At a glance
No Name
Classic mystery
No Name
640 pages · First published 1995
Sisters Norah and Magdalen Vanstone have grown up surrounded by love and comfort at their family's country estate, never suspecting that a devastating secret could destroy their futures. When their parents die suddenly, the sisters learn that they were born before their parents' legal marriage—and that an unforeseen inheritance-law complication has left them penniless. Quiet, practical Norah accepts work as a governess, but spirited Magdalen refuses to surrender the fortune her father intended them to have. Drawing on her extraordinary talent for acting, she joins forces with the unscrupulous Captain Wragge and begins an elaborate campaign of disguises, deception, and daring schemes to reclaim her inheritance. Yet each step toward her goal threatens her reputation, her relationships, and her peace of mind. Set against the rigid social conventions of Victorian England, this suspenseful classic will appeal to readers who enjoy clever heroines, hidden identities, family secrets, intricate plots, and stories that challenge the difference between what is legal and what is just.
Paired for this story
Jump to the pours ↓Vanishing Blackberry Tea + Amaretto Sour
Choose your bookseller
Find the Book
Print retailers offer a search when an exact edition is unavailable. Kindle links open a specific edition. Audiobook links may open an edition or a search.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Book Bartender earns from qualifying purchases. Bookshop.org links also earn us a commission on qualifying purchases. Your price is not affected. Read the full affiliate disclosure.
No surprises at chapter twelve
Content notes
Parental death, including a fatal railway accident and a mother's death following childbirth; an infant also dies shortly after birth. Grief, poverty, family estrangement, and severe social stigma surrounding illegitimacy. Suicidal ideation involving the purchase of laudanum and contemplation of fatal poisoning, but no completed suicide. A false accusation of attempted poisoning. Fraud, impersonation, forged correspondence, emotional manipulation, and a loveless marriage entered into for financial advantage. Psychological distress, serious illness, and period attitudes toward women's morality and social standing.
Alcohol-Free Pour
Vanishing Blackberry Tea
Dark blackberry and bright lemon accompany Magdalen's shifting disguises as she struggles to reclaim the fortune and identity that have vanished from her life.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.How to mix it
- Steep the tea and any herbs or whole spices in hot water according to the tea type, then strain. Stir in sweetener and juices. Chill and serve over ice.
- Garnish: Citrus peel, herb, or fruit from the recipe, if applicable.
- Glassware: Highball glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Highball glass ↗Cocktail Pour · 21+
Amaretto Sour
For adults of legal drinking age. Please drink responsibly.
Sweet amaretto and sharp lemon echo Magdalen's bittersweet struggle to reclaim her inheritance, where every clever deception carries an unexpected cost.
What you'll need
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.Shop the spirits 21+Search Total Wine for Amaretto · 21+ ↗
How to mix it
- Shake amaretto and lemon juice with ice, adding simple syrup only if desired. Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish: Lemon wheel and cocktail cherry.
- Glassware: Rocks glass.
Shop glassware & tools
We earn a commission from qualifying purchases through these Amazon links, at no extra cost to you.
Rocks glass ↗Set up the bar cart
Shop the Barware
Find the glasses and tools for your next pour.