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The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton
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Expected 14 Apr 26A dual-timeline murder mystery set in an English country manor, when an ambitious professor discovers the long-lost manuscript of a Reformation-era prophetess
Historian Alison Sage has made a groundbreaking archival discovery—she found a manuscript containing the prophecies of a 16th century nun, Elizabeth Barton. Barton’s prophecy condemning Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn led to her execution and the destruction of all copies of her prophecies—or so the world believed.
With Alison’s discovery, she is catapulted to academic superstardom and scores an invitation to the exclusive Codex Consortium, a week of research among a select handful of fellow historians at a crumbling manor in England, located next to the ruins of the priory where Elizabeth herself once lived.
What begins as a promising conference turns into a nightmare as the eerie house becomes the site of a murder. Suddenly, everyone is a suspect, and it seems that answers lie at the root of a local legend about centuries-old hidden treasure. Alison’s research makes her best-suited to solve the mystery—but when old feelings resurface for a former colleague, and the stakes of the search skyrocket, everyone's motives become murky.
Alison’s cutthroat world of academia is almost as dangerous as Elizabeth Barton’s sixteenth-century England, where heretics are beheaded, visions can kill, and knowing who to trust is a deadly art. The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a thrilling novel, crackling with the voices of the past and propelled by a mystery that will leave readers in suspense until the very last page.
Historian Alison Sage has made a groundbreaking archival discovery—she found a manuscript containing the prophecies of a 16th century nun, Elizabeth Barton. Barton’s prophecy condemning Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn led to her execution and the destruction of all copies of her prophecies—or so the world believed.
With Alison’s discovery, she is catapulted to academic superstardom and scores an invitation to the exclusive Codex Consortium, a week of research among a select handful of fellow historians at a crumbling manor in England, located next to the ruins of the priory where Elizabeth herself once lived.
What begins as a promising conference turns into a nightmare as the eerie house becomes the site of a murder. Suddenly, everyone is a suspect, and it seems that answers lie at the root of a local legend about centuries-old hidden treasure. Alison’s research makes her best-suited to solve the mystery—but when old feelings resurface for a former colleague, and the stakes of the search skyrocket, everyone's motives become murky.
Alison’s cutthroat world of academia is almost as dangerous as Elizabeth Barton’s sixteenth-century England, where heretics are beheaded, visions can kill, and knowing who to trust is a deadly art. The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a thrilling novel, crackling with the voices of the past and propelled by a mystery that will leave readers in suspense until the very last page.
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Expected publication April 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
October 17, 2025
This dual timeline story brings to light the Holy Maid of Kent, namely Elizabeth Barton. And this is why I was attracted to this story.
The story begins in 1525, with Elizabeth Barton at the age of nineteen. She is placed on a farm where she finds the work very hard and doesn’t like it, but her visions open the door for her. She is taken from the farm and brought to St. Sepulchre’s Priory to become a nun. Her visions are recorded by her spiritual advisor – Edward Bocking. With the help of a local patron, he is able to publish her visions.
Her visions attract many pilgrims and attention of powerful men. She is presented to Cardinal Wolsey and used to fight against a new religious influence which is taking over the country. Her visions are used to keep Henry VIII close to the Church and not divorce his wife Katherine of Aragon.
The story of Elizabeth Barton, who becomes a tool in men’s hands who wanted to stir the country in certain direction, is revealed in a linear way which is well-narrated and making an interesting read.
The modern day timeline involves a professor, Alison, who discovers a lost manuscript of Elizabeth Barton. Her success secures her an invitation to an exclusive consortium to the crumbling English manor located close proximity to where Elizabeth Barton lived. This timeline turns into a behind-door style mystery.
Personally, I don’t like modern timelines woven with period timeline, and even more those trying to solve a mystery from the past while getting consumed with tensions of human interactions.
Overall, the story has a good flow and is well-laced between those two timelines.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story begins in 1525, with Elizabeth Barton at the age of nineteen. She is placed on a farm where she finds the work very hard and doesn’t like it, but her visions open the door for her. She is taken from the farm and brought to St. Sepulchre’s Priory to become a nun. Her visions are recorded by her spiritual advisor – Edward Bocking. With the help of a local patron, he is able to publish her visions.
Her visions attract many pilgrims and attention of powerful men. She is presented to Cardinal Wolsey and used to fight against a new religious influence which is taking over the country. Her visions are used to keep Henry VIII close to the Church and not divorce his wife Katherine of Aragon.
The story of Elizabeth Barton, who becomes a tool in men’s hands who wanted to stir the country in certain direction, is revealed in a linear way which is well-narrated and making an interesting read.
The modern day timeline involves a professor, Alison, who discovers a lost manuscript of Elizabeth Barton. Her success secures her an invitation to an exclusive consortium to the crumbling English manor located close proximity to where Elizabeth Barton lived. This timeline turns into a behind-door style mystery.
Personally, I don’t like modern timelines woven with period timeline, and even more those trying to solve a mystery from the past while getting consumed with tensions of human interactions.
Overall, the story has a good flow and is well-laced between those two timelines.
Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2025
I wrote it! I really hope you love reading it as much I as I loved writing it (which was a lot).
July 25, 2025
The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton by Jennifer N. Brown is an entertaining dual timeline historical fiction that I enjoyed.
When I chose this novel, I did not know that it wasa dual timeline which I have come to try to avoid after reading far too many similar novels in the past, but I still went with it. I could have done without the current day thread, it was fine, but I wanted to get to the history…
That being said, I already knew about Elizabeth Barton from reading a lot on the Tudor era and the monarchy that were associated with said era. It was fascinating to read more about her and have her be the focus of novel. I guess I never really wondered that there could be more going on with the story, and that there could be more strings attached then just a woman who was part of the Holy Order that was a voice that spoke up against the Henry VIII drama that involved Anne Boleyn.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and St Martins Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/14/26
When I chose this novel, I did not know that it wasa dual timeline which I have come to try to avoid after reading far too many similar novels in the past, but I still went with it. I could have done without the current day thread, it was fine, but I wanted to get to the history…
That being said, I already knew about Elizabeth Barton from reading a lot on the Tudor era and the monarchy that were associated with said era. It was fascinating to read more about her and have her be the focus of novel. I guess I never really wondered that there could be more going on with the story, and that there could be more strings attached then just a woman who was part of the Holy Order that was a voice that spoke up against the Henry VIII drama that involved Anne Boleyn.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and St Martins Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 4/14/26
July 19, 2025
The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a duel time line work of historical fiction . I am interested in any book that takes place during the Tudor era. I especially enjoy stories that are about characters other than the usual suspects. Elizabeth Barton … the maid of Kent… was a young woman who claimed she had visions from God regarding the marriage of Henry the VIII and Anne Boylen. The story portrays a young woman caught up in the frenzy that is both manipulated and used by the clergy trying to stop England’s division from the Catholic Church.
The modern story is about a women Allison, a historian that has found the lost book of Elizabeth Barton. This story becomes a typical English closed door mystery. This part of the story was a little less successful for me.
Thanks to net galley for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a pleasant surprise.
The modern story is about a women Allison, a historian that has found the lost book of Elizabeth Barton. This story becomes a typical English closed door mystery. This part of the story was a little less successful for me.
Thanks to net galley for providing me with the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a pleasant surprise.
August 14, 2025
Told from two perspectives in different parts of time, this book is about Elizabeth Barton - Holy Maid of Kent, and a professor learning about her in the present day, Alison Sage. After Alison discovers a long lost manuscript of Elizabeth's proclamations and prophecies, she starts to work on a paper and study of the life of the ill-fated woman from the Tudor Era. At the same time, we see the life Elizabeth leads, from the first vision she has at the height of a fever to the end, swinging from the end of a rope. For Alison, everything goes awry when she is invited to a writer's consortium in the countryside where Elizabeth once lived and things turn into a fear-inducing murder mystery.
The perspectives of both women in this book are told so incredibly well. Each has their own voice and way of thinking, and life experiences that shape how they react to things around them. I have always loved any books, fiction or non-fiction, that focus on the Tudor period and the happenings of the Reformation. The author of this book has a clear and precise flow to her writing and it makes you want to continue reading to find out each and every detail of both stories. I greatly enjoyed reading this book, and hope to see more from this author. It is such a joy to have a book that twists together fact and history with a mystery and the lives of people in the different periods of time.
Much thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
The perspectives of both women in this book are told so incredibly well. Each has their own voice and way of thinking, and life experiences that shape how they react to things around them. I have always loved any books, fiction or non-fiction, that focus on the Tudor period and the happenings of the Reformation. The author of this book has a clear and precise flow to her writing and it makes you want to continue reading to find out each and every detail of both stories. I greatly enjoyed reading this book, and hope to see more from this author. It is such a joy to have a book that twists together fact and history with a mystery and the lives of people in the different periods of time.
Much thanks to NetGalley for this ARC.
August 14, 2025
4.5 rounded to 5.
The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a captivating dual-timeline historical mystery perfect for fans of Deborah Harkness and historical fiction
The novel weaves together two timelines: one set during the time of Henry VIII, the other in the present day. In the past, we follow Elizabeth Barton, a forgotten nun who dared to prophesy against King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Her story unfolds as she navigates the perilous consequences of defying the crown, surrounded by powerful men whose influence threatens her autonomy and safety.
In the present, Alison Sage, a Tudor historian, is invited to an elite academic consortium to discuss her groundbreaking discovery of Elizabeth’s long-lost book of prophecies. But what begins as a scholarly opportunity quickly spirals into a dangerous game. As the consortium progresses, she learns that all is not what it seems. She finds herself an unwilling participant in a potential treasure hunt that turns deadly.
I really enjoyed discovering Elizabeth along with Alison, and trying to figure out the mysteries. Who can Alison trust? Are the decisions Elizabeth making hers, or influenced by those meant to protect her?
A compelling blend of historical intrigue and modern suspense, this book kept me guessing until the very end.
Thank you to Netgalley, Jennifer N Brown, and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy. My review is voluntary and honest.
The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a captivating dual-timeline historical mystery perfect for fans of Deborah Harkness and historical fiction
The novel weaves together two timelines: one set during the time of Henry VIII, the other in the present day. In the past, we follow Elizabeth Barton, a forgotten nun who dared to prophesy against King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Her story unfolds as she navigates the perilous consequences of defying the crown, surrounded by powerful men whose influence threatens her autonomy and safety.
In the present, Alison Sage, a Tudor historian, is invited to an elite academic consortium to discuss her groundbreaking discovery of Elizabeth’s long-lost book of prophecies. But what begins as a scholarly opportunity quickly spirals into a dangerous game. As the consortium progresses, she learns that all is not what it seems. She finds herself an unwilling participant in a potential treasure hunt that turns deadly.
I really enjoyed discovering Elizabeth along with Alison, and trying to figure out the mysteries. Who can Alison trust? Are the decisions Elizabeth making hers, or influenced by those meant to protect her?
A compelling blend of historical intrigue and modern suspense, this book kept me guessing until the very end.
Thank you to Netgalley, Jennifer N Brown, and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy. My review is voluntary and honest.
January 20, 2026
I was fortunate to obtain an advance copy of this book through a giveaway. I found the story to be very enlightening and entertaining. The protagonist, Alison, was very likable and relatable. The dual timeline provided many interesting facts about the Tudor period while setting up a compelling story in the present day.
August 26, 2025
I received this book as a free ARC through netgalley, 3.5 starts rounded to 4. The book is composed of two timelines, a rich historical narrative woven into a modern story of greed, murders, and scholars. To be perfectly honest I was about 25% of the way through and struggling with where it was going and decided to read a few pages from the last present day chapter. I learned there was a new character, a detective, and thus became re-interested to see what mystery was brewing. The pace picked up around 65% of the way through. I found the predictable switching of timelines every chapter interrupted the flow in some places and but helped it in other parts. I felt the book ended without tying up loose ends in the modern timeline —there was a lot left for the reader to assume or determine on their own—but I’ll admit that I prefer to have neat endings that offer closure.
August 11, 2025
I was fortunate to get this as an ARC and I loved it! This book had all the things I love: religious and political intrigue, a murder mystery, a manor house in the English countryside, and a little treasure hunt.
Elizabeth Barton, The Holy Maid, is someone I knew a bit about but I enjoyed the author’s take on how she might have easily been manipulated into faking some of her visions to “save” England from the Lutherans. The modern story follows an historian, Allison Sage, who has discovered the lost book of visions of Barton and becomes drawn into a hunt for some hidden treasures from the Tudor era.
I found the dual timeline past/present easy to follow and I enjoyed how it tied the story together. I felt it was a tad slow at first but picked up steadily. After about the 50% point, I couldn’t put it down!
Thank you, Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press, and author Jennifer L Brown!
Elizabeth Barton, The Holy Maid, is someone I knew a bit about but I enjoyed the author’s take on how she might have easily been manipulated into faking some of her visions to “save” England from the Lutherans. The modern story follows an historian, Allison Sage, who has discovered the lost book of visions of Barton and becomes drawn into a hunt for some hidden treasures from the Tudor era.
I found the dual timeline past/present easy to follow and I enjoyed how it tied the story together. I felt it was a tad slow at first but picked up steadily. After about the 50% point, I couldn’t put it down!
Thank you, Net Galley, St. Martin’s Press, and author Jennifer L Brown!
September 17, 2025
The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton by Jennifer N. Brown is delightful slowburn read. When I picked this up, I was in the midst of a Wolf Hall binge and was searching for books that took place during the same time period. This was perfect for that purpose. If Wolf Hall is the nexus (of pain), then Elizabeth Barton hovers on the edges of the same world, observing events from afar yet still deeply impacted by them.
The book opens with a timeline of events, and marks the start of each chapter with a date and location-- this is very helpful, even having a huge fascination with this era Elizabeth Barton is a relatively minor actor to center the story on. It follows the story of Claire Sage a 21st century historian studying Elizabeth Barton (our other POV) a prophetess living in 16th century England during the Protestant Reformation. She is more popularly known as the Holy Maid of Kent.
Brown does a fantastic job ensuring that her minor characters are given dedicated backstories that reflect the broader politics of the era, womens issues (and how women navigated them/protected themselves in the midst of the Reformation) take center stage. The question of how Brown's characters (from Elizabeth to Claire to Agnes) navigate power and grasp on to all that they have is complex and reflects the different positions each of them occupy-- prophetess (beholden to patrons), academic (and divorcee), Abbess (in a time of change). Each woman lives in uncertainty and is highly aware of her position.
Yet, Brown doesn't set all of them in opposition to each other. She does something far more interesting-- Brown makes each woman inclined to friendship, but makes clear that their positions in life (whether it be academia, financial, or personal) has forced them to live at odds. One of the first interactions we see is between two women at the top of their careers-- a supermodel and a historian. I felt the sigh building in my chest as Alison Sage (our 21st century protagonist), regarded the other woman. But Marla, a gorgeous historian giving Gail Carriger vibes, is presented as a clear expansion on the supermodel's character-- she is held up as a mirror to contrast with our MC while both continue to find common ground , competition, and admiration in the other.
Beyond the characters, Brown has some zingers to toss off especially from Elizabeth Barton as she grows into a more politically savvy woman. And at the history channel lol.
I would recommend this book to historical fiction fans who want to explore the 16th century away from the Tudor court. All the impact of Henry's Great Matter will be felt by Elizabeth Barton but neither she nor the court will be in any position to stop them-- their role is simply to try to survive.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The book opens with a timeline of events, and marks the start of each chapter with a date and location-- this is very helpful, even having a huge fascination with this era Elizabeth Barton is a relatively minor actor to center the story on. It follows the story of Claire Sage a 21st century historian studying Elizabeth Barton (our other POV) a prophetess living in 16th century England during the Protestant Reformation. She is more popularly known as the Holy Maid of Kent.
Brown does a fantastic job ensuring that her minor characters are given dedicated backstories that reflect the broader politics of the era, womens issues (and how women navigated them/protected themselves in the midst of the Reformation) take center stage. The question of how Brown's characters (from Elizabeth to Claire to Agnes) navigate power and grasp on to all that they have is complex and reflects the different positions each of them occupy-- prophetess (beholden to patrons), academic (and divorcee), Abbess (in a time of change). Each woman lives in uncertainty and is highly aware of her position.
Yet, Brown doesn't set all of them in opposition to each other. She does something far more interesting-- Brown makes each woman inclined to friendship, but makes clear that their positions in life (whether it be academia, financial, or personal) has forced them to live at odds. One of the first interactions we see is between two women at the top of their careers-- a supermodel and a historian. I felt the sigh building in my chest as Alison Sage (our 21st century protagonist), regarded the other woman. But Marla, a gorgeous historian giving Gail Carriger vibes, is presented as a clear expansion on the supermodel's character-- she is held up as a mirror to contrast with our MC while both continue to find common ground , competition, and admiration in the other.
Beyond the characters, Brown has some zingers to toss off especially from Elizabeth Barton as she grows into a more politically savvy woman. And at the history channel lol.
I would recommend this book to historical fiction fans who want to explore the 16th century away from the Tudor court. All the impact of Henry's Great Matter will be felt by Elizabeth Barton but neither she nor the court will be in any position to stop them-- their role is simply to try to survive.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 12, 2025
I am extremely grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the privilege of reviewing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.
The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a wonderful combination of historical fiction, dark academia and a locked-room style mystery. All of these elements are layered together to create a story that travels back and forth between Tudor England, before and during the reign of Henry VIII, and a modern-day manse in the English countryside.
FMC Alison Sage is an academic and historical researcher who has recently made a breakthrough in the discovery of a lost text written by 16th century nun, Elizabeth Barton. Barton (a real historical figure) made a series of shocking prophecies condemning Henry VIII, his then consort Anne Boleyn and Henry's break with the Roman Catholic Church. Barton, who famously became known as "The Maid of Kent", took religious vows and joined a Benedictine order as she continued to relate a great number of prophecies. She soon caught the eye of powerful men, in religious and government circles, and became an important pawn that both sides wanted to control.
After Alison uncovers some of Barton's writings, she becomes the latest darling of academia and secures a coveted invitation to the exclusive Codex Consortium - a week of research with fellow historians in an ancient manor house in England. The manor is conveniently located near the grounds of the priory house where Elizabeth Barton once lived. What begins as a lively conference soon turns into a mess of ex-lovers, jealous researchers and murder.
The best parts of the book for me were all of the past perspectives of Elizabeth and those around her. The author clearly took incredible care in her research and I absolutely devoured the Tudor history and its magnificent atmosphere. I learned so much about Barton, Henry VIII and the powerful men who surrounded him. There were many times I had to set the book aside to go look things up and learn more about this remarkable time in history. The voices of the past felt very authentically written and I would have been content to have read only that part of the book.
The modern perspective was only slightly less satisfying. I very much enjoyed having a glimpse into the cutthroat world of high academia. The descriptions of the crumbling mansion and the mysterious characters within felt like I was inside a game of Clue. There are strong gothic undercurrents in both timelines and a hint of the supernatural.
My one deduction would be that the murder mystery felt a bit like an afterthought. It doesn't even start in earnest until about 60 percent into the story and the conclusion felt a bit rushed. Still, it wasn't bad and I was entertained throughout. I learned SO much from this book and it has inspired me to read more history from the period. Great for fans of Philippa Gregory, Wolf Hall, The Tudors or any gothic, Tudor-period historical fiction. 4 stars
The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a wonderful combination of historical fiction, dark academia and a locked-room style mystery. All of these elements are layered together to create a story that travels back and forth between Tudor England, before and during the reign of Henry VIII, and a modern-day manse in the English countryside.
FMC Alison Sage is an academic and historical researcher who has recently made a breakthrough in the discovery of a lost text written by 16th century nun, Elizabeth Barton. Barton (a real historical figure) made a series of shocking prophecies condemning Henry VIII, his then consort Anne Boleyn and Henry's break with the Roman Catholic Church. Barton, who famously became known as "The Maid of Kent", took religious vows and joined a Benedictine order as she continued to relate a great number of prophecies. She soon caught the eye of powerful men, in religious and government circles, and became an important pawn that both sides wanted to control.
After Alison uncovers some of Barton's writings, she becomes the latest darling of academia and secures a coveted invitation to the exclusive Codex Consortium - a week of research with fellow historians in an ancient manor house in England. The manor is conveniently located near the grounds of the priory house where Elizabeth Barton once lived. What begins as a lively conference soon turns into a mess of ex-lovers, jealous researchers and murder.
The best parts of the book for me were all of the past perspectives of Elizabeth and those around her. The author clearly took incredible care in her research and I absolutely devoured the Tudor history and its magnificent atmosphere. I learned so much about Barton, Henry VIII and the powerful men who surrounded him. There were many times I had to set the book aside to go look things up and learn more about this remarkable time in history. The voices of the past felt very authentically written and I would have been content to have read only that part of the book.
The modern perspective was only slightly less satisfying. I very much enjoyed having a glimpse into the cutthroat world of high academia. The descriptions of the crumbling mansion and the mysterious characters within felt like I was inside a game of Clue. There are strong gothic undercurrents in both timelines and a hint of the supernatural.
My one deduction would be that the murder mystery felt a bit like an afterthought. It doesn't even start in earnest until about 60 percent into the story and the conclusion felt a bit rushed. Still, it wasn't bad and I was entertained throughout. I learned SO much from this book and it has inspired me to read more history from the period. Great for fans of Philippa Gregory, Wolf Hall, The Tudors or any gothic, Tudor-period historical fiction. 4 stars
August 3, 2025
I received an ARC on netgalley for an honest review and I am happy to say I really enjoyed this one! I think the dual timeline structure is great because we get to see the impact and parallels to modern life. Even if it’s just treading the in the footsteps of those characters. Just 2 months off a trip to the Tower of London I felt the impact of going through traitor’s gate and how that must have been knowing you may not be coming out again.
July 27, 2025
An absolute marvel of a story. It tells the story of The Maid of Kent (Elizabeth Barton) and with a dual timeline a historian who finds the "lost book" of Elizabeth. The author does a great job in keeping the historical facts about Elizabeth while humanizing the circus of events that surrounded her claims of visions. The more modern story becomes a treasure hunting/murder mystery as only the English can do. Although I had my suspicions of one of the characters very early on (and I was right!) - the story was interesting and exciting from start to finish. The only thing that kept it from being 5 stars for me was the quick conclusion - I would have liked to see how the outcome of the story affected her life. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 4, 2025
This engaging historical fiction read is also great for reminding me why I did not want to go into academia. Ugh.
In this case, murder ugh.
Appreciated all the notes at the end explaining what was real, what was not, and where inspiration for the not came from.
In this case, murder ugh.
Appreciated all the notes at the end explaining what was real, what was not, and where inspiration for the not came from.
September 8, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC
I would describe this book as simply, wow. The ending page gave me goosebumps! I loved the scholarly setting and characters in the story. They all felt very realistic and the dual-timeline was fascinating. This is an excellent book for those who love history in general. Seeing the two timelines come together was addicting. Once I got to the fifty percent point of the book, I started racing through. So much started happening so fast and I just needed to know. There were quite a few red herrings and twists throughout, but the main culprit was hidden in plain sight.
I loved the anti-patriarchy message. Women are often seen as lesser, even when their efforts are manipulated for men. I love the way the author uses this theme both of the plotpoints. Very well written.
I would describe this book as simply, wow. The ending page gave me goosebumps! I loved the scholarly setting and characters in the story. They all felt very realistic and the dual-timeline was fascinating. This is an excellent book for those who love history in general. Seeing the two timelines come together was addicting. Once I got to the fifty percent point of the book, I started racing through. So much started happening so fast and I just needed to know. There were quite a few red herrings and twists throughout, but the main culprit was hidden in plain sight.
I loved the anti-patriarchy message. Women are often seen as lesser, even when their efforts are manipulated for men. I love the way the author uses this theme both of the plotpoints. Very well written.
August 23, 2025
When I started this book the only knowledge I had on the subject was a brief knowing of Henry VIII and his love of wives and food. I had no idea that there really was a Maid of Kent trying to help keep Catholicism in England during Henry’s reign. This book was a very interesting read knowing that some events were truly based in history and then most of it was the fictional brilliance of the author and historian, Jennifer N. Brown.
We get to experience two timelines in the book, the first follows Elizabeth Barton, a low born maid who one day has a vision while feverish. She is swept up by the Catholic establishment and used as a pawn to try and affect the changes in religion. And then fast forward to present day, when historian Alison Sage has found the previously thought lost writings of the Maid of Kent and is planning on publishing her finds, but first she must navigate some treachery of her own.
This was a very fast paced entertaining read, which gives enough history to make one want to do a little research on one’s own. The author even threw in a bit of mystery and murder! Would highly recommend if you like Tudor history with modern day drama.
The book will debut in April 2026!!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
We get to experience two timelines in the book, the first follows Elizabeth Barton, a low born maid who one day has a vision while feverish. She is swept up by the Catholic establishment and used as a pawn to try and affect the changes in religion. And then fast forward to present day, when historian Alison Sage has found the previously thought lost writings of the Maid of Kent and is planning on publishing her finds, but first she must navigate some treachery of her own.
This was a very fast paced entertaining read, which gives enough history to make one want to do a little research on one’s own. The author even threw in a bit of mystery and murder! Would highly recommend if you like Tudor history with modern day drama.
The book will debut in April 2026!!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
August 25, 2025
That was phenomenal! I won this book through Goodreads and found myself enthralled. This book, set to release next year, was so well written that I felt I was a part of history. I felt the characters needed to be seen and heard. The heartfelt devotion of the believers, whether Catholic or Protestant, stood firm in their corners and shed blood for it. The modern-day parallel storyline was also spectacular. I followed a historian who had come across a lost document and now finds herself at the "boys' table" as an honored guest. Looks can be deceiving. Who can you really trust? What are their real motives? Is there a real treasure, the hidden jewels of the priory, are they still residing in the house, church, or did they ever exist?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2025
Very Interesting read. Loved the back and forth timeline. #netgalley#wouldorderthisformy library
October 24, 2025
I enjoyed this dive into the chaos of Henry Viii’s reign, the church politicking and the fate of a young girl with a prophetic vision that is uncomfortable and expedient… depending on whose perspective is taken. The dual timeline follows the Holy Maid of Kent and also the modern day historian (a divorcee in her 40s) who recovered her words. Mystery meets historical fiction in a ramshackle country house filled with quirky characters like a Clue game.
August 20, 2025
I love a literary mystery and books about books. I liked the duo timeline and the historical significance. The pacing was a bit off, most of the action happened in the last 40 percent of the book.
““Will there be a fair?” he asks, hopefully. For some reason when I tell people I study the medieval period or the Renaissance, they expect me to come out in full dress, eating a turkey leg. Medieval Times is the public’s view of my work. I’m pretty sure that Victorianists don’t have this same problem.”
““Will there be a fair?” he asks, hopefully. For some reason when I tell people I study the medieval period or the Renaissance, they expect me to come out in full dress, eating a turkey leg. Medieval Times is the public’s view of my work. I’m pretty sure that Victorianists don’t have this same problem.”
October 23, 2025
This dual timeline mystery goes between a modern scholar and the subject of the scholar's latest book, a Tudor charlatan or prophetess. Brown draws on her experience as an academic to show the relationships between academics as well as the mystery associated with history.
December 11, 2025
I read this book a little slower, over the past couple of weeks. The story is told in a duel timelines, my favorite being the one taking place during the 1500’s. It is about a real woman, Elizabeth Barton, who was known as the Holy Maid. She had visions and would share them with whoever wanted to listen. This was during King Henry VIII’s reign, so she was eventually executed for “treason.”
The modern day story was following a doctor of medieval history who studies Barton and makes some new discoveries about her and the other women around her at the time. There is a killer who begins to work in the midst of an academic conference, and you have no idea (as reader) who to believe.
This book took awhile to get into, but I did really enjoy it and recommend to those interested in books with some history lessons.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy.
The modern day story was following a doctor of medieval history who studies Barton and makes some new discoveries about her and the other women around her at the time. There is a killer who begins to work in the midst of an academic conference, and you have no idea (as reader) who to believe.
This book took awhile to get into, but I did really enjoy it and recommend to those interested in books with some history lessons.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy.
August 18, 2025
This book is a dual timeline of historical fiction, although it is based on a real person. Elizabeth Barton is a sixteenth century prophetess, who was eventually hanged for treason. Alison Sage is a historian, who finds the book Barton wrote. Because of this, she is invited to a week-long conference in England. A murder takes place, and then another academic is stabbed. What is happening?
I enjoyed this book very much. I had heard of Elizabeth Barton, but didn't know much about her. This book kept me interested from the first page to the last. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
I enjoyed this book very much. I had heard of Elizabeth Barton, but didn't know much about her. This book kept me interested from the first page to the last. Highly recommended.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 29, 2025
Based on true historical facts, this part history and part murder/mystery. Set during the reign of Henry VIII, the book centers around the Maid of Kent, Elizabeth Barton, and her prophecies. But the book switches to present time to focus on seven scholars meeting to share their research at Vale House, abutting the priory where the Maid resided. It soon becomes apparent that all the scholars are interested in finding a “supposed” treasure only to have a murder intervene. This was a good and enjoyable read. I want to thank NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC.
August 1, 2025
I knew nothing of Elizabeth Barton before reading this historical fiction. The Mad Maid of Kent, as she was known, anchors a story that manages to deftly connect 16th-century England with a medieval scholar placed firmly in the present. I love this style of storytelling, and Jennifer Brown pulls it off with skill. There are echoes of universality across the years and foreshadowing that kept me guessing until the very last pages. The book feels well researched and is full of colorful details that bring both the Mad Maid and her modern protagonist to life. While there were a few storylines that I wish we'd gotten an update on before the book closed, I appreciate that that's not how history works. As someone who reads a fair amount of books about the Tudors, in particular Henry VIII, I loved this new look at this period in history.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in return for an honest, thoughtful review.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book in return for an honest, thoughtful review.
August 5, 2025
A duel timeline academic murder mystery.
I started this book believing that perhaps Brown was trying to do too much with the two plots, but I was totally wrong and she knew exactly what she was doing. Her historical fiction was captivating and humanizing, and her modern mystery kept me engaged. I already have a list of people I would recommend this too. It's a relatively quick read and definitely a page turner.
I started this book believing that perhaps Brown was trying to do too much with the two plots, but I was totally wrong and she knew exactly what she was doing. Her historical fiction was captivating and humanizing, and her modern mystery kept me engaged. I already have a list of people I would recommend this too. It's a relatively quick read and definitely a page turner.
August 7, 2025
Loved the history! Good subject, not covered by every other book. Good writing, toward the end a little long but over all a really good read.
August 1, 2025
Intriguing! The ending didn't seem consistent with first part of the book but made for mystery and fun.
September 21, 2025
I enjoyed how this book was written combining the past and present. I think the author, Jennifer Brown, did justice to the time period in which she wrote about Elisabeth Barton during the Reformation. Adding the timeline at the beginning of the novel was an asset to any reader not familiar to this time period. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this ARC and will recommend it to my reading club.
July 28, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a e-ARC of this novel.
This was fantastic if you like a slow burn historical mystery/thriller. I was 50% into the novel when I remembered that the book wasn't just historical- that it contained a mystery as well. At that point things really took off. The writing was wonderful- it very clearly was well researched.
This was fantastic if you like a slow burn historical mystery/thriller. I was 50% into the novel when I remembered that the book wasn't just historical- that it contained a mystery as well. At that point things really took off. The writing was wonderful- it very clearly was well researched.
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