Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.

Start by marking “The Corpse Played Dead” as Want to Read:

Other editions

Enlarge cover

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Open Preview

The Corpse Played Dead

(Lizzie Hardwicke #2)

Georgina Clarke (Goodreads Author)

4.36 · Rating details · 218 ratings · 77 reviews

‘All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players…’

When an undercover assignment for the Bow Street magistrate sees prostitute Lizzie Hardwicke trade Ma Farley’s Bawdy House in Soho for life as a seamstress the theatre on Drury Lane, it becomes clear quite quickly - what goes on in the wings is much more intriguing than the theatrics being played out

...more

Get A Copy

Kindle Edition, 350 pages

Published August 19th 2019 by Canelo

More Details... Edit Details

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about The Corpse Played Dead, please sign up.

Be the first to ask a question about The Corpse Played Dead

Lists with This Book

Death Of A Hollow Man by Caroline Graham

Mystery Novels about Theatrical Performers

70 books — 9 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

Showing 1-30

Average rating 4.36 ·

Rating details

· 218 ratings · 77 reviews

More filters

Sort order

Start your review of The Corpse Played Dead

Jul 31, 2019 Peter rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley, crime, favorites, historical-fiction

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 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. ...more

flag 106 likes · Like · see review

Aug 25, 2019 Beata rated it really liked it

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 ...more

flag 59 likes · Like · see review

Sep 06, 2019 Whispering Stories rated it it was amazing

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 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. ...more

flag 33 likes · Like · see review

Feb 17, 2020 Mlpmom (Book Reviewer) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: kindle-books

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! ...more

flag 19 likes · Like · see review

Aug 25, 2019 OLT rated it really liked it

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 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. ...more

flag 13 likes · Like · see review

Sep 24, 2019 Empress Reece (Hooked on Books) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019-releases, 2019-read, mystery, own-it, historical-fiction, arc, netgalley-read, crime

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 dialogu ...more

flag 12 likes · Like · see review

Jul 11, 2019 Maranda rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2019-netgalley, netgalley

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 p ...more

flag 12 likes · Like · see review

Jan 09, 2020 *The Angry Reader* rated it really liked it

Shelves: best-of-2020, 2020, historicals, mystery

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 w ...more

flag 9 likes · Like · see review

Jan 06, 2020 G. rated it really liked it

Shelves: read-four-to-fives

4.5/5

My little Christmas present to myself. It was so hard to save it until January 1st, because I liked the first book so much. I knew this one would be good, so I saved it for a strong beginning to a new reading year. A great decision, definitely. I thought The Corpse Played Dead was even stronger than Death and the Harlot, so the anticipation for book three is intense.

Lizzie, the heroine of the series, is a Georgian London sex worker, so she's somewhat of an unlikely heroine. Honestly, I can' ...more

flag 7 likes · Like · see review

Aug 15, 2019 Kris - My Novelesque Life rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery, britain, arc-netgalley, fiction, 1800s, historical-mystery

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 wh ...more

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Jul 26, 2019 KarenK rated it liked it

Shelves: series, arc-netgalley

I received this from Netgalley.com for a review.

Second in the series Lizzie Hardwicke, Lizzie is once again thrown together with the handsome Inspector Will Davenport when a high profile investor is brutally hanged at centre stage and Lizzie discovers the body.

I think the first book was just a titch better.
3☆

flag 6 likes · Like · see review

Aug 24, 2019 Caitlyn Lynch rated it it was amazing

Shelves: other-historical, romantic-suspense

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 sometim ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Jun 08, 2019 Sarah rated it it was amazing

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 aft ...more

flag 5 likes · Like · see review

Aug 10, 2019 Sophia rated it it was amazing

Shelves: historical-mystery-suspense, net-galley-reads

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, cour 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. ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Jul 04, 2019 Aleen ~Lampshade Reader rated it it was amazing

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.

Shady Talk Banner Top 5 Reasons The Corpse Played Dead

Shady Talk Banner Top 5 Reasons The Corpse Played Dead

1. Lizzie Hardwick is a harlot.

I'm a ...more

flag 4 likes · Like · see review

Aug 12, 2019 Cheryl rated it it was amazing

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 ...more

flag 3 likes · Like · see review

Aug 10, 2019 Kat rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, favorites

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 ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 24, 2019 Marguerite Kaye rated it really liked it

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 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.
...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jul 12, 2020 Tricia rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2020-reading-challenges

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 mo ...more

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Sep 23, 2019 Joanna Park rated it it was amazing

4.5 stars
Review coming soon!

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Jun 29, 2019 Jen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, netgalley

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.

flag 2 likes · Like · see review

Aug 17, 2019 Cathy Geha rated it it was amazing

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, abu 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
...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Feb 07, 2020 Theresa Larson rated it really liked it

Shelves: british-mysteries, netgalley

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 hap 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
...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Sep 20, 2019 Jennifer Young rated it it was amazing

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 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. ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Aug 20, 2019 Jane Hunt rated it it was amazing

Shelves: netgalley-reviewed

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 ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Nov 13, 2019 Alexis rated it really liked it

Shelves: netgalley

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 usual ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Oct 11, 2020 Julia Bell rated it it was amazing

I first met Lizzie Hardwicke in the first of the series Death and the Harlot and I enjoyed the story so much I had to buy the next one. The Corpse Played Dead didn't disappoint and I was happy to join LIzzie's world again. I love the idea of an eighteenth century prostitute working for the Bow Street Runners and being the sidekick for Davenport, who fits the idea of a modern day police inspector.
Descriptions of the seedy side of eighteenth century life is well described and I was immersed in a w ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Dec 05, 2019 Kathy Randol rated it it was amazing

FANTASTIC!!

I found this book by accident and I’m glad I did!! Wonderful characters that leave no stone unturned. I absolutely enjoyed Liz, the main character. She’s a kind, warm, gentlewoman. Plus she’s smart.....Her father disowned her she had to turn to prostitution to earn a living.

A man has been murdered she goes undercover as a seamstress for a play writer. Davenport from the magistrate has asked this of her to help find the killer or killers of a wealthy aristocrat. Why? Because she’s smar ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Apr 11, 2020 Rekha O'Sullivan rated it it was amazing

I love this series. Lizzie Hardwicke goes undercover in the theatre to help the handsome Bow Street Runner William Davenport to find out the reason behind some strange happenings. She becomes entangled in something far more sinister and uses her significant charm, intelligence and compassion to solve the mystery. She's a much better investigator than any of the Runners - perhaps her life as a high-end courtesan may be drawing to a close. I wonder what William Davenport will do if Lizzie becomes ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

Sep 06, 2019 Pippa Beecheno rated it it was amazing

Brilliantly researched historical murder mystery, full of wit, suspense and intrigue. I found myself immediately drawn into the murky, riotous world of Drury Lane with a cast of colourful characters to love and hate and a plotline with as many turns and twists as the back alleys of Soho. This novel is great fun to read. It is a page-turning thriller with a dynamic heroine whose resilience, good-humour and sharp-sighted comments carry you along from the eye-catching start to the grand finale. Hig ...more

flag 1 like · Like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend It | Stats | Recent Status Updates

Readers also enjoyed

See similar books…

About Georgina Clarke

Georgina Clarke

62 followers

Georgina Clarke has a degree in theology and a PhD in history but has only recently started to combine her love of the past with a desire to write stories. Her Lizzie Hardwicke series is set in the mid-eighteenth century, an underrated and often neglected period, but one that is rich in possibility for a crime novelist.
She enjoys running along the banks of the River Severn and is sometimes to be f ...more