That title ensures anyone with even the barest smattering of Greek-myth knowledge will begin Susan Stokes-Chapman's novel with a sense of foreboding. Very quickly that feeling will be rewarded by a claustrophobic opening and the tantalising glimpse of a mysterious shipwrecked crate. Pandora swiftly establishes itself as a fun Georgian thriller, complete with artistic heroine and dastardly uncle.

Set in 1799, the story centres on Dora (the eponymous Pandora) Blake, an orphan who wishes the best for her parents' antiques shop. Hezekiah, the aforementioned uncle, soon reveals himself to have nefarious dealings, many of them centred on an ancient Greek pithos and its strange siren call. Help for Dora comes in the form of Edward Lawrence, a young bookbinder with hopes of securing a place for himself in the Society Of Antiquaries.

Sure to appeal to fans of Greek myth who are keen on applying their knowledge to the unpicking of a fresh mystery, Pandora bubbles along at a good pace, throwing in enough hints of curses and intrigue to beguile the reader. With mysterious accidents, indications of romance and a variety of perfectly dislikeable characters (as well as some the reader is more than happy to root for), Pandora has plenty to offer. One of the book's particular pleasures are the descriptions of Dora's love of jewellery-making and her aspiration to secure her future as an artist. Likewise, the forays into ancient mythology and Edward's struggle to carve a name for himself in the world of antiquities add extra depth to the tale.

Pandora was shortlisted for the Lucy Cavendish College 2020 Fiction Prize and is Stokes-Chapman's debut novel. Perfect for fans of The Hourglass Factory by Lucy Ribchester or The Binding by Bridget Collins, this is a compelling historical novel that will tempt you to keep lifting the lid and read just one more chapter …

Pandora is published by Harvill Secker on Thursday 27 January.