The Highwayman

by Sylvia Thorpe

Those who had to cross the desolate flatlands of Hounslow Heath knew well the name of the infamous Colonel Fury. Scoundrel, rogue and murderer, he divested gentlemen of their jewels as easily as he did women of their honor.

A beautiful, headstrong lady, Rowena pushed aside fear of the brigand. She wanted only to find her brother, whom she suspected of seeking vengeance against the rogue. But once she'd begun her reckless quest, she discovered something that struck even more than terror in her heart -- she discovered that in league with the notorious highwayman himself was the very man she was going to marry!

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency, Clean Romance

222 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

June Sylvia Thimblethorpe was born in 1926 in London, England. Educated in London at a school in Brondesbury, Kilburn High School for Girls, Slade School of Fine Arts, and University College. She worked as secretary from 1949 to 1952 and later she worked as school teacher.

As Sylvia Thorpe, she wrote over 25 historical romance novels from 1950 to 1983. Her novel "The Scapegrace" (1971) won the Elizabeth Goudge Historical Award. She was the third elected Chairman (1965-1967) of the Romantic Novelists' Association, and was named a Honor Life Member of the organization.

Sylvia is now a trustee for the Goodrich Village Hall Trust. Goodrich is a village, in south Herefordshire which is very close to Gloucestershire and the Forest of Dean situated near the River Wye and is famous for its old red sandstone Norman and medieval castle.

Reviews

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another foray into the historical romance world of Sylvia Thorpe. This one takes place in 1668 and features a murderous highwayman (not the hero), a spirited heroine and a hero with secrets to keep.

Frothy and fun and worth the few hours reading time. Also very predictible and my guilty pleasure. I love Thorpe's world :D

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sylvia Thorpe reread #11. Another foray into the world of highwaymen, this one set in the 1660s. A much grittier story than her previous stories with plenty of action to keep you immersed. There were times I wanted to give Rowena a slap but that did not detract from the enjoyment of the story. I do like these older novels which can hold your attention without the steamy sex.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lush historical novel set during the reign of Charles II featuring evil highwaymen, a determined heroine, and a fiery romance. Plenty of intrigue and drama thrown into the plot. Completely swept me away; an entertaining weekend read.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like Sylvia Thorpe's writing. This just misses a '5' because I didn't care for the heroine....

[Mia · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun read! I loved the plot and the writing style. Even though the heroine was sometimes TSTL and I wanted to slap her. But the book was written in the 60s and it's still a lot better than most HR novels that get published nowadays. I'm surprise this author is not well-known. Thanks Ms. Thorpe for the very enjoyable time.