The Devil's Draper

'A page-turning historical mystery set in 1920's Glasgow...This novel throws the fight for women's rights into stark relief, showing us how far we have come, and how far we still have to go.' - Rachel Canwell @bookbound2019, Author of 'Paper Sisters'

'I love female characters who defy societal norms and The Devil's Draper is full of them...Mabel is a wonderful character, I just love her! Another 5 star read.' - Jules Swain, @thereadingpara

'A well-constructed plot twist or two add unexpected layers to the story. Recommended, especially for historical mystery readers and those interested in gender studies.' - Aubrey Hamilton, Librarian

'Glasgow, the ‘dear, green place’ is here a dark one, and I unreservedly recommend you go there.' - Historical Novel Society, Katherine Mezzacappa

'This is a wonderful piece of historical fiction, it exposes the treatment of women in the 1920s and it is interesting to make comparisons to life now. The plot flows effortlessly, the characters are beautifully formed and the setting is sublime. Highly recommended.' - Anne Cater, Random Things Through my Letterbox

'A warm, engaging novel about female spaces and sisterly solidarity triumphing over a misogynistic, narrow-minded system.'- Alastair Mabbott, The Herald

'Much of the charm of this novel is in a plot that reveals the constant challenges thrown at a woman in a society offering very few rights, little respect and a distinct lack of equality. However, not content with taking a backseat to her male counterparts, Mabel is determined to get to the bottom of a spate of thefts and reports of abuse at a local department store, making this is a gripping and entertaining mystery' - Scottish Field Magazine

'Ticks all the right buttons in terms of plot, pacing and relevance... Making light of the necessary feminist agenda pinpointing the inferior condition of women at work between the wars in the UK, Moore perfectly balances the historical minutiae with a plot in overdrive, pulling the reader along with her strong female characters on a slow-burn but fascinating journey, where social relevance and message combine perfectly with storytelling and the right amount of twists.' - Crime Time

'Moore’s descriptions of the period are detailed: the Dadaist Art movement, the suppers, the dancing, the fashions, the wares on display in the grand shops contrast with the dark underbelly of Glasgow and its criminal world, all adding to the atmosphere and creating an authentic sense of time and place.' - Ann Artis, The Yorkshire Times

“The Devil’s Draper has a darkness that fits well with Glasgow and the times, but also has parts that lifts your heart in what is a twisty, gripping read.” - Bookmarks and Stages

“This reader really enjoyed the pace and drama of this book. The characterisation is excellent and the action is grounded in its setting. Glasgow in the 1920s is a real star, alongside the well formed and realistic women whom Donna Moore has chosen to feature in her book. I will certainly be seeking out Donna’s earlier work, "The Unpicking", and look forward to another excellent read.” - Undiscovered Scotland

Personally this book so resonated with me-as someone who has spoken out against sexual violence. “I don’t think you can stop it. Not at Arrol’s and not anywhere else. Who’s going to believe a shop girl over an important business man like him?” states Nell in The Devil’s Draper. It’s chilling that this still holds weight today. My great grandmothers name was Mabel and getting the chance to voice Mabel in this book gave me an opportunity to connect with my great grandmother, ❤️-a remarkable woman who also found herself embroiled in injustice. May we be living in an era when sexual violence finally can be stopped and when women-in the workplace and at home-can live without fear. Congratulations again Donna” - Mhairi Morrison, narrator for The Unpicking and The Devil’s Draper, on Penguin Random House audio books.

"This mystery is, if anything, even better than its predecessor. Told in alternating viewpoints, the novel follows the three women as they gradually come together to solve the crime. Moore is able to capture the essence of each of her main characters and give each a distinctive voice and outlook. 

You don't have to have read The Unpicking to enjoy The Devil's Draper, but I highly recommend it as well as this one. Do yourself a favour and read them both.” - Catherine_t on Storygraph