The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux - by M J Robotham (Paperback)

About the Book

An exhilarating faux-memoir spanning ninety years and twelve relationships from the internationally bestselling author M J Robotham, perfect for fans of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

Book Synopsis

Everyone knows Ruby Devereaux's books. But no one knows her story... until now.

From a teenager in wartime England to a veteran of modern-day London - via 1950's New York, the Swinging Sixties, Cold War Berlin, Venice and Vietnam - Ruby Devereaux has lived one hell of a life: parties, scandals and conflict zones, meeting men and adventure along the way. In a writing career spanning seven decades and more than twenty books, she's distilled everything into her work. Or has she?

Now beyond her 90th year, Ruby's energy is ebbing and her beloved typewriter put away. Until a call from her publisher presents Ruby with an ultimatum, and the impetus to embark on one last book - "warts and all", as she says. Even in her dotage, Ruby M Devereaux has the power to surprise, because whatever this author does, she does on her own terms. Always.

Is Ruby finally about to reveal the secrets of her infamous life?

Taking the reader on a rollercoaster ride through the latter half of the 20th Century, The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux is a mesmerising story of one unforgettable woman's place in an ever-changing world.

Review Quotes

"It's hard not to fall in love with Ruby Devereaux. I thoroughly enjoyed her warm, witty company on this joyous journey through the late 20th century" --Nicola Rayner

"You're going to love Ruby Devereaux... A chronicler of life and love, her story is by turns fierce, feisty, passionate and poignant" --Emma Flint

"Exciting, alluring, seductive" --Clare Whitfield

"Brilliant, courageous... funny and flawlessly told" --Melanie Golding

"This delicious romp across time in the company of such a spirited and loveable heroine is impossible to resist" --Kate Riordan

"Even though we have never read any books written by Ruby Devereaux, we can't help but be intrigued by her story" --United by Pop

"This fun faux-memoir takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride through the second half of the 20th century...A joy for anyone who feels wistful for vanished days of glamour" --Platinum

"This page-turning character study succeeds in bringing to life a flawed but captivating heroine, weaving a tale sure to resonate with any reader who has navigated the zigzags of love and self-discovery" --History with Jackson

"If you loved The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, then this is the book for you" --Pick Me Up!

"A beautifully written tale about life and love" --My Weekly

"If you were a fan of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid and looking for another book which follows an older, now-famous woman's life through interviews, with a reveal at the end, then I think you've found it in The Scandalous Life of Ruby Devereaux (though of course it's not exactly the same kind of reveal!)" --LoveReading

About the Author

M J Robotham saw herself as an aspiring author from the age of nine, but was waylaid by journalism, birth, children and life. After twenty years as a midwife and an MA in Creative Writing, she is now a full-time author, writing historical fiction as Mandy Robotham. She lives in Gloucestershire with her partner and muse mutt, Basil.