The Palace Of Lost Virtue

The Palace of Lost Virtue  by Mandy Robotham is vivid historical fiction set on the rough-edged WA goldfields, blending women’s lives, true crime, and the grit of the goldrush era into a story that’s hard to put down.

In 1898, Marigold Harrington arrives in Western Australia fired by faith and purpose. As a proud member of the Christian Women’s Temperance Union and the daughter of a prospector, she wants to help the women swallowed by a town’s bars and brothels. Across the way, Pansy Arlington rules the Palace of Pleasure—an empire she’s built with sharp instincts and a guarded heart. When their worlds collide, an unlikely friendship takes hold.

As ambition, desire and violence simmer in a lawless settlement, loyalty is tested and a shocking crime leaves lasting scars.

Perfect for readers who love Australian historical novels, strong female leads, and atmospheric frontier settings—especially fans of Pip Williams. Step into the goldfields and discover these forgotten voices for yourself.