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One Step
William Dunbar, the younger son of a Scottish nobleman, craves wealth, and marriage seems to be his simplest way to achieve it.
His pursuit eventually leads him to Mercy Grundy, an old maid in the eyes of mid-1740s society who fears lifelong spinsterhood. Her father has offered a substantial dowry to the man who will take her hand in marriage.
For William, marriage to Mercy would be a match made in heaven. But for Mercy, who has succumbed to William’s charms, would marrying him necessitate her taking one false step?
His pursuit eventually leads him to Mercy Grundy, an old maid in the eyes of mid-1740s society who fears lifelong spinsterhood. Her father has offered a substantial dowry to the man who will take her hand in marriage.
For William, marriage to Mercy would be a match made in heaven. But for Mercy, who has succumbed to William’s charms, would marrying him necessitate her taking one false step?
304 pages, Paperback
Published June 28, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 4, 2024
We haven't had a resounding cad in popular fiction since George MacDonald Fraser took Harry Flashman, a relatively minor character in a little-read Victorian school novel, and had him bestride the 19th century like a colossus, meeting (and cheating) pretty much everyone from Abraham Lincoln to Otto von Bismarck. Now, Clive Woolliscroft introduces Lieutenant William Dunbar, an impoverished younger son of a Scottish nobleman - and utter bounder*.
* Bounder (noun, archaic): a man who behaves badly or in a way that is not moral, especially in his relationships with women.
Unlike Flashman, Dunbar doesn't lack physical courage, and he fights with his regiment against Bonnie Prince Charlie's highlanders at Culloden, so this places the events of the novel somewhere in the years after 1746. Dunbar, however, has neither the skills nor the family fortune to lead the rich man's life he so desperately craves, and so he is on the look-out for wealth by marriage. Can he find a suitable young woman, with a sizeable *tocher and generous annual allowance from her wealthy parents?
* Tocher (Scots, archaic): A dowry: a marriage settlement given to the groom by the bride or her family.
For the first 120 pages or so, we view events through the eyes of William Dunbar. Thereafter, the narrative switches between that of Mercy Grundy and Dunbar. Quite early in the book, Dunbar had secretly married a Scottish heiress, Ann Macclesfield, (for her money of course) and she had borne him a daughter. The financial part of his plan had collapsed, due to religious complications after the battle of Culloden, but Anne now refuses to dissolve the marriage, thus putting a major impediment in the way of Dunbar’s plans to marry Mercy, and get his hands on her family’s wealth.
Dunbar leaves the army, and begins to make something of a living in the world of finance, managing to build up cash reserves, thus lessening the necessity of marriage. He then sees a chance to become very rich indeed by buying a share in a ship engaged in what was known, euphemistically, as the African Trade. This worked in a brutally simple fashion. The ship leaves Britain loaded with manufactured goods which could range from bolts of cloth to firearms and anything in between. These were then bartered for human cargo - slaves - on the coast of West Africa, which were then taken and sold in the slave markets of the Americas. In theory, the ship would then return to Britain, laden with cash.
Unfortunately for him, Dunbar’s ship, The Archer, is destroyed by fire after a mutiny of the slaves and he is, once again, left with nothing. He decides to try his luck once more with Mercy Grundy, but finding her father totally in opposition to his plans, he dupes Mercy into a course of action which will end disastrously for her. This mirrors the real life tragedy the book is based on - the case of Mary Blandy who, in 1752, was put on trial for poisoning her father.
The author served as an Army Officer in Germany, worked as an international money market trader in London, was a Management Consultant in Prague and Riga and practised as a solicitor in London, Hertfordshire, and Staffordshire. This is his second novel. 'Less Dreadful With Every Step' was published in May 2023.
Clive Woolliscroft’s attention to period detail is immaculate, and the mid-eighteenth century England of the wealthy middle class is beautifully recreated. William Dunbar is an out and out villain, with none of the dubious charm possessed by Harry Flashman. The book's title is extremely apposite for poor Mercy Grundy. One False Step is published by The Book Guild, and is available now.
* Bounder (noun, archaic): a man who behaves badly or in a way that is not moral, especially in his relationships with women.
Unlike Flashman, Dunbar doesn't lack physical courage, and he fights with his regiment against Bonnie Prince Charlie's highlanders at Culloden, so this places the events of the novel somewhere in the years after 1746. Dunbar, however, has neither the skills nor the family fortune to lead the rich man's life he so desperately craves, and so he is on the look-out for wealth by marriage. Can he find a suitable young woman, with a sizeable *tocher and generous annual allowance from her wealthy parents?
* Tocher (Scots, archaic): A dowry: a marriage settlement given to the groom by the bride or her family.
For the first 120 pages or so, we view events through the eyes of William Dunbar. Thereafter, the narrative switches between that of Mercy Grundy and Dunbar. Quite early in the book, Dunbar had secretly married a Scottish heiress, Ann Macclesfield, (for her money of course) and she had borne him a daughter. The financial part of his plan had collapsed, due to religious complications after the battle of Culloden, but Anne now refuses to dissolve the marriage, thus putting a major impediment in the way of Dunbar’s plans to marry Mercy, and get his hands on her family’s wealth.
Dunbar leaves the army, and begins to make something of a living in the world of finance, managing to build up cash reserves, thus lessening the necessity of marriage. He then sees a chance to become very rich indeed by buying a share in a ship engaged in what was known, euphemistically, as the African Trade. This worked in a brutally simple fashion. The ship leaves Britain loaded with manufactured goods which could range from bolts of cloth to firearms and anything in between. These were then bartered for human cargo - slaves - on the coast of West Africa, which were then taken and sold in the slave markets of the Americas. In theory, the ship would then return to Britain, laden with cash.
Unfortunately for him, Dunbar’s ship, The Archer, is destroyed by fire after a mutiny of the slaves and he is, once again, left with nothing. He decides to try his luck once more with Mercy Grundy, but finding her father totally in opposition to his plans, he dupes Mercy into a course of action which will end disastrously for her. This mirrors the real life tragedy the book is based on - the case of Mary Blandy who, in 1752, was put on trial for poisoning her father.
The author served as an Army Officer in Germany, worked as an international money market trader in London, was a Management Consultant in Prague and Riga and practised as a solicitor in London, Hertfordshire, and Staffordshire. This is his second novel. 'Less Dreadful With Every Step' was published in May 2023.
Clive Woolliscroft’s attention to period detail is immaculate, and the mid-eighteenth century England of the wealthy middle class is beautifully recreated. William Dunbar is an out and out villain, with none of the dubious charm possessed by Harry Flashman. The book's title is extremely apposite for poor Mercy Grundy. One False Step is published by The Book Guild, and is available now.
July 13, 2024
Set in the mid-1740s, this fast-paced story had me hooked from the very start. There were many twists, which I didn’t expect when I opened the book. From the blurb, I expected a romance, what I read was much darker!
William Dunbar likes the high life and vows to become a rich man. He plans to do this by trying to wed a woman with a large dowry. He leeches onto women and their families until they are no longer of any use to him, or until his past catches up with him...
Everyone William came into contact with seemed to inherit his bad luck, it’s like he was cursed! However, William always landed on his feet, it was those around him who suffered. He seemed to feel guiltless about the pain and suffering he caused others. In the end, I hoped he might redeem himself, but he didn’t, I like to think that eventually he got his comeuppance, but I doubt it! I can imagine he continued to leech off people for the rest of his life.
Mercy Grundy was a sweet character who just wanted a husband, fearing she would be a spinster forever. It was sad to see how she was manipulated by William and naively went along with his plans, in the hope that they would end up together. In the Author’s note, Woolliscroft informs us that parts of Mercy’s story and trial are loosely based on a real woman. The book does highlight what little rights women had when it came to marriage and money in the Georgian era, compared to men.
A brilliant historical novel that I struggled to put down. Woolliscroft's well-written characters and descriptive writing will have you hooked! Highly recommended.
William Dunbar likes the high life and vows to become a rich man. He plans to do this by trying to wed a woman with a large dowry. He leeches onto women and their families until they are no longer of any use to him, or until his past catches up with him...
Everyone William came into contact with seemed to inherit his bad luck, it’s like he was cursed! However, William always landed on his feet, it was those around him who suffered. He seemed to feel guiltless about the pain and suffering he caused others. In the end, I hoped he might redeem himself, but he didn’t, I like to think that eventually he got his comeuppance, but I doubt it! I can imagine he continued to leech off people for the rest of his life.
Mercy Grundy was a sweet character who just wanted a husband, fearing she would be a spinster forever. It was sad to see how she was manipulated by William and naively went along with his plans, in the hope that they would end up together. In the Author’s note, Woolliscroft informs us that parts of Mercy’s story and trial are loosely based on a real woman. The book does highlight what little rights women had when it came to marriage and money in the Georgian era, compared to men.
A brilliant historical novel that I struggled to put down. Woolliscroft's well-written characters and descriptive writing will have you hooked! Highly recommended.
June 28, 2024
Set in the 1740/50’s this historical drama was inspired by the true story of Mary Blandy who was convinced of patricide and hanged in 1952. The novel revolves around the life of William Dunbar an army officer and younger son of a Scottish nobleman who has decided that his best chance of gaining wealth is to marry well. To this end he marries Ann Macclesfield in secret, due to their religious affiliations and returning to the army after 8 weeks together leaving Mary with child. It’s clear from the start that Dunbar is a cad, of the highest order!
Briefly, some years later, having all but deserted Ann, Dunbar meets Mercy Grundy who he finds is to be the recipient of £20,000 dowry (the equivalent of over £5m today) and he sets out to woo her. It’s not long before Mercy falls deeply in love with Dunbar and accepts his proposal and nothing will change her mind. However, Mercy’s father turns against him and Dunbar concocts a plan to remove the obstacle to their marriage.
Well written and well plotted with some very interesting characters. I really detested William Dunbar, he’s everything I dislike in a human being. He cares for nothing and no one apart from himself. I really wanted to see him get his comeuppance. As for Mercy, I felt sorry for her but she was terribly naive and sometimes you do need to listen to your parents. A good historical fiction novel that I thought was actually an incredibly sad story and one I enjoyed.
Briefly, some years later, having all but deserted Ann, Dunbar meets Mercy Grundy who he finds is to be the recipient of £20,000 dowry (the equivalent of over £5m today) and he sets out to woo her. It’s not long before Mercy falls deeply in love with Dunbar and accepts his proposal and nothing will change her mind. However, Mercy’s father turns against him and Dunbar concocts a plan to remove the obstacle to their marriage.
Well written and well plotted with some very interesting characters. I really detested William Dunbar, he’s everything I dislike in a human being. He cares for nothing and no one apart from himself. I really wanted to see him get his comeuppance. As for Mercy, I felt sorry for her but she was terribly naive and sometimes you do need to listen to your parents. A good historical fiction novel that I thought was actually an incredibly sad story and one I enjoyed.
July 9, 2024
My thoughts
I always feel I immerse myself deeper in a historical fiction book when there’s a true story it’s been based on, or written around. This was no different.
I felt immense sympathy for Mercy as she came across as totally naive and William Dunbar was a thoroughly unlikeable character. Or as my nana would have said ‘a nasty piece of work’.
William seems to be a cruel, greedy chancer. He’s desperate for money and all he can get. Mercy seems easily led and as green as grass. The book is told firstly by William and then alternately from their viewpoints which makes you feel that you do get to know the characters and not the other person’s view of their feelings or thoughts.
I haven’t yet read Clive Woolliscroft’s first novel, but this will be rectified very soon, going by this story. The immense sympathy I had for Mercy throughout, but particularly towards the end was due to the quality of the author’s writing.
The story is based on the true story of Mary Blandy who was hanged in 1752 for a crime which I will not divulge but please, read this book. You will not regret it.
With thanks to Anne Cater, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
I always feel I immerse myself deeper in a historical fiction book when there’s a true story it’s been based on, or written around. This was no different.
I felt immense sympathy for Mercy as she came across as totally naive and William Dunbar was a thoroughly unlikeable character. Or as my nana would have said ‘a nasty piece of work’.
William seems to be a cruel, greedy chancer. He’s desperate for money and all he can get. Mercy seems easily led and as green as grass. The book is told firstly by William and then alternately from their viewpoints which makes you feel that you do get to know the characters and not the other person’s view of their feelings or thoughts.
I haven’t yet read Clive Woolliscroft’s first novel, but this will be rectified very soon, going by this story. The immense sympathy I had for Mercy throughout, but particularly towards the end was due to the quality of the author’s writing.
The story is based on the true story of Mary Blandy who was hanged in 1752 for a crime which I will not divulge but please, read this book. You will not regret it.
With thanks to Anne Cater, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book.
July 2, 2024
One False Step is a work of historical fiction, set in the 1740's but based on and inspired by the true person from history, Mary Blandy, whio killed her father and was hanged in 1952.
We follow William Dunbar, a very unlikeable character, Scottish nobleman and army officer who cares about no one but himself and craves wealth. To this end, he eventually meets Mercy Grundy, quite naive ( loosely based on Mary Blandy ), who's hand in marriage comes with a considerable dowry ( about £5,000,000 in today's money ). Marrying Mercy would be ideal for William, in his desperation for wealth, but is marrying William the right decision for Mercy?
Want to find out more? Be sure to pick your copy up.
So all in all. I found this to be an interesting read, obviously well researched, with characters that are well fleshed out and believable. It's quite a sad story, and emotional in parts, and is written in such a descriptive way as to make you believe you have stepped back in time to the 1700's.
The plot flowed well, had decent pace, and I read this in two sittings.
4 stars from me.
We follow William Dunbar, a very unlikeable character, Scottish nobleman and army officer who cares about no one but himself and craves wealth. To this end, he eventually meets Mercy Grundy, quite naive ( loosely based on Mary Blandy ), who's hand in marriage comes with a considerable dowry ( about £5,000,000 in today's money ). Marrying Mercy would be ideal for William, in his desperation for wealth, but is marrying William the right decision for Mercy?
Want to find out more? Be sure to pick your copy up.
So all in all. I found this to be an interesting read, obviously well researched, with characters that are well fleshed out and believable. It's quite a sad story, and emotional in parts, and is written in such a descriptive way as to make you believe you have stepped back in time to the 1700's.
The plot flowed well, had decent pace, and I read this in two sittings.
4 stars from me.
June 28, 2024
Not what I was expecting!
Reading the blurb of this book I thought I was going into a historical fiction with romance and low angst, but wow was I shocked and blown away by the time I finished this read. First I loved Mercy and seeing what came of her in her last moments all because she trusted a man she shouldn't have really got me in my feels. Clive writes characters that feel realistic and like they are standing right in front of you.
This is a book that will take you on a ride, with twists I didn't see coming to an explosive ending that will have you rethinking everything, this novel is loosely based off of real life and you can tell the research that was done as you read, from the perfectly described setting, to how the characters speak and interact. I was easily taken back in time and felt like I was right there alongside these characters during all the drama!
Reading the blurb of this book I thought I was going into a historical fiction with romance and low angst, but wow was I shocked and blown away by the time I finished this read. First I loved Mercy and seeing what came of her in her last moments all because she trusted a man she shouldn't have really got me in my feels. Clive writes characters that feel realistic and like they are standing right in front of you.
This is a book that will take you on a ride, with twists I didn't see coming to an explosive ending that will have you rethinking everything, this novel is loosely based off of real life and you can tell the research that was done as you read, from the perfectly described setting, to how the characters speak and interact. I was easily taken back in time and felt like I was right there alongside these characters during all the drama!
July 10, 2024
This is an interesting, funny historical novel set in the mid 1740’s. William Dunbar, a fifth born Scottish son seeks some wealth and sets his mind to marrying into it. After a series of possibilities he meets Mercy Grundy whose father is indeed wealthy. Mercy craves to be married as much as William rather than the prospect of spinsterhood. With themes of slavery, family, women, wealth, debt and death the book fictionalises a true story which becomes apparent at the conclusion of the book. The writing kept me entertained throughout but towards the final third I was gripped, wanting to know the outcome for the main characters. For readers who enjoy real life history reimagined this is a great choice that a highly recommend.
July 11, 2024
One False Step is set in the 1740s/50s and was inspired by the true story of Mary Blandy, who killed her father and was hanged. It also revolves around the life of William Dunbar, an army officer who planned on marrying a wealthy woman.
The writing style is very enjoyable and kept me hooked. The characters are well thought and developed very creatively. Did not see that twist coming and the ending blew me away. Definitely a great read for all and specially for historical lovers.
The writing style is very enjoyable and kept me hooked. The characters are well thought and developed very creatively. Did not see that twist coming and the ending blew me away. Definitely a great read for all and specially for historical lovers.
April 25, 2026
Based on a true crime. True to facts - a book you don’t want to put down until finished.
July 1, 2024
This is really interesting historical fiction as it is the author’s interpretation of a real character in history, Mary Blandy, who was convicted of killing her father. Mercy is loosely based on Mary as we follow her love affair with William Dunbar. William is a man after money and trying to maintain his lifestyle of all things good. It would be easy to see how this could have happened as William is definitely a rogue. It would also be easy to see Mercy as very naive but I’m not so sure…
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews