Evie takes a job at the Tram Tavern under the kindly watch of pub landlady, and pillar of the community, Connie Sharp. But Connie has problems of her own when her quiet life of spinsterhood is upturned with the arrival of a mysterious undercover detective.

When melting ice reveals a body in the canal, things take a turn for the worst for the residents of Reckoner’s Row.
Who could be responsible for such a brutal attack?
And can Evie keep her family safe before they strike again?

A gritty, historical family drama full of laughter and tears from the author of Annie Groves’ bestsellers including Child of the Mersey and Christmas on the Mersey.

Perfect for fans of Chrissie Walsh, Katie Flynn and Dilly Court.

If you love Sheila's Reckoners Row series, you'll love Beamer Street and the Dockside Saga series

Praise for Sheila Riley:

‘A fast paced story-line and believable characters set against the background of a war-battered city still struggling against austerity, rationing, the black market and poverty added to the authenticity of what I am sure will be the beginning of a successful series’ - Lyn Andrews

'Great read. Thoroughly enjoyed this book had me hooked since the first chapter can't wait to read the next one and follow evie and her family's life' - Reader Review

‘An enchanting, warm and deeply touching story about a brave young girl fighting against injustice. Loved it and look forward to her next book.’ - Cathy Sharp

‘Oh what a wonderful story this is. I enjoyed every bit of Evies story suffering lots of traumas and struggles in her life. This book will definitely keep you reading on chapter after chapter I really enjoyed it, and looking forward to more from this author. A beautiful family saga.’ - Reader Review

‘Excellent story with characters that pull at your heartstrings.’ - Reader Review

‘Powerful, emotional and intense, The Orphan Daughter has at its heart a fantastic heroine readers will root for and a cast of brilliantly nuanced characters it is impossible not to care about. Written straight from the heart, The Orphan Daughter is a must-read for saga fans everywhere!’ - Reader Review

‘A really heart warming read for the winter months. Lovely characters, richly drawn and well rounded.’ - Reader Review

‘From the first page I was hooked. I’ve loved reading this fabulous story.’ - Reader Review