📖 Book Review ~ The Devil’s Draper by Donna Moore

Fly on the Wall Press
1 May 2025
Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity to read this book 

When whispers of abuse at Arrol's department store reach Mabel, a determined policewoman, she knows she must act. Enlisting the help of Johnnie, a cunning thief, and Beatrice, a savvy businesswoman, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth.

Set against the backdrop of 1920s Glasgow, where women's voices are often silenced, this thrilling tale weaves together crime, justice, and the fight for equality. As the trio inches closer to exposing the scandal, they realize that in a world where women are rarely believed, their very lives may be at stake.

📖 My Review..

After reading The Unpicking in 2023 I was delighted to be given the opportunity of reading this second book in the series which takes us into the heart of Glasgow and to a department store which is abusing its female employees.

The 1920s was very much a period of social change particularly in the aftermath of The Great War when women were pretty much sidelined in favour of men especially in the work place and even Mabel Adair in her role as a policewoman is very much relegated to a minor role, so when an opportunity presents itself to get to the bottom of what is going on at Arrol’s department store in Glasgow Mabel is determined to do her very best. With the help of a skilful thief and a methodical business woman they start to uncover a web of deceit and violence against vulnerable women and are determined to bring the perpetrator to face justice.

Beautifully written, the story flows well and I was soon caught up with the intrigue and immersed in the Glasgow scene of the 1920s. I enjoyed meeting up again with some of the characters from The Unpicking and thought that Beatrice and Johnnie were worthy additions to this story about strong women doing what they can to fight for those women who are all too easy prey for unscrupulous individuals.

About the Author

Donna Moore is the author of crime fiction and historical fiction. Her first novel, a Private Eye spoof called Go To Helena Handbasket, won the Lefty Award for most humorous crime fiction novel and her second novel, Old Dogs, was shortlisted for both the Lefty and Last Laugh Awards. Her short stories have been published in various anthologies. In her day job she works as an adult literacy tutor for marginalised and vulnerable women, facilitates creative writing workshops and has a PhD in creative writing around women’s history and gender-based violence.

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