ClareR (5874 KP) rated The Whispering Muse in Books
Apr 15, 2024
Jenny is persuaded to work in the Mercury Theatre as a dresser to the leading lady - and to spy on her for the owners wife. Jenny has little choice but to do as she’s asked, and initially she just gets on with it. But soon she begins to actually like the woman she’s supposed to be spying on, which leaves her in a bit of a tricky predicament.
This was a really atmospheric, gloomy and unnerving read. If I’d been able to see the setting, I would have seen shadows in every corner. My skin was crawling just reading about it!
Laura Purcell has become an insta-buy author for me - historical fiction with a touch of threatening, unexplainable atmosphere would appear to be right up my street!
On the Horns of Death (Ancient Crete Mystery #2)
Book
Ancient Crete, 1450 BC. When young bull leaper Martis finds Duzi, the newest member of the bull...
Historical Fiction Mystery Ancient Crete
Ritual of Fire
10.0
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Florence. Summer, 1538. A night patrol finds a wealthy merchant hanged and set ablaze in the...
Historical fiction Renaissance Florence Italy
The King’s Mother
9.0
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1461. Through blood and battle Edward has gained England’s throne – king by right and conquest...
Historical fiction Plantagenets British history 15th century
On the Threshold
Book
Obsessed with learning the origins of the cosmos, the actual meaning of life, and the true purpose...
Historical Science Fiction
Tangled in Water
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1932. Natalia is 16 and a bootlegger's daughter, playing the mermaid mascot on a rundown paddlewheel...
Historical Fiction Prohibition
The Weather Woman
7.0
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The rich and atmospheric new novel from prize-winning author Sally Gardner, set in the 18th century...
Magical realism Historical fiction
Hazel (2934 KP) rated The Rainbow in Books
Aug 1, 2021
I am not normally a fan of historical fiction but the cover and then the blurb had me interested and I am so pleased I didn't let this pass me by. Although this is a work of fiction, it is inspired by a true story but it feels like a "real" story and I was totally and utterly absorbed and invested in the lives of all the characters.
The story starts off in the present when Isla finds a photograph of her grandad in a German uniform, this raised questions and caused confusion as the story always told was how her grandad fought against the German's in World War II. Unable to find answers from her grandad, who has dementia, she begins a quest to uncover the truth and so begins this brilliantly written story of war, adversity, strength, courage, love, loss and friendship.
I am unable to give this book the review it deserves, I can't find the right words to put across how much I enjoyed it for which I apologise but a massive thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for my copy in return for an honest, unbiased and unedited review.
A Thousand Moons
9.5
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From the Costa Book of the Year-winning author of Days Without End Even when you come out of...
Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Post American Civil War Trigger warning: rape Native American Indians
The Haunting of Alma Fielding: A True Ghost Story
8.0
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LONGLISTED FOR THE 2020 BAILLIE GIFFORD PRIZE 'A page-turner with the authority of history'...
Non-fiction True Crime paranormal history Ghosts Britain