This year, I've been reading books set in 17th century England (around the time of the English civil war), as background to my potential new series. I was having doubts about taking this time period because I thought it may be rather dour, but boy was I wrong! This book had everything. Set at the time of the restoration of the monarchy, it's a thriller / murder mystery based on the conspiracies and political manoeuvring of the time. What was even better was that there was a strong female lead character (Lady Anne Winter) and her fearsome maid, who were at the centre of the controversies. The book is technically number six in The Seeker series, but can be read as a standalone. After reading this, I went back and read book one. It was almost on a par with this, but I decided I shouldn't put two books from the same series in my list!
This is another book from the 17th century, this time just prior to the English civil war. The book was written in an easy style which helped to understand the political and religious tensions of the day. The main focus was on the murder mystery contained within it, but with war approaching it was difficult to know who to trust. Once again, there was a strong female character who added greatly to the story. A thoroughly enjoyable read, which made me want to read the two other books in the series.
'A satisfying, brooding mystery set in Stuart England anticipating the coming Civil War.' Paul Walker, author of State of Treason
London.
1639.
Thomas Tallant, a young and ambitious Spice Merchant, returns from India to find his city in turmoil.
A bitter struggle is brewing between King Charles I and Parliament, as England slides into civil war. The capital is simmering with dissent. The conflict is ready to boil over.
But Thomas soon has other troubles to contend with. A wealthy merchant, Sir Joseph Venell, is savagely killed; then his partner Sir Hugh Swofford plunges to his death, in the Tallant…
This is another book set at the time of the English civil war and one I nearly didn't read! I didn't think I'd enjoy reading about witchcraft and the ways of the English country folk, but the plot and writing style meant that in the end, I couldn't put it down. At its heart, it's another murder mystery, but the beliefs at the time caused the local magistrate to determine there had to be a witch behind the deaths. The story is more than just a whodunit, however. Interwoven with the mystery is a powerful story involving the lives of the main character, John Carne and his wife. In some ways, it could be said to be a romance, but it is so much more than that. In the end, you really find yourself rooting for the two of them. Again, this was a thoroughly enjoyable read and has made me realise that books set in the 17th century can be as exciting and enjoyable as any from the modern era.
Life hasn’t been easy for Nell. Orphaned as a child, her elder sister Maria is a substitute for the mother she barely remembers. All she wants now is a husband and family of her own.
Second mate Jack Riley loves his life at sea and dreams of one day captaining his own ship. Settling down to life in the back streets of Liverpool holds no appeal.
Until he bumps into his old flame, Nell.
She wants security and a husband who’ll come home each night. But the call of the sea is strong. Can Jack abandon his plans and give her the life she craves?
Based on a true story, The Sailor’s Promise is an introductory novella to The Windsor Street Family Saga. A story of love, loss and hope set in Victorian-era Liverpool and beyond.
