Her family's darkest secret? It's written in the margins.

In a charming riverfront town, a maid goes missing on the eve of her scheduled court appearance against a notorious shanghaier. Budding Gilded Age newspaper woman Jo Felch is determined to uncover the truth.

But Jo's investigation takes a terrifying turn when her newspaper's beloved publisher turns up dead. She soon discovers nothing is as certain as she thought?not even her own past.

In the present day, Olivia Crawford is desperately trying to rewrite her own story, escaping New York and her past failures.

As a reluctant bookshop owner facing a small town's scrutiny, she stumbles on Jo's unfinished tale, discovering a connection that could rewrite her destiny.

Meticulously researched and hauntingly imagined, The Shanghai Secret weaves an intricate, fast-paced tale of abduction, murder, and family secrets.

📣 "I loved the historical research that was a seamless part of this book."

"Historical fiction written in a way that makes you want to learn more about the real history of that period."

"Ms. Lind's commitment to researching her story is what sets her books ahead of other historical fiction."

"I love dual timeline novels, and this one is no exception!"

"Intriguing and clean mystery!"

"Vanessa Lind is just a very special author - her historical series are a passage to times gone by, people whose lives still touch ours."

"A meticulously researched story with strong female protagonists and a riveting mystery that leaves you on the edge of your seat."

"I never thought I would like historical fiction, but these are so well written with so much depth to the main female characters in both timelines that I could not put them down."

"A well written book by one of my favorite authors. I can't wait for the next one of [the] Tidewater Chronicles Series."

"It grabs your attention with the opening chapter and winds you up till you reach the end."

"Vanessa Lind has a way with history, making it come alive and bringing you deep into the time period she writes about. The sense of place, the smells and the people, the waterfront..... All of it is so immersive and real feeling. Like you're there."

"Very engaging and reads well as a stand alone."

"An excellent first book in what promises to be an excellent series from an excellent author."

"Wow! I really enjoyed reading this book! It's one of those books that hooks you in immediately, and one you won't want to set down. The author skillfully melds the narrative between two time periods, with two main characters. I found myself immediately engaged, and curious how the two stories would interweave. No spoilers - just take my word that it's very well done and enjoyable!"

"What a spectacular book. I loved it."

"I definitely recommend the whole series!"

"I loved this book."

"What a great read!"