‘Villains, fallen women and the enigmatic Madame Midas herself—who could resist Hume’s brilliant characters?’ -- Lee Tulloch ‘Hume’s book offers a glimpse of another age of thriller writing, enriched by a study of a jarring, vibrant, deadly Melbourne.’ * Courier-Mail * ‘A rare treasure…Madame Midas herself is one of the most memorable Victorian heroines.’ * Stephen Knight * A very accessible, entertaining and enlightening story…Historically significant and highly readable, Hume provides us with fascinating glimpses of the early days of white settlement.’ * Toowoomba Chronicle *