A Net for Small Fishes

by Lucy Jago

When Frances Howard, unhappy wife of the Earl of Essex, meets the talented Anne Turner, the two strike up an unlikely, yet powerful, friendship. Frances makes Anne her confidante, sweeping her into a glamorous and extravagant world, riven with bitter rivalry. As the women grow closer, each hopes to change her circumstances. Frances is trapped in a miserable marriage while loving another, and newly widowed Anne struggles to keep herself and her six children alive as she waits for a promised proposal. A desperate plan to change their fortunes is hatched--but navigating the Jacobean court is a dangerous game and one misstep could cost them everything.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Adult, Audiobook, LGBT, Book Club

352 pages, Hardcover

First published February 4, 2021

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ambition
The court of James I of Scotland & England (Great Britain) is brought to life in this vivid historical drama, based on a story that had far-reaching consequences as it was mired in scandal. A Net for Small Fishes is a compelling weave of imaginative fiction with meaningful historical disclosures. The royal courts at the time were places of deadly political machinations where winners held power and wealth, while the losers lost land, position, and often their lives. Lucy Jago creates a perilous and edgy atmosphere that encircles the story of two unlikely female friends who sought to change their lives from the abusive and restrained existence they endured.

Frances (Frankie) Howard, a member of the powerful catholic Howard family, was betrothed to the Earl of Essex as a political union. A marriage that gossip claimed never to have been consummated brought much ridicule to the Earl of Essex. As the Countess of Essex, Frankie suffered physical and mental abuse from her husband in a marriage fraught with family loathing, religious hatred, and partisan suspicion. Frankie’s close friend comes from an unlikely source, Mistress Anne Turner, the wife of the physician Dr George Turner. Anne ensures Frankie is dressed magnificently for court as a talented fashion stylist. They become closer and closer friends, which is unique in an environment where deceit and corruption are common practices. The genuine connection across the class divide was surprising and endearing, openly discussing secrets and desires, which was a risk for that era.

With Frankie’s marriage falling apart, the drama intensifies when she pursues a love affair with the King’s favourite, Viscount Robert Carr. An affair that risked devastating repercussions but illustrated the attitude of Frances Howard and the loyalty of Anne Turner. Anne is widowed, and she courageously works to provide an independent life and social position.

When the poisoning of the poet Sir Thomas Overbury occurs, and the following trial is prosecuted, the loyalty of the women is paramount. The trial is steeped in accusations, coercion, talk of witchcraft, magic, and the plotting of powerful families to destroy each other. In a Net for Small Fishes, Lucy Jago paints a credible account of the actual events surrounding the death and trial over Sir Thomas Overbury but places the two women at the centre of the story and addresses an imaginatively unique perspective they faced. It is a wonderful opportunity to appreciate how difficult it was for women to navigate the royal court scene and obtain equality, independence and romantic relationships.

The scenes painted in historical London are authentically portrayed, along with the engaging dialogue, delivering an enthralling read with intelligent and distinctive voices. The depth of the characters creates personalities full of light and shade, witty, and fascinating.

This is an audiobook review and the narrator, Sarah Durham, totally beguiled me with her beautiful shifting tones and inflexions, which provided greater scope than I expected. I would highly recommend this book, and I would like to thank Bloomsbury UK Audio and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest review.

[Paromjit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lucy Jago highlights a real life 17th century historical scandal set in the reign of James I of England, a blend of fact and fiction that addresses the misogyny of the time in this feminist retelling of the surprisingly strong friendship that sprang between the beautiful Countess of Essex, Frances 'Frankie' Howard and the physician's wife, Mistress Anne Turner, a gifted fashion stylist struggling to find a platform to market her talents in London society. Frankie is a member of the powerful and influential Catholic family in the Jacobean court of fierce aristocratic and religious rivalries, enemies everywhere and where favourites rise and fall at the whim of a insecure King. At the age of 15, Frankie's family arranged a political marriage for her with the Earl of Essex, a man who loathed the Howards.

The marriage is a nightmare for Frankie, she is dreadfully abused physically and emotionally by a husband who regards her with suspicion, holding her in the utmost contempt. Anne and Frankie begin to form a strong bond as Anne dresses Frankie in a manner that brings her increasing public attention in the Royal court to the great displeasure of her husband. Despite the terrors of her marriage, Frankie goes to great lengths to make her marriage work, helped by Anne, to produce an heir that will increase her power, but is doomed to fail with a husband unable to perform sexually. As Frankie's eyes turn to another man, she becomes impetuous and careless in her efforts to gain a annulment of her marriage. Anne's circumstances become substantially more precarious as she becomes a widow and faces betrayal, but Frankie proves to be a constant friend.

As the enemies of the Howards grow stronger, Frankie and Anne face the gravest of dangers in a society determined to crush women daring to challenge the limitations placed upon them. Jago writes an riveting, well researched, historical novel, with oodles of suspense and tension. She makes the period come alive with rich descriptions of London and the intensely competitive nature of the royal court and the rampant political intrigue that marked it. For me, it is the characters of Frankie and Anne that captivated, the differences in their status made little impact on the strength of their feelings for each other. Anne is bright, witty, and sees nothing wrong in wanting to tweak the circumstances in her life to gain happiness for herself and her family, and Frankie has the nerve to want an annulment, a groundbreaking act for a woman. This is a terrific and entertaining piece of historical fiction that will appeal to many readers. Thanks to Bloomsbury for an ARC.

[Beata · Rating 5 out of 5]

The portrait of two women from two different classes, whose friendship seemed impossible, is beautifully depicted in this fine historical fiction. The well-known mysterious case of King James''s favourite death is the background for presenting Frances Howard and Anne Turner's bond. I liked Ms Turner who is determined to survive all hardships and who developes special feelings towards Frankie, an aristocratic lady suffering abuse in her marriage. Two women who have courage to seek what they believe is the happiness and safety, and who remain loyal to each other until the end.
Ms Jago did tremendous research into the period, and the court's politics. The times were not lenient on women who wanted to be independent and express their voices. The justice, 'the net for small fishes' was harsh and followed the king's views and prejudices.
*A big thank-you to Lucy Jago, Bloomsbury Publishing, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*

[Roman Clodia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ok, I've gritted my teeth and forced my way through two chapters and can't do it any more. This is written in 'historical novel' language: you know, that highly perfumed and artificial style that forces a simile into every other sentence no matter how inappropriate the image or unnecessary it may be for meaning:

'The servant led the way as if into battle' - erm, no, he's simply lighting the way to a bedchamber;

'I twisted my head about like a pigeon' - and you expect me to bond with you for hundreds of pages?

'the Countess, her face glistening, hard as a sugar sculpture' - We all know what a hard face looks like ... and I bet it's not a sugar sculpture.

'Her feet, young enough that the bones did not show, were pretty as ducklings.' Um, seriously? Quacky ducklings?

'Awe possessed me like a devil, jumping on my organs, pulling the strings of my eyes' - Wait, 'jumping on my organs'?

'Our monarch felt as vulnerable as his elfin hound' - what does this even mean?

I picked this up on the back of a rave review in The Guardian... and am putting it rapidly down again after two chapters of my eyes rolling like the rolliest rolly things - yikes, it's catching!

p.s. The real story of Frances Howard and the death of Thomas Overbury through poisoned jellies is fascinating: there's a good popular history, Unnatural Murder: Poison In The Court Of James I: The Overbury Murder - no ducklings or elfin hounds, though ;)

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This historical fiction is based on the true story of the scandal that rocks the court of James I. It centres around the marriage of Frances Howard to the abusive Earl of Essex, her affair with the Kings favourite Robert Carr and the poisoning of poet Sir Thomas Overbury and the subsequent trial. It is told via the growing friendship of Frances (referred to in the book as Frankie) and Mistress Anne Turner, Catholic wife of well known physician Dr Turner. Anne has a talent for fashion and she helps Frances use this as a means to stand out at court. Frances, also a Catholic, is from the powerful Howard family who always use calculation as a means to advance their cause and retain preeminence. The storyline demonstrates how both women try to be independent mistresses of their own destiny within a male dominated society determined to use any methods to keep them in their ordained place. The story is told by Anne which I like as you see these dramatic events and famous characters through the eyes someone not based at court.

This is a very well written and carefully researched novel which stays close to the known facts and is set into the context of the times. The characters of the two strong women from very different social backgrounds are well depicted, easy to picture and are portrayed as intelligent, brave and courageous. Their friendship is close and of particular importance to Frances trapped in an unhappy marriage and though Anne warns her of the dangers of breaking out of this, Frances goes her own way. Their thoughts and feelings are well described and your heart breaks for Frances’ horrific treatment and is an insightful analysis of a doomed relationship. The language used is appropriate to the times, is colourfully vivid and you can hear Anne’s voice clearly as she describes the many political machinations, elbow jostling for favouritism and ascendancy at court, the plots and subsequent dangers. Her narrative gives us a broad and rich picture of medicine, magic and superstitions of the period with the lotions, potions and witchcraft being particularly fascinating. You can almost smell the stinking Thames, the filth strewn streets with the noxious rising miasma and rottenness and damp of some of the houses. The women’s powerlessness is clearly seen at the dramatic end as we witness the Kings justice as a ‘net for small fishes’ into which Anne is caught. It demonstrates the strength, loyalty of a true friendship between Anne and Frances as well as their courage as they are vilified.

My reservations lie in the fact that the book is slow initially and it takes a while to immerse yourself but once you connect to the storytelling it’s a compelling and excellent read. There are inevitably a lot of characters and some knowledge of the period is helpful though not essential.

Overall, a well written and entertaining novel revealing a fascinating world of court, scandal and plot through the eyes of a commoner.

With thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing PLC for the arc for an honest review.

[Diane S ☔ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Narrated by Sarah Durham, who was terrific, this is based a real life scandal set in the 1600s and would end up in the Jacobean court. Frances Howard, called Frankie was raised in prominence, married at 14 to the Duke of Essex, a cruel man who could not consumers the marriage and beat Frankie because of it. Enter Anne, a mother of five, wife of an elderly physician, she had some status but only based on her husband's profession.

A love affair, an attempted poisoning, an annulment, women trying to manuever fate and take their future in their own hands would lead to a court case that resonated throughout the land. I truly enjoyed listening to this book, such a difficult time for women. At the mercy of their husbands and society as a whole and just a step away from losing every thing. Though for some women some things haven't changed. Sad but true, 500 years later.

Enjoyed the authors note at books end where she explains why she wrote this and what she was attempting to portray.

[Kalliope · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel begins and ends with yellow, the colour of deceit, treason and witchcraft during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The novel begins in 1609 with Anne Turner, who, we are told, held the patent for yellow starch. When she was executed in 1613 for the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury (the Overbury Scandal), and just as was walking to the scaffold, she was ordered to wear a yellow collar and yellow bands over her arms. And yellow indeed is the cover – to warn us.

There are many attractive aspects in this novel.

We have the story of a female friendship that crossed social levels, bolstered by the strong character of two women of strong character who defied their surroundings, and who, despite wearing yellow, were deeply loyal. This has led several people to brand this novel as the Thelma and Louise of the Stuart era.

It offers an engaging portrayal of the Stuart court, with the rivalry between the Protestants (the Essex clan) and Catholics (the Howards) under the reign of James I. Espionage, treachery, and murder played out at the second-highest level (Lord Northampton?) . From another source, I learn that the title is inspired by the quote in a document “make a net to catch little birds and let the great ones go”.

Jago also develops a portrayal of the “material culture” of the time, with the masquerades and daily use of masks and connotations of cosmetics; the development of the silk industry; the dress fashions and their symbolic power; the various London areas in various degrees of development (with the construction of new and enormous Northampton House in Charing Cross) or decomposition (such as the northern area to St Paul’s when it was still a medieval church); the growth in the circulation of the “broad sheets”, etc.

I particularly enjoyed the account of art collecting at the time. This was still incipient in the Stuart court. Prince Henry, following the steps of his mother Anne of Denmark (addicted to masquerades amongst other visual things), had begun to accumulate beautiful objects, under the guidance of James Palmer. But we also see towards the end of the book the appearance of Georges Villiers, later Duke of Buckingham, who becomes a key figure in the convolutions of the plot, but who later exerted a major influence on the refinement of taste and obsession for collecting of Charles I. We can see the change from one to the next of his portraits – from William Larkin to Peter Paul Rubens.





Indeed, William Larkin (1580-1619) is an outstanding character in the novel, for he portrayed at least two of the main characters in this Overbury Scandal: Robert Carr and Frances Howard.

Painting also enriches the tale of the two main female characters. Depictions of Judity and Holofernes, a very popular theme in Renaissance and Baroque Italian painting, provides Jago, with additional drama and impact.



This book was sent to me as part of a Bookshop subscription. I welcomed a new author to me and also the opportunity to learn about this historical episode, unknown to me before. Now I am considering Jago's The Northern Lights: The True Story of the Man Who Unlocked the Secrets of the Aurora Borealis

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical novel and literary thriller which the blurb and reviews say is immersive! It is perhaps not so much a thriller as it is a retelling of a historical scandal and following trial and so the outcome is never in doubt. The setting is the Court of James 1 in the 1610s and the central figure and narrator is Anne Turner, a seamstress and dresser. The novel revolves around the relationship between Anne and Frances Howard, then Countess of Essex. Howard is in an abusive marriage and wishes to get an annulment and marry her lover Robert Carr, a favourite of the King. Anne’s own personal life is also complex and weaves in and out of the novel. There are a number of obstacles to the annulment, one of them being Carr’s mentor Sir Thomas Overbury, whose untimely demise is also central to the book.
This retelling does centre on female friendship and agency and is a counter to the more traditional accounts.
“We are all caught, from the highest to the lowest, in nets of custom and propriety; those that cut themselves free do not swim away but are destroyed.”
This is well researched and engages the reader. As others have said it can feel a little stilted, but it is enjoyable. Jago consciously wrote about the scandal from the point of view of the women involved and she has also referred to it as a sort of seventeenth century Thelma and Louise.
There are some fascinating bits and pieces about James1’s fascination with silk and silkworms and the unfortunate animals in the royal menagerie. The descriptions of some of the odours of seventeenth century London are also well written. The decadence and corruption of the court form a backdrop along with the city itself. The epilogue at the end seemed a little unnecessary to me, but it tied up a few loose ends, especially for those not aware of the historical events. Jago also draws on the hysteria about magic and witchcraft prevalent at the time. As Hilary Mantel says:
“We do not passively consume the past but actively create it in each act of remembrance”
This seems to be exactly what Jago is doing here and it works pretty well.

[Katie B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

I love the historical fiction genre, but it's pretty rare for me to pick up a book set in the 17th century. So I'm glad I picked this one up and it didn't take me very long before I was fully engrossed in the story and the lives of the two women. Highly recommend checking out A Net for Small Fishes as it was a fascinating read based on a real life scandal taking place during the reign of King James.

Frances Howard is the wife of the Earl of Essex and she is trapped in a loveless marriage. After meeting Anne Turner she develops a close friendship with the mother of six. Anne is captivated at this new world she has been introduced to full of extravagance and often times tawdry behavior. Both women are unhappy with their current situations, but not much you can do when you are living in a time when all females are expected to be silent, loyal, and obedient. What will happen if they decide to take matters into their own hands?

I got to tell you, the lives of the ultra elite and privileged never ceases to astound me! While the heart of the book is certainly Anne, the political power games that were being played by just about every character also drove my interest in the story. While the pace might be too slow for some readers, for me it was laying the groundwork for the dramatic conclusion.

Can't say enough good things about this book and I know it will remain a top historical fiction read for me by year's end. I encourage book clubs to consider this one as a selection as there's so many points of discussion here.

Thank you to Flatiron Books for providing me a copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The court of James I is a dangerous place. A whisper of scandal can ruin and people fight dirty to rise high. Intrigue is a given, but murder? Now that might be a step too far. When the little-loved Thomas Overbury is despatched though plotting and poison, someone must pay the price. But who?

The Countess of Essex, Frances 'Frankie' Howard, might seem to be in an enviable position, but she dreams of a marital upgrade. Her odious husband, Robert Devereux, and his petty violence is more than she can handle. Especially when the King's current favourite, Robert Carr, plays so passionately for her attention. But this is a high stakes game...the Court is fractious, full of rivalries and jealousy, and more than one family has fallen when losing the favour of the King. To get what she wants, Frankie will have to risk it all... but she's not the only one with something at stake. Anne Turner, dresser and companion, has less to lose, at least in terms of wealth and status. That's not to say that the ever closer relationship between her and Frankie is without risk. Anne's desperation for more than her hard lot, and the chance to seize it through this society connection, will put her very life on the line.

The inner lives of these two women are fleshed out way beyond what we get in the historical record, allowed more in this novel than the villainous lot they are so often accorded. This a very deliberate choice by the author, a reframing to highlight the inequalities and uncertainties faced by women in this period. Of course, this characterisation does not come from the extant documents, but isn't that one of the advantages of historical fiction? To give voice to people forever hidden from our view? To show the inner thoughts and feelings of those who we could never otherwise hear? In that, it succeeds.

As a real life murder mystery with a historical fiction twist, this was a huge amount of fun. Having read rather dry accounts of the Overbury Affair previously, it was wonderful to experience the vibrancy of this reimagining. I loved the spirit of the female voices, their unlikely friendship, their struggle for self in a world dominated by male power. It's a testament to the strength of feeling in the novel that I hoped for a different ending. But for all the imaginative license Lucy Jago takes in the book, she hasn't aimed to ignore history, just enhance it. And the book is all the better for it.

ARC via Netgalley

[Eddie Clarke · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have lots to say about this, and many many criticisms, but don’t want to write a long review! Also, because my complaints would outweigh my general response, which is that this was a likeable read and the author deserves encouragement. The book isn’t perfect by any means but it is a first novel and does show promise. I would hope the author could build on her strengths.

1) The pitch: the publisher is pimping this as belonging to the Hilary Mantel / Maggie O’Farrell league of highbrow historical literary fiction. I’m not convinced the author is on the same page here. If you go in expecting mainstream entertainment you may get along with this better. There are many detailed incidents of violence and sexual sadism (including rape) which are far closer to Game of Thrones than Bring Up the Bodies.

2) Language: I’ve seen reviewers on GR say the cod-historical over-bejewelled prose forced them to abandon this. The prose is an issue, did need toning down, and some metaphors are distinctly risible. The same goes for dialogue. It does calm down later on (or maybe I just got habituated).

3) Viewpoint: I’m sympathetic to feminist readings. However, writers should realise choice of viewpoint will have consequences. This is a story about aristocrats and royalty. Selecting a downwardly mobile middle class woman as narrator distances the reader from the action. An important part of the action concerns a gay male romantic triangle, so the female narrator character is doubly distanced. Also, she is based on a real person in history, and her actual historical conclusion might not sit well with a work of fiction which has a requirement for closure that history doesn’t provide. Jago’s choice of narrator is brave but it did bring big challenges which I’m not convinced she brought off.

Right: long enough for now, more maybe later!

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a slow starter and I nearly gave up, but, it interested me so I plodded on and halfway through it started to get very good and in the end I enjoyed it. Reading a historical novel is something I like to do from time to time and I’m glad I read this one. My on,y criticism is that there was a lot of characters in this story which sometimes confused me but on the whole the book was a good read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a great scandal in the court of King James I. It seems that the poet and courtier Thomas Overbury was poisoned while a prisoner in the Tower of London. Suspicion settles on Robert Carr, now Earl of Somerset and his wife Frances Howard. Frances’ companion Anne Turner, the widow of a doctor is also implicated. She is more vulnerable that the Somersets—justice, it seems, falls on the ‘small fishes’ while the big fish swim away.

Anne narrates the story. While her family has slid down the social ladder, she is determined to use her skills as a dressmaker and friendship with Frances to improve her circumstances. When Anne meets Frances for the first time, she is married to the Earl of Essex, an abusive man who is unable to consummate their marriage. Just a teenager, Frances is impulsive and headstrong. This is a story of how Anne’s moral compass is compromised again and again as she tries to serve Frances. Despite her flaws, Anne is a strong character—too good to be the companion of the impetuous Frances.

[Lesley 129 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Somewhere between the language, overdone metaphors and feminist retelling of an historical scandal, this book lost me. I’m all in favour of telling the story from an unusual point of view, in this case a lower middle class widow, but in telling the story from Anne’s POV the author had to either place her in situations I found a little unbelievable so she could ‘overhear’ what happened or skip over the events any tell them in retrospect. This created a sense of distance to the events that wasn’t overcome by Anne and ‘Frankie’s’ supposed close relationship.

Another small thing - the book refers to the Pendle Witches on several occasions, but gives the impression they are from Yorkshire! As a resident of East Lancashire I feel the necessity to correct any misunderstandings as to the whereabouts of my home town. (Not that I’m proud of the treatment of marginalised women in Lancashire, but just putting the record straight).

[Heather Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

Researched exceptionally well, dark and harrowing historical fiction. Jago takes you there by the way she writes; the sights, aromas, London as it was. Two courageous women who didn’t take into consideration the consequences of their actions. There’s not many who can really trust, if anyone. More detailed review to follow.

[Dan Bassett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on a true scandal that rocked the court of James 1st, this book sees you dive into the pitch-black waters of the cut-throat Jacobean Court where even the King is a stranger to his own subjects.
When Anne Turner ends up in a chance encounter with Frankie, a woman of very high and different means to her own, a friendship is instantly formed which will be tested to beyond breaking point.
But as Anne starts to rise in the world of the elite, accompanying Frankie on her journey of wanting to be rid of her abusive husband, will they be able to stay friends or will dark forces and those who only want to see them fail bring an end to them both?
This total gem of a novel is one that will have you truly believe you are a part of Anne’s world as she fights her way to stay by Frankie’s side but when she loses someone who meant the absolute world to her, Anne’s future is thrown into disarray.
Meanwhile Frankie is being abused both mentally and physically by her husband who keeps blaming her for not being able to produce an heir, despite the fact he cannot seem to keep it up long enough to even try(Men!)
This is one hunting ground where you cannot afford to be seen as pray, for the hounds will swiftly surround you and rip your very soul to shreds.
So when Frankie tell Anne of a plot most foul in a bid to reset the game board and give both of them a fresh start, Anne must make decisions that could end up with her being at the mercy of the gallows...
Devine intervention, hushed speak of poisons, Humours out of balance, witchcraft, and a dry wit that will have your mouth twitching with amusement, this story of power and the struggle to be seen as what you could be is a total joy to read.

[Martina ⭐ · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stelline. La storia in sé è molto interessante ed intrigante, all'interno della quale si riconoscono i tratti di emancipazione e supporto al femminile. Il tutto è stato però abbastanza noioso, prolisso e snervante. Troppe parole per raccontare un dettaglio, troppe frasi per raccontare un episodio. Ho dovuto fare appello a molta della mia pazienza e perseveranza per finirlo. E mi dispiace pure dire che non penso che lascerà traccia in me a lungo.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had an idea I’d love this book as I love historical fiction & I love strong female characters, but I had no idea just how much I’d love it! It’s based on a true scandal & it’s clearly well researched & written with a great deal of interest & passion in its subject. The friendship between Anne & Frankie is one of those friendships we all wish for - one of absolute trust in one another. I may have cried. It is wonderful & I will shout about it from the rooftops for a long time to come. LOVED IT!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the heart of this book is the friendship between two women of different class. The story was well written and researched and is based on a true story. The context was an interesting to me too- it had never occurred to me that the people who travelled with James I ‘s court would feel like and be treated as unwelcome foreigners by many. The two main characters were portrayed well too. Neither was two dimensional, Frankie with her desire to be rid of her impotent, cruel husband and Anne, ambitious and scheming. My only complaint was the pace of the book which I found a little slow in places.

[Nadine in California · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did scratch my Wolf Hall itch and while it doesn't have quite the same psychological intensity, it does have complex characters and fully immersed me in the world of the Jacobean court, its ruthless intrigues, arbitrary power, and the ultimate vulnerability of everyone, from maid to king, in the face of it all. Although, as the title says, it's the 'small fishes' that usually pay the price. (An eternal truth.) The power of this novel is showing that all this was doubly true for women. Triply true for Anne Turner, who had no male to 'protect' (i.e. govern) her, and was thus that most frightening of creatures, a woman on her own, a vessel for all forms of wickedness. Jager creates a warm and sympathetic Anne Turner for our age, rescuing her from the crude and cruel historical documents of her time. Jager doesn't ever milk the melodrama and there is plenty of light along with the darkness - there's genuine love, strong friendships. She also brings to life the wealth and pageantry of the court - all the stuff that makes historical fiction feel so rich, but doesn't let it overwhelm what's most important in the story.

[Maddy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't you just love it when you stumble across a fantastic read in the airport bookshop, it's been awhile since I have done that, I was reluctant to even pick this up because of the cover and the title but glad I did. This is only Jago's second work of fiction and even though the plot is based on a true story she has written something very accomplished, in fact I think its been about twenty years since I have had to put down a book while reading and pick up the dictionary to check the meaning of a word, very impressive not many authors do that these days! The story is compelling and Jago uses a lot of literary devices throughout the story to engage the reader and hold that engagement. I look forward to he next book.

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to love this, but the writing style just didn't agree with me. Perhaps I wasn't in the concentrating frame of mind, but this just didn't keep my attention. I love any courtroom books, and historical fiction so thought I would love it, but it was too much of a challenging read for me at the moment.

[Jeanette · Rating 2 out of 5]

It would be more accurate to make this 2.5 stars. The overall components and prime doers make it a 3 star for specific aspects. Other meanderings and continuity factors barely make 2 stars.

Could you tell that this was a first book! The largest and grossest fault was the pacing. It was nearly impossible to get into the story. The entire first half of the book would make this a DNF for at least half the readers who pick it up.

Some of the similes, verbs, analogies were, to me, truly laughable. I laughed out loud at least 3 times in serious passages. Overblown hyperbole verbs or metaphor. Feet are ducklings?

Regardless, the whole got much better in the last 1/3rd but also, for me, barely connected outside of the Frankie and Anne's friendship.

Some of this seemed "of" the period. Other aspects not at all of the period.

She needs to tone down that poetic over-phrasing and torches going force in general, and learn to not wonder off without continuing the crux or plot line sufficiently.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘This be a net for small fishes, that the great ones swim away!’

Lucy Jago’s A Net For Small Fishes is a flawless slow-burning historical fiction novel with breathtaking characterisation and complex female relationships, featuring a writing style that really feels of the time and is ripe with metaphor and rich imagery.

Centred on the Overbury scandal (which I knew nothing about, though I ended up being glad of that as I was able to let the story unfold without thinking ahead), this book tells the story of Anne and Frankie, whose all-consuming friendship crosses the chasm of class and age as Anne tries to navigate her reduced position as a widowed mother of six and Frankie finds herself in a loveless and violent marriage at court.

Jago deftly explores the sexism and inequality in the Jacobean court, where the standard of behaviour for women to be meek and unassuming (and above all, obedient wives) is challenged by the changing social mores of the time and the sexual intermingling of the court is held up to the light in all its hypocrisy.

Likely to be a big hit with fans of Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall series, this book has shady political dealings and warring factions driving the action in the cutthroat atmosphere of a court in which everyone’s livelihood depends on the favour of a whimsical monarch. The pressure-cooker of a class system in which everyone is encouraged to spend beyond their means to impress the king makes for some desperate and vicious characters. In this world you can be on the brink of ruin but social status means the difference between elevation and destitution, it is a tightrope act in cost and reward.

I also loved the callback to the yellow ruff throughout the book, a trademark of Anne which brings her and Frankie attention and admiration at court becomes a symbol of vanity and ambition, the resemblance to a noose around the neck is uncanny. The whole book is fantastically well done and I couldn’t recommend it more!

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5- Quanto siamo stupidi. Non soltanto noi donne, ma tutti gli esseri umani. Siamo convinti di agire con dignità, quando in realtà continuiamo a girare in tondo, troppo rasoterra per capire quale sentiero ci conduca in paradiso e quale all’inferno.

Provo una profonda soddisfazione quando qualcuno si dedica a riscoprire un personaggio storico femminile in un'ottica più imparziale e non inquinata dalle ipocrisie maschili e bigotte del tempo.
Sappiamo benissimo che le cronache e i processi erano scritti esclusivamente da uomini per esaltare la giustezza del loro intelletto su quello "debole" delle donne, specie se queste avevano osato dimostrare intraprendenza e spirito libero: ho sempre pensato che anche la vita di Frances Howard e, soprattutto, di Anne Turner fosse uno di questi casi, e questa ricostruzione moderna ne è la conferma.
Basti pensare che se cercate notizie su Anne Turner in rete, la troverete alla voce "assassina", descritta solamente con gli aggettivi con cui la definì il suo accusatore (!), di certo un giudizio più che discutibile.

In ogni caso, agli inizi del 1600 sul trono inglese sedeva Giacomo I, che aveva riempito la corte di dignitari scozzesi e cattolici, suscitando l'ira degli anglicani; al contempo, il re, pur avendo procreato con la regina ben 14 bambini, si dedicava a ricoprire di titoli e ricchezze i suoi "favoriti", alimentando un giro notevole di rivalità, corruzione e violenza.
Le due grandi casate di conti Howard ed Essex pensarono di concordare una tregua grazie a un matrimonio combinato tra la sedicenne Frances e il quindicenne Robert.

Il ragazzo, oltre a essere deturpato dal vaiolo, era crudele e impotente, per cui la convivenza tra i due fu all'insegna dei litigi e delle frustate, mentre non arrivava nessun erede.
Gli Howard cercarono allora qualcuno che facesse da mentore e amica a Frances, rivolgendosi ad Anne, moglie di un medico rispettato e, a sua volta, personaggio di spicco: colta, inventrice di un brevetto per la tintura dei tessuti, conoscitrice di erbe e principi curativi e madre di ben sei figli.

La vita delle due s'intrecciò così a doppio filo, tra amicizia e solitudine.
Ma mentre la viziata Frances soffriva per liberarsi del marito e sposare un nuovo amore, Anne pativa l'improvvisa povertà da vedova, costretta a giostrarsi tra pregiudizi e invidie. Quando i nobili tramarono l'ennesimo complotto, fu proprio Anne, senza mezzi e senza protezione, ad andarci di mezzo.

Il titolo originale ("Una rete per piccoli pesci") è emblematico e perfetto.
La Jago non distorce la realtà, non nega crimini, colpe e ingenuità. Però ci rende anche una donna che ha vissuto e osato, finendo schiacciata sotto una sorta di condanna perenne, per essere stata (non da sola) coinvolta in uno scandalo di nobili, e quindi non perdonata per il suo essere una donna del popolo e sicuramente "strega, papista e fattucchiera".
Personalmente, mi sono commossa sul finale.
Consigliato per chi ama i romanzi storici, curati e vividi.

[Stephen Goldenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best, and most entertaining, historical novel I’ve read since Hilary Mantel’s trilogy. The story is just as full of court intrigues seen from the woman’s perspective. Lucy Jags cleverly uses a minoré character in Anne Turner to tell the story of Frances Howard and the ‘Overbury Plot’. This also allows the reader some respite from the court scenes to see the way the London poor were living at the time. It’s also a tribute to the skill of her narrative style and use of language that, despite knowing the eventual outcome, tension is maintained until the end.

[G.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is difficult to believe this book is by a debut author. It is masterful, fascinating, and entirely engrossing. Brava!

[Vicki Antipodean Bookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

“We are all caught, from the highest to the lowest, in nets of custom and propriety; those that cut themselves free do not swim away but are destroyed”
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I know it’s only the 7th March, but I’m calling it ~ A Net for Small Fishes is my favourite March read and one of my “best books” of 2021


The court of King James 1st is a seething mass of political intrigue as some of the greatest families in the land jostle for influence with their new Scottish king. A Net for Small Fishes focuses on two women caught up in the manoeuvrings of the Howards, one of the great Catholic families who adhered to their faith and maintained a position at court even during the English Reformation


Frances Howard has been married off to the Earl of Essex, a political union, and certainly not a love match. The marriage remains unconsummated and Essex physically abuses Frances because of his impotence. Mistress Anne Turner, inventor of yellowed starch and a flamboyant dresser, is initially called to attend Frances by her mother in order to make her more attractive to her husband. Anne starts by styling Frances in clothes like armour and the two form a strong alliance. Frances wishes to annul her marriage and marry Sir Robert Carr, the King’s Favourite, but a small spiteful man called Ovebury stands in the way and must be dealt with


Two women with independent ideas, playing their own political game and refusing to conform to the “nets of custom and propriety” who must therefore be destroyed. The historical setting of this novel is a rich as a court gown and as detailed as one of Anne’s fripperies. The dialogue is sharp and Anne and Frances are both fully rounded, flawed characters that I routed for from beginning to tragic end

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embarrassingly, I was not familiar with the Overbury Plot which occurred during the reign of James I and is the subject of this book. It’s not overly exciting. However Jago uses it to examine some great issues, many of which are still relevant today.

Jago tells her story by focusing on a close friendship between two women of different status who would work together and try to change their fates during a time when women were meant to accept their places - the places that their fathers, husbands, and brothers made for them. She also paints a picture of the lack of justice in the Jacobean Court. The King gives clemency when it suits him and forgets those who cannot benefit him, usually people not of the Nobility. But the heart of the story is about the desperation women can feel in worlds and institutions ruled by the men who are meant to protect them, but instead would use and control them or worse. Something still relevant today, as is the quote below which asks who has been , and currently is, writing our history?

I was ushered to the Bench. I heard Lord Chief Justice Coke announced, followed by a jury not of my peers but of nobles. With lowered eyes, all I could see were clerks and their writing desks round their necks; it frightened me to know that these proceedings would be read for evermore. Before my arrest I had read libels and pamphlets every day that had besmirched men’s honor, even that of the King, by twisting events to make any point the writer wished. Would someone look back and think these broadsheets and these notes from the trial were truthful because they had survived when a lone voice can only fade?

Jagos’s writing is very nice and I could read for hours without noticing it, and there are some wonderful quotes.

I was inspired to read this book by another review and it is much more in depth than mine, if you are interested, please seeKalliope’s review

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

it’s only in recent months that I’ve started to lean into my unanticipated love for historical fiction. with a wealth of wonderful contemporary novels in the market that vary in the centuries and periods they cover, I’ve generally gravitated towards more well-known and modern areas of the past. a net for small fishes is the antithesis of my typical preferences as centres on a true story of imagined relationship between two women in the court of king james.

jago’s two protagonists, seamstress and apothecary anne and countess frankie inhabit two very different realms of london. the former makes pittance to provide for her children while the latter rubs shoulders with those in political power. they make for an unlikely pair of friends, but the love, friendship and hardships they face head on together will leave a long lasting impression on those around them and those who read about their escapades.

I was pleasantly surprised at how easily I became engrossed in jago’s tale of royal courts and companionships. both anne and frankie are carefully crafted characters reimagined from the snippets we know of their real history together. the writing and humour are reminiscent of a modernised austen - that same acerbic wit and satire viewed through a contemporary lens. at times the novel is brutal in its commentary on misogyny and the treatment of women at this time, evoking a plethora of emotions that are sure to make any modern reader angry. but at its core, a net for small fishes is a story of the power of female friendships and how no one is too small to make a difference in another’s life.

TW: animal abuse, sexual assault and violence, references to miscarriage and pregnancy loss.

Thank you to Bloomsbury for the proof copy! ✨