historical Archives - Page 2 of 6 - The Quick and the Read

Book Review: ‘A Bitter Remedy’ by Alis Hawkins

This was always going to be a hit for me – a pioneering heroine taking on the exclusively male Oxford University in Victorian times. Yes, yes and yes. Add in poison, intrigue and murder and I’m totally sold.

The story follows the investigation into the death of a solitary undergraduate from Jesus College, Oxford, in 1881. His body is discovered in his lodging house by his landlady – but a search of his possessions yields little but some dodgy-looking proprietary medicines. Both his tutor at the university (Basil Rice) and a headstrong young woman attending lectures at the university (but not allowed – by virtue of her gender – to be a student) suspect that all is not as it seems…

Book Review: ‘The Secret of Matterdale Hall’ by Marianne Ratcliffe

Happy publication day to ‘The Secrets of Matterdale Hall’ by Marianne Ratcliffe!

Thanks to Bellows Press for my copy for review. As always, opinions are entirely my own.

(Audio)book Review: ‘A Restless Truth’ by Freya Marske

The first book in this series – ‘A Marvellous Light’ – introduced a glorious, vibrant, historical world and a gorgeous romance between (non-magical) aristocrat Robin Blyth and the man trying to help him navigate the magical world, Edwin Courcey. I read it, loved it, and wondered very much how Freya Marske was going to follow it up given that it was touted as ‘The Last Binding, Book 1’.

In my review, I wrote about Maud, Robin’s unconventional and sassy sister who refused to accept the limitations placed upon her as a woman in Edwardian England. I hoped I’d read more about her in the sequel.

It’s fair to say that all my wishes came true – Maud Blyth is the central character in ‘A Restless Truth’ and I could not be happier! Especially as it also features some of my other favourite elements – a murder mystery, a cruise liner, characters breaking society’s rules, lots of humour and even a touch of scandal.

Book Review: ‘Pandora’ by Susan Stokes-Chapman

Reading the sampler of this book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the full version. A feisty, independent, female lead? A pet magpie? A Georgian London setting but with Greek myth elements? Absolutely, sign me up now!

Ten books I should have shouted about before now!

I’ve hit a bit of a reading slump. It happens to the best of us – a run of good books but not peppered with the absolutely great ones. The ones you put down all other books for, ignore your phone and your family…yeah, those.

To find my inspiration, I had a look back at the books I’ve read this year and noticed that 10/73 had got my top mark of 5 stars on Goodreads. Now seems like a good time to revisit the top ten…in no particular order.

Turns out I really like crime fiction!

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Book Review: ‘A Lady’s Guide to Fortune-Hunting’ by Sophie Irwin

I don’t usually read a lot of historical romance, but this one proved irresistible. The recommendations promised ‘witty’, ‘fun’ and ‘sassy’ which I’m absolutely here for, so I was pleased to be granted a copy by NetGalley for review. As always, opinions are entirely my own.

Book Review: ‘Madwoman’ by Louisa Treger

Historical fiction with a strong female lead? The fictionalisation of a real-life journalistic sensation? Victorian-era New York? All of these things are exactly what brought me to this book – and I loved it!

Thanks to the author for providing me a copy for review. As always, opinions are my own.

Blog Tour: ‘The Bloodless Boy’ by Robert J Lloyd

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for ‘The Bloodless Boy’ – a fabulous historical crime novel that is out in paperback on 14th July.

I am absolutely delighted to be opening this tour – thanks to Nikki at Melville House Press for inviting me onto the tour and for my copy of the book for review. As always, opinions are entirely my own.

Blog Tour: ‘Sister Stardust’ by Jane Green

Thanks to Random Things Tours for inviting me onto the blog tour for this tale of sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll in 1960s Marrakesh.

As always, opinions are entirely my own.

(Audio)Book Review: ‘A Marvellous Light’ by Freya Marske

I’m so sorry it took me so long to read this!

The story is about a young baronet, Robin Blyth, who takes on a mysterious commission within the British government, not realising that he is expected to be the point of liaison between his world and the magical one. Given that he doesn’t know that magical society exists until he meets Edwin Courcey, his sexy-but-hostile magical colleague, this proves a challenge to say the least. Robin and Edwin find themselves thrown together in some dangerous situations…and working to uncover a plot that threatens the very existence of magical society.