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SYNOPSIS:
Maiden-Mother-Murderer
How dangerous is a woman with nothing left to lose?
The year is 1905. London is a playground for the rich and a death trap for the poor. When Sofia Logan’s husband dies unexpectedly, leaving her penniless with two young children, she knows she will do anything to keep them from the workhouse. But can she bring herself to murder? Even if she has done it before…
Emmet Vinsant, wealthy industrialist, offers Sofia a job in one of his gaming houses. He knows more about Sofia’s past than he has revealed. Brought up as part of a travelling fair, she’s an expert at counting cards and spotting cheats, and Vinsant puts her talents to good use. His demands on her grow until she finds herself with blood on her hands.
Set against the backdrop of the Suffragette protests, with industry changing the face of the city but disease still rampant, and poverty the greatest threat of all, every decision you make is life or death. Either yours or someone else’s. Read best-selling crime writer Helen Fields’ first explosive historical thriller.
Gemma's Thoughts:
This was such a great book. I loved reading Sofia's journey which tugged at your heartstrings but also shocked you with the actions that occurred. The dual timeline which switched from Sofia's early life to her adulthood was captivating, I couldn't read fast enough to satisfy my hunger for this novel.
Sofia is definitely a character I will not forget in a hurry. The story begins with Sofia aged twelve getting herself into quite a predicament. You are preparing yourself for the worst, fearing what is to come and wanting to look away but the writing just draws you in. From that moment you know Sofia's life will never be the same, it will tarnish and haunt her. Helen Field does an amazing job of feeding you snippets and then moving on in the timeline so you are left in shock and wanting to know what happens next. However, as soon as you start reading the next chapter you are enthralled in the events that are occurring and the transition between the two timelines is seamless.
Normally the murderer of a book is not the protagonist so this was such a twist in itself and a truly thrilling and shocking read. How could I possibly sympathise or even condone Sofia's behaviour but I did (in places)!! I was honestly on the edge of my seat the whole time reading this novel and didn't have a clue what was going to happen next. I was always fearing the worst, hopeful that circumstances would change for the protagonist and a happy ending would occur.
I loved the historical setting which not only added to the atmosphere of the novel but provided a real depth to the story. I adored the strong female characters and the promotion of powerful women, especially in a time where women were seen as inferior.
The ending for me was just perfect. This is a book I will think about for a long time. It is definitely a 5 star read for me.
Many thanks to Love Book Tours for inviting me to join These Lost and Broken Things blog tour.
Author:
An international and Amazon #1 best-selling author, Helen is a former criminal and family law barrister. Every book in the Callanach series claimed an Amazon #1 bestseller flag. Her next book, the sixth in the series, 'Perfect Kill' is due out on 6 February 2020.
Helen also writes as HS Chandler, and last year released legal thriller 'Degrees of Guilt'. Her previous audio book 'Perfect Crime' knocked Michelle Obama off the #1 spot. Translated into 15 languages, and also selling in the USA, Canada & Australasia, Helen's books have won global recognition.
Her first historical thriller 'These Lost & Broken Things' comes out in May 2020. A further standalone thriller published by HarperColllins will come soon.
She currently commutes between Hampshire, Scotland and California, where she lives with her husband and three children.
Helen can be found on:
Twitter @Helen_Fields
for up to date news and information or at www.helenfields.co.uk.
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