HEAR NO EVIL by SARAH SMITH

She must tell her truth, but who will listen?

Shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize 2022

Shortlisted for the Historical Writers’ Association Debut Crown 2022

Shortlisted for the Crime Writers’ Association Historical Dagger 2023

1817, Glasgow: Jean Campbell – a young deaf woman – is witnessed throwing a child into the river Clyde.

If found guilty, she faces one of two fates: death by hanging or incarceration in an asylum. But Jean’s deafness leaves her isolated and unable to defend herself, until the authorities call in Robert Kinniburgh, a talented teacher from the Deaf & Dumb Institution.

Through a difficult process of trial and error, Robert and Jean manage to find a rudimentary way of communicating with each other. As Jean grows to trust Robert, she reveals what really happened on that bridge over the river Clyde. And Robert, now embroiled in this dark case, must act quickly to ensure justice is served, before it is too late.

‘A fascinating exploration of deafness and human value amid the sights, sounds and smells of urban Scotland in 1817.’ – Sally Magnusson

‘A striking and stylish literary page-turner that breathes life into the past, illuminating a fascinating corner of history.’ – Zoë Strachan

‘Based on a case from Scottish legal history, Smith’s novel skilfully combines crime fiction with a woman’s struggle to speak the truth.’  – The Times