The Square of Sevens

By: Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Narrated by: Imogen Wilde

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

This “intricately plotted, epic” (The Times, London) international bestseller—in the vein of the vivid novels of Sarah Waters and Sarah Perry—follows an orphaned fortune teller in 18th-century England as she searches for answers about her long-dead mother.

Cornwall, 1730: A young girl known only as Red travels with her father making a living predicting fortunes using the ancient Cornish method of the Square of Sevens. Shortly before he dies, her father entrusts Red’s care to a gentleman scholar, along with a document containing the secret of the Square of Sevens technique.

Raised as a lady amidst the Georgian splendor of Bath, Red’s fortune telling delights in high society. But she cannot ignore the questions that gnaw at her soul: who was her mother? How did she die? And who are the mysterious enemies her father was always terrified would find him?

The pursuit of these mysteries takes her from Cornwall and Bath to London and Devon, from the rough ribaldry of the Bartholomew Fair to the grand houses of two of the most powerful families in England. And while Red’s quest brings her the possibility of great reward, it also leads to grave danger.

“Intricate, haunting, and magical by turns, Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s tale is an absolute immersive read you won’t soon forget” (Patti Callahan Henry, New York Times bestselling author).

Critic reviews

"Wilde wraps listeners in Red’s Dickensian struggle as she searches for her true identity. At first, Red delights members of high society by telling their fortunes, but soon attempts are made upon her life. Why? Wilde ramps up the excitement as secret documents, an uncertain inheritance, murder, lies, double crosses, and betrayal heighten the tension. A well-performed, well-written historical fiction with a satisfying twist."

Written like a thriller, researched like a thesis

Superbly written, researched, and read. Takes you on a bouncing carriage ride through Georgian England, exploring fortune telling, probate law, and family secrets.

A very enjoyable voyage back in time

Thoroughly enjoyed this listen. Incredible story, great characters, exciting twists, historical thoughtfulness, this book has all my favorite elements. Great performance by Imogen. Officially a fan of Laura Shepherd-Robinson. Highly recommend!

Top-Notch Storytelling and Narration

Historical details and structure added interest without slowing the story … likable main character, expertly narrated, and the mix of magic and skepticism and interesting twists and turns made it a favorite read in a long while. (Oh! And I care about endings. This one is … satisfying. Highly recommend.)

WoW!! Best read of the year!

Magic-Mystery-Intrique ...my favorite sub-genre! This book is Binge-worthy up until the end credits. Brilliant narration! Authors notes are a bonus here,

Excellent story

First of all the narrator was SUPERB. The story was a little complicated in parts but this is what made it interesting. The protagonist was a cheeky girl who surprised me all the way through.