A Pattern of Secrets

In this Victorian mystery, Jim must recover a family heirloom to save his brother from a dire fate, leading to unexpected revelations.

In the gripping Victorian mystery A Pattern of Secrets, set in Paisley, Scotland in 1876, young Jim faces a dire situation. Having escaped from the Poor House, he learns that his little brother is in danger of being sent there as well. The only way to save him lies in recovering a mysterious family heirloom—a Paisley-patterned shawl with five guineas sewn into its hem. This amount represents the price of a new life for Jim and his family, making the stakes incredibly high.

As Jim embarks on his quest, he must navigate the challenges of a world that is both familiar and foreign. The shawl is kept in the grand house of a girl with striking red hair, and Jim's mission takes him into a realm of secrets and hidden truths. Throughout his journey, he discovers not only the importance of family but also the impact of the past on their present lives. The narrative weaves together themes of resilience, loyalty, and the quest for belonging.

In A Pattern of Secrets, two different worlds collide as Jim and Jessie delve into the history surrounding the heirloom. Together, they unravel a web of secrets that reveals the complexities of their families’ pasts. The story is a poignant exploration of how the patterns of history can shape the future, and it invites readers to reflect on their own connections to family and heritage.