Your cart (0)
Your cart is empty
Tax included and shipping calculated at checkout
Clare Whitfield
About the book
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2026 WILBUR SMITH ADVENTURE WRITING PRIZE
SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2025 CRIME WRITERS' ASSOCIATION HISTORICAL DAGGER AWARD
'Funny, fast-paced and dark... with dialogue that absolutely crackles' ELODIE HARPER
'A brave, bold novel' ARAMINTA HALL
IF YOU CAN'T MAKE THE RULES
1922. Eleanor Mackridge is staring down the barrel of two equally depressing life choices - serving the upper classes or finding a husband - when she crosses paths with the notorious all-female gang, the Forty Elephants.
YOU MIGHT AS WELL BREAK THEM
These are women who society would rather forget. They are bold and vulgar, they steal diamonds and fur, drink champagne and gin. They give young women ideas above their station - and Eleanor wants in. Now she has the chance to make sure that history remembers her.
Because women don't have to marry or serve to get ahead.
They can steal.
In Poor Girls, Clare Whitfield exposes the criminal underbelly of 1920s London - but this isn't a morality tale, it's an adventure for the willingly wicked.
'Memorable, outrageous and full of heart. Loved it - every time I put it down I couldn't wait to pick it up again.' ELENI KYRIACOU
'Wonderfully roguish characters, and great period detail. Really enjoyable.' IAN MOORE
'A richly vivid and picaresque masterwork, Poor Girls is by turns humorous, horrifying and humane.' TOM MEAD
'A compulsive read... A real page turner.' CAITLIN DAVIES
Join the growing fans of the Forty Elephants.
'Clare Whitfield's best book to date.' Reader Review
'What a ride, this book is so much fun.' Reader Review
'Will make you laugh but also shed a tear.' Reader Review
'I highly recommend it to anyone drawn to tales of resilience, ambition, and rebellion.' Reader Review
'Such a brilliant book, everyone should read it!' Reader Review
'Glamorous and uncompromising.' Reader review
Published on by Head of Zeus -- an Aries Book.
This book has 416 pages and is a Paperback.
Be Notified When This Piece Becomes Available
We sell both brand-new books and pre-loved treasures through our secondhand imprint, Second Chapter. Every book is clearly labelled with its condition:
- Newly Summoned — Brand new, untouched by mortal hands. Fresh from the publisher.
- Barely Haunted — Pre-loved but in lovely condition. Light shelf wear at most; any previous owner left barely a trace.
- Clearly Haunted — A book that's lived a little. Expect visible wear — creased spines, tanned pages or scuffed corners — but fully readable and full of character.
- Exorcism Needed — Heavily worn and priced accordingly. These books have stories beyond the one printed inside. Perfect for readers who love a battle-scarred companion (or crafters after materials).
No, we on offer shipping to the United Kingdom for now.
We offer complimentary shipping on all orders over £35.
Orders are dispatched via Royal Mail 48 Tracked, posted through our local Post Office. You'll receive tracking details once your order is on its way.
Royal Mail 48 typically arrives within 2–3 working days of dispatch, though it isn't a guaranteed service — occasionally the postal spirits take a little longer.
We aim to dispatch orders within 2 working days of purchase. Please note some new titles are fulfilled directly from our distributor, which can affect dispatch times — see Availability below.
Eligible items may be returned within 14 days of delivery, provided they are unharmed and in original condition.
The fastest way to exchange an item is to return it and place a new order.
In-stock items are held by us and dispatched directly.
New books may be fulfilled from our trusted UK book distributor. These usually dispatch within [X–X working days] — the product page will indicate estimated timings.
Second Chapter books are one of a kind. When it's gone, it's gone (that's rather the point). If you love it, don't leave it lingering in your basket — carts do not reserve stock, and another Spooky Reader may spirit it away.
If something's out of stock, sign up for a back-in-stock notification on the product page, or contact us — we're often able to order titles in.
Yes we do, however we need to do this manually. If you'd like to make a purchase with your tokens, please get in touch and we will put through a custom order for you.
Final Selection
- Product label: Sold out
- Product label: Sold out
- Product label: Sold out
