A Pair of Sharp Eyes

by Kat Armstrong

Coronation hears of the murders before she even reachse the slave port of Bristol - six boys found with their throats slit. Horrified, she questions the locals' readiness to blame the killings on Red John, a travelling man few have actually seen. Coronation yearns to know more about the mystery. But first she has to outsmart the bawds, thieves and rakes who prey on young girls like her: fresh from the countryside and desperate for work.
When the murderer strikes shockingly close to Coronation, she schemes, eavesdrops and spies on all around her until the shameful truth is out.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Crime, Mystery

271 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2019

About the author

Kat Armstrong grew up in Bristol, and became an English lecturer after writing a doctoral thesis on eighteenth-century fiction at the University of Oxford. She has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Manchester, and has written articles for The Guardian as well as a scholarly study of Daniel Defoe.

Kat’s debut novel, A Pair of Sharp Eyes, was published by Hookline Books in September 2019.

Reviews

[Rainelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to give credit where credit is due. This book deserves to be noticed by the outstanding writing. The writer combined religious faith with a mystery that is unfathomable. Also the writer touched base on having different religious beliefs that in the end it’s all the same, just taught differently. I loved the young main character for her relentless ambition of making it to her destination to have a better life. The people she meets along the way have your heart pounding from fear of a bad outcome for the young ladies. The book had my imagination all over the place. Great writing from the author.

[Kirsty Carson]

DNF @ 45%
I really wanted this book to be good but after getting nearly halfway and still nothing really having happened I just couldn’t keep at it… wayyyyyy too slow!

[Isabelle Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid historical mystery that slots perfectly into the real life circumstances of the great storm of 1703. Knowing a little bit about the history beforehand adds to the experience reading this book; the great storm of 1703 was an extratropical cyclone that struck the coast of England on 26th November and devastated port towns like Bristol and Plymouth, leading to over 8 thousand casualties. Coronation hearing snippets of information about the high winds out to sea adds to the suspense as you see the date creeping nearer and nearer.

Coronation Amesbury is an effective protagonist and narrator; she's a little ignorant, a little headstrong, and doesn't care for things she thinks has no relevance, lending her believability as a 14 year old. I think the ending was a little far-fetched in terms of where she ended up, and some of the answers to the mystery did just fall in her lap rather than include her doing any actual detective work, but then again she is only 14.

Heavy trigger warnings for racism, anti-Semitism, and depictions of slavery within the context of the novel. Bristol is a port town and it is 1703, meaning there is a lot of talk of slaver ships and the slave trade, and graphic depictions of slavery, especially young children like Abraham, first introduced as 'Pug'. Corrie's attitudes to all of this are typical for her race, age, and the time period, and there's no real mentions of emancipation because it's just not something Corrie would think about. I am glad however that the novel didn't shy away from any of the very real issues of 1703.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

📙📙BOOK REVIEW📙📙
A Pair of Sharp Eyes by Kat Armstrong

I really savoured this historical murder mystery set in 18th century Bristol. Our protagonist is 15 year old Miss Coronation Amesbury ‘Corrie’ who has left her village home in Wiltshire, hoping for a better life in Bristol. On her journey via Bath, she hears about the murders in Bristol of six boys, found with their throats slit. Not exactly the work she was looking for but Corrie finds herself ensconced with investigating the murders. Bristol is my hometown and I really enjoyed the historical parts of this book. The author is clearly well versed with 18th-century Bristol, and it was very well written, descriptive and immersive.

Briefly, whilst everybody is blaming the murders on a travelling man known as Red John Corrie isn’t convinced and determines to keep her eyes and ears open.

This was quite a slow starter with the author setting the scene around Corrie and the murders, but I enjoyed this part of the book. This isn’t just a murder mystery, there is a lot about social inequities at this time in history. Bristol was a very busy port and a major link in the slave trade during the period this book covered. Corrie is a great character. A smart cookie and she needed to be with all the unsavoury characters looking to take advantage of a young girl from the countryside. A very enjoyable historical murder mystery with an entertaining ‘detective’ and some fabulous secondary characters.
4.5⭐️

[Jacqueline Moxon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very different book from those that I normally read, but I did enjoy it. It is certainly well written, with the language and forms of address reflecting the 18th century. It was certainly a grim and unjust time in which to live, to be poor, Jewish or black. I found it disturbing and would have preferred fewer details about certain events, but perhaps they were necessary to accurately depict the atmosphere of the era. Is this book part of a trilogy? It felt to me that a story had preceded it and that there was one to follow, yet the plot was complete in itself, with no over patronising explanation of previous events. They were just hinted at in a satisfying way. The young heroine is certainly that; bold, brave, determined to intelligent, as well as precociously articulate and wise. I wouldn’t necessarily want to read too many stories set in this period. Living with some of the tragedies and injustices of present can sometimes be overwhelming, without dwelling on how awful life was several centuries ago. However, I read the novel from cover to cover and was gripped by the storyline.

[Philip Cumberland · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pair of sharp eyes by Kat Armstrong a review
I am not normally tempted by historical novels; those more historical than the 1930s, that is but it was the promise of a murder mystery that swung the balance. The story is set in the early eighteenth century West Country and mainly in Bristol.
Miss Coronation Amesbury leaves her village in Wiltshire to seek her fortune in Bristol. The coach journey alone in atrocious weather is an adventure in its self. Her arrival in this bustling port city following a difficult overnight stay in Bath is not an easy one for her and a great shock after village life.
The recent horrendous murder of several young boys haunts Bristol. We follow Coronation as she looks for work in what she hopes will be her new home and her search for the perpetrator of these horrendous crimes.
The time, place and the events are beautifully painted we can see it all in our minds eye, a warts and all view of a bustling Bristol with its busy port during the era of slave trading. The story is well told and I found myself neglecting important tasks to finish the book, I struggled to put it down until I read those two final words, “The End”.
A Brilliant read.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pair of Sharp Eyes by Kat Armstrong


I don’t read historical novels much as it’s not often I enjoy them, however from the first chapter I was pleasantly surprised with this novel by Kat Armstrong. The storyline hypnotised me - the murders drew me in. I was hooked!

This historical novel is packed with realism. The author goes into depth with detail, the streets are brought alive. The characters are brought to life with lively conversations, especially the first-person pov of the main character, Corrie. Corrie is such a strong character, she feels so real — I would say the author has based her on a real person! Very impressed with this character.
The plot is great, I don’t want to say anything about the storyline itself as it will spoil the novel, but I’d like to add due to the many twists I didn’t see that ending coming!

I highly recommend this eighteenth century based novel for all historical lovers and those who enjoy a murder/mystery or a crime/thriller

I’d like to thank Bloodhound books for the ARC

[Nicola Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is tagged as a captivating historical murder mystery, but I didn't really find it so. The murder mystery seemed to be a side-line while the main characters were introduced and it was very short on details to help readers work out what had happened and who might have committed the crimes. It was also strange that there seemed to be no authorities involved in solving the crimes and that no-one was concerned about preserving or collecting the evidence. Maybe I have been spoilt by Susanna Gregory books which are set much earlier but still have clear investigations in them while sticking to historical detail.
Having said that, the scene is now set and characters are introduced, so I think a follow up book would be able to better focus on the actual crime and investigation, so I would read another if it does become a series.

[Keeley Ribchester · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this amazing book to read as arc for Bloodhound books and here is my honest review.
Having read Antonia Hodgson Thomas Hawkins books I have really gotten into historical fiction which has been a side step from my usual genre!
This did not disappoint and was throughly enjoyable and I didn’t want to put it down!
I loved the descriptions and the feeling the book gave of being there transported back in time really well written.
The storyline was intriguing and kept me hooked till the very end and I will be reading more of this authors work in the future.

[Sue Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pair of sharp eyes by Kat Armstrong.
Coronation hears of the murders before she even reachse the slave port of Bristol - six boys found with their throats slit. Horrified, she questions the locals' readiness to blame the killings on Red John, a travelling man few have actually seen. Coronation yearns to know more about the mystery. But first she has to outsmart the bawds, thieves and rakes who prey on young girls like her: fresh from the countryside and desperate for work.
I did enjoy this book. I liked Coronation. Very well written and I did feel like I was there. The way they spoke. 4*.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed and look forward to seeing what is next for this author. This is an engaging mystery that is well written and hard to put down. A story about Coronation and how she is determined to find the truth. She is a strong character that brought the story to life. I enjoyed watching her growth as well as what she added to the story. This is an easy story to read as well as entertaining. The characters are connectable and engaging. I enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

As this engaging story opens, fourteen-year-old Coronation (Corrie) Amesbury is a passenger in a stagecoach; following the relatively recent deaths of her brother and her father, and a fire which completely destroyed her home, she is travelling from her home in Wiltshire to the 18th century slave-port of Bristol. Seeking to “better herself”, she plans to stay briefly with her married elder sister whilst she attempts to find a domestic “situation” in one of the many affluent households in the city. Whilst listening to a conversation between her fellow passengers, she hears a disturbing story about six young boys from the city who have been found with their throats slit; their murders being blamed on Red John, a travelling man whom few have actually seen. Knowing how it feels to lose a brother, Corrie feels an immediate concern, not only for these unknown boys but also for their grieving families. It is this empathy which will drive her to seek justice for the boys but, in a city which places little value on the lives of the less fortunate, her determination to uncover the truth behind the killings exposes her to considerable danger.
I found this an enjoyable, fast-paced story, one which immediately transported me to the busy, thriving port of Bristol, a city which was at the centre of the slave trade during the early years of the eighteenth century. As well as very effectively capturing the various sounds, smells and sights which greeted Corrie as she explored her new landscape, the author’s descriptions provided insights into the various levels on which that society functioned. They portrayed the vast rift between the very rich and the desperately poor, capturing the comfortable lives of the affluent merchants, who were exporting cargoes of precious metals, weapons etc to Africa, in exchange for return cargoes of sugar, tobacco and slaves and exposing the bargaining, and the skulduggery, which frequently went on between merchants as fortunes were made and lost. The storytelling also highlighted the dreadful conditions experienced by the poorest in the community, those who faced the daily struggle to accommodate, feed and adequately clothe themselves.
It also exposed the inhumanity of the slave trade and the thoughtless, almost casual brutality with which the slaves were treated, even those such as Abraham, the young boy “adopted” as a pageboy by merchant’s wife Mrs Tufnell. A desperately unhappy and resentful child, he was subjected to the unpredictable moods of his mistress: dressed in expensive clothes, he was sometimes petted and shown off, but then, just as casually, beaten if he did the slightest thing to displease her. However, the story highlighted that brutality was not confined to the way in which black slaves were treated, but that it existed in marital relationships, as well as in how employers treated their workers.
Corrie’s eventual employment as lady’s maid to this woman enabled the author to very evocatively explore the “upstairs/downstairs” aspects of life in the household, a microcosm of the society outside its doors. Through Corrie’s acquaintanceship with Aaron Espinosa, a fellow-passenger from the stagecoach, the author reminds the reader that anti-Semitism is not a relatively modern phenomenon, but was rife in the eighteenth century, with Jews being seen as easy scapegoats for many of the “ills” of society.
With her endless scheming, eavesdropping and spying, I found Corrie to be a very likeable protagonist, even though there were times when I had to suspend my disbelief about some of some of the freedoms she enjoyed to pursue her investigations, and the number of times she was able to avoid serious harm from all the bawds, thieves and rakes she encountered! However, I must admit that my growing enjoyment of her feisty attitude to life, her self-confidence, and her determination to expose dishonesty and injustice wherever she found it, did make it relatively easy for me to rein in my more sceptical reactions!
The author’s skill in creating such a multi-layered character was not limited to her protagonist, she also brought it to bear on all her supporting characters. Most of these felt nuanced rather than stereotypical and none felt superfluous to the developing story. Through Corrie’s relationships with all these characters she built up a psychologically convincing portrait of a young woman trying to make sense of the world she was living in and trying to negotiate her way through. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the plotting, some of which were surprising, and thought that the author managed to maintain the tension in a way which kept me engaged throughout this fast-moving story.
Kat Armstrong has a doctorate in eighteenth-century fiction and I’m sure that her familiarity with this period helped to lend such convincing authenticity to her characters, their attire and habits of speech, as well as to the ways in which she conveyed a powerful sense of place. Historical fiction is a genre I often struggle with because all too often it doesn’t feel convincing, but on this occasion I think the author got it right and I found myself hoping that she might be considering making this the first book in a series!
With its wide-ranging variety of interesting themes this would make an interesting choice for reading groups.

With many thanks to Yvonne Barlow at Hookline Books for a pre-publication copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review published on www.agoodyearinthelife.com

Thank you to Kat Armstrong and Hookline Books for the advance copy for honest review.

It’s not often that I jump on the new release bandwagon and try a book as soon as it is released, but I was fortunate to receive an advance copy of Kat Armstrong’s new historical mystery novel A Pair of Sharp Eyes, released in early September. I’m a sucker for both mystery and history (hey, I’m a poet…), and here we have a historical mystery that weaves together a good whodunnit plot with a capable investigation of social mores in early 18th century England.

Armstrong’s book is a strong debut. Centred around a young woman, Corrie, who is thrust into a world of confusing social hierarchies, racial and anti-semitic prejudice and a side serving of throat-slitting in the bustling port of Bristol, Armstrong manages to create an intriguing narrative that keeps us searching for the truth, subverts some of our expectations, and gives us a bit of a history lesson along the way.

My first observation of the novel is that both the writing and the historical scene-setting are very accomplished and smooth: Armstrong knows her historical period well, and knows how to describe it effectively. This comes as no surprise – Armstrong is an English lecturer in 18th century fiction with an MA in creative writing – but it does nonetheless make the book very compelling to read. Effectively capturing the essence of the city within the thorough description of sights and sounds, Armstrong manages to draw us into the early 18th-century city with ease. The language is easy to follow but certainly not conventional or boring. In terms of Armstrong’s abilities as an author, I would definitely be happy to read more from her.

Coronation – or Corrie – is an interesting character. As she is supposed to be fifteen, it wolud be easy to fall into the trap of the slightly bratty teenage protagonist at war with the world, or as sometimes seen in mysteries with child protagonists such as Alan Bradley’s Flavia De Luce series, write the protagonist with such a childish view on the world that it can become tricky to extract any greater sense of meaning or context beyond the charm of the narrative. Armstrong just about manages to find a balance between childish naivete and desire to help anyone and anything, and an interest enough in cultural and social issues to talk about them to an extent that appeals to the reader without being too much of a hard-hitting social history lesson. Corrie is aware (but rarely too aware to be unrealistic), plucky enough to drive forward the plot, and at times flawed enough to be interesting reading. Armstrong also writes a varied supporting cast (and set of potential villains!) from snobby aristocats to shunned wives, to loud strong women and supportive social outcasts. We have a cross-section of society, contrasting rich and poor, white and black, male and female, old and young, that all help bolster the plot and work to examine each other and our own knowledge of the period.

The novel is a little bit of a slow starter. The opening few chapter, including a carriage stop in Bath, make perfect sense come the end of the book, which (without spoiling anything) does round off in a nice cyclical manner. However, at the time, the first handful of chapters before Corrie reaches Bristol and as she begins to establish her life there seem a little bit out of place within the pitch of the book. A part of me wonders if this is solely to do with the marketing: the blurb places the murders at the heart of the story, and while we do know of the circumstances right from the start, it actually takes a while to build up to a ‘whodunnit’ narrative, with the first third or so of the book centered more around setting up the social-historical elements needed for the story to function later, contextualising Corrie and her fellow characters within a rigid social set-up. This worked fine for me (history student and all) but I think that this should shift the pitch of the book away from just ‘murder mystery’ towards ‘historical murder mystery’, with greater emphasis being placed on the historical element of the narrative – I find that part just as interesting as the murders! If you’re a big murder mystery fan then you may find it takes a little while to get to the jist of the story.

Overall, though, the ending is satisfying for a murder narrative: not too obvious to have carved out everything by chapter three, nor too random or illogical to not be able to trace the events back afterwards. It’s not the most surprising ending in the murder mystery world, but it is enjoyable nonetheless. There is also a sense of development for Corrie by the end, which is always good to see. There is definitely room left over within the genre and the setting should Armstrong decide to do more with it, however.

On that note, I would like to see more work in a similar vein from Armstrong. A Pair of Sharp Eyes was definitely good, but I think Armstrong has it in her to go further. With a little bit of a sharpening on pace, and utilising more of her knowledge of British (in particular 18th century city) history, I think Armstrong has a wealth of opportunities to write more historical murder mysteries. And I would definitely pick up another.

https://agoodyearinthelife.com/2019/1...

[Sonja Charters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this fast-paced, twisty murder mystery set in 18th century Bristol.

This was such a well written historical fiction with some great descriptive passages.
I was instantly transported to both this era and our setting and found it easy to visualise the characters and events.

I'm not a huge reader of historical fiction, but I do love a good murder mystery and this is what drew me to giving this one a go - it really gave me Christie vibes.

Coming from a quiet nearby village to the noise and bustle of Bristol took Coronation by surprise - but hearing of the 6 young boys who had been murdered, pushed her to investigate.

Coronation was a great character to explore.
She was clever and determined to show that, not what is typically portrayed around that time of a woman.

I was totally gripped right from the start. This was a really well researched and presented story and although the mystery came to a satisfactory conclusion, I feel that I was left with further questions and really hope that there may be more books to come.

[Kairen Harries · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from the first page. It is so atmospheric and absorbing. The author has obviously done so much research to make the historical setting so believable.
The story is fast paced and keeps you hooked.
I'll be reading more from this author in future.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for my advance copy.

[Lynn Mccarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do not usually read historical fiction but i glad i did read this book.
This is a murder mystery set in 18th century Bristol which i do like this era.
I loved this book Kat Armstrong’s book is a strong debut will be looking out for more from this Author.
Thank you to Bloodhound Books for my advance copy.

[ReadinIt · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNFed at 26%

Because of the period this story takes place, there is definite prejudice against Jews and blacks. There is also an oblique possible child rape and an attempt to recruit children for prostitution.

[Kittin · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was terrific! very good heroine, super interesting mystery. loved the world, and was a really fun read.

[Misha Herwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder in eighteenth-century Bristol. Loved the atmosphere and the characters. Didn't guess the twist at the end.

[Alison Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel set in the 1700s and the main character was strong and likeable. The history was interesting and showed life at the time well. The story didn’t take the very predictable paths that it could have done so that added more interest and kept me reading. Was that an ending? Or will there be a second book?

[luna · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
interesting but ultimately convoluted and disappointing ending

[Isabella Hellig · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Pair of Sharp Eyes is an excellent novel that combines lovely prose with thoroughly researched historical detail, gripping human drama and an underlying social consciousness that runs through the novel. Hard to put down, A Pair of Sharp Eyes is a thoroughly enjoyable read that remains thought provoking even after turning the final page.

[Jane Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope this is going to be a series.

Coronation (Corrie) the main protagonist is enigmatic, despite her youth. Her courage, cleverness, and compassion make her the perfect amateur sleuth and social activist. The historical setting is so well-drawn. It transports the reader to 18th Century Bristol on so many levels; criminal, economic, political, sensory and social class are all explored here. The vast disparity between the rich and the poor is clear. The setting is authentic and believable because of the author’s obvious knowledge and love of it.

From the first page, where Corrie is crammed in a coach bound for Bristol, It’s so atmospheric, you can visualise, the dilapidated interior, the appearance and manner of her travelling companions and the authenticity of their conversation. The story is told from her perspective, from a first-person point of view. This works well for historical fiction. It allows the reader to see the sights, sound and smells of Bristol, in a personalised way, making them more realistic.

The murder mystery is alluded to at the beginning, but this element of the plot forms the latter part of the story. The former part providing the necessary world-building and characterisation to make the story work. The mystery is plotted well and makes this element of the story satisfying.

‘A Pair of Sharp Eyes’ is a vividly portrayed historical fiction novel, fused with elements of mystery and crime fiction, the plot and setting sparkle with originality. As do the authentically created characters and a first-hand account of 18th Century Bristol and its ethos. A recommended read for historical fiction readers.

I received a copy of this book from Hookline Books in return for an honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Pair of Sharp Eyes drew me in immediately. Kat Armstrong’s writing is wonderful. I absolutely loved the first person point of view. It kept me engrossed in the story and connected me to the main character, Corrie, immediately.

The story was fast-paced and engaging. The plotline was unique, and the story really exposed the inhumanity of the slave trade and anti-semitism. With such deep rooted themes, there’s also a mystery to solve. And while that doesn’t really pick up until midway through the book, I still thought it was a well written ‘whodunit.’

Kat Armstrong’s talent for creating multi-layered characters doesn’t stop at Corrie, the supporting characters were also well developed. This helped keep the story moving and I really enjoyed how character-driven this really was.

I recommend checking out A Pair of Sharp Eyes. A story with a wide variety of themes and well-written characters, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Love Books Tours. All opinions are my own.*

Find this review and more on my blog post: https://www.jessicabelmont.wordpress.com

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction isn't usually my thing but this was so different. The striking cover and the blurb caught my eye and the minute I started reading it I was hooked by the distinctive voice of Corrie and the exquisite attention to detail. It was one of those books that I wanted to read quickly but didn't want to end! It veers from telling the domestic tale of a young girl to giving us heartbreaking insights into the lives of slaves and paupers in an era that seems so long ago but could so easily be revisited. I'm hoping there's a follow up as we've been left hanging...

[Sue Donaldson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read this was, I was gripped from the beginning. I love a story that takes me on a journey and where something happens on every page.

Kat Armstrong is a clever and intuitive writer. She carried me with her through a a glimpse into the life of 'Corrie'. You could almost feel her experiences.

This book will be a joy to anyone who is lucky enough to read it.

I hope there is a sequel and what about a 'Television Drama'

[Annette Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got really engrossed in this evocative historical who dunnit. The vivid descriptions help the story to romp along most enjoyably in spite of some grisly goings on. I wasn't at all surprised to learn that the author has a PhD from Oxford in 18th century fiction. Looking forward to sharing it with Book Swap Durham.

[Sheila Howes · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was far more a historical novel than a crime, and I was left disappointed by that. Whilst there is mention in passing of previous murders, the main investigation doesn't start til about the halfway point. I also struggled with the first person narrative.
*with thanks to the publishers for the advanced copy*

[Roz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A vivid, compelling and immersive read. The sights, sounds, smells (and horrors) of 1700s Bristol leap off the page, and the characters are convincing and memorable. Highly recommended.

[Raquel Izumi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very well written. Loved the protagonist! Great read.