Scan barcode
A review by bibliobethreads
Death and the Harlot by Georgina Clarke
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