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The Peacock Room

Anna Sayburn Lane (Goodreads Author)

4.22 · Rating details · 23 ratings · 14 reviews

literary obsession.

An angry young man with a gun.

And one woman trying to foil his deadly plan.

When Helen Oddfellow starts work as a lecturer in English literature, she’s hoping for a quiet life after the trauma and loss of her recent past. But trouble knows where to find her.

There’s something wrong with her new students. Their unhappiness seems to be linked to their flambo ...more

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Published October 2020

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· 23 ratings · 14 reviews

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Oct 07, 2020 Amy Louise rated it really liked it

I was very excited to be invited to be part of the blog tour for The Peacock Room, Anna Sayburn Lane’s follow up to 2018’s Unlawful Things. The first Helen Oddfellow mystery was a surprising hit for me – one of those books that you know you’ll enjoy but don’t expect to like quite as much as you do!

There’s always a worry when you’ve been anticipating a book that the reality won’t live up to the expectation. Fortunately The Peacock Room is a more than worthy successor to Unlawful Things, offering I was very excited to be invited to be part of the blog tour for The Peacock Room, Anna Sayburn Lane’s follow up to 2018’s Unlawful Things. The first Helen Oddfellow mystery was a surprising hit for me – one of those books that you know you’ll enjoy but don’t expect to like quite as much as you do!

There’s always a worry when you’ve been anticipating a book that the reality won’t live up to the expectation. Fortunately The Peacock Room is a more than worthy successor to Unlawful Things, offering the same combination of intriguing literary mystery and contemporary conspiracy whilst developing the returning characters nicely.

The mystery this time centres around the philosophical poet William Blake. Returning heroine Helen Oddfellow, still raw from the events of Unlawful Things, is wrenched out of her sixteenth-century comfort zone when she’s asked to take over a first-year class on the Romantic poets at short notice. Turning to an old tour-guiding friend, Barbara Jackson, Helen is soon drawn into the close-knit artistic circles of Blake’s world – and into Barbara’s search for proof that Catherine Blake may have helped in the writing of her husband’s famous poems. But someone else is interested in William Blake – and is using his poetic imagery to justify a violent online misogyny that is threatening to spill over into the real world.

As Helen and Barbara’s investigations progress, the mysteries keep on piling up. What do some missing manuscript pages have to do with an online comic featuring one of Blake’s monstrous creations? How is a centuries old academic puzzle connected to the investigation of online hatred being conducted by Helen’s journalist friend Nick? And what does any of it have to do with Helen’s uhappy poetry students and the flamboyent Professor Greenwood?

Whilst it takes a little while to draw together and develop the various strands of the plot, Anna Sayburn Lane manages to keep the pace high and the twists and revelations coming throughout The Peacock Room. After some scene-setting and introductions at the beginning (ideal for introducing new readers – meaning The Peacock Room can be read perfectly well as a standalone mystery), the slow build of the first third of the book rapidly increases and I rattled through the final 200 pages or so in the space of a few hours!

As with Unlawful Things, some of the plot elements do push the boundaries of plausability – I can attest to the fact that academic life isn’t nearly as thrilling (or, thankfully, as sordid) as this book makes out – there is little that is impossible here (although several that are improbable – if only hidden manuscripts and undiscovered MSS were as easy to find in real life!) and, if realism is sacrificed at times, it is done so in the name of an engaging and enjoyable story.

The Peacock Room does engage with some difficult topics – trigger warnings here for discussions of gaslighting, rape, sexual coersion, sexual violence, grooming, and misogyny – but they are handled sensitively and are always kept relevant to the plot. That there are dark corners of the internet hiding such violent and unsettling interpretations of literature is, sadly, all too true. There were once or two plot strands that I felt wandered a little too close to cliche – guessing Professor Greenwood’s secret wasn’t especially difficult and, whilst I’m sure such things do occur, any modern university would crack down on such behaviour with considerably more force than depicted here however illustrious the academic in question.

These minor niggles aside however, The Peacock Room is a fascinating literary thrill that successfully combines contemporary debates with the thrill of a centuries old mystery to produce an engaging, enjoyable, and edge-of-your-seat read. Deserving of a much wider readership, The Peacock Room is a worthy successor to Unlawful Things – existing fans are sure to enjoy it and I hope it brings many new readers to Anna Sayburn Lane’s action-packed series.

NB: This book first appeared on my blog at https://theshelfofunreadbooks.wordpre... as part of the blog tour for the book. My thanks go to the author for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest and unbiased review. ...more

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Oct 07, 2020 Hannah May Book Reviews rated it liked it

Title: The Peacock Room
Author: Anna Sayburn Lane
Rating: 3/5

A huge thank you to Anna Sayburn Lane and Random Things Tours for letting me be part of the blog tour!

Synopsis:

Helen Oddfellow starts work as a lecturer in English Literature, all she wants is to get on with her life and job as peacefully as possible after a rough past, however trouble seems to follow Helen even when she isn’t looking for it. There is something off with her students, most of them seem moody or unhappy and the reasons fo ...more

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Oct 20, 2020 Julie rated it it was amazing

Literature can be a dangerous thing, at least in the life of English literature lecturer Helen Oddfellow in this, her second literary appearance. In this exciting and tense novel with much to say about the exploitation of young women, William Blake’s poetry and illustrations provide the inspiration for much of the action. Not that this is a dry book of literary history; this is a contemporary thriller which goes further than “woman in peril” and maintains a fierce pace. The settings, in a univer Literature can be a dangerous thing, at least in the life of English literature lecturer Helen Oddfellow in this, her second literary appearance. In this exciting and tense novel with much to say about the exploitation of young women, William Blake’s poetry and illustrations provide the inspiration for much of the action. Not that this is a dry book of literary history; this is a contemporary thriller which goes further than “woman in peril” and maintains a fierce pace. The settings, in a university, in the streets where Blake lived, in well known museums and libraries, tries to evoke not only the contemporary danger to various people, but also give a glimpse of the artist and his contemporaries. This is a fast moving book full of incident and interest, informative about Blake and others, and condemning how certain men have a negative concept of women. I found the writing vivid and engaging, and Helen a very human protagonist who has doubts and feels emotions as well as trying to solve mysteries. The way this story builds up, but with plenty of incidents en route, is so well constructed as to be difficult to put down. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this memorable book.

The Prologue sets an important theme of the book; a man preparing by practicing with a gun, his thoughts depicted as determined and aggressive. Helen is shown in the first chapter as waking alone, contacted by a friend Nick, and suggesting that they meet in Crispin’s flat, an older man who welcomes visitors. As he reveals disturbing drawings, Nick mentions Rintrah, one of Blake’s subjects who is a disturbing influence. He points out that one of the most knowledgeable people of the subject is Professor Pentrarch Greenwood, a person Helen has to encounter as she has to take over his tutor group for a while. Not that she is keen on this assignment, as her knowledge of Blake is limited. She calls on a Blake expert, Barbara, to recommend books and things she must quickly absorb in order to teach effectively. Helen soon discovers that it is not so much the volume of knowledge that she possesses about Blake which is important, as much as her relationship with the five students in the group, who seem to be curiously vulnerable or brashly self confident. The various characters in the novel interact and discover more about what is truly going on in a series of events which tests everyone.

This is a novel which, like its predecessor “Unlawful Things”, combines literary investigation with tense action and drama. I enjoy the setting of the various events in this novel, even though some of the situations are disturbing. The characters are memorable in their reality and their emotions as well as their sudden bursts of understanding. Helen is an excellent main protagonist as she struggles with her own guilt, sadness and regret, but she is also inspired, brave and clever and dealing with the extraordinary situation she finds herself in throughout this novel. It is difficult to review a thriller without giving too much away , but I recommend this book as an extremely well written novel with many layers of interest.

...more

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Oct 15, 2020 Sukaina Majeed rated it really liked it

I am on still on an aderaline high after reading this book and its been two whole days of reading this book. The setup, the secrets of the past and the description of the city London.

The book starts on an unknown harbor where a homeless man runs away on hearing the sound of a gun being shot. This is the opening that then transcends into the new world of Helen Oddfellow who has to cooperate with the officials of the university she is going to work in.

Then she runs into her old journalist friend I am on still on an aderaline high after reading this book and its been two whole days of reading this book. The setup, the secrets of the past and the description of the city London.

The book starts on an unknown harbor where a homeless man runs away on hearing the sound of a gun being shot. This is the opening that then transcends into the new world of Helen Oddfellow who has to cooperate with the officials of the university she is going to work in.

Then she runs into her old journalist friend Nick who is tracking a blog who wishes to finish theory of wives of dead poets like William Blake had no hand in their poetry and then the story moves forward.

Helen Oddfellow and the other women characters in the book are hurt, have a dark past,are vulnerable but have a strong exterior which are women we find in our everyday lives.

I am extremely fond of the massive level research and the nitpicking that has been done by the author for the book.

It’s a good treat for thriller readers because it’s just about the mystery. I loved how the arc of a specific male professor starts in the beginning and where it ends.

I was glad how the author doesn’t force fit POC characters but come naturally in the narrative of the story and once you read the book you will understand how.

The literary obsession is a delight to read about and for people/readers who have special interest in poetry or classics,oh boy you are in it for a treat.

By the way,you are going to put your finger on everyone and keep guessing the man with a gun.

Anna also explores the sexist attitude of professors and scholars and as a woman it might make you uncomfortable but it reminds you why we need to remove our rose tinted glasses and move away from the male gaze we all have been conditioned to so badly.

So if you are a person who keeps interest in poets, theories, classic poems then you are going to have twice the fun and if you don’t then also it’s going to be a delightful read for you.

If you liked the review above you can buy THE PEACOCK ROOM FROM HERE ...more

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Oct 09, 2020 Maria rated it really liked it

Some books are more difficult to make reviews than others, not because I don’t like them but because it’s quite tricky not to spoil too much information of the plot.
This is a mystery book, with a complex plot with multiple characters involved in the story, the main character Helen Oddfellow, is starting a new job as a lecturer in English literature, but if you are not aware, the University jobs are not as “placid” as you can imagine. She will have to take the teaching class of one of the stars o ...more

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Dec 31, 2020 Cheryl M-M rated it really liked it

This is the second book in the Helen Oddfellow Mystery series, both can be read as standalone novels. This time Helen is drawn into a disturbing world where fantasy and art collide.

Her allegedly firm career foundations are being jostled in favour of a colleague who is more accomplished, but is there more to the man than meets the eye. Is he just playing a role and secretly harbouring resentment and cruel thoughts. Thoughts and fantasies he has found a place to live out with like minded creature ...more

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Oct 05, 2020 Becca Adams rated it liked it

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 stars! Thanks to Random Tours & the author for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

A literary obsession.An angry young man with a gun.And one woman trying to foil his deadly plan.When Helen Oddfellow starts work as a lecturer in English literature, she’s hoping for a quiet life. But trouble knows where to find her.There’s something wrong with her new students. Their unhappiness seems to be linked to their flamboyant former tutor, Professor Petrarch ...more

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Oct 08, 2020 Pam Robertson rated it it was amazing

I do love a literary mystery and one which involves William Blake and Christina Rossetti adds the icing to the cake as far as I am concerned. The Peacock Room seems to tick all my boxes, with the added interest of female academics and University politics thrown in. This is a novel with several layers. Helen has her own insecurities in her work at the University but has a feeling of responsibility towards her students. The students seem naive and vulnerable, such a contrast to the flamboyant Prof ...more

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Oct 09, 2020 Hannah Coe rated it really liked it

Thanks to Anna and Random things for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

When I first read the synopsis I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but you could tell that the book was going to be full of action. I didn’t think it would be as full as it actually turned out to be though.

It did take me a little while to get into the book and the story took a few chapters to really pull off. I really liked the character of Helen and feel that she’s got plenty more adventures yet! She’s determined t ...more

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Oct 06, 2020 Pamela Scott rated it it was amazing

Shelves: anna-sayburn-lane, first-read, review-copy, blog-tour, top-books

https://thebookloversboudoir.wordpres...

I’d never heard of the author before so didn’t know what to expect. The blurb sounded intriguing and I’m a fan of William Blake. I loved this book. It’s was a breath of fresh air. I don’t think I’ve read a murder mystery set in the literary world before so it was refreshingly different. I loved the setting and the characters, brilliantly written and brought to vivid life. I loved the author’s use of literary illusions and imagery, especially of William Bla ...more

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Oct 15, 2020 Lel Budge rated it really liked it · review of another edition

#2 in the Helen Oddfellow mystery series, but can also be read as a stand-alone.

Here, Helen Oddfellow is asked to take over a class who are studying the romantic poets. This is not her usual area of expertise, but she is soon drawn into the world of William Blake. When some dark art surfaces, all using Blake’s imagery things take a dark and dangerous turn for Helen.

Can Helen stop a planned massacre?

This is a clever, slow burn of a thriller that builds the tension gradually up to a nail biting en ...more

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Jan 18, 2021 Kate McGhee rated it it was amazing

A second outing for Helen Oddfellow, now an English lecturer at a fictionalised Central London university. A pacy thriller centred on the works of William Blake. A very enjoyable and tense page-turner. Once again, the author’s experience as a journalist and her threading of the story with convincing contemporary issues (this time including #meToo, extremism and the Dark Web) as well as smart, but accessible, literary references and historical sources make this a satisfying, relevant and well-inf ...more

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Oct 05, 2020 Sarah rated it really liked it

A great blend of modern day thriller and historical mystery. I loved how this book had me engrossed in both the main thriller element of the book and equally, on the story surrounding the artists and writer William Blake.
This is the second book in the Helen Oddfellow series, but can be read as a standalone novel.
Helen is a junior lecturer of English Lit at a university in London. Her topic of expertise is sixteenth century playhouse, so when she is told, by her boss, that she is going to have t A great blend of modern day thriller and historical mystery. I loved how this book had me engrossed in both the main thriller element of the book and equally, on the story surrounding the artists and writer William Blake.
This is the second book in the Helen Oddfellow series, but can be read as a standalone novel.
Helen is a junior lecturer of English Lit at a university in London. Her topic of expertise is sixteenth century playhouse, so when she is told, by her boss, that she is going to have to cover teaching a group of students on the poet William Blake she is somewhat panicked.
Their normal professor, Petrarch Greenwood, is taking time out to finish his book so Helen turns to her friend and old college Barbara, a Blake enthusiast, to 'gen up' on the subject. In doing so, she also quickly becomes involved in a possible new and exciting discovery her friend has made.
But when Helen meets her new students, she soon realises something was very wrong with the way their previous professor 'taught' his subject. Along side this we also hear from a character who calls himself Rintrah the Reprobate and runs a very unpleasant blog on the dark web connecting to Blake.
Helen is approached by her journalist friend, Nick, who has discovered the blog and as tension builds, danger soon starts to surround Helen and her students from all directions.
The research put into this novel was excellent and I found the parts on the life and work of William Blake and friends fascinating. I didn't know much about his life but the way it is presented to the reader, through the story, was extremely interesting. I found myself reaching for my phone to google areas of London or people he was acquainted with, to find out more.
The areas featured in the story are very well described and were easy to bring to my minds eye. The thriller builds at a good pace, bringing the different threads from within the story together, finishing off with a fast paced and exciting last few chapters.
With the mix of thriller and historical mystery it felt a little like a modern day, UK urban Dan Brown plot.
I enjoyed the authors writing style and the main characters from the book were very likeable, will definitely add the previous book in the series, Unlawful Things, to my TBR. ...more

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Oct 07, 2020 Radhika Holmström rated it it was amazing

I loved this - and I read a LOT of novels I don't usually rate. Compelling characters, great plot, enough to leave me wanting more...I'm waiting for the next one now! ...more

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