Blue Billy’s Rogue Lexicon

Oliver Twist meets The Crimson Petal and the White in this devilishly funny, emotionally charged tale of finding a new path in life after a great fall. By 18, William Dempsey had risen from a life of thieving and prostitution to be the personal plaything of the Marquess of Argyll. Then a bad decision sees him returned to the rough streets of London without patronage, his West End apartment, or a place among the ton. So on a stormy night, he arrives at a house in Southwark. Marathon Moll’s in the Mint – the bawdyhouse he worked in during his ascent and where he earned the name Blue Billy. It is here, amidst the parties and antics of the house, that he meets Tom, a quiet, conflicted man. The attraction is immediate, and they take the first, tentative steps towards a better future with each other. Then an ambitious young rogue arrives at the house. A man with the power to make Billy question everything he thinks he wants. For he is asking him to return to his past. To the street language of vagabonds. The canting dialect of thieves. To the schemes, and the dreams, of his youth. Readers and Reviewers rave about Blue Billy: "…it's a marvellous exercise in the use of language and historical detail, terrifically grounded, very vivid and real-feeling. I enjoyed this a lot, and I am a really big fan of what this author is doing with queer historical writing and the very strong research and language.” – K J Charles, author of A Nobleman's Guide to Seducing a Scoundrel (The Doomsday Books) "A beautiful love story between two very different men. Elegantly written and full of fabulous historical details, this very entertaining romp is not only cleverly plotted but it is also blessed with a terrific cast of exquisitely drawn characters. A truly delightful story that will stay with you long after its last gorgeous sentences..." – Jean Luc Estrella, NetGalley Reviews “...(an) evocative historical novel of rogues, sex, and found community. Scenes like a staged “marriage” at Moll’s are uproarious, and the brothel offers a heartening sense of connection and camaraderie…rich atmosphere and vivid characterization.” – BookLife Reviews, Publishers Weekly March 6, 2023 "A great choice for fans of historical romances. Lawrence has created a delightful world in Moll’s bawdyhouse. If you like period stories that take pains to build a vivid, engrossing picture of the time period, this is the book for you." – Joyfully Jay “A gritty and emotional tale of a complex young protagonist… a satisfying and moving novel.” – Kirkus Reviews “A beautifully written novel… a deep, poignant book with a moving storyline and complex characters. It was a wonderful read!” – The Historical Fiction Company