The Unpicking

"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 Bookwitch

'The characters have been portrayed by the author in a way that is thoughtful, with incredible bravery and determination. If you want to read three heartfelt stories of courage along with their struggle and the fight for their voices to be heard amongst the dangers of Victorian Scotland while they also battle against a systemically corrupt police force then the Unpicking is the one to read. A brilliant book.' - Shots Magazine

‘Some of the best characters that I have met in a novel, alongside the alluring, descriptive writing and remarkable sense of place.’ – Anne Cater, Random Things Through my Letterbox

"The air hangs heavy with constant menace, and Moore evokes the wariness and vigilance of women and girls who have learned never to let their guard down: the heightened senses of the oppressed and vulnerable. There are villains here, of almost stereotypical moustache-twirling wickedness, but at every turn Moore highlights the institutional and societal misogyny that enables them, the collusion they can always rely on, whether in an asylum, a girls’ home or the police force." - Alistair McAbbott for The Herald

"You need a strong stomach to follow these three generations of women, as you endure their torment with them... Enthralling? Definitely. I read this in two sittings." - The Yorkshire Times

'I've just finished reading The Unpicking by Donna Moore. It's a brilliant book, so well written and researched. Although the subject was very dark I found the writing utterly compelling. All the characters were well drawn with a conviction and passion that felt authentic. There was a great deal of integrity in the writing.' - Dr Michael Stewart, Director of the Brontë Writing Centre

"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

'A brilliant book, so well written and researched. Although the subject was very dark I found the writing utterly compelling.  All the characters were well drawn with a conviction and passion that felt authentic. There was a great deal of integrity in the writing.' - Dr Michael Stewart, Author

“This was a brilliantly written novel, with a great sense of time and place, three heroines to admire and root for, and overall a great sense of women supporting each other even in the darkest places. I wanted the story to carry on and on!” - Laura, books_cats_etc

“What an epic tale weaving the stories of so many remarkable characters it feels Dickensian in scope. The courage, tenacity and grace of these women, fighting against injustice and for the right to lead a free abundant life is remarkable. Now, wandering the streets of Glasgow I feel haunted by these women, the battles they fought and the wild brave lives they led.” - Mhairi Morrison, narrator for The Unpicking and The Devil’s Draper, on Penguin Random House audio books

"The characters are all brilliant, it is a gripping story with short, punchy chapters that are narrated from 3 different perspectives. I went into this book with the author unknown, but I loved it so much and really hope there will be more.” - Bookishsam

“Moore’s novel is impeccably researched (especially in her coverage of the primitive remedies for the ‘foul disease’), her characters have a convincing voice, and she resists the temptation to see justice neatly done – not plausible in that time or place. The novel’s veracity is enhanced by the introduction of Gertie Gitana in a variety programme at Frank Matcham’s now lost Glasgow Coliseum and Manny Shinwell’s role in a vivid recreation of the 40 Hours Movement unrest of 1919.” - Katherine Mezzacappa, Historical Novel Society