Two crimes, one ticking clock. Suffolk, 1903. William Gardiner stands trial for the brutal stabbing of Rose Harsent, and concerned parties turn to Lawrence Harpham for help in a last-ditch attempt to uncover the truth. As Lawrence delves into the investigation, he finds himself stalked by a mysterious figure, confounding his efforts to bring the murderer to justice. Meanwhile, Violet takes on a puzzling poisoning case from the past, determined to unravel the secrets surrounding a bad-tempered housemaid.Was she a cold-hearted killer or merely a convenient suspect?With time running out and the added distraction of a mysterious stranger at Netherwood, Lawrence and Violet must navigate a treacherous web of deceit and misdirection to solve both cases before it's too late. Perfect for fans of Elly Griffiths, Irina Shapiro, and Emily Organ, The Maleficent Maid is a gripping historical mystery with elements of witchcraft that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion. _______________________________________________________Praise for the Lawrence Harpham Mysteries:?????This book was a page-turner. I found I did not want to put it down till the mystery was solved. ????? A book full of mystery and intrigue. ????? …gripping mystery with some very evil turns of events. ????? …clever and entertaining…????? Vivid and captivating dual timeline detective story.