'A cracking historical novel - with a twinge of the surreal - about passion and obsession' The Times SHORLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION 2018 One September evening in 1785; the merchant Jonah Hancock finds one of his captains waiting eagerly on his doorstep. He has sold Jonah's ship for what appears to be a mermaid. As gossip spreads through the docks; coffee shops; parlours and brothels; everyone wants to see Mr Hancock's marvel. Its arrival spins him out of his ordinary existence and through the doors of high society; where he meets Angelica Neal; the most desirable woman he has ever laid eyes on... and a courtesan of great accomplishment. This meeting will steer both their lives onto a dangerous new course. What will be the cost of their ambitions? And will they be able to escape the legendary destructive power a mermaid is said to possess?