"Gruesome. Grizzly. Gripping." Martina Cole, author, "Close," on "The Woman Who Murdered Babies for Money""

Allison Vale was born of humble parentage from a long line of proud and industrious, immigrant Celts. Schooled in History and the Arts, she took up various positions as Governess in London schools, tutoring young ladies in the same. Marriage and motherhood took her to the Somerset Levels, where she mimics the industriousness of her ancestors in all but her housekeeping skills. Alison Rattle was born into a family of aspiring intellects and was introduced at an early age to the charms of dressmaking. Her skills with the needle took her to London, where she perfected the toilette of many a noble lady. Tiring of her spinster life, she settled for a man of modest income, retired to the Somerset countryside and devoted her time to raising a family of well-mannered children. The results of her efforts are yet to be seen.