Scarlett
Darwin’s secret
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Parsons put the box on the table and removed the brown paper. It was a very old oblong box made of rosewood. Harry drew it towards him and looked intently at the initials in faded gold leaf beside the small key. ‘You say you found it in Church Road Upper Norwood?’ ‘Yes I’m doing renovation work there and it was pushed in-between the eaves.’ ‘What about the owner of the house, is it not rightfully his property?’ ‘Well he is selling the house on. I told him I found an old box and he said he wasn’t interested.’ ‘What is the number of the house?’ ‘Number 140.’ Harry’s heart began to race as he ran is fingers over the initials and then turned the key. As he opened it a fragrance wafted through the air, a dank old aroma with just a hint of sweet rose. The contents of the box were scattered with dried faded rose petals and what looked like the leaves from an acacia plant. Harry looked in silence at the box and its contents.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Harry is a successful entrepreneur residing in his idyllic country estate in Sussex. His interest in naval history leads him to buy a wooden box containing artefacts related to the renowned voyage of the Beagle. Among the items is a diary written by a young girl called Scarlett, allegedly aboard the famous ship. He meets an archivist who is sure the diary is a forgery. However Harry soon realizes that other powerful people wish to acquire the diary and will stop at nothing to obtain it. The quest to find out why the diary is of such importance leads Harry into very dangerous places, and his skills and talents are constantly put to the test as he tries to outwit his callous pursuers. At the same time Harry becomes absorbed in the diary where the joys and traumas of the voyage are brought to life. He travels with Scarlett through the days and weeks of the voyage witnessing intense love, obsession, pain and joins her on a unique journey of self-discovery.
About the Author
Danny Devoy was born in Greystones Co. Wicklow Ireland. A graduate of London and Surrey Universities, and now residing in Sussex.