The Coroner's Daughter: A Novel - Hardcover

Andrew Hughes was born in Ireland and educated at Trinity College, Dublin. It was while researching his acclaimed social history of Fitzwilliam Square―Lives Less Ordinary: Dublin's Fitzwilliam Square, 1798-1922―that he first came across the true story of John Delahunt that inspired his debut novel, The Convictions of John Delahunt. Andrew lives in Dublin.

“Hughes takes great relish in describing the occupational hazards of being a smart woman in restrictive times. Although social class, religious fanaticism and early forensic medical procedures are all duly explored, I confess to being more thrilled by the spectacle of a life-size animatronic doll―with rotating glass eyes!―entertaining the guests at that society ball.”
- Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review

“In this Dublin-set Victorian drama a convicted murderer awaiting the gallows unspools his ghastly, riveting tale.”
- Entertainment Weekly, “10 Great Summer Thrillers” [praise for 'The Convictions of John Delahunt']

“Andrew Hughes is a wonderfully talented author, bringing Dublin and its surroundings to life with deft characterizations, detailed but never labored descriptions, and a plot which will have readers racing through the pages. An utterly transporting book and highly recommended.”
- Historical Novels Review

“A remarkable first novel...at once a close character study and a sweeping panorama of the era, this fascinating book is a stirring work of fiction and a perceptive chapter in Ireland’s social history.”
- Marilyn Stasio, New York Times Book Review [praise for 'The Convictions of John Delahunt']

“Historian Hughes puts his knowledge of mid-19th-century Ireland to masterly use in his chilling first novel...This beautifully written tale of cruelty and redemption is as unforgettable as it is harrowing.”
- Publishers Weekly (starred) [praise for 'The Convictions of John Delahunt']