Publication Date: April 7, 2014 Tenderfoot Formats: eBook, Paperback; 448p

Genre: Historical Adventure/Thriller

Read an Excerpt. Listen to an Excerpt.

In 1688, torn by rebellions, England lives under the threat of a Dutch invasion. Redheaded Calumny Spinks is the lowliest man in an Essex backwater: half-French and still unapprenticed at seventeen, yet he dreams of wealth and title.

When his father’s violent past resurfaces, Calumny’s desperation leads him to flee to London and become a coffee racketeer. He has just three months to pay off a blackmailer and save his father’s life – but his ambition and talent for mimicry pull him into a conspiracy against the King himself. Cal’s journey takes him from the tough life of Huguenot silk weavers to the vicious intrigues at Court. As the illicit trader Benjamin de Corvis and his controlling daughter Emilia pull him into their plots, and his lover Violet Fintry is threatened by impending war, Cal is forced to choose between his conscience and his dream of becoming Mister Calumny Spinks.

The Bitter Trade won the PEN Factor at The Literary Consultancy’s Writing In A Digital Age Conference. Jury Chair Rebecca Swift (Author, Poetic Lives: Dickinson) said: “The Pen Factor jury selected The Bitter Trade based on the quality of writing, the engaging plot, and the rich and unusual historical context. Dazzling and playful!”

Praise for The Bitter Trade

“A fantastic debut novel” – Robert Elms, BBC Radio London

“The ambitious, cheeky Calumny Spinks is a great guide through the sensory overload of 17th century London, in an adventure that combines unexpected insights with just the right amount of rollicking ribaldry. I hope it’s the opener to a series.” – Christopher Fowler, author of the Bryant and May novels

“This debut novel is a gripping evocation of late seventeenth century London, rich in persuasive dialect and period detail and with a bold protagonist. An unusual thriller that just keeps you wanting to know more about the many facets of this story. You’ll never view your coffee in quite the same way again.” – Daniel Pembrey, bestselling author of The Candidate

“A very exciting and superbly researched novel” – Mel Ulm, The Reading Life

Buy the Book

Amazon UK (Paperback) Amazon US (Kindle) Barnes & Noble (Nook) iTunes Kobo

About the Author

Piers Alexander is an author and serial entrepreneur. After a successful career as CEO of media and events companies he became a Co-Founder and Chairman of three start-up businesses. In 2013 he was awarded the PEN Factor Prize for The Bitter Trade. He is currently working on the sequel, Scatterwood, set in Jamaica in 1692.

For more information visit Piers Alexander’s website. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

The Bitter Trade Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 13 Review at Back Porchervations Spotlight at Literary Chanteuse

Tuesday, October 14 Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, October 15 Interview at Back Porchervations Guest Post at Historical Tapestry

Thursday, October 16 Spotlight & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages

Monday, October 20 Review at Flashlight Commentary

Tuesday, October 21 Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book!

Wednesday, October 22 Interview at Oh, For the Hook of a Book!

Thursday, October 23 Guest Post at Historical Fiction Connection

Tuesday, October 28 Spotlight at What Is That Book About

Wednesday, October 29 Spotlight at Unshelfish

Thursday, October 30 Review at Broken Teepee

Saturday, November 1 Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

Monday, November 3 Review at Book by Book Review & Interview at Dab of Darkness

Tuesday, November 4 Review at Just One More Chapter Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews

Wednesday, November 5 Review at Turning the Pages Guest Post at Just One More Chapter

Thursday, November 6 Spotlight at Let Them Read Books

Monday, November 10 Review at A Book Geek

Tuesday, November 11 Review at Book Nerd

Wednesday, November 12 Spotlight at Layered Pages

Friday, November 14 Review at Anglers Rest Review & Giveaway at Booklover Book Reviews