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beckymacarthur43's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
jo_bookworm's review
4.0
Lizzie Hardwicke is a woman who didn't need to follow the path she finds herself on.
Actions from the past mean she is estranged from her father and this has led her to the streets of Soho. It is 1759, it is not safe for anyone really to walking the streets of London, let alone work on or near them. Crime is rife, highwaymen are gathering reputation and force and the police are but a mere dream for the future.
Lizzie though seems to find herself in the fortunate position of becoming one of Mrs 'Ma' Farley's girls.
Living and working in what some might see as a respectable milliners but others know as a house where gentlemen can find entertainment and solace with certain types of women.
Lizzie is one such woman. She is luckier than most. That is until her last client ends up dead.
And Lizzie it appears was the last person to see him alive so she must be the murderer.
Enter William Davenport working for the magistrate and he thinks the same, but there is something about Lizzie Hardwicke which sets her above the rest of the potential suspects - the lack of evidence being the main factor.
Lizzie works out the only way to clear her name and save her from the noose is to do some investigating herself. Plunged further into the world of crime, blackmail, fraud and more murder Lizzie finds herself in some very dark places.
With plenty of twists and inevitable red herrings which make up a good crime novel this is an intriguing and interesting read. I had no inclination of the culprit and when it came it was much as a surprise to me as it was to Lizzie.
Interesting relationships are formed between the characters and we get to see perhaps a small glimpse of what life was like for prostitutes in the 18th century both those who could afford that little bit of extra protection and those that couldn't. Add to that the gentlemen who visited them and the magistrates and runners who tried to keep the peace and you have an interesting way of weaving stories, characters and history together.
To engage a more modern audience the book is very much written on the language of now and the authors note at the end explains the reasons behind this but there is enough archaic language in there to get a sense of the time and place.
I felt I was transported back in time to a good old-fashioned murder mystery with all the historical elements to keep me reading and there is definitely an interesting relationship developing between Lizzie and William which I hope we get to see more of in the future.
For fans of murder mysteries or historical fiction or a combination of the both - this debut novel has to be just the beginning for this author.
Actions from the past mean she is estranged from her father and this has led her to the streets of Soho. It is 1759, it is not safe for anyone really to walking the streets of London, let alone work on or near them. Crime is rife, highwaymen are gathering reputation and force and the police are but a mere dream for the future.
Lizzie though seems to find herself in the fortunate position of becoming one of Mrs 'Ma' Farley's girls.
Living and working in what some might see as a respectable milliners but others know as a house where gentlemen can find entertainment and solace with certain types of women.
Lizzie is one such woman. She is luckier than most. That is until her last client ends up dead.
And Lizzie it appears was the last person to see him alive so she must be the murderer.
Enter William Davenport working for the magistrate and he thinks the same, but there is something about Lizzie Hardwicke which sets her above the rest of the potential suspects - the lack of evidence being the main factor.
Lizzie works out the only way to clear her name and save her from the noose is to do some investigating herself. Plunged further into the world of crime, blackmail, fraud and more murder Lizzie finds herself in some very dark places.
With plenty of twists and inevitable red herrings which make up a good crime novel this is an intriguing and interesting read. I had no inclination of the culprit and when it came it was much as a surprise to me as it was to Lizzie.
Interesting relationships are formed between the characters and we get to see perhaps a small glimpse of what life was like for prostitutes in the 18th century both those who could afford that little bit of extra protection and those that couldn't. Add to that the gentlemen who visited them and the magistrates and runners who tried to keep the peace and you have an interesting way of weaving stories, characters and history together.
To engage a more modern audience the book is very much written on the language of now and the authors note at the end explains the reasons behind this but there is enough archaic language in there to get a sense of the time and place.
I felt I was transported back in time to a good old-fashioned murder mystery with all the historical elements to keep me reading and there is definitely an interesting relationship developing between Lizzie and William which I hope we get to see more of in the future.
For fans of murder mysteries or historical fiction or a combination of the both - this debut novel has to be just the beginning for this author.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
4.0
RATING: 4 STARS
2019; Canelo
Lizzie Hardwick is not a Lady solving crimes in her spare time between tea and balls. Lizzie is a sex worker in 1759, working for one of the Madams, so she has a roof over her head and food in her belly. After one encounter with a John, who was also a traveling merchant, she becomes embroiled in his murder. Lizzie was the last to see the murdered man, and Bow Street Runner, Constable William Davenport while suspicious has no evidence to take her in. Lizzie is not one to let a man help her out of a jam, so she turns to detecting the killer and clear her name.
Going into this novel, I was sure within the first few pages with Lizzie's encounter with a customer. Several pages past that I was hooked. I liked that this mystery was right in the "seedy" parts of town, rather than seeing the wealthy try to navigate the back alleys. Lizzie also is very secretive about her life before the brothel, so there is another personal mystery at play. Davenport is also a mystery. This with the chemistry of Lizzie and Davenport made me really enjoy this novel. I am glad this will be a series to see where each character goes and if they have any romantic sparks. This is a well researched and written novel. You can tell that there is a passion for the era that comes through with the writing. If you like C.S. Harris and Rhys Bowen, this might be your next read!
***I received an eARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
2019; Canelo
Lizzie Hardwick is not a Lady solving crimes in her spare time between tea and balls. Lizzie is a sex worker in 1759, working for one of the Madams, so she has a roof over her head and food in her belly. After one encounter with a John, who was also a traveling merchant, she becomes embroiled in his murder. Lizzie was the last to see the murdered man, and Bow Street Runner, Constable William Davenport while suspicious has no evidence to take her in. Lizzie is not one to let a man help her out of a jam, so she turns to detecting the killer and clear her name.
Going into this novel, I was sure within the first few pages with Lizzie's encounter with a customer. Several pages past that I was hooked. I liked that this mystery was right in the "seedy" parts of town, rather than seeing the wealthy try to navigate the back alleys. Lizzie also is very secretive about her life before the brothel, so there is another personal mystery at play. Davenport is also a mystery. This with the chemistry of Lizzie and Davenport made me really enjoy this novel. I am glad this will be a series to see where each character goes and if they have any romantic sparks. This is a well researched and written novel. You can tell that there is a passion for the era that comes through with the writing. If you like C.S. Harris and Rhys Bowen, this might be your next read!
***I received an eARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
mpr2000's review against another edition
4.0
Lizzie Hardwicke job is not one of the most respected; she is a “whore”, yes after a turbulence past, she decided that it was much more worthier to be paid for her choice than simply being used. Saying this, you will see that Lizzie is a strong woman that doesn’t want to be used but that takes care of her loved ones and fights for them till the end.
When one of Lizzie’s client appears dead near her “work house” she will try to discover the truth before the murder affects her reputation. Lucky for her, the main detective of the case doesn’t think that she is guilty and they will work together to discover the truth.
This had been a very interesting case, because even if the victim didn’t have my likeness from the beginning, after discovering the truth, one can’t doubt that he has been murdered. Let’s say that there’s a long cue of possible killers…
If you are searching for a detectiveness story with an intelligent character and some curious friends this one is for you! The story finish with an interesting twist, so I can’t wait to read the next adventure!
When one of Lizzie’s client appears dead near her “work house” she will try to discover the truth before the murder affects her reputation. Lucky for her, the main detective of the case doesn’t think that she is guilty and they will work together to discover the truth.
This had been a very interesting case, because even if the victim didn’t have my likeness from the beginning, after discovering the truth, one can’t doubt that he has been murdered. Let’s say that there’s a long cue of possible killers…
If you are searching for a detectiveness story with an intelligent character and some curious friends this one is for you! The story finish with an interesting twist, so I can’t wait to read the next adventure!
mrs_george's review
3.0
3.5 Stars
This was a new time period of historical fiction for me and I really enjoyed it. The title with "harlot" immediately drew me to it and then to see it had a mystery element, I was in! I feel like the author did a bang up job with research. I totally felt transported back to 17th century London. I enjoyed all the characters and didn't guess the twists too early on, which is always appreciated. It sounds as if this will become a series and I would definitely pick up the next one.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy.
This was a new time period of historical fiction for me and I really enjoyed it. The title with "harlot" immediately drew me to it and then to see it had a mystery element, I was in! I feel like the author did a bang up job with research. I totally felt transported back to 17th century London. I enjoyed all the characters and didn't guess the twists too early on, which is always appreciated. It sounds as if this will become a series and I would definitely pick up the next one.
Thank you Netgalley for providing me with a copy.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
This book is amazing; it's a fast paced page turner, engaging and entertaining.
I loved the cast of characters, the plot and the setting.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
I loved the cast of characters, the plot and the setting.
I look forward to reading other books by this author.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to Canelo and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
lucy_t_firefly's review against another edition
3.0
Fairly entertaining, but a bit boring and forgettable...
bibliobethreads's review against another edition
4.0
First of all, thank you so much to Ellie Pilcher at Canelo Publishers for getting in touch via email and offering a spot on the blog tour and a digital copy of Death And The Harlot in exchange for an honest review. I was instantly compelled by the intriguing synopsis and pleased to discover a heady mixture of crime, mystery and historical fiction, set in one of my favourite time periods, 18th century London. Furthermore, it was wonderful to read about such a fascinating female protagonist, Lizzie Hardwicke whose personal back story becomes all the more intriguing as the story continues and certainly piqued my interest for reading further novels about her, if this becomes a series.
Georgina Clarke has provided a story steeped in curiosity, from the previously mentioned female lead who works as a prostitute in one of the higher end brothels, to the engrossing mystery that surrounds one of her customers' rather sudden and suspicious death. Lizzie becomes embroiled in the case, having been one of the last people to speak to the unfortunate man and before long, heads into a whirlwind plot of blackmail, secrets and danger. In 18th century London, it is difficult enough to be a woman, especially if you have a character as determined and independent as Lizzie Hardwicke, but she sets her mind firmly on unravelling the mystery and unmasking the villain, no matter what the personal cost may be to herself.
The author does a wonderful job of bringing all the squalor and atmosphere from London in this period of history to life in glorious detail. I've mentioned in previous reviews that I appreciate when an author can capture a setting so vividly and imaginatively. As a result, I certainly felt as if I walked the same paths as Lizzie, seeing everything she saw and feeling everything she felt. As a character, I loved her stubborn doggedness in pursuit of justice, the way in which she never gave up despite how hopeless the situation may have seemed and the size of her heart when she was faced with other characters within the story that needed her help or advice. I did feel occasionally that it would have been nice to have the same level of development with other individuals in the novel - for example, Sallie and the lead male protagonist William Davenport, but perhaps this is all in the works for future books in the series?
I think if you're a fan of historical fiction, crime and beautifully detailed settings, you'll definitely enjoy this book and I have to admit, I am curious to find out where Lizzie's life may take her next. I'm even crossing my fingers for a change in her circumstances in the future - a clear sign that her character got under my skin.
For my full review and many more, please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com
Georgina Clarke has provided a story steeped in curiosity, from the previously mentioned female lead who works as a prostitute in one of the higher end brothels, to the engrossing mystery that surrounds one of her customers' rather sudden and suspicious death. Lizzie becomes embroiled in the case, having been one of the last people to speak to the unfortunate man and before long, heads into a whirlwind plot of blackmail, secrets and danger. In 18th century London, it is difficult enough to be a woman, especially if you have a character as determined and independent as Lizzie Hardwicke, but she sets her mind firmly on unravelling the mystery and unmasking the villain, no matter what the personal cost may be to herself.
The author does a wonderful job of bringing all the squalor and atmosphere from London in this period of history to life in glorious detail. I've mentioned in previous reviews that I appreciate when an author can capture a setting so vividly and imaginatively. As a result, I certainly felt as if I walked the same paths as Lizzie, seeing everything she saw and feeling everything she felt. As a character, I loved her stubborn doggedness in pursuit of justice, the way in which she never gave up despite how hopeless the situation may have seemed and the size of her heart when she was faced with other characters within the story that needed her help or advice. I did feel occasionally that it would have been nice to have the same level of development with other individuals in the novel - for example, Sallie and the lead male protagonist William Davenport, but perhaps this is all in the works for future books in the series?
I think if you're a fan of historical fiction, crime and beautifully detailed settings, you'll definitely enjoy this book and I have to admit, I am curious to find out where Lizzie's life may take her next. I'm even crossing my fingers for a change in her circumstances in the future - a clear sign that her character got under my skin.
For my full review and many more, please visit my blog at http://www.bibliobeth.com
jensbookobsession's review against another edition
5.0
Lizzie Hardwicke is supposed to be a woman of privilege in 17th century London, but has been cast out by her father. She is now living as a prostitute as one of Mrs. Farley's girls. When one of her clients ends up dead, Lizzie is the prime suspect. Lizzie must do everything she can to prove her innocence. As people around her are murdered, she learns the lengths people will go to to keep their secrets buried.
Georgina Clarke has a hit on her hands. Death and the Harlot was so easy to fall into. Clarke has done a spectacular job with slipping the reader into Lizzie Hardwicke's world. She has created compelling, relatable characters that I was truly invested in. The twists and turns kept me guessing who the murderer was until the very end. I hope based on the ending that this is not the last we will see of Lizzie Hardwicke. Highly recommend
Georgina Clarke has a hit on her hands. Death and the Harlot was so easy to fall into. Clarke has done a spectacular job with slipping the reader into Lizzie Hardwicke's world. She has created compelling, relatable characters that I was truly invested in. The twists and turns kept me guessing who the murderer was until the very end. I hope based on the ending that this is not the last we will see of Lizzie Hardwicke. Highly recommend