The author's new New York historical fiction novel was inspired by a real-life "notorious woman"
Credit: Heather Raub
NEED TO KNOW
- Fiona Davis’ new novel, The Jewel of Sugar Hill, is inspired by the Morris-Jumel Mansion in Manhattan
- The dual-timeline story follows two women linked by the mansion across history
- The book explores themes of women’s agency, New York history and the challenges of being a “notorious woman”
The queen of New York historical fiction returns with a new novel — this one inspired by a true story.
The Jewel of Sugar Hill by Fiona Davis, due out from Dutton in January 2027, is set at the Morris-Jumel Mansion, the oldest house in Manhattan. It follows two women living a century apart who are bound together by the property.
And history buffs will be excited to learn the book was inspired by a "real-life notorious woman," Eliza Jumel, the daughter of a prostitute who came to New York City to start a new life. She eventually became the richest woman in Manhattan on the back of her real estate investments, and was also married to Aaron Burr.
Davis toured the mansion and knew she had to write a book about it.
“The book follows two strong-willed heroines in two different centuries and explores what it means to be a notorious woman in the world, of having the inner strength to rise above the malice and misjudgments of others and follow your own path," Davis tells PEOPLE in an exclusive statement.
Credit: Heather Raub / FrontRoom Images
It takes place on a dual timeline, following the ambitious Eliza Brown in 1800s New York City and disgraced architect Anny Dorrance in 2010. "When Eliza meets political upstart Aaron Burr, she vows to win his love and break into the high society that shuns her," the book's synopsis teases. "Eliza’s ultimate aim: secure her future with the purchase of the most beautiful house in Manhattan, in spite of a shadowy figure determined to expose the truth about her sordid past."
And in the present day, Dorrance has recently gotten out of prison for a crime she didn't commit and is looking to clear her name and restart her career. "But when her father — a well-known real estate developer — dies from a fall at a haunted, crumbling uptown mansion the night before she’s set free, Abby gets drawn into the murky circumstances behind his death," the synopsis continues. "As dangerous forces loom, Abby must choose between saving her family’s legacy and fortune, or saving the mansion and losing everything she loves."
“I’m excited to tell this story because it touches upon two issues dear to me: how women’s voices and agency have changed over time, as well as the resonance and relevance of New York’s historic skyline," the author says.
Davis points out that the mansion's unique attributes presented a tricky subject for the cover's artists.
“The cover design team faced a real challenge for this book: how to showcase a stunning estate that looks like it’s located deep in the country, but in fact can be found right in the heart of New York City," the author explains. "I thought they did a brilliant job of capturing the essence of the Morris-Jumel Mansion — the oldest house in Manhattan — and I can’t wait for readers to get their hands on The Jewel of Sugar Hill.”
Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
The Jewel of Sugar Hill will hit shelves on Jan. 26, 2027 and is now available for preorder, wherever books are sold.
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Read the full article here
