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Lizzie Hardwicke #2
The Corpse Played Dead
When an undercover assignment for the Bow Street magistrate sees sex worker Lizzie Hardwicke trade Mrs Farley's Bawdy House in Soho for life as a seamstress at the theatre on Drury Lane, it becomes clear quite quickly that what goes on in the wings is much more intriguing than the theatrics being played out onstage.
When a high-profile investor is brutally hanged at centre stage, Lizzie discovers the body and is once again thrown together with the handsome Inspector Will Davenport. With the suspect list rivalling any casting call, Lizzie will have to use every trick she's hidden up her sleeves to unravel the tangled threads and bring the culprit into the spotlight.
When a high-profile investor is brutally hanged at centre stage, Lizzie discovers the body and is once again thrown together with the handsome Inspector Will Davenport. With the suspect list rivalling any casting call, Lizzie will have to use every trick she's hidden up her sleeves to unravel the tangled threads and bring the culprit into the spotlight.
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 19, 2019
36 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Georgina Clarke
6 books110 followersGeorgina Clarke has always been passionate about stories and history. The Lizzie Hardwicke novels give her the opportunity to bring to life her love of the eighteenth century and press her determination that strong, intelligent and unconventional women should get to solve the crimes rather than be cast in the role of the side-kick. The Dazzle of the Light - a standalone novel - was inspired by the exploits of the real life female crime syndicate, known as the Forty Thieves.
Georgina was born in Wolverhampton but now lives in Worcester with her husband and son and Tipu the cat.
Her novels are published by VERVE and she is represented by Laura Macdougall, at United Agents.
Georgina was born in Wolverhampton but now lives in Worcester with her husband and son and Tipu the cat.
Her novels are published by VERVE and she is represented by Laura Macdougall, at United Agents.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
September 30, 2019
Undercover
Lizzie Hardwicke is back in Georgina Clarke's second historical fiction novel, The Corpse Played Dead. Lizzie is a prostitute, originally from a privileged past, now fortunate to earn a comfortable living from the wealthy customers that frequent the exclusive brothel she’s employed in. Since the first book, Lizzie has earned notoriety having been instrumental in solving a murder. Mr Fielding, the magistrate, and his men, particularly William Davenport, recognise her resourcefulness and ability to probe and observe society - from those unfortunates living on the street to wealthy households that operate with maids and servants. While her position is unique it is also perilous, as powerful and heartless men tend to cross paths with her and she suffers a few rough encounters.
Lizzie is the means into which we observe London in 1759, narrated in her voice, she describes the sights and smells and the dangerous streets in various parts of the city. This story is based in the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, not far from the Bow Street magistrate’s building. There have been a number of suspicious and dangerous incidents in the theatre run by Mr David Garrick, and as a friend of Mr Fielding, he has requested his services to investigate the sabotage events. Fielding and Davenport appeal to Lizzie to go undercover as a seamstress at the theatre and help solve the crimes. The cast of characters (no pun intended) offers us a wonderful variety of personalities that fit the time period perfectly and paint the social standing and privileges of those in power and those subservient. The stakes get much higher when Lord Hawbridge, an arrogant man, a brutal narcissistic man, is found hung upside-down over the theatre stage, early one morning, with his hands and ankles bound and his throat slit. The swirling possibilities including saboteurs, theatre personnel, other patrons, family or random mistake.
Georgina Clarke has shown considerable focus in maintaining a steady momentum of the plot and the natural developments in solving the crimes. The throbbing atmosphere and landscape of historical London are superbly depicted and vividly brought to life as Lizzie walks the streets, meets people of all different backgrounds, and interacts in a language that is authentic and revealing. The revelations are believable and natural, keeping me intrigued throughout.
What stands out in these novels is the character of Lizzie, she is such a rounded fascinating person and is so well drawn with great depth. Her decisions and exploits aren’t grandstanding, or always successful, but she has her own mind and deals with challenges in an ambitious manner. I’m sure Georgina Clarke struggles to keep control of her in her writing as she is such a clever, feisty and adventurous woman. Lizzie is a keeper!
I would highly recommend reading this book and I’d like to thank Canelo and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
Lizzie Hardwicke is back in Georgina Clarke's second historical fiction novel, The Corpse Played Dead. Lizzie is a prostitute, originally from a privileged past, now fortunate to earn a comfortable living from the wealthy customers that frequent the exclusive brothel she’s employed in. Since the first book, Lizzie has earned notoriety having been instrumental in solving a murder. Mr Fielding, the magistrate, and his men, particularly William Davenport, recognise her resourcefulness and ability to probe and observe society - from those unfortunates living on the street to wealthy households that operate with maids and servants. While her position is unique it is also perilous, as powerful and heartless men tend to cross paths with her and she suffers a few rough encounters.
Lizzie is the means into which we observe London in 1759, narrated in her voice, she describes the sights and smells and the dangerous streets in various parts of the city. This story is based in the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, not far from the Bow Street magistrate’s building. There have been a number of suspicious and dangerous incidents in the theatre run by Mr David Garrick, and as a friend of Mr Fielding, he has requested his services to investigate the sabotage events. Fielding and Davenport appeal to Lizzie to go undercover as a seamstress at the theatre and help solve the crimes. The cast of characters (no pun intended) offers us a wonderful variety of personalities that fit the time period perfectly and paint the social standing and privileges of those in power and those subservient. The stakes get much higher when Lord Hawbridge, an arrogant man, a brutal narcissistic man, is found hung upside-down over the theatre stage, early one morning, with his hands and ankles bound and his throat slit. The swirling possibilities including saboteurs, theatre personnel, other patrons, family or random mistake.
Georgina Clarke has shown considerable focus in maintaining a steady momentum of the plot and the natural developments in solving the crimes. The throbbing atmosphere and landscape of historical London are superbly depicted and vividly brought to life as Lizzie walks the streets, meets people of all different backgrounds, and interacts in a language that is authentic and revealing. The revelations are believable and natural, keeping me intrigued throughout.
What stands out in these novels is the character of Lizzie, she is such a rounded fascinating person and is so well drawn with great depth. Her decisions and exploits aren’t grandstanding, or always successful, but she has her own mind and deals with challenges in an ambitious manner. I’m sure Georgina Clarke struggles to keep control of her in her writing as she is such a clever, feisty and adventurous woman. Lizzie is a keeper!
I would highly recommend reading this book and I’d like to thank Canelo and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy in return for an honest review.
August 26, 2019
The second offering by Ms Clarke is as enjoyable as Book 1. Lizzie Hardwicke, a young woman of ill repute, is again engaged by Inspector Davenport on behalf of Mr Fielding, the chief of Bow Street runners in the 1750s London, to act as a unprofessional spy and explain a series of incidents in the Drury Lane Theatre run by famous Mr Garrick. Quite unexpectedly, somebody is murdered on the stage, and Lizzie finds herself in the middle of turmoil connected with this murder.
Ms Clarke takes us this time to the English theatre of the 17th centruy, and this is a wonderful travel in time. I loved the feel of the place and all the details of what performances actually looked like. Lizzie Hardwicke is intelligent, and her good memory, logical thinking and love for the detail again allows her to solve the mystery.
This novel is an enjoyable HF read with wonderfully researched period, interesting characters and good narration.
*Many thanks to Georgina Clarke, Caneo and Netgalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
Ms Clarke takes us this time to the English theatre of the 17th centruy, and this is a wonderful travel in time. I loved the feel of the place and all the details of what performances actually looked like. Lizzie Hardwicke is intelligent, and her good memory, logical thinking and love for the detail again allows her to solve the mystery.
This novel is an enjoyable HF read with wonderfully researched period, interesting characters and good narration.
*Many thanks to Georgina Clarke, Caneo and Netgalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
September 6, 2019
Lizzie Hardwicke is back in the second book in the series by Georgina Clarke, the first book ‘Death and the Harlot‘ I reviewed back in May.
In ‘The Corpse Played Dead’, prostitute Lizzie is once again helping Inspector Will Davenport this time working undercover in Theatre Royal where a series of serious accidents have happened and the owner Mr. Garrick believes someone is trying to ruin him.
Lizzie is now working as a seamstress in the theatre so that she can keep an eye on what is happening and report any problems, though she didn’t expect to find a prominent man, albeit an arrogant, nasty man, Lord Hawbridge with his throat sliced dangling above the stage.
With the accidents at the theatre now turning to murder the race is on to find who is trying to ruin Mr. Garrick.
What I love about this series is how likeable Lizzie Hardwicke is. She is ballsy, strong-minded and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. We know that she ended up at Ma Farley’s Bawdy House in Soho working as a prostitute after her mother died and her father kicked her out. Back in them days, there weren’t many working options for women and so Lizzie chose to become a prostitute, one of the best she would tell you.
After what happened in the first book – I won’t give anything away – Lizzie has become quite famous and everyone knows her name and the men all want a piece of her, so going undercover wouldn’t be easy but with her beautiful dresses swapped for rags, her makeup removed, and hair now limp no-one could recognised the famous ‘Lizzie’, not even herself.
The whole plot is exciting and you will feel like you have stepped back in time as Georgina Clarke has certainly done her research on the Georgian era. There were plenty of characters all who played their parts beautifully and made you feel like you were watching the story unfold rather than reading about it.
The first book was a page-turner, this one had me invested from the first page to the last and I eagerly returned to it every time I had to put it down. The only things that I missed were Ma and the girls as they didn’t really play a part in this book and I would love to of seen more of Davenport too. I now can’t wait for book three and to see what happens in Lizzie’s life next.
In ‘The Corpse Played Dead’, prostitute Lizzie is once again helping Inspector Will Davenport this time working undercover in Theatre Royal where a series of serious accidents have happened and the owner Mr. Garrick believes someone is trying to ruin him.
Lizzie is now working as a seamstress in the theatre so that she can keep an eye on what is happening and report any problems, though she didn’t expect to find a prominent man, albeit an arrogant, nasty man, Lord Hawbridge with his throat sliced dangling above the stage.
With the accidents at the theatre now turning to murder the race is on to find who is trying to ruin Mr. Garrick.
What I love about this series is how likeable Lizzie Hardwicke is. She is ballsy, strong-minded and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. We know that she ended up at Ma Farley’s Bawdy House in Soho working as a prostitute after her mother died and her father kicked her out. Back in them days, there weren’t many working options for women and so Lizzie chose to become a prostitute, one of the best she would tell you.
After what happened in the first book – I won’t give anything away – Lizzie has become quite famous and everyone knows her name and the men all want a piece of her, so going undercover wouldn’t be easy but with her beautiful dresses swapped for rags, her makeup removed, and hair now limp no-one could recognised the famous ‘Lizzie’, not even herself.
The whole plot is exciting and you will feel like you have stepped back in time as Georgina Clarke has certainly done her research on the Georgian era. There were plenty of characters all who played their parts beautifully and made you feel like you were watching the story unfold rather than reading about it.
The first book was a page-turner, this one had me invested from the first page to the last and I eagerly returned to it every time I had to put it down. The only things that I missed were Ma and the girls as they didn’t really play a part in this book and I would love to of seen more of Davenport too. I now can’t wait for book three and to see what happens in Lizzie’s life next.
February 17, 2020
4.5 Stars!
I loved this, so much more than the first. While the first wasn't bad by any means, it was more crude at times and felt rough in places. This was so much more polished and the mystery was harder to figure out and just everything about it was just that little bit more, that little bit extra that made it so much more fun and stand out.
I can not wait for the next book!
I loved this, so much more than the first. While the first wasn't bad by any means, it was more crude at times and felt rough in places. This was so much more polished and the mystery was harder to figure out and just everything about it was just that little bit more, that little bit extra that made it so much more fun and stand out.
I can not wait for the next book!
August 25, 2019
An unlikely heroine, Lizzie Hardwicke is a prostitute working at Mrs. Farley's brothel in Soho in the year 1759 or possibly 1760. Ma Farley runs a relatively respectable brothel that caters to wealthy gentlemen and she treats her girls well. Lizzie, the disgraced and disowned daughter of a gentleman country vicar, is well aware that "respectable" though the brothel is, she needs to save up most of her earnings for an early retirement to escape that life.
In the first book of what I hope becomes a successful mystery series, Lizzie was suspected of the murder of one of her "clients". To clear her name, she collaborates with the Bow Street police force to find the actual murderer. This first story is a good introduction to what will be recurring characters in the series. In particular, Constable Will Davenport, an educated gentleman, ex-physician, and a widower, is the policeman Lizzie will be collaborating with mostly.
And such is the case in this second installment. Lizzie is again recruited by Bow Street Magistrate Fielding, with Davenport as her contact, this time to work undercover as a seamstress at David Garrick's Drury Street Theatre. Some serious sabotage is happening there and Garrick, a good friend of Fielding, wants to know who's trying to cause him and his theatre problems. But before Lizzie can get settled into the undercover life, things take a turn for the worse, with a gruesome murder on site.
This mystery is even better than the one in the first book. It's richer, has more depth, and you can notice the author's good research into life (all socioeconomic levels) and the world of the theatre in the 1750s/1760s. Clarke mixes in actual historical characters, such as Fielding and Garrick, with her fictional cast of characters to good advantage.
All the characters, fictional and not, are well drawn and realistically portrayed. The gritty, grimy life led by the less privileged is well done, as is the hedonistic life of the richer and more famous. The plot is interesting and moves along at a good pace and the dialogue is smartly written.
There is the hint of an attraction between Davenport and Lizzie, but both seem to be realistic about it not going anywhere. Whether the author shares their hesitation is a question which will be answered in future books, I imagine. I personally can't see a happy ending for these two if this were a real life situation and not a novel. Lizzie may have grown up a gentleman's daughter, but the scandal of her present life would remain with her forever. Not to mention the fact that unprotected sex was the norm in that day and age and the likelihood of a prostitute ending up with serious STDs was huge. If in books to come the author gives us a fairy-tale version of Lizzie's future, I'll try to accept it but it won't be easy.
In the first book of what I hope becomes a successful mystery series, Lizzie was suspected of the murder of one of her "clients". To clear her name, she collaborates with the Bow Street police force to find the actual murderer. This first story is a good introduction to what will be recurring characters in the series. In particular, Constable Will Davenport, an educated gentleman, ex-physician, and a widower, is the policeman Lizzie will be collaborating with mostly.
And such is the case in this second installment. Lizzie is again recruited by Bow Street Magistrate Fielding, with Davenport as her contact, this time to work undercover as a seamstress at David Garrick's Drury Street Theatre. Some serious sabotage is happening there and Garrick, a good friend of Fielding, wants to know who's trying to cause him and his theatre problems. But before Lizzie can get settled into the undercover life, things take a turn for the worse, with a gruesome murder on site.
This mystery is even better than the one in the first book. It's richer, has more depth, and you can notice the author's good research into life (all socioeconomic levels) and the world of the theatre in the 1750s/1760s. Clarke mixes in actual historical characters, such as Fielding and Garrick, with her fictional cast of characters to good advantage.
All the characters, fictional and not, are well drawn and realistically portrayed. The gritty, grimy life led by the less privileged is well done, as is the hedonistic life of the richer and more famous. The plot is interesting and moves along at a good pace and the dialogue is smartly written.
There is the hint of an attraction between Davenport and Lizzie, but both seem to be realistic about it not going anywhere. Whether the author shares their hesitation is a question which will be answered in future books, I imagine. I personally can't see a happy ending for these two if this were a real life situation and not a novel. Lizzie may have grown up a gentleman's daughter, but the scandal of her present life would remain with her forever. Not to mention the fact that unprotected sex was the norm in that day and age and the likelihood of a prostitute ending up with serious STDs was huge. If in books to come the author gives us a fairy-tale version of Lizzie's future, I'll try to accept it but it won't be easy.
September 25, 2019
The Corpse Played Dead is the second book in this series and it's just as good as the first. In this story, Davenport, the Bow Street Runner, recruits the courtesan, Lizzie Hardwicke, to work undercover in a theater on Drury Lane to find out what's really going on there. The theater has been plagued with mysterious incidents which eventually escalates into murder and Lizzie is right there in the thick of it....
I love everything about this series- the setting, the characters, the humorous dialogue and the intriguing murder mysteries that always arise. I especially like the developing friendship between Lizzie and Davenport. I think he seeks out Lizzie's help, to keep her busy and away from Ms. Farley's more then anything, because he likes her and doesn't particularly want her working as a courtesan. I can't wait to see how their relationship develops. I keep hoping Lizzie we'll get a Pretty Woman ending although I know it's a little too soon in the series for that just yet. : )
*I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, Canelo, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
I love everything about this series- the setting, the characters, the humorous dialogue and the intriguing murder mysteries that always arise. I especially like the developing friendship between Lizzie and Davenport. I think he seeks out Lizzie's help, to keep her busy and away from Ms. Farley's more then anything, because he likes her and doesn't particularly want her working as a courtesan. I can't wait to see how their relationship develops. I keep hoping Lizzie we'll get a Pretty Woman ending although I know it's a little too soon in the series for that just yet. : )
*I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, Canelo, in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
July 14, 2019
Georgina Clarke has a winners with the two novels Death of a Harlot and The Corpse Played Dead. Lizzie Hardwicke a prostitute who lives in London among murderous events. These two books work hand in hand and would suggest reading them in order. The characters are interesting as is the story and the gallop to find out who done it. Of course on the case is Acting Inspector Will Davenport who is also a mysterious and reserved chap that adds color and some hints of romance. A copy of this book was provided by Canelo via NetGalley with no requirements for a review. Comments here are my honest opinion." Can't wait for the next in this series.
January 9, 2020
I thought it was better than the first one. But was it? Or was I more used to it?
I love that this author doesn’t shy away from the more difficult aspects of Lizzie’s life - while at the same time not reveling in them. The violence. The same dirty dress. What happens to Lizzie when she loses her protection. When I began the first book I thought Lizzie would be some kind of “prostitute light.” She’d reform or be rescued or wouldn’t really have to do what a prostitute does. I’ve enjoyed grappling with the accuracy and the discomfort that comes along with it.
The ending here has me all a tingle for the next book. I suspect I’m in for a long wait, and it’s moved to the head of my most anticipated reads.
I love that this author doesn’t shy away from the more difficult aspects of Lizzie’s life - while at the same time not reveling in them. The violence. The same dirty dress. What happens to Lizzie when she loses her protection. When I began the first book I thought Lizzie would be some kind of “prostitute light.” She’d reform or be rescued or wouldn’t really have to do what a prostitute does. I’ve enjoyed grappling with the accuracy and the discomfort that comes along with it.
The ending here has me all a tingle for the next book. I suspect I’m in for a long wait, and it’s moved to the head of my most anticipated reads.
August 16, 2019
RATING: 3.5 STARS
2019; Canelo
(Review Not on Blog)
Bow Street magistrate, Fielding looks to his Inspector Davenport and sex worker, Lizzie Harwicke to solve another case! After gaining fame for capturing a killer, this time Lizzie is to go undercover at a theater play house. As a seamstress she could observe all the ongoing activities of the cast, crew and benefactors. This is the second novel in the series, and I enjoyed it, but it wasn't as good as book one. Surprisingly, I did not care about what was going on in the theater as much, as a setting. I also missed Ma and the other characters from Ma's Bawdy House in Soho. I am looking forward to book 3.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
2019; Canelo
(Review Not on Blog)
Bow Street magistrate, Fielding looks to his Inspector Davenport and sex worker, Lizzie Harwicke to solve another case! After gaining fame for capturing a killer, this time Lizzie is to go undercover at a theater play house. As a seamstress she could observe all the ongoing activities of the cast, crew and benefactors. This is the second novel in the series, and I enjoyed it, but it wasn't as good as book one. Surprisingly, I did not care about what was going on in the theater as much, as a setting. I also missed Ma and the other characters from Ma's Bawdy House in Soho. I am looking forward to book 3.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
August 24, 2019
Before I even start reviewing this book, I just want to comment on how utterly stunning the cover for it is. It was one of the rare cases where I looked at the cover and just had to read the book. And I must say, the book really does live up to that fantastic cover, because it’s an excellent and genuinely different read, with a sex worker heroine helping Bow Street investigators solve crimes in the Georgian era. While the date isn’t stated, two real historical figures who appear place it sometime around 1750-1760 or so, and the author does a stellar job of placing the reader in that time period with realistic portrayal of the gritty lives of the lower classes at the time.
Lizzie Hardwicke is only 19, but she’s a world-weary, experienced, high-class prostitute in London. An evening at the theatre promises some entertainment as well as exposure to potential new wealthy clients, but when the night ends in tragedy Lizzie is approached by Mr. Davenport, a Bow Street investigator she’s worked with before, to ask if she’d consider going undercover in the theatre. Even though the job would present both a loss of income and a status drop for her, Lizzie can’t resist the challenge.
There’s a colourful cast of characters, but the core group are kept fairly tight so there’s no sense of being too many for the book. I really didn’t see the twist coming any more than Lizzie did, but looking back the clues had been carefully planted right from the beginning. It was really cleverly done.
Don’t go into this expecting a romance because there’s really only the faintest hint of one; Lizzie is jaded, despite her youth, and her potential love interest is ‘respectable’ and all too aware of her profession. I’d be interested to see how this will progress in future books in the series, though. Five stars for an unputdownable read!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Lizzie Hardwicke is only 19, but she’s a world-weary, experienced, high-class prostitute in London. An evening at the theatre promises some entertainment as well as exposure to potential new wealthy clients, but when the night ends in tragedy Lizzie is approached by Mr. Davenport, a Bow Street investigator she’s worked with before, to ask if she’d consider going undercover in the theatre. Even though the job would present both a loss of income and a status drop for her, Lizzie can’t resist the challenge.
There’s a colourful cast of characters, but the core group are kept fairly tight so there’s no sense of being too many for the book. I really didn’t see the twist coming any more than Lizzie did, but looking back the clues had been carefully planted right from the beginning. It was really cleverly done.
Don’t go into this expecting a romance because there’s really only the faintest hint of one; Lizzie is jaded, despite her youth, and her potential love interest is ‘respectable’ and all too aware of her profession. I’d be interested to see how this will progress in future books in the series, though. Five stars for an unputdownable read!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
June 8, 2019
I have been eagerly awaiting this book which is the second in the series and was thrilled to have received an ARC from netgalley. It did not disappoint. I am amazed at how good the writing is. The characters are fully fleshed out, even the secondary characters. The mystery is intriguing and kept me guessing. And I love that the heroine is a prostitute. She’s not perfect but does what she has to to survive. She is tough and resilient and a truly fabulous heroine. This book picks up two months after the events of the previous book and finds Lizzie going undercover to help the magistrates office find out who is causing accidents at the theater in Drury Lane. She hasn’t been there very long when the bodies start piling up.
This book was just as excellent as the first one. Will is back as her contact from the magistrates office and there is some serious chemistry between the two. I adore both Lizzie and Will. There is definitely romance developing between them but it’s very slow going. Hopefully there will be more focus on that going forward and it won’t be dragged out too long. My favorite parts of the book are when they are together.
This book was just as excellent as the first one. Will is back as her contact from the magistrates office and there is some serious chemistry between the two. I adore both Lizzie and Will. There is definitely romance developing between them but it’s very slow going. Hopefully there will be more focus on that going forward and it won’t be dragged out too long. My favorite parts of the book are when they are together.
August 11, 2019
Georgian London was vibrant and colorful and I love when I can get a gruesome murder and a clever cast of characters in such a setting. A courtesan and a Bow Street Runner make up the detecting team of this series and its an interesting a dynamic as you would suppose.
The Corpse Played Dead is the second entry in the series. I missed the first book in the series (but will be going back for it, now) and had no trouble jumping in since the mystery and situation are standalone.
Lizzie Hardwicke, courtesan in a high-priced brothel, is notorious these days after starting out one of the accused and then helping solve a murder. But, even as her madam wants to cash in on her fleeting fame, a certain Bow Street Runner appears and needs her expertise in working a case from the inside. Davenport wants her to go undercover in Garrick's Theater to discover if the string of disasters are really sabotage as Garrick suspects. But, her first night after meeting all the players and stage hands, she discovers a gruesome murder and theater accidents become the least of her worries.
Lizzie is a complex character with a past that has her falling from the Gentry class before becoming a successful high-price courtesan. She's bright and observant and knows human nature and motives well. A rough start with Davenport now has them on a more solid footing though she is well aware that this widower, former physician and still current gentleman in class even though he is one of Fielding's Runners is out of her class.
As fascinated I was with Lizzie and Davenport, I also found the theater setting and cast of characters surrounding the mystery just as fascinating. The author did her homework on Georgian London, Garrick, his theater, and the early Bow Street Runners under Fielding. I took in the background of this story through all my senses as a result of the descriptions given. The bustling, sometimes dangerous streets of London from Covent Garden to the dignified West End and the colorful and bawdy world of the theater particularly back stage.
The mystery was clever. I had some of it figured out, but there was a final twist that gave me a big 'aha' when some things took on their full significance after I knew the truth. The clues came as Lizzie observed the people around her at the theater and took the initiative to slip in some questions. She had good instinct and she was smart about extricating herself from dangerous situations. She's a great detecting heroine and I can't wait to see her and the redoubtable Davenport in action for many more murder mystery cases.
All in all, I was well pleased with this new historical mystery discovery and can heartily recommend it to other fans of the genre.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt Clue- book with a weapon on cover 1 pt.
The Corpse Played Dead is the second entry in the series. I missed the first book in the series (but will be going back for it, now) and had no trouble jumping in since the mystery and situation are standalone.
Lizzie Hardwicke, courtesan in a high-priced brothel, is notorious these days after starting out one of the accused and then helping solve a murder. But, even as her madam wants to cash in on her fleeting fame, a certain Bow Street Runner appears and needs her expertise in working a case from the inside. Davenport wants her to go undercover in Garrick's Theater to discover if the string of disasters are really sabotage as Garrick suspects. But, her first night after meeting all the players and stage hands, she discovers a gruesome murder and theater accidents become the least of her worries.
Lizzie is a complex character with a past that has her falling from the Gentry class before becoming a successful high-price courtesan. She's bright and observant and knows human nature and motives well. A rough start with Davenport now has them on a more solid footing though she is well aware that this widower, former physician and still current gentleman in class even though he is one of Fielding's Runners is out of her class.
As fascinated I was with Lizzie and Davenport, I also found the theater setting and cast of characters surrounding the mystery just as fascinating. The author did her homework on Georgian London, Garrick, his theater, and the early Bow Street Runners under Fielding. I took in the background of this story through all my senses as a result of the descriptions given. The bustling, sometimes dangerous streets of London from Covent Garden to the dignified West End and the colorful and bawdy world of the theater particularly back stage.
The mystery was clever. I had some of it figured out, but there was a final twist that gave me a big 'aha' when some things took on their full significance after I knew the truth. The clues came as Lizzie observed the people around her at the theater and took the initiative to slip in some questions. She had good instinct and she was smart about extricating herself from dangerous situations. She's a great detecting heroine and I can't wait to see her and the redoubtable Davenport in action for many more murder mystery cases.
All in all, I was well pleased with this new historical mystery discovery and can heartily recommend it to other fans of the genre.
My thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
COYER Summer Scavenger Hunt Clue- book with a weapon on cover 1 pt.
July 5, 2019
Originally posted on lampshadereader.com
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy, via NetGalley of this book.
The Corpse Played Dead by Georgina Clarke doesn't release until August, but I just couldn't wait to tell everyone how much this series is impacting me so far. Book 2 in the Lizzie Hardwicke series and it's already shaping up to be one of my favorites. Below is the Top 5 Reasons why I loved The Corpse Played Dead.
1. Lizzie Hardwick is a harlot.
I'm a sucker for unconventional heroines and Lizzie Hardwicke had me from the very beginning. She's as unconventional as they come and it's a lot of fun reading about someone who doesn't really have the "hero/heroine" qualities.
Don't worry though. Her profession is not always in the forefront and does not go into much detail.
2. Georgian Era
I don't get to read a lot of historical fiction novels set in this time period. What with the men wearing powdered wigs and all it's hard to feel romantic about that. But it works well with murder and mystery. Also, the atmosphere tends to revolve around the lower class citizens which makes for a more grittier read.
3. Undercover Shenanigans
Lizzie foregoes her bawdy house to play a little undercover detective at the Drury Lane theater as a seamstress. Her little white lies to the inhabitants does go a little too far and it puts Lizzie in danger quite a few times. So the added drama of her being in disguise it quite thrilling. It was also funny to read the dialogue between Lizzie and her fellow harlot acquaintances when they help her put together her disguise. Fun times indeed.
4. Amateur Sleuthiness
Yes, I understand that sleuthiness is not a real word. The fact that Lizzie is in fact an amateur sleuth slash harlot really is the perfect combo. She's not really good at it, but I love that in the end, it all works out.
5. Drury Lane Theater
The setting is what really made this fun. I could almost smell the mustiness of the dressing rooms and the dark hallways. The first murder really put in perspective the dangers and pitfalls to any theater set. That death was the perfect dramatic scene and frankly I did not feel sorry for the victim.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy, via NetGalley of this book.
The Corpse Played Dead by Georgina Clarke doesn't release until August, but I just couldn't wait to tell everyone how much this series is impacting me so far. Book 2 in the Lizzie Hardwicke series and it's already shaping up to be one of my favorites. Below is the Top 5 Reasons why I loved The Corpse Played Dead.
1. Lizzie Hardwick is a harlot.
I'm a sucker for unconventional heroines and Lizzie Hardwicke had me from the very beginning. She's as unconventional as they come and it's a lot of fun reading about someone who doesn't really have the "hero/heroine" qualities.
"I am not averse to flattery. This is a serious flaw in my character and I really should excise it."
Don't worry though. Her profession is not always in the forefront and does not go into much detail.
2. Georgian Era
I don't get to read a lot of historical fiction novels set in this time period. What with the men wearing powdered wigs and all it's hard to feel romantic about that. But it works well with murder and mystery. Also, the atmosphere tends to revolve around the lower class citizens which makes for a more grittier read.
3. Undercover Shenanigans
Lizzie foregoes her bawdy house to play a little undercover detective at the Drury Lane theater as a seamstress. Her little white lies to the inhabitants does go a little too far and it puts Lizzie in danger quite a few times. So the added drama of her being in disguise it quite thrilling. It was also funny to read the dialogue between Lizzie and her fellow harlot acquaintances when they help her put together her disguise. Fun times indeed.
4. Amateur Sleuthiness
Yes, I understand that sleuthiness is not a real word. The fact that Lizzie is in fact an amateur sleuth slash harlot really is the perfect combo. She's not really good at it, but I love that in the end, it all works out.
5. Drury Lane Theater
The setting is what really made this fun. I could almost smell the mustiness of the dressing rooms and the dark hallways. The first murder really put in perspective the dangers and pitfalls to any theater set. That death was the perfect dramatic scene and frankly I did not feel sorry for the victim.
Overall, this was a quick, fast paced read for me. Lizzie Hardwicke is really pushing her way to the top of my favorite characters list.
August 19, 2019
This was another very good read in this series. This time the theatre was the scene for the action, with all the back stage activities. There were the jealousies between the actors and the treatment of the servants. Lizzie finds herself in this situation as a spy for the magistrate. There is a murderer to uncover and involvement of the aristocracy. Lizzie is the shining light in this series and it is written in a way that the story just flows along. Also, there is the relationship between Lizzie and William Davenport. This has a number of twists and turns and the perpetrator is not discovered until towards the end. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I did preorder a copy as well.
August 10, 2019
The Corpse Played Dead is the second book in Georgina Clarke's Lizzie Hardwicke series. I loved the first book, Death and the Harlot; could lightning strike twice? Let me answer it this way... When is the next book coming out?! I want it nowwwwwwwwwwwww! Don't make me wait, else I'll whine! Yes, that good.
Lizzie Hardwicke, a high-end prostitute in Georgian London, is once again approached by Inspector Will Davenport to help the Magistrate's office solve another crime. The theater, run by a good friend of Magistrate Mr. Fielding, is seemingly being targeted by accidents and vandalism; he wants Lizzie to work as a second seamstress at the theater and basically spy for him. It sounds like an easy enough job, until a member of the peerage is viciously murdered at the theater. Lizzie and Will's job just became a lot more difficult!
Though the mystery is quite compelling with red herrings making your mind go in all different directions, once again it is the wonderful characters which really drive the story. Lizzie is, to use a word often overused but quite accurate here, awesome. She is smart as a whip and isn't easily shocked by events that unfold around her. However, certain circumstances arise that make us remember that she is still a young girl, only 19. I have a love/hate relationship with Will. He admires Lizzie's courage and smarts, but then tells her he is a gentleman and couldn't sit with "her kind" in church. That is accurate for the time period, but it makes you mad for the hurt it causes Lizzie. I do think my love for Will is winning out, though. The last chapter just had me in tears! Here, too, is an incredible cast of supporting characters who will keep you glued to the pages.
Seriously, when is the next book coming out?!
I received an ARC courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Lizzie Hardwicke, a high-end prostitute in Georgian London, is once again approached by Inspector Will Davenport to help the Magistrate's office solve another crime. The theater, run by a good friend of Magistrate Mr. Fielding, is seemingly being targeted by accidents and vandalism; he wants Lizzie to work as a second seamstress at the theater and basically spy for him. It sounds like an easy enough job, until a member of the peerage is viciously murdered at the theater. Lizzie and Will's job just became a lot more difficult!
Though the mystery is quite compelling with red herrings making your mind go in all different directions, once again it is the wonderful characters which really drive the story. Lizzie is, to use a word often overused but quite accurate here, awesome. She is smart as a whip and isn't easily shocked by events that unfold around her. However, certain circumstances arise that make us remember that she is still a young girl, only 19. I have a love/hate relationship with Will. He admires Lizzie's courage and smarts, but then tells her he is a gentleman and couldn't sit with "her kind" in church. That is accurate for the time period, but it makes you mad for the hurt it causes Lizzie. I do think my love for Will is winning out, though. The last chapter just had me in tears! Here, too, is an incredible cast of supporting characters who will keep you glued to the pages.
Seriously, when is the next book coming out?!
I received an ARC courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
December 24, 2019
This is the second in the Lizzie Hardwicke series, featuring the bizarre sleuthing duo of a high class courtesan and one of Fielding’s early Bow Street detectives, and I enjoyed it as much as the first one.
Lizzie was once a respectable young woman from a well-to-do family whose lust for life, and seduction by her uncle, forced her to quit her home and take up earning a living on her back. What I really like about the way Lizzie is portrayed is that there’s no faffing about when it comes to how she makes her money – it’s mostly vile, it leaves her battered and bruised and exhausted, and it’s a constant battle, between her and the other courtesans in their establishment, to keep your place. There’s no deep female friendship in the brothel, though there is mutual respect and comradeship. It’s a business, and it’s not only a case of serving the customers, it’s about keeping up appearances, of preserving the chasm that separates the courtesans from the street walkers and the myriad of other sex workers. This could so easily be glossed over or compromised, but Georgina Clarke does neither of those things, and I really respect her for that.
What’s more, she manages to make Lizzie not only realistic but likeable. We’re drip fed just enough of her background to be furious on her behalf, but also to root for her – she wants to be independent, in her own way she refuses to compromise, and while she’s pragmatic she’s also got a sound notion of her own values. Lizzie is an excellent, if unconventional heroine.
And Inspector Will Davenport is a great foil for her. He too has a past history, though we learn little more about that, and he too is in his own way a man of honour and integrity. He’s not above using our Lizzie for his own purposes – in this story he puts her in a lot of personal danger – and (mostly) he puts the law above any personal goals. He also really fancies her and is determined not to let that show. Until the end of this story when – ah, but that would be telling.
Of the murder mystery at the centre of this book, I was less convinced. There’s a huge cast of characters and a lot of twists and turns, some of which for me stretched credulity. But it didn’t really matter, because I loved the story overall and for me it was all about Lizzie and Will. Can’t wait for the next one.
Lizzie was once a respectable young woman from a well-to-do family whose lust for life, and seduction by her uncle, forced her to quit her home and take up earning a living on her back. What I really like about the way Lizzie is portrayed is that there’s no faffing about when it comes to how she makes her money – it’s mostly vile, it leaves her battered and bruised and exhausted, and it’s a constant battle, between her and the other courtesans in their establishment, to keep your place. There’s no deep female friendship in the brothel, though there is mutual respect and comradeship. It’s a business, and it’s not only a case of serving the customers, it’s about keeping up appearances, of preserving the chasm that separates the courtesans from the street walkers and the myriad of other sex workers. This could so easily be glossed over or compromised, but Georgina Clarke does neither of those things, and I really respect her for that.
What’s more, she manages to make Lizzie not only realistic but likeable. We’re drip fed just enough of her background to be furious on her behalf, but also to root for her – she wants to be independent, in her own way she refuses to compromise, and while she’s pragmatic she’s also got a sound notion of her own values. Lizzie is an excellent, if unconventional heroine.
And Inspector Will Davenport is a great foil for her. He too has a past history, though we learn little more about that, and he too is in his own way a man of honour and integrity. He’s not above using our Lizzie for his own purposes – in this story he puts her in a lot of personal danger – and (mostly) he puts the law above any personal goals. He also really fancies her and is determined not to let that show. Until the end of this story when – ah, but that would be telling.
Of the murder mystery at the centre of this book, I was less convinced. There’s a huge cast of characters and a lot of twists and turns, some of which for me stretched credulity. But it didn’t really matter, because I loved the story overall and for me it was all about Lizzie and Will. Can’t wait for the next one.
July 12, 2020
Riding on the notoriety from her previous case, Lizzie is in high demand as a consort. But a night out at the theatre where some strange incidents are taking place, leads to Lizzie being asked to work undercover as a seamstress. Of course, where Lizzie goes, murder is not too far away.
I have really enjoyed the Lizzie Hardwick series. I find the main character really engaging - she is not perfect but she is quick and intelligent and that is what I enjoy. I can only hope that the author writes more of these.
I have really enjoyed the Lizzie Hardwick series. I find the main character really engaging - she is not perfect but she is quick and intelligent and that is what I enjoy. I can only hope that the author writes more of these.
June 21, 2024
Brilliant sequel! Once again a great story, unique and gripping.
Lizzie is a brilliant character, extremely well written, and this time there's a little more to Davenport.
Can't wait for the next one!
Lizzie is a brilliant character, extremely well written, and this time there's a little more to Davenport.
Can't wait for the next one!
December 21, 2022
I finished this series in two days and I am very frustrated at how underrated this is!! I never leave reviews but this book made me experience so many different emotions that I don't have enough words to write its praise.
But what I can say is I need another 20 books for this series because I cannot get enough!!! The plots are well thought out and the character interactions and dynamics are the cherries on the top.
The mystery, suspense, twists, and turns kept me turning the pages and literally canceling plans! I loved Lizzies "amateur" detective skills and whenever she asked questions I also asked them with her. I was truly immersed in her character and whenever she was spitting facts and digging further for the truth, I felt so proud and couldn't help but cheer her on yet whenever she was overwhelmed by it all, I felt it too.
Minor spoiler
Overall. this book was an enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it!!
But what I can say is I need another 20 books for this series because I cannot get enough!!! The plots are well thought out and the character interactions and dynamics are the cherries on the top.
The mystery, suspense, twists, and turns kept me turning the pages and literally canceling plans! I loved Lizzies "amateur" detective skills and whenever she asked questions I also asked them with her. I was truly immersed in her character and whenever she was spitting facts and digging further for the truth, I felt so proud and couldn't help but cheer her on yet whenever she was overwhelmed by it all, I felt it too.
Minor spoiler
Overall. this book was an enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it!!
September 23, 2019
4.5 stars
Review coming soon!
Review coming soon!
January 12, 2025
What a fantastic second installment for Lizzie!
Whilst this book is the second in the series, this can be read as a stand alone book and you don't need to read Death & the harlot, but honestly it's so good - go and read it!
Set in 18th century London, the tale of Lizzie - amateur sleuth!
I love this series and can't wait to read the third when it is released.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read for an honest review, hopefully I'll be able to read the third because I don't think I can wait until it's released!
Whilst this book is the second in the series, this can be read as a stand alone book and you don't need to read Death & the harlot, but honestly it's so good - go and read it!
Set in 18th century London, the tale of Lizzie - amateur sleuth!
I love this series and can't wait to read the third when it is released.
Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me to read for an honest review, hopefully I'll be able to read the third because I don't think I can wait until it's released!
July 1, 2019
I didn’t read the first book, but man this second one was good. You really don’t need the first one to follow along (in case you are like me and are now planning to read them out of order! 🤣) the author and Lizzie drop enough comments that you understand what her life has been like.
January 23, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. I love Lizzie and how unapologetically herself she is. Can’t wait for book three. Fingers crossed I won’t have to wait too long... I do enjoy a slow burn romance!
April 12, 2023
One of the best stories I've read lately. The Corpse Played Dead was interesting with fully developed characters. I can't wait to read more by this author.
August 17, 2019
The Corpse Played Dead by Georgina Clarke
Lizzie Hardwicke #2
Intriguing premise for a book set in 1759 London sees Lizzie Hardwicke helping what will one be the Bow Street Runners solve a case in Drury Lane Theater. Mischief has been occurring and the theater manager has asked for help so the Magistrate requests Lizzie’s undercover assistance posing as a seamstress to spy on the situation. Little does Lizzie realize that there will be more than mischief to deal with. There will be scoundrels, abuse, lying, cheating, sneaking, hints at Lizzie’s backstory and a whole lot more. Lizzie has knowingly made the decision to work on her back for a roof over her head, food in her belly and a safe place to stay while earning money for a different future. She is an educated woman from a higher society than most in the profession and smarter than most. She is a woman I could relate to and would like to know more about. I would also like to know more about Will Davenport...and have a feeling we will be seeing both in future books of this series.
What I liked:
* Lizzie: She is smart, knows what she wants, is curious, has been given a bad hand but seems to have made the best of it. I want to know more about her.
* Will: I know he has suffered personal loss, is intelligent, seeks the truth, seems to be rather black and white in his outlook on life and is an interesting person. I want to know more about him.
* The interactions between Lizzie and Will – they are interesting and real and make me wonder what type of friendship/relationship these two will develop as the series progresses
* The hints about Lizzie’s past
* The fact that prostitution is Lizzie’s source of income but it is not who Lizzie is – and it is not the main focus of the book since she leaves her “job” to solve mysteries.
* The time period, the characters, the writing that makes me feel I am there, the grit and grime and so much more
What I didn’t like:
* The way some people in this time period were invisible and taken advantage of
* The abuse that seemed so common and expected and the fact that there was no way to avoid it or make the abuser pay for what was done
* The bad guys that I was meant not to like…
I had not read book one in this series and wonder what I missed but can honestly say that not having read book one did not interfere with my thorough enjoyment of book two. I loved this book and look forward to reading more as soon as the books are ready!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Lizzie Hardwicke #2
Intriguing premise for a book set in 1759 London sees Lizzie Hardwicke helping what will one be the Bow Street Runners solve a case in Drury Lane Theater. Mischief has been occurring and the theater manager has asked for help so the Magistrate requests Lizzie’s undercover assistance posing as a seamstress to spy on the situation. Little does Lizzie realize that there will be more than mischief to deal with. There will be scoundrels, abuse, lying, cheating, sneaking, hints at Lizzie’s backstory and a whole lot more. Lizzie has knowingly made the decision to work on her back for a roof over her head, food in her belly and a safe place to stay while earning money for a different future. She is an educated woman from a higher society than most in the profession and smarter than most. She is a woman I could relate to and would like to know more about. I would also like to know more about Will Davenport...and have a feeling we will be seeing both in future books of this series.
What I liked:
* Lizzie: She is smart, knows what she wants, is curious, has been given a bad hand but seems to have made the best of it. I want to know more about her.
* Will: I know he has suffered personal loss, is intelligent, seeks the truth, seems to be rather black and white in his outlook on life and is an interesting person. I want to know more about him.
* The interactions between Lizzie and Will – they are interesting and real and make me wonder what type of friendship/relationship these two will develop as the series progresses
* The hints about Lizzie’s past
* The fact that prostitution is Lizzie’s source of income but it is not who Lizzie is – and it is not the main focus of the book since she leaves her “job” to solve mysteries.
* The time period, the characters, the writing that makes me feel I am there, the grit and grime and so much more
What I didn’t like:
* The way some people in this time period were invisible and taken advantage of
* The abuse that seemed so common and expected and the fact that there was no way to avoid it or make the abuser pay for what was done
* The bad guys that I was meant not to like…
I had not read book one in this series and wonder what I missed but can honestly say that not having read book one did not interfere with my thorough enjoyment of book two. I loved this book and look forward to reading more as soon as the books are ready!
Thank you to NetGalley and Canelo for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
February 7, 2020
Lizzie Hardwicke is a prostitute at a high end brothel. In exchange for some extra money, she has agreed to work on occasion for Mr. Fielding, the chief of the Bow Street Runners. He had found her useful on a recent case, and thought she might also be helpful in the future. Her main contact is inspector Davenport. Davenport is impressed with Lizzie’s attention to detail and her logical thinking. He calls her in to help with a case at the theater on Drury Lane. Many unexplained accidents have happened there, and he inserts Lizzie as a seamstress so she can find out the truth. Lizzie is in for much more than she bargained for though when the next “accident” involved the brutal death of Lord Hawbridge.
Lizzie is an engaging heroine. Her duel backgrounds provide some unique characteristics. Her upper class upbringing brings book smarts and logic to the table. Her second life, after her father banished her, brings her street smarts and most likely the attention to detail she processes. As much as Lizzie is a likable character, Lord Hawbridge is as equally a repulsive character. It was hard to feel sorry that he was killed. He was a truly disdainful character. The man had a terrible temper that flared anytime he did not get his way. Lizzie, however, is still determined to figure out who killed him. It speaks a lot about her admirable qualities. The author did a great job on further developing both Lizzie and Davenport’s characters and creating some new and interesting players.
Georgina Clarke has written a great follow up to Death and the Harlot. I thought I would have trouble with Lucy’s career, but it brings a unique multifaceted platform to the plot. The mystery is great and Lizzie does a great job of digging to get to the truth. Her actions seem believable and help the reader navigate to the truth. The story kept me guessing all the way until the end when Lizzie puts all the clues together.
The setting is fascinating, and the author does a tremendous job bringing the reader back in time.
I’m looking forward to the third book in the series which, I believe, the author mentioned will feature the other girls of the house more prominently again.
Thanks to Net Galley And Canelo for an ARC of this book. #NetGalley #TheCorpsePlayedDead
Lizzie is an engaging heroine. Her duel backgrounds provide some unique characteristics. Her upper class upbringing brings book smarts and logic to the table. Her second life, after her father banished her, brings her street smarts and most likely the attention to detail she processes. As much as Lizzie is a likable character, Lord Hawbridge is as equally a repulsive character. It was hard to feel sorry that he was killed. He was a truly disdainful character. The man had a terrible temper that flared anytime he did not get his way. Lizzie, however, is still determined to figure out who killed him. It speaks a lot about her admirable qualities. The author did a great job on further developing both Lizzie and Davenport’s characters and creating some new and interesting players.
Georgina Clarke has written a great follow up to Death and the Harlot. I thought I would have trouble with Lucy’s career, but it brings a unique multifaceted platform to the plot. The mystery is great and Lizzie does a great job of digging to get to the truth. Her actions seem believable and help the reader navigate to the truth. The story kept me guessing all the way until the end when Lizzie puts all the clues together.
The setting is fascinating, and the author does a tremendous job bringing the reader back in time.
I’m looking forward to the third book in the series which, I believe, the author mentioned will feature the other girls of the house more prominently again.
Thanks to Net Galley And Canelo for an ARC of this book. #NetGalley #TheCorpsePlayedDead
September 20, 2019
Well, this was different. And I mean that in a good way.
Georgina Clarke’s The Corpse Played Dead is set in Regency London and begins with notorious prostitute Lizzie Hardwick on the way to the theatre, dressed up in her finery, travelling the streets in company of her employer and to the jeers of the crowd — because Lizzie is a woman who (in a previous book in the series) sent a murderer to the gallows and he died cursing her. What a start!
This is the second in the Lizzie Hardwick series and I came to it without having read the first, but didn’t need to know the earlier story to become completely consumed by this one. Lizzie’s previous involvement in crime has brought her to the attention of the Bow Street Runners (the police). When strange and violent happenings begin to occur at the Garrick Theatre she’s persuaded to trade her trade (so to speak) for more honest employment as a seamstress at the theatre in order to find out who is prepared to commit murder to ruin theatre manager and impresario David Garrick — and why.
This was a terrific story, and Lizzie is a terrific lead. The supporting characters are all terrific, too (I particularly enjoyed the public love-ins and private bitching that characterised both Lizzie’s relationship with her co-workers and those of the actors). And Lizzie’s slow-burn relationship with the handsome, austere and disapproving law officer Will Davenport is one that’s captured me early on and is, I hope, going to keep me engaged for some time yet.
This is by no means the first book of this period that I’ve read with a theatrical setting, but nevertheless I liked the original take on the more traditional regency novel, with the heroine a straight-up honest and open prostitute rather than a slandered and maligned woman of better quality. It meant that her relationship with Will is problematic and, I think, her feelings about herself, too.
It was nicely written, beautifully set and a page-turner. What more could you ask?
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Georgina Clarke’s The Corpse Played Dead is set in Regency London and begins with notorious prostitute Lizzie Hardwick on the way to the theatre, dressed up in her finery, travelling the streets in company of her employer and to the jeers of the crowd — because Lizzie is a woman who (in a previous book in the series) sent a murderer to the gallows and he died cursing her. What a start!
This is the second in the Lizzie Hardwick series and I came to it without having read the first, but didn’t need to know the earlier story to become completely consumed by this one. Lizzie’s previous involvement in crime has brought her to the attention of the Bow Street Runners (the police). When strange and violent happenings begin to occur at the Garrick Theatre she’s persuaded to trade her trade (so to speak) for more honest employment as a seamstress at the theatre in order to find out who is prepared to commit murder to ruin theatre manager and impresario David Garrick — and why.
This was a terrific story, and Lizzie is a terrific lead. The supporting characters are all terrific, too (I particularly enjoyed the public love-ins and private bitching that characterised both Lizzie’s relationship with her co-workers and those of the actors). And Lizzie’s slow-burn relationship with the handsome, austere and disapproving law officer Will Davenport is one that’s captured me early on and is, I hope, going to keep me engaged for some time yet.
This is by no means the first book of this period that I’ve read with a theatrical setting, but nevertheless I liked the original take on the more traditional regency novel, with the heroine a straight-up honest and open prostitute rather than a slandered and maligned woman of better quality. It meant that her relationship with Will is problematic and, I think, her feelings about herself, too.
It was nicely written, beautifully set and a page-turner. What more could you ask?
Thanks to Netgalley and Canelo for a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
August 20, 2019
Another eighteenth-century adventure with the irrepressible Lizzie Hardwicke and the self-contained detective Davenport.
If you haven't read the first book in the series, 'Death and the Harlot', there is enough backstory in this to enjoy this standalone story, but you're missing out if you don't read book one.
Lizzie remains a believable historical character, with flaws, a clever mind, courage and compassion. The tentative friendship between her and Davenport develops in this story, the opposites are perfect counterpoints for the other, leading to humour and witty dialogue. The possibility of love hangs in the air, but both are emotionally damaged, and the trust between them will take a while to build.
Lizzie goes undercover as a seamstress in the famous Drury Lane Theatre, a wonderfully atmospheric setting for a historical murder mystery. The disruptive incidents that have occurred soon turn into something more deadly and Lizzie has to find the culprit.
There are lots of suspects, clues and drama in this story, with a medley of historical figures and authentic fictional characters, it holds your interest, proving to be as enthralling as any play staged in the famous theatre.
A lovely, original story with realistic characters and a clever plot.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
If you haven't read the first book in the series, 'Death and the Harlot', there is enough backstory in this to enjoy this standalone story, but you're missing out if you don't read book one.
Lizzie remains a believable historical character, with flaws, a clever mind, courage and compassion. The tentative friendship between her and Davenport develops in this story, the opposites are perfect counterpoints for the other, leading to humour and witty dialogue. The possibility of love hangs in the air, but both are emotionally damaged, and the trust between them will take a while to build.
Lizzie goes undercover as a seamstress in the famous Drury Lane Theatre, a wonderfully atmospheric setting for a historical murder mystery. The disruptive incidents that have occurred soon turn into something more deadly and Lizzie has to find the culprit.
There are lots of suspects, clues and drama in this story, with a medley of historical figures and authentic fictional characters, it holds your interest, proving to be as enthralling as any play staged in the famous theatre.
A lovely, original story with realistic characters and a clever plot.
I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
November 13, 2019
I was really excited to read this, the second book starring Lizzie Hardwicke, since I enjoyed the first one, Death and the Harlot, so much.
Lizzie is once again assisting the magistrate Mr Fielding and his men, especially Mr Davenport. There are strange things happening at a local theatre - things going missing, damage, and people being injured. Lizzie is sent in undercover as a seamstress to snoop around and see if she can find out what's going on. Unfortunately, where Lizzie goes, trouble usually follows, and sometimes murder...
I do think you probably need to have read the first book before this one. The author does explain the back story where needed so that anyone can understand the relevance of certain bits, but it's not the same as having discovered Lizzie's past for yourself. So I would recommend reading the books in order. Also, they are both great so you should read them both anyway!
The writing is really good, particularly the characterisation. Even characters with tiny cameo parts in the story come across in full colour and animation. You can imagine Lizzie's world with ease thanks to the author's descriptions of the time and the area around Drury Lane. Of course, Lizzie herself is a fantastic heroine. She's not perfect, but she has a big heart and her kindness always shines through the dirt covering her life.
In case you didn't realise from reading my review, I liked this book. It was entertaining, never ever boring and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery and a bit of tongue in cheek fun.
Lizzie is once again assisting the magistrate Mr Fielding and his men, especially Mr Davenport. There are strange things happening at a local theatre - things going missing, damage, and people being injured. Lizzie is sent in undercover as a seamstress to snoop around and see if she can find out what's going on. Unfortunately, where Lizzie goes, trouble usually follows, and sometimes murder...
I do think you probably need to have read the first book before this one. The author does explain the back story where needed so that anyone can understand the relevance of certain bits, but it's not the same as having discovered Lizzie's past for yourself. So I would recommend reading the books in order. Also, they are both great so you should read them both anyway!
The writing is really good, particularly the characterisation. Even characters with tiny cameo parts in the story come across in full colour and animation. You can imagine Lizzie's world with ease thanks to the author's descriptions of the time and the area around Drury Lane. Of course, Lizzie herself is a fantastic heroine. She's not perfect, but she has a big heart and her kindness always shines through the dirt covering her life.
In case you didn't realise from reading my review, I liked this book. It was entertaining, never ever boring and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good mystery and a bit of tongue in cheek fun.
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