LM Dillsworth
LM Dillsworth is represented by Juliet Mushens
In 2018 Lianne Dillsworth graduated from Royal Holloway’s MA in Creative Writing with distinction and last year, she won a place on the London Library Emerging Writers Programme. Most recently she was awarded a bursary place for underrepresented writers on the Jericho Writers Self-Editing course. She also holds an MA in Victorian Studies and her love for the period shines through her writing. She currently lives in London, where she works for the government on growing diversity within the Civil Service.
Her first novel, Theatre of Marvels, was pre-empted by Arrow in the UK, and sold at auction in the US to Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. Set in Victorian London, mixed-race Zillah stars in a stageshow, and must grapple with both sides of her identity when another black woman goes missing from the show. It was published in the UK in April 2022.
Her second novel, House of Shades, a gripping, unique and enthralling gothic mystery set in Victorian London, was published by Hutchinson Heinemann in May 2024.
Praise for Theatre of Marvels:
'Richly evocative and glittering with atmosphere, this tale of ambition and identity had me gripped from start to finish' — Stacey Halls, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Familiars
'Theatre of Marvels is a fascinating, empowering story of a young woman's search for identity and justice in Victorian London, a world which Lianne Dillsworth evokes so richly' — Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne
'Zillah is a memorable heroine' — Sunday Times
'Exploitation and empowerment, race and class are all explored in this gripping historical novel. Dillsworth is a class act' — Woman & Home
'A thought-provoking, atmospheric debut' — Daily Express
'Very much enjoyed Theatre of Marvels. Zillah is a brilliant character who leads us through a Victorian London little spoken of, making for an illuminating, page-turning tale of self-actualisation. Loved it' — Kate Sawyer
'A tale steeped in Victorian London, I fell in love with Zillah and her theatre world. I was gripped from the opening pages - highly recommended for anyone who loves mystery, drama and Victorian London' — Louise Hare, author of This Lovely City
'A startling, original and utterly compelling novel which subtly navigates the core issues of race, gender and class' — Mary Chamberlain, author of The Dressmaker of Dachau
'Thrilling, eye-opening and absorbing' — Lizzie Pook, author of Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter
'Fresh, original and full of atmosphere - a compelling story with a heroine I'll remember for a long time' — Frances Quinn, author of The Smallest Man
'A story that shines a spotlight into the shadows of the 19th century, while also exploring very relevant themes of identity. So fantastic to read a novel that centres POC in the Victorian era. Loved it!' — Saara El-Arifi, author of The Final Strife
'Loved Lianne Dillsworth's Theatre of Marvels. A gripping story about identity and belonging with a strong sense of place. Can't wait for everybody to meet Zillah who is such strong and nuanced heroine.' — Laure Van Rensburg, author of Nobody But Us
Rights sold:
Theatre of Marvels: Arrow (UK), Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (US).
House of Shades: Arrow (UK), Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (US).