Disguised as a governess, the last fairy in Britannia infiltrates the household of the Gloucester family to fulfil a vital mission on behalf of her exiled people. On the run after offending the Royal family, two infamous magical engineers set out to commit the crime of the century on behalf of a wicked enchantress. For one night only, the Gate Sinister can be opened between worlds, clearing the way to the long-lost Forest of Arden. For one night only, all things are possible… Gate Sinister is the first in a new gaslamp fantasy series of novellas by the author of Tea & Sympathetic Magic and The Frost Fair Affair.

Number 12, Acteon Place is more than just a London town house. It is a harbour for the most dangerous enchantress in Britannia. There are prisoners in the cellar. Mysterious magical experiments in the attic. A fairy killer on the loose. A hunted governess, desperate to protect the two children she betrayed. Other features of the house include an excellent cook. Exquisite wallpaper. Slightly homicidal carpet… depending who steps on it. And a yellow cat who provides more questions than answers. Flavia Wednesday and her friends might not all escape this house alive. For those that do… there are even more perils beyond its walls. If you enjoy gaslamp fantasy and faerie Victoriana, you’ll love this second volume in the Sparks & Philtres novella series.