The Infernal Riddle of Thomas Peach

by Jas Treadwell

The year is 1785, and Thomas Peach, a gentleman of modest means, moves to a small village in the West Country, bringing with him a steamer chest of clothes, some books - and, apparently, his wife, Mrs Peach, who quickly becomes a source of fascination and suspicion to the villagers. Why is she never seen abroad? Why does Mr Peach refuse entry to her bedroom to their maidservant, who is unable to detect even a whisper of breath at Mrs Peach's door, try as she might? Does Mrs Peach even exist? And if so, is she the victim of her husband's cruelty?

A liberal and free thinker, Mr Peach is a member of a society of learned men in Bristol, one of whom is guardian of a young woman believed to be possessed by a demon. Mr Peach disagrees with this opinion, but suspicion only grows when the woman in question - whose mouth and lips are stained inexplicably black - escapes from her patron and causes panic in the countryside. Soon she is living under Mr Peach's protection. But he himself is in danger; someone - or something - has followed him from his former life in London. Thomas Peach has enumerable secrets - and one of them might just prove deadly.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical, Novels, British Literature, 21st Century

464 pages, Hardcover

Published August 12, 2021

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 2 out of 5]

“READER! – Good-day to you!
And good-morrow, too! for our acquaintance is destined to be long. We are sure of it. We see it in your eye –“
This is set in 1785 in rural Somerset and is a gothic and supernatural tale written in the style of writers such as Sterne and Fielding. The question is “Who is Thomas Peach” and he has secrets. He lives with his wife but neither of his servants has seen her. She remains in the bedroom and is never seen or heard. The gossip is rife about whether she really exists. Who is it the Thomas Peach speaks to at night? Why has he suddenly left London?
It is a parody of the eighteenth century and the omniscient narrator is part of that. Apparently the narrator is also a necromantic spirit (or spirits). I can also confirm that the narrator is also very irritating:
“Like the rustic, who closes his eyes at sun-set, after his day of wholesome toil, and wakes again with the dawn, we omit the night altogether, by the simple method of opening our new chapter upon the following day.”
The pace is leisurely with plenty of diversions and dig beneath all the verbiage and there isn’t a lot left. There are lots of references to Richardson’s Clarissa (another lengthy novel that would have been better as a short story). There is also a young woman who is alleged to be possessed by a demon, the Anti-Lapsarian Society (devoted to the reversing of the fall of man), a double murder, rakish aristocrats and a procession of oddities (including a horse boiler).
The whole is a bit of a mess and don’t even mention the ending.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story, with only a couple of niggles which prevented it tying with Circus of Wonders for book of the year.
The first is that it seemed to stray a bit halfway through, and although 'Jas' pulled it back, just seemed a little unnecessary to me. The other was the ending. I think I got it, but I'm still wondering if I actually did, lol.
Would I read another of Mr. Treadwell's? Hell, yes!
4 solid stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[4cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear reader The Infernal Riddle of Thomas Peach will challenge your skills, you need your wits about you but you will experience a satisfying, entertaining read. Set in 1785 the story of Thomas Peach is told through the perspective of a third person narrator, this tool is used to divulge the plot to the reader, with hints of what may occur and what has occurred, this device was used in the 18th century to tell a tale is is put to good purpose by Jas Treadwell.

So who is Thomas Peach? What is going on with the mysterious Mrs Peach? What is going to happen to them owing to the fact that Thomas is running short of money, will their rural idyll be destroyed? What is locked in the trunk hidden under the stairs, are they books as Mr Peach claims or is there treasure tucked away. There are so many unanswered questions you will have that will be answered from the omnipotent narrator as the tale moves on.

This is a clever, literary historical fantasy, think Susanna Clarke's Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell. Jas Treadwell brings to life the characters, the period and the enlightenment's way of thinking. So enlighten yourself with this immersive read.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

With Thanks to Jas Treadwell and Hodder & Stoughton for an advanced readers copy of this book.

3*

This intriguing and atmospheric novel set in 1785, follows the story of Thomas Peach a former country hermit who along with his sick wife (who no one has seen or heard a peep from) lived on the generosity of an uncle. When that money is suddenly cut off Peach must, with wife in tow, go out to find a new life. The Novel is full of fun and witty character development, and beautiful world building.

So with all that said why such a low star rating?

Simply this book was very hard for me to read. That is no failing on Treadwell's part, but more a stylistic choice. Our 3rd person narrator is a Victoria story teller, the story is told in Victorian English with a spattering of Georgian spelling and phrasing. It is a "product of it's intended time". With this in mind to another reader this would be a very well received book. Unfortunately the struggle of the language took me out of the story a lot.

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“READER! Good-day to you! And good-morrow, too! for our acquaintance is destined to be long. We are sure of it. We see it in your eye.”

My thanks to Hodder & Stoughton for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Infernal Riddle of Thomas Peach’ by Jas Treadwell in exchange for an honest review. I complemented my reading with its unabridged audiobook edition, narrated by Fenella Woolgar.

This was an unusual novel in both plot and structure. It is written in the formal style of the 18th-century, as its omniscient narrator addresses the reader directly, breaking the Fourth Wall.

In the year 1785, Thomas Peach, a gentleman of modest means, has left London and rented a property in Somersetshire, where he plans to look after his ailing wife.

Yet soon tongues begin to wag about the Peach household. What does he keep in the locked chest under the stairs? What is the nature of his wife’s illness? Why has no one ever seen her? Then a letter arrives that threatens the livelihood of the Peach family.

While Thomas Peach seeks ways to save them from penury, he receives a bizarre request to examine a mysterious young woman, a rich man’s ward, who has been confined to a madhouse. Over the course of the novel, their paths become further entangled.

Throughout the novel its narrator teases the reader with snippets of information though eventually the secrets of the past (and present) are revealed.

I was totally entertained by this novel and appreciated its atmospheric setting and eccentric cast of characters. It was deliciously Gothic with a touch of the dark arts. There are also elements of social satire running through the narrative. Its intervening narrator has a razor sharp wit.

There is a mystery as to the identity of the author, who is as enigmatic as their creation, Thomas Peach. The publishers only say: ‘a phantom – a cipher – A mere NAME, assumed like a mask! and signifying, nothing at all –“. Curious and curiouser though very much in keeping with this extraordinary novel.

Highly recommended.

[Connie]

DNF - got about 30% into this and I found the narrator distracting, and off putting. I might pick it up again when my head is in a better place.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

"READER! – Good-day to you!
And good-morrow, too! for our acquaintance is destined to be long. We are sure of it. We see it in your eye – "

Who is Thomas Peach? Why has he fled London to take up residence in a quiet country village in Somerset? What is in the locked chest he keeps hidden beneath the stairs? Why does Mrs Peach never leave her bedroom and why is she not permitted visitors? Does she even exist – and if not, who is it that Thomas talks to at night, when the curious maidservant stands with her ear to the bedroom door?

These are the questions our narrator, an unnamed person who describes themselves as a necromantic historian, sets out to answer in this strange and fascinating new novel by the equally mysterious Jas Treadwell. By the end of the book, we have answers to these questions, as well as some others that are raised along the way, but what makes this such an intriguing and entertaining read, in my opinion, is not the plot so much as the style in which the book is written. Not everyone will agree, of course; I think whether or not you will enjoy Thomas Peach could depend on how you feel about the sort of book it is parodying – the 18th century novel.

Set in 1785, the book imitates the fiction of that time, with the narrator speaking directly to the reader, commenting on what has happened and what is about to happen and providing footnotes where they feel further information is necessary. If you’ve read Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, you will have an idea of what I mean, although the narrator in this book is much more intrusive and is there with us through every turn of the page. Chapter Ten, for example, begins like this:

"Like the rustic, who closes his eyes at sun-set, after his day of wholesome toil, and wakes again with the dawn, we omit the night altogether, by the simple method of opening our new chapter upon the following day."

This is probably the kind of writing you either like or you don’t; it does require some patience, as those 18th century authors never used one word when they could use ten! Treadwell draws heavily on the literature of the period and there are lots of references to Samuel Richardson’s huge 1748 epistolary novel Clarissa (which I was glad I had read, as it meant I knew what the narrator was talking about without having to rely on the footnotes!) as well as books by other authors such as Henry Fielding and Tobias Smollett. You don’t actually need to have read any of these books, but a familiarity with some of them will add to your experience of the novel.

Due to the leisurely pace of the novel and all the diversions and digressions, Thomas Peach’s story unfolds very slowly – and when his secrets do eventually begin to be revealed, I felt that beneath the clever writing, the plot was less complex, less magical and less satisfying than I had expected it to be at first. Still, I enjoyed meeting Thomas Peach and the other characters, particularly Clary, a young woman about whom I can’t really say anything at all without spoiling the surprise! Although I couldn’t read a lot of books like this as the style would quickly become irritating, this one kept me entertained.

[Sara M · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book theoretically is made up of elements I should enjoy. But it was not to be: because all in all, it is not a good book. The author seems to be enthralled by his own attempt at emulating 17th-century novel stylistically, often to the detriment of the plot. The plot in turn is rather simplistic and, to be honest, predictable. I could still enjoy a book that has little in terms of plot, if other elements compensate for the lack, but here, there is simply nothing of the sort. The imitation of 17th-century novel is taken to such extremes that there is very little that would be original or even not cliche: this is the huge difference between this book and Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell - the latter was funny, ironic, and Clarke simply knew how to playfully exploit the conventions to create something new, interesting and entertaining. The character of Mr Peach is rather clumsily written - Mr Peach appears in turn very cynical and cunning (the whole scene with the fraud) or extremely gullible (his interactions with Clarissa: and of course, the whole setup is immediately obvious to the reader because it is so trite, but even from the point of view of Mr Peach and based on the information available to him, there should have been enough clues, and so on). I enjoyed the style, but apart from the style there was very little to enjoy.

[Chris Fowler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas Peach has lately come to the countryside, penniless and bereft of one wife, who is either too ill to be seen or non-existent. He is preceded by his reputation in the field of supernatural investigation, so that by the time his suspicious maid goes searching the top-floor bedroom for a phantom lady we know where we are, firmly in Susanna Clarke territory. But we're also in the stylised narrative landscape of the 18th century novel, specifically around the 1740s, and almost every character is acknowledged to Fielding and Richardson.
It's all great fun but there's a reason why this jocular narrative style fizzled out; it repeatedly brings the story to a grinding halt while the narrator speculates on events with the reader.
The recreation of the times is atmospheric and nicely handled, but the dripfed information is painfully slow. Anyone looking for the thrills provided by Jonathan Strange will be disappointed.

[Annarella · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent mix of historical fiction and fantasy that kept me hooked.
Great world building and character development, an engaging and fascinating plot.
The archaic language is part of the charm of this book.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[inkysphinx · Rating 4 out of 5]

A masterful imitation of 18th century literary style, yet almost too masterful to the point where the narrative becomes overbearing. That said, Treadwell's style remains marvellously potent in its own right.

[Cailean McBride · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit that I found this one was a bit of a slog.

Though I’d have to add not because of any deficiencies on the part of author Jas Treadwell. The Infernal Riddle of Thomas Peach is an atmospheric, well-written tale that is often witty and is certainly full of great ideas.

So, what’s the problem?

It’s largely down to the style, I think. The novel is set in 1785 and takes great pains to mimic the literature of the times (or just before it). There are a number of direct allusions to Richardson’s Clarissa, most particularly in the case of the (possibly) supernatural figure of Peach’s maid Clary but the novel itself lacks Richardson’s tone of moral seriousness and often feels closer to the riotous and bawdy spirit of Fielding.

This is no bad thing in itself and both Richardson and Fielding are important and entertaining novelists in their own right. But both are writers at the start of what we generally (if contestably) consider the start of the English novel and their narrative techniques and strategies were somewhat different to how the form has subsequently evolved. This is most obvious in terms of how they dealt with the then-nascent problems of focalisation and POV.

This presents interesting problems for Treadwell as he hits some of the stumbling blocks that novelists since the 18th century have encountered and he does this by creating the conceit of the ‘necromantic historian’ — one which allows him to bypass any narratological problems, not to mention creeping anachronisms. Indeed, he seems to revel in these and takes great delight in referencing literary works, such as The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Childe Harold’s Pilgrimage, neither of which had been written in 1785.

But despite the fun Treadwell is obviously having — a palpable enthusiasm that’s easily transferred to the reader on occasion — he does run into the same problems that necessitated the evolution of the novel over the last couple of centuries. Outside of English courses, Fielding and Richardson are no longer widely read, not because they’re not entertaining (which they are) but because their style strikes the modern reader as controlling and alienating. Few of the characters, including Thomas Peach himself, seldom lift themselves off the page and this tends to make Infernal a clever book rather than an engaging one. This is largely down to the limitations of the now-rare omniscient narrator — a device that requires the reader to sufficiently captivated by that narrator but, for me, our erstwhile necromantic historian came across as rather pompous, occasionally combative and often rather irritating.

Treadwell is not the first to employ such stylistic play and the book is at points strongly reminiscent of Susannah Clarke’s Doctor Strange and Mr Norrell and this is where an element of subjectivity comes in. Clarke’s book was deeply popular, although I too struggled with it and I’ve no doubt that Infernal will find a devoted readership too. But this kind of literary cosplay just tends to leave me cold.

Nevertheless, there’s some genuinely funny set pieces in here, although some come off feeling a little belaboured and there are some nicely bombastic Gothic turns to the narrative. The denouement, too, is satisfying and there’s much enjoyment to be had in Treadwell’s subverting of a highly moralistic period of literary history and peopling it with characters who are possibly some of the darkest and most amoral ever seen in a novel.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

An atmospheric paranormal historical twister with Book Thief vibes........

The Infernal Riddle of Thomas Peach is set in 1785, narrated from the perspective of third party that we never meet. The story centres around Thomas Peach, a gentleman who is cut off from his family's money, and must find a way to establish a new income. The story twists and turns through various puzzles, what is wrong with his mysterious wife? What are the books he keeps locked away? What is the nature of a young woman whose path he continues to cross?

I started this book with high hopes, it gave me instant Book Thief by Markus Zusak vibes. The narrator is apart from the story and talks directly to the reader like in a comedy sitcom when they break "the 4th wall". I liked the style it was written as well, though the Victorian English was difficult to follow at times, I liked how this added to the character of the book and added to the creativity. I think this does set it apart from other stories of this nature. I also liked the premise of the novel, I haven't read anything where the paranormal themes are interlaced to the narrative as a secondary plot line, and used more as character development than to move on the story itself. I'm also a fan of when authors don't feel the need to spell out every little nuance to the reader, so I liked the relationship development between Clary and Jem, and how Mr Peach was none the wiser of the physical nature.

Unfortunately, there was also a lot that I didn't like. I'm an avid reader, and although I am very busy, I have been known to finish several books in a week, and the fact that this one book took me over a month to read speaks volumes. The story was not fast-paced enough to hold my attention for a long period of time. The stylistic nature took too much emphasis and therefore it affected the flow of the narrative. There were some really good ideas that just weren't followed through to their full potential, and as I said above, were pushed aside too much as side plots. I quite often see the twists coming in books, and I saw these coming from so far off that I didn't expect them to be an actual twist, and that they'd be more coming! This was hugely disappointing, and I do think more could have been made of the ending.

On the whole, it was ok. I'd try something else by the same author, but wouldn't necessarily recommend to my friends.

This book does contain themes of murder, the supernatural and light racism (though I guess sadly a sign of the times in 1785).

Thank you to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Daphne Sharpe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Peach. Who the deuce is he? We are told he has 35 years of age and he is married. The rest is a mass of contradictions and guesswork.
Not poor, but neither ostentatious. Not trade, but not quite a Gentleman. Frugal in habits, but, keeps a good table. Liberal in views, but not political. Loves his books, but therein lies a mystery to be discovered within these pages.
Nobody has seen Mrs Peach, she keeps to an upstairs bedroom with some uncertain malady that affects her. Both she and her husband lead a quiet rural life, until a letter arrives telling Mr Peach, that an inheritance is to be cancelled, forthwith. He goes to Bristol to seek help from his fellow members of the Anti- Lapsarian Society, which also includes his landlord, to beg a few months grace in order to pay his rent.
However, a favour is asked of Mr Peach, that sets off a long and complicated series of events, actions and meetings, that will confuse, bewilder and entertain the reader.
Each chapter is fully explained, using knowing asides and much familiarity. The writing style is cod 18th century and is perfect, being theatrical and so overblown , the enjoyment the author has for this historical period shines through, and the many twists and turns are fun, alarming, and slightly preposterous!! .
When is a person like a book? That was the part of the story where I thought I had completely lost my grip on this tale, it shook me out of my gentle appreciation of the absurdity of what I had read, and I believe my jaw dropped. It is a fantastical and subversive tale, novel, unbelievable, yet so appropriate for this story!!
The book is wordy, but not excessively so, the language flows and you will find yourself absorbing some of the quaint remarks, pon my word, you will. It fits in so well with the era it seeks to represent.
I have been deliberately vague about the story, no spoilers here!! I loved it and I’m sure it will make a huge impression upon publication. Plainly put, it’s fun, so socially aware, and it deserves to be a success. Not quite Vanity Fair, but of that ilk and genre. Whip smart and alarming at times.
A five star rating. Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder and Stoughton for my advance copy in return for my honest review, which I am delighted to give. I will post further reviews later.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in the style of an 18th-century novel and told through an omniscient narrator, The Infernal Riddle of Thomas Peach is not for the faint-hearted. I'm a quick reader, but my pace was slowed by the style, the concentration needed, and the distraction of footnotes, although these were helpful in explaining the many literary references.

We are first introduced to Thomas Peach by the narrator drawing our attention to a gravestone. There is nothing remarkable about it, nor, we are told, of the man whose grave it marks. The narrator then takes us back to 1785 when Thomas Peach is a gentleman in his mid-thirties, to a rented cottage in a tiny village in Somersetshire, where Mr. Peach lives quietly with his ailing wife. There is much gossip and speculation about the existence of Mrs. Peach as she has never been seen, and of Mr. Peach: what are his family connections, where does his wealth come from, and why has he sequestered himself in the country?

Some of these questions are answered in a letter Mr. Peach receives; more are raised. The letter also contains news that threatens Mr. Peach's well-being. Seeking a solution to one of his problems, he leaves the seclusion of his home, setting off a chain of events that will inadvertently reveal his many secrets, but not before we meet several colourful characters along the way, including the enigmatic Clarissa (Clary) Riddle.

Mr. Peach is a paradox. Outwardly he is a worthy gentleman: solicitous of his wife's health; an undemanding and fair master; reasonably honest; perhaps gullible, contemplative, and not given to rash or impulsive actions. We see a different side to this quiet and unassuming man through his past and the plan he formulates when that past finally catches up with him.

The narrator plays his part well by reminding us of recent events that we may have thought insignificant and hinting at others that shed more light on Mr. Peach's character, but he could also be intrusive and frustrating at times.

I had mixed feelings while reading this novel. Hidden within its pages is an intriguing tale, but the effort required to extract it far outweighed my enjoyment at the time. By the end, however, even though there are still questions left unanswered and we still do not know the real Thomas Peach, I am glad I persevered.

The Infernal Riddle of Thomas Peach is a memorable reading experience.

*https://adarngoodread.blogspot.com.au

[goblinmilk · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Infernal Riddle of Thomas Peach by Jas Treadwell
 
Release date: August 12th
 
--------------
 
What’s inside his chest, locked beneath the stairs. Where is his wife that nobody has ever seen. Who is Thomas Peach, and what dreadful secrets does he keep.
 
I enjoyed this book quite a lot but I did struggle with it as well. The entire tale is written from the perspective of a story teller using Victorian English with a blend of Georgian spellings. As such I couldn’t read this anywhere near as fast as I am used to. I do feel that this method took away from some scenes and resulted in a lot of “filler” ramblings that had nothing to do with the story itself, something the “story teller” seems very self-aware of and mentions a few times to cut themselves short. It’s entertaining to read thanks to the jovial nature of the “story teller” but you can easily read several pages without a single thing having happened.
 
But because the tale itself is still interesting enough to keep you wanting more I would give this a good 3.5 stars.

[Rochelle DeRoquefort · Rating 2 out of 5]

At nearly 500 pages it was tough going, and the dense, pretentious writing didn't help. I didn't mind the plot although I couldn't tell you what the infernal riddle is!

Treadwell can't write women very well, sadly. There are two different, unconnected scenes of young girls offering sex in exchange for something (Treadwell - sorry, the "necromantic historians" - even address this in the book), Clary falls into the trope of "overtly sexual woman is evil", Miss Farthingay's characterisation is paper thin, we hardly see Mrs Farthingay, same for the French woman. What was the point of her?

And I can't see what it is about Thomas Peach that makes young women (one being a teenage girl) repeatedly throw themselves at him? On all accounts he is dim and unremarkable. Secret hopes of the author perhaps?

[K.S. Dearsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written in an 18th century style, the narrator does not simply tell the story, but is a character in its own right. I love the style and wit of this novel as much as the intrigue and eccentric characters.

The story follows a country gentleman whose mysterious circumstances make him an object of curiosity to his neighbours. Most of the mysteries are solved by the end, but some are left open to speculation. How much of what happens is real, how much conjured and how much is merely imagined?

It's hard to tell more without spoilers, so I'll simply say that I'm really glad I came across this book. What fun!

[Robert Connelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Infernal is correct. Two books ago, I read The Revolution according to Raymundo Mata. It too, was infernal.
Infernal, not because of tale told but the way the author told the story.
Both were complex. At first difficult to read, hard work at the beginning.Both authors acknowledge this and invite us to leave.

Thomas Peach, our hero is also an anti-hero. One loves him and hates him in equal measure; there is no doubting throughout the book though, of his integrity.
A marvellous tale with twists and turns throughout.
I certainly recommend.

[Lesley 129 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book as challenging as an 18th century novel and an admirable pastiche. The omniscient narrator was comic and over effusive by turns, which made it difficult to grade in terms of overall enjoyment. More ‘Shamela’ than ‘Pamela’, a knowledge of early novels helps the reader understand the jokes.

However, be warned that the Kindle edition gives all the footnotes the same meaningless number and there are no hyperlinks, which rendered them at best irrelevant and at worst frustrating.

[Glenys · Rating 3 out of 5]

An very different read.
My library has classified this book as 'historical'. Is there a genre of historical magical reality?
It seems perhaps where this one belongs.
A seemingly ordinary man is not at all ordinary, not his the path he follows in the short period of time covered by this book.
The writing style requires some patience from the reader who is required to develop a relationship with the writer - so many footnotes.

[Andrea Hicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

My thanks to Jas Treadwell, Hodder and Staughton and Net Galley for the ARC of THE INFERNAL RIDDLE OF THOMAS PEACH.
I began this novel a number of times, hoping I would find something new to appeal but unfortunately I could not get into it at all. The layout, dialogue etc. were rather confusing and I wasn't sure who to champion. Not for me this one.

[Paul Kerr · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the most original, hilarious and disorientating books I have read in a while. Once you get over the style and prose - give it a few chapters - the tongue in cheek author takes you on a twisting tale of murder and devilry in 18th century Somerset. Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

[Thomas McDonough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book.

It's was not the usual book I would choose, however just a couple of pages into the sample and I'd bought it. Congratulations to the author on such a very clever, witty and captivating book. I will now await your next publication.

[PAUL SEERY · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this novel. In parts it’s a little bit reminiscent of my favourite Peter Ackroyd novel English Music. Some parts were very scary. I recommended it to my wife but she put it down after twenty pages or so. Not everyone will be as enthralled by it as I was.

[Phil Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is fundamentally a short (and to me, wholly predictable) story cossetted in the author's reasonably good attempt at writing in an 18th century style. At times the book flowed well and unfortunately towards the end it became a bit of a chore to get through.

[Barb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can see the cleverness of the writing, but I just found it hard work.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Louise Munden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Might have been a good book but it danced around the story so much it made me feel so impatient I couldn’t stand it

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A totally immersive, engaging and entertaining read. I shall miss the company of Thomas Peach et al.