Discover Georgian London's hidden black community with Marcia Hutchinson and Kate Griffin, co-authors of historical novel The Blackbirds of St Giles, writing together as Lila Cain. Set in the depths of one of the most notorious slums of the 18th century, the book follows the progress of formerly enslaved siblings Daniel and Pearl. Named The Sunday Times Historical Fiction book of the month for February 2025, The Blackbirds of St Giles is an almost Dickensian adventure full of hope, family, loyalty, love and betrayal. What is the true cost of freedom? An Oxford graduate and former lawyer, Marcia Hutchinson was named one of the best debut novelists of 2025 by The Observer for her book The Mercy Step, and was awarded an MBE for services to Cultural Diversity in 2010. Kate Griffin was the Head of Press for the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) until 2019, and won the 2012 Faber/Stylist Magazine competition to find a new voice in crime. Fyneshade, her homage to Governess Gothic, was a Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of 2023.