'Manning expertly guides readers back and forth...Like a skilled lapidary, she shapes and polishes the narrative to gradually reveal character facets and the stories that gems carry over time...Characteristics of the gems themselves are carefully etched to reveal surprises, answers to riddles, and moments of deep emotion. Plotline layers unfold, illuminating shades of dark and light. This is indeed a treasure.' - The Historical Novel Society
'...seamlessly blending fact with fiction to create a truly stunning story, it's a heartwarming tale by one of Australia's best historical fiction writers that will keep you turning pages long into the night.' - The Daily Telegraph
Inspired by a true story, The Lost Jewels unfolds an incredible mystery of thievery, sacrifice and hope through the generations of one family.
In the summer of 1912, a workman's pickaxe strikes through the floor of an old tenement house in Cheapside, London, uncovering a cache of unimaginably valuable treasure that quickly disappears again.
Present day. When respected jewellery historian, Kate Kirby, receives a call about the Cheapside Jewels, she knows she's on the brink of the experience of a lifetime.
As Kate peels back layers of concealment and deception, she is forced to explore long-buried secrets concerning Essie, her great-grandmother, and her life in Edwardian London. Soon, Kate's past and present threaten to collide and the truths about her family lie waiting to be revealed.
Praise for The Lost Jewels:
'There is something very appealing about a well-written novel that skillfully weaves the past and present, especially when there is a little known nugget of history woven deftly through its story.' - The Free Lance-Star
'Manning gives a voice to those so often unheard in the jewelry industry. A tale of transferred wealth, power, and passion.' - Booklist
'Meticulous research, stories with social importance, pioneering characters, and effortless flitting from one epoch to another underpin Kirsty Manning's cut-above historical fiction novels.' - The Australian Women's Weekly
'Manning has taken a fascinating true story and brought it to life in vivid, rich detail...Mystery, adventure, romance and a hoard of stunning jewelry makes for a delightful weekend read.' - Better Reading
'A cracker of a historical fiction, with Manning's deft touch.' - The Courier Mail
'A page-turning treasure hunt.' - The Sydney Morning Herald
'A fantastic historical read.' - Who Magazine
'Kirsty Manning's meticulous research cannot be faulted...The Lost Jewels will keep the reader enthralled.' - Brisbanista
'Jewellery enthusiasts, treasure hunters and historical fiction lovers will find much to admire in Kirsty Manning's third novel...an artful, comprehensive and dedicated specialist in the historical fiction field. In my opinion, Kirsty Manning reaches for the stars in every book she produces and The Lost Jewels is no exception!' - Mrs B's Book Reviews
'Manning has outdone herself...The Lost Jewels is her talent at its best. The perfect escapist read, whether you're a lover of historical fiction, or just looking to try something new.' - Jackie Smith Writes
Author Biography:
Kirsty Manning grew up in northern New South Wales. A country girl with wanderlust, her travels and studies have taken her through most of Europe, the east and west coasts of the United States and pockets of Asia.
Kirsty's first novel was the enchanting The Midsummer Garden published in 2017. Her second book, the bestselling The Jade Lily was published in 2018, and her third, The Lost Jewels, in 2020. Her next book, The French Gift, published in 2021, is a compelling story of female friendship during World War Two, bringing together the past and the present. Her novels are also published in the US and in Europe.
Kirsty is a partner in the award-winning Melbourne wine bar Bellota, and the Prince Wine Store in Sydney and Melbourne. She lives in Melbourne, Victoria.
