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The Saffron Thief

Releases
Sep 2026
September 1, 2026
Main Genre
Historical Historical
Pages
384

About This Book

‘I swallowed up The Saffron Thief in 36 hours. It's a tremendous piece of work … Truly superb' William Boyd

In 1666, England's saffron industry is booming, with the spice fetching a staggering £4 per pound—rivalling gold. Fabian Smith, the sensible second son of a Holborn poulterer, has sacrificed his dreams of adventure for family duty. But when the Great Fire claims his father and his reckless brother plunges them into debt with a ruthless conman, their home—and freedom—hang in the balance.

Desperate to save his family, Fabian hatches a daring plan: steal the fortune they need. His target? The wealthiest saffron grower in Saffron Walden. Disguised and determined, he arrives just in time for the harvest, only to discover that the townsfolk are far more cunning than he expected.

As danger closes in, Fabian must navigate treachery and his own heart, racing against time to save everything he holds dear.

Reviews

Praise for T. L. Mogford:

'A riveting page-turner, rich with fascinating period detail' Sunday Telegraph

'Highly recommended' Mick Herron

'A must for every reader who enjoys great adventure writing' Imogen Robertson

'Cleanly written … and exquisite' ― Times Literary Supplement

'It's excellent. No other word for it … A beautiful, charming book that stays in the mind long after you've closed it and put it away. I was delighted by it' John Simpson

About the author

Thoms Mogford, or TL Mogford, has written the Spike Sanguinetti series of crime novels (Bloomsbury), and more recently one historical fiction novel THE PLANT HUNTER (Quercus), which was shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing prize and a Telegraph ‘Book of the Summer. He's also been shortlisted for the CWA Debut Dagger and Crimefest's eDunnit. He's based in London.

Genres & Themes

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Formats & Editions

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Paperback

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Trade Paperback
First Edition Sep 2026 HarperCollins ISBN 0008817960
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eBook

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eBook
Jul 2026 -- Not Selected ISBN B0FT1SMKFF
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eBook
Aug 2026 HarperCollins ISBN 0008789991
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Audio

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Audible
Jul 2026 -- Not Selected ISBN B0GDM2RGSR
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