--- product_id: 47428310 title: "Gilded Needles (Valancourt 20th Century Classics)" price: "NZ$56" currency: NZD in_stock: true reviews_count: 11 url: https://www.desertcart.nz/products/47428310-gilded-needles-valancourt-20th-century-classics store_origin: NZ region: New Zealand --- # Gilded Needles (Valancourt 20th Century Classics) **Price:** NZ$56 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Gilded Needles (Valancourt 20th Century Classics) - **How much does it cost?** NZ$56 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.nz](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/47428310-gilded-needles-valancourt-20th-century-classics) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Gilded Needles (Valancourt 20th Century Classics) [McDowell, Michael, Mignola, Mike, Fowler, Christopher] on desertcart.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Gilded Needles (Valancourt 20th Century Classics) Review: Morose and Terrific, Victorian-era Tale of Revenge - I read Gilded Needles in a single weekend and was completely fascinated with it - I adored it! Here we have the Black Triangle, a meeting of poor neighborhoods in Victorian-era NYC, at war with the wealthy, educated local aristocracy of the affluent upper crest. There are two families at the center of this war: the Stallworths, of the well-positioned elite, and the Shanks, a criminal family of the Black Triangle. I would count this book as a horror novel, although it's not supernatural like some of McDowell's other works (Elementals, Cold Moon Over Babylon). The horror in this book is somewhat Dickensian, with the plight of poverty examined in morose details of disease, dark alleys, vermin, desperation, and crimes and death that will haunt you. However, no Dickens work I ever read contained this kind of horrific detail. Despite there being no supernatural element, there was something very haunting and atmospheric about this book that FELT supernatural. It's a dreamy piece, also sharply rooted in dismal reality. Juxtaposed to the dark alleys of the Black Triangle is the affluent upper crest. Their world is rooted in society, showmanship, smart connections, and being known as ethicists. The Stallworths are obsessed with their image, as politicians, as a judge, a lawyer, a preacher, a lady of genteel society clubs, and perfectly-poised children among their lot. However, like many families, theirs has a dark underbelly, where weak moral fiber hides behind their guise of perfection. In a balanced society, both families can co-exist, with one ignoring the other. But when the Stallworths target the Shanks, the two families will come together in an epic, complicated game of cat and mouse. I highly recommend this read if you love dark, Victorian-era reads; realism horror; and tales of revenge. Be warned, this is not a light story, but the kind that will haunt you long after you finish. The characters in this book really come to life, and I was attached to members of both families. It was a touching, emotional read, with witty commentary and relief in the form of a community gossip and newspaper reports. Review: Starts slow - Starts slow, but once the story picks up pace, it is a good read. Delayed revenge, such a good plot. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #574,892 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #4,763 in Historical Thrillers (Books) #7,772 in Horror Literature & Fiction #19,367 in Suspense Thrillers | | Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (555) | | Dimensions | 5 x 0.73 x 8 inches | | ISBN-10 | 1941147917 | | ISBN-13 | 978-1941147917 | | Item Weight | 10.4 ounces | | Language | English | | Print length | 290 pages | | Publication date | October 17, 2023 | | Publisher | Valancourt Books | ## Images ![Gilded Needles (Valancourt 20th Century Classics) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/611DYWujS6L.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Morose and Terrific, Victorian-era Tale of Revenge *by F***X on August 26, 2019* I read Gilded Needles in a single weekend and was completely fascinated with it - I adored it! Here we have the Black Triangle, a meeting of poor neighborhoods in Victorian-era NYC, at war with the wealthy, educated local aristocracy of the affluent upper crest. There are two families at the center of this war: the Stallworths, of the well-positioned elite, and the Shanks, a criminal family of the Black Triangle. I would count this book as a horror novel, although it's not supernatural like some of McDowell's other works (Elementals, Cold Moon Over Babylon). The horror in this book is somewhat Dickensian, with the plight of poverty examined in morose details of disease, dark alleys, vermin, desperation, and crimes and death that will haunt you. However, no Dickens work I ever read contained this kind of horrific detail. Despite there being no supernatural element, there was something very haunting and atmospheric about this book that FELT supernatural. It's a dreamy piece, also sharply rooted in dismal reality. Juxtaposed to the dark alleys of the Black Triangle is the affluent upper crest. Their world is rooted in society, showmanship, smart connections, and being known as ethicists. The Stallworths are obsessed with their image, as politicians, as a judge, a lawyer, a preacher, a lady of genteel society clubs, and perfectly-poised children among their lot. However, like many families, theirs has a dark underbelly, where weak moral fiber hides behind their guise of perfection. In a balanced society, both families can co-exist, with one ignoring the other. But when the Stallworths target the Shanks, the two families will come together in an epic, complicated game of cat and mouse. I highly recommend this read if you love dark, Victorian-era reads; realism horror; and tales of revenge. Be warned, this is not a light story, but the kind that will haunt you long after you finish. The characters in this book really come to life, and I was attached to members of both families. It was a touching, emotional read, with witty commentary and relief in the form of a community gossip and newspaper reports. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Starts slow *by D***. on March 31, 2023* Starts slow, but once the story picks up pace, it is a good read. Delayed revenge, such a good plot. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A look at two sides of the law that becomes a Grand Guignol tale of revenge *by J***E on November 22, 2021* I've really come to enjoy the offbeat Gothic sensibility of Michael McDowell, who always delivers novels that don't really feel like anything else out there. Gilded Needles is no exception - it's a historical fiction set in 1882 New York City, where a political dynasty decides that, for their own gain, it's time to make a move against an entrenched family of fences and criminals. McDowell spends equal times on both sides of the law, and while it's clear that his sympathies are slightly more with our criminals than the self-righteous pols and social pillars, he humanizes both sides wonderfully, helping us see the series of entirely understandable choices that lead to a violent tragedy - a tragedy that sets up a ghoulish, Grand Guignol plot of revenge that goes to some wild places. McDowell knows how to write his characters flawlessly, but the historical touches here go such a long way to making the book all the more memorable - even before he pulls back the curtain on the vicious plot of payback. Another great read from an underrated and fascinating author. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.nz/products/47428310-gilded-needles-valancourt-20th-century-classics](https://www.desertcart.nz/products/47428310-gilded-needles-valancourt-20th-century-classics) --- *Product available on Desertcart New Zealand* *Store origin: NZ* *Last updated: 2026-04-29*