'The Devil's Draper' longlisted for the CWA Dagger Awards!

Donna Moore brings a touch of the devil to Crime Writers’ Association longlist: Historical Dagger Award.

Fly On The Wall Press is delighted to announce that The Devil’s Draper by Donna Moore has been longlisted by the Crime Writers’ Association for this year’s Historical Dagger award. This award is for the best historical crime novel, first published in the UK in English during the judging period, set in any period up to 50 years prior to the year in which the award will be made.

Published 1^st May 2025, The Devil’s Draper is the second in a thrilling trilogy ‘The Mabel Adair Mysteries’ from the pen of historical crime and fiction novelist, Donna Moore, with the third due for publication in May 2027. At the heart of the longlisted novel, set in a fantastically evoked and colourful 1920s Glasgow, is the abuse of women with little agency, by powerful men.

When whispers of abuse at Arrol's department store reach Mabel, a determined policewoman, she knows she must act. Enlisting the help of Johnnie, a cunning thief, and Beatrice, a savvy businesswoman, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth. Set against the backdrop of 1920s Glasgow, where women's voices are often silenced, this thrilling tale weaves together crime, justice, and the fight for equality. As the trio inches closer to exposing the scandal, they realize that in a world where women are rarely believed, their very lives may be at stake.

On being longlisted, Donna Moore said, “I'm incredibly thrilled and honoured to have been longlisted for this award. It really is a joy to see The Devil's Draper there along with some of my favourite authors and a whole array of brilliant books. It's a lovely feeling. Congratulations to everyone longlisted!”

Extract from The Devil’s Draper illustrating how the past meets the present:

When they had settled themselves, Nell answered the question. “No, I’m not still at Arrol’s. I only stayed there a week. I couldn’t bear it no more.”

“Couldn’t bear what?”

Nell shuddered. “The way he touched me. An’ the other girls said it would get worse. So I left. I didnae even get ma week’s wages.”

Beatrice turned to face her, staring at the young woman’s downcast face. “Who touched you? Did you report it?”

Nell looked at her, her eyes wide. “Report it? Who to?”

“I don’t know – the department manageress? Or Mr Arrol himself?”

Nell laughed, but it was a hollow sound. “An’ what would I say? ‘Mr Arrol, sir, I’d like to report that you touched me, an’ I’d like you to stop’?”

For further information, please contact:

Isabelle Kenyon                                                                             Sarah-Jayne Kenyon

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