The Road to Newgate: A 17th Century London Mystery

by Kate Braithwaite

A dangerous ambition. A Popish plot. A marriage at risk.

London, 1678

Anne Thompson has left a life of luxury and comfort to marry Nat, an ambitious writer and Licenser of King Charles II’s but married life isn’t quite what either of them expected. Nat’s work is time-consuming, with religious sedition on the rise, and Titus Oates’ tales of a Popish plot fueling bigotry against Catholics and causing panic on the streets of London.

When he is caught up in the investigation of the murder of a prominent Protestant magistrate, Anne, lonely and frustrated, wonders what kind of man Nat really is.

Is he right that this murder is not what it seems, or is Nat’s ambition leading them toward disaster? Should Anne become involved, as he risks his livelihood, his freedom and their marriage in pursuit of the truth about Titus Oates?

Based on the true events of the Popish Plot in late 17th century England, The Road to Newgate is a historical mystery thriller and love story perfect for fans of Andrew Taylor and Philippa Gregory.

~

“Absorbing fascinating historical fiction, bringing to life 17th century London”~ What Cathy Read Next

“The author does this type of historical fiction so well, cleverly blending fact with fiction, danger with intrigue and all the necessary emotion along the way.”~ Jaffareadstoo

“A deftly plotted book, with plenty of twists and turns, all the more remarkable for being based on real events.”~ Discovering Diamonds Reviews

“…excellently written, filled with facts and hints of fiction, intensely inviting characters (primary and secondary), eye-catching building of the mind to step back in time to the 17th century. Highly recommend this for those looking for a bit of intrigue, mystery and history.” ~ The Book Junkie Reads

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery, 17th Century, Amazon

284 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 28, 2018

About the author

Kate Braithwaite is the author of four historical novels based on true but overlooked events. “Charlatan” tells the story of Madame de Montespan and the Affair of the Poisons in 17th Century Paris. “The Plot” features Titus Oates’ Popish Plot, a scandal that earns him a place as one of Britain’s top 10 villains. “The Puzzle of Nellie Bly” explores the exploits of a ground-breaking female journalist going undercover in a 19th Century New York lunatic asylum. “The Scandalous Life of Nancy Randolph” reveals a shocking rupture between two very different sisters in late 18th century Virginia.
Originally from Scotland, Kate studied English at Leeds University and has subsequently lived in Canada and the US. She is the author of Sis-Stories, a Substack publication all about sisters in history and fiction, and an editor for the Historical Novel Society. Kate and her family live in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew the name Titus Oates but very little detail about the events surrounding his rise and fall.  The Road to Newgate has rectified that.  In the book, the author immerses the reader in the turbulent events of 1678, albeit in fictional form but based on the actual events and historical records of the time.  We witness the action through the eyes of Nathaniel Thompson, a writer of news-sheets (a composite of two real life figures), his wife, Anne, and Nat’s friend, William Smith, who finds himself embroiled in Oates’ denunciations.

The author vividly brings to life the London of the period: the cruelty of the bull-baiting pit; the bloodthirsty crowds witnessing the execution of traitors; the hubbub of the coffee houses as patrons peruse the latest news-sheet; the hustle and bustle of the market place.   The squalor of the ‘hell-hole’ that is Newgate Prison is particularly effectively depicted and I chuckled at this description of the House of Commons: ‘The chamber of the House of Commons, viewed from the public gallery above, resembles nothing so much as a stew-pot bubbling and turning: a human soup.  Noise rises up like steam, and little of what is said has any real substance… Bewigged, be-robed, befuddled, bemused, belligerent, and bellicose, all our great men are spread out before us.’  Thank goodness, that’s all changed then….

The atmosphere of the time is one of fear (of Popish plots), intrigue and rumour.  There’s plenty of opportunity for ‘fake news’ to circulate playing on people’s fears and prejudices, particularly against Catholics.   As Nat’s friend, Henry, observes, ‘This is not about the truth. God, it is so little about the truth I am surprised we still have the word in the language’.

However, Nat has the inquisitive instincts of a modern day investigative journalist and is convinced that Titus Oates is not what he seems and that many of those he accuses are innocent.  Nat soon finds that his stance puts him out of step with public opinion and risks making powerful enemies who can jeopardise both his livelihood and the safety of those close to him.

I really liked the tender, supportive relationship between Nat and his wife, Anne even though Nat does confess that, at times, ‘married life is rather trying.’ The way they come together when tragedy visits them is extremely touching.  I also loved Anne’s independent spirit that really comes to the fore later in the book.

The Road to Newgate is a fascinating insight into a turbulent period in English history with a murder mystery thrown in for good measure for those who like their crime.  If you’re interested in learning more about the events depicted in the book, Kate’s website/blog has some fabulous background information, including images of news-sheets from the period and links to articles she’s written about 17th century coffee shops and the role of women.

I received a review copy courtesy of the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

London, 1678 under Charles II
This book brings to life the events surrounding testimony by Titus Oates of "the popish plot" through the daily lives of several main characters. It kicks off with the discovery of a murdered magistrate, also based on real events.
Well done historical.


Kindle Unlimited

[Amy Bruno · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best feeling in the world for me is when I find a new author that I absolutely adore, and I have found a new favorite in Kate Braithwaite!

Braithwaite has written a story filled with intrigue, danger, drama, and mystery. We are taken to 17th century London and introduced to a man named Titus Oates, the key instigator in the "Popish Plot". Now I had heard of Titus and the Popish Plot but never knew the details. Thankfully we have Braithwaite to help us out and she does it wonderfully. I pratically flew through the pages!

The main characters - Nathaniel and Anne - are wonderful protagonists, the setting descriptions are brilliantly written, the history is intriguing, and the dialogue is clever and witty.

Case in point....“Might I pick myself out of the gutter?” Nat asks. “Literally you may. I can’t speak for metaphorically.”

I don't want to go too much into the plot because if you're like me, you like to go in fresh and the synopsis above is a perfect starting point. I will say that The Road to Newgate is stellar historical fiction. I absolutely loved every minnute I spent reading this book, and I've already ordered Braithwaite's other novel, Charlatan, which I can't wait to devour as well.

There is also a helpful Author's Note at the end of the book, which is also a bonus with historical fiction books.

Kudos to Kate and thank you for the excellent read!

[Elizabeth John · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Road to Newgate is overflowing with raucous Londoners and a cacophony of sounds, sights and smells that steals away our breath and drops us into the cesspool of 17th century city life. And in the extraordinarily talented hands of Kate Braithwaite, we travel eagerly along the road, joining the jostling crowd and immersing ourselves in the story unfolding before us.

Meticulously researched and beautifully written, the cadence and rhythm of The Road to Newgate introduces us to extracts from historical accounts woven with language and scenes from Ms. Braithwaite’s vivid imagination. And, when these mingle to form an unforgettable backdrop to the engaging plot, the effect is memorable. The shouts of the crowd in a bear-baiting pit (such detail—down to the gates for the dogs to enter) give way to the most sinister sound of all: that of chains on a stone floor in Newgate prison. In her end note, Ms. Braithwaite takes great care to explain which is fiction and which are true characters and accounts. Such is her skill, that as readers we put complete trust in her decisions as to which blend of each makes great historical fiction.

Told alternately by Nat and Anne, a young married couple and the protagonists of the novel, we see London through the eyes of a Licenser of printed materials and his independent-minded printer wife. Early in the story their own relationship is challenged, and when Titus Oates, the villain of the piece arrives on the scene, the tension is mirrored in encounters with him, and is ratcheted to almost unbearable levels. When the true extent of the Popish Plot is revealed, we stand hopeless to help Nat and Anne. And through triumph and tragedy, gain and loss, we walk side-by-side with them as if they were friends just a letter’s reach away.

With fascinating accounts of Westminster trials and Old Bailey hearings, Newgate visitations and Bartholomew Fair outings, The Road to Newgate is an unforgettable journey through late 17th Century London culture. The bitter lessons of crowd-thinking, charismatic perjurers and a climate of fear echo through the centuries, and make us realize that little has changed in human nature between them and us. And that’s the heart of Ms. Braithwaite’s beautifully crafted novel—a study in all the complexities of humanity, against a dazzling backdrop of a fearful age.

An excellent historical fiction novel that will stay with me for a long time. Five stars.

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well researched and enjoyable historical thriller combining fact with fiction set during the reign of King Charles II. It's narrated by three of the main characters, Nathaniel Thompson, Licenser of the Presses, his wife, Anne, and their friend, William Smith, a disgraced school teacher. When the murder of a prominent Protestant magistrate occurs amidst the chaos created by tales, fabricated by Titus Oates, of a Catholic uprising known as the Popish Plot, Nathaniel decides to take matters into his own hands. And what a conman Titus Oates was! It beggars belief just how people believed his lies.

I thought this was an impressive piece of writing. It's very vivid, gritty and atmospheric. The descriptions of life during such a tempestuous time time in history are fascinating and so easy to visualise. There is much attention to to detail. The murder mystery itself is gripping and intriguing, quite the page turner. The characters are well depicted, both fictional and real, Anne Thompson being my favourite, a tenacious and determined lady!

Historical fiction is my favourite genre, especially when it's based on fact. I found The Road to Newgate to be a great example - it makes for compelling and interesting reading. I can highly recommend it.

[Vanessa Couchman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An atmospheric and engrossing fictional account of Titus Oates' "Popish Plot" in the reign of Charles II, which relates how a man and his young wife find themselves embroiled in the web of lies and deceit that Oates spins. An excellent reflection on the power - and the fickleness - of public opinion.

London 1678. Charles II is likely to die without a legitimate heir. His Catholic brother, James, is the next in line to the throne, raising fears of a return to Catholicism and accompanying persecution. In this highly-charged atmosphere, Titus Oates, a dubious cleric, manages to persuade Parliament and the people that a vast Roman Catholic plot to assassinate the king is afoot.

The story centres on a small group of friends who try to discredit Oates, but who themselves become the butt of popular lampooning and subject to threats. The main character, Nathaniel Thompson, and his wife Anne, find themselves and their marriage under intolerable strain.

This novel evokes a strong sense of place. I could hear, smell and touch 17th-century London and really made the journey with the convincing set of characters. Highly recommended for fans of historical fiction.

[Jayne Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd vaguely heard of the real historical events behind this story, but Kate Braithwaite's writing makes the events come alive. The three main characters are invented, but most of the others were real people. Like any good historical novel, the invented characters seem real and give a good flavour of living in those times. Recommended.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an intense and intriguing journey on the price of justice in 17th century London, England and the cost it would be to those caught up in an wild set of circumstances and conjecture. The plot rich and gripping. The characters strong, intense, layered, flawed, righteous. The overall picture drawn of the time and place sends tingles up you senses. The words come off the page and have you feeling as if you are present in that history of London. You get caught up in the sights, sounds, and feelings of the era that you want to slow the read down so that you can enjoy being in another time and place for a bit longer, but at the same time you want to get out of it from the turmoil, filthy, and all that went along with that time period.

I found the read to be excellently written, filled with facts and hints of fiction, intensely inviting characters (primary and secondary), eye-catching building of the mind to step back in time to the 17th century. Highly recommend this for those looking for a bit of intrigue, mystery and history.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I was really looking forward to reading this book, I love this period of history and the cover is spot on for this type of book, I love the traditional look.

The story is clearly well researched and the characters, plot and descriptions are all true to that period which made it a very enjoyable story.

I will be honest and say that did struggle to get in to the story but as soon as I was a few chapters in I started to fly through the book as the story developed and I am so glad that I preserved, it was just a tad slow starting for me.

4.5 stars from me for this one rounded up to 5 stars for Amazon and Goodreads – a really enjoyable story!!

[Sarah Perchikoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do to expose a lie? What lengths would you go to to make sure the truth made it’s way out into the world and was believed? Would you risk your life and the life of your friends? That is what Nat Thompson has to consider before he takes on Titus Oates, the man spreading conspiracies and lies about innocent Catholics around London in order to gain more and more power. Oates has become one of the most powerful men in London, gaining the ear of influential judges, men in Parliament, and even the King himself. Going against him to try and tell the truth and expose what he actually is, Nat must risk his friend’s and even his wife’s life. Will is all be worth it? Let’s get to the review!

Synopsis:

What price justice?

London 1678.

Titus Oates, an unknown preacher, creates panic with wild stories of a Catholic uprising against Charles II. The murder of a prominent Protestant magistrate appears to confirm that the Popish Plot is real.

Only Nathaniel Thompson, writer and Licenser of the Presses, instinctively doubts Oates’s revelations. Even his young wife, Anne, is not so sure. And neither know that their friend William Smith has personal history with Titus Oates.

When Nathaniel takes a public stand, questioning the plot and Oates’s integrity, the consequences threaten them all.

“Moved me greatly and brought tears to my eyes. Gripping, moving and brilliantly captures this tense and sometimes brutal episode in late seventeenth-century English history.” -Andrea Zuvich, Author & Historian

“A real pleasure to read,” -Denis Bock, author of The Ash Garden & The Communist’s Daughter

“Meticulously researched, vividly imagined, and deftly plotted. Rich, resonating and relevant.” -Catherine Hokin, author of Blood & Roses, the story of Margaret of Anjou

The story begins with Nat and Anne. They have just been married despite her family’s wishes. While Nat makes enough for them to live off, he can’t exactly provide the kind of life she was used to living. Anne could not care less. She is with the man she loves and that’s all that matters. That is until they begin to feel madness in the London air.

This isn’t exactly the first time London has seen people of a certain religion come under persecution, but this time Nat might be able to do something about it. He is the Licenser aka the guy who approves everything that is printed in the city and a writer as well. And when he realizes just how powerful Titus Oates and his words are, he plans to turn the city against him using his words.

One of Nat’s first issues with Oates is when his good friend, William Smith is arrested. Why is William arrested? Because he used to teach Oates and didn’t exactly stop the boys at school from making fun of him. The petty level is high with this one. Luckily, Nat and his friend, Henry are able to get enough money to both buy William better lodgings at the prison (Newgate) and eventually, get him out altogether. Yes, even in the 1670s, money could get you out of prison.

Nat begins publishing his writing about Oates and his lies soon after. The results? He finds himself imprisoned too. While Nat is in prison much longer than William, he too is released. Once he is back with his family and back to take care of Anne, he doesn’t let up. The lies that Oates is spreading has gotten people killed at this point.

Nat continues to publish his words, even eventually coming up with his own paper to try and dispel the lies that have spread like wildfire. But Nat has a few powerful people in his corner and he’s too dogged to stop until he sees Oates in prison.

The Road to Newgate is an insanely thrilling novel, especially towards the end. The story is split into three different POVs: Nat, Anne, and William. Although, I would say Nat and Anne take up most of the chapters. Anne is by far my favorite character. Even with everything she goes through personally, she gets shit done. When Nat leaves her at home while he works, she eventually goes to the printing press herself and starts helping their friend, Henry, with the boys he has working for him. She goes to all the trials. She even goes to the parade/burning where the anti-Catholic/pro-Oates people burn her husband in effigy. She rarely lets anyone tell her what to do and she is a great investigator in her own right.

The two critiques I have of the book involve the plot and the characters. There were a couple points in the story where I wanted more to happen. The prison scenes seemed pretty tame and didn’t last as long as I expected. Since the book’s title has the name of the prison in it, I was expecting more in-depth scenes there.

In terms of the characters, I wanted more William. He is the only gay character in the book that doesn’t die (which is another issue altogether). I wanted a bit more of his everyday life or what he was doing during some of the points when Anne and Nat were working. Since he was the one who knew Oates before he became this villain, I wanted him more involved in the investigation. I also wish he got more of a resolution as well but I’m glad he found some peace with his friends. (Can we get a William book is mostly what I’m asking lol)

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Miscarriage/baby death, religious persecution against Catholics, attempted suicide, mild homophobia (Nat doesn’t like to talk about William’s lifestyle)

Overall, I enjoyed The Road to Newgate. The trial scenes alone are a reason to read this book, especially the final one. Oates gets what’s coming to him and then some. Remember: this is 1678. Corporal punishment and torture are pretty standard. The character development was also spot on especially with Nat and Anne. They had no idea what they were getting into when Nat first started fighting Oates, but they got through it shockingly well. I am giving The Road to Newgate by Kate Braithwaite 3.5 out of 5 stars. If you like a good historical mystery, you should give this book a try.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am already looking forward to another book by Kate Braithwaite! Her way of weaving historical fiction into a compelling story is very rewarding for the reader! Again, like in Charlatan, her first novel, I learned something new about Old London and the lives of people in that time. So, when is novel number 3??!!

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good novel written in a competent style, the fictional character of Nathaniel Thompson, is beset with problems for himself, family and friends after his path is crossed by Titus Oates during the year 1678. As the story follows history and Titus is eventually undone it lacks suspense. . Very much like the and any plot twist that might make it a stand out novel. The characters of Nat his wife Anne and the friend Henry the printer and school teacher William are very much in a similar mould the Andrew Taylors, The Ashes of London series but not quite so attention-grabbing.

A good enough read and worth 3 stars.

[Jeanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Based on real events, The Road to Newgate is a well-researched novel about the Popish Plot, a fictitious conspiracy invented by Titus Oates. Set in 17th century London, the climate is filled with scandal and manipulation, lies and treason. The descriptions are vivid and the characters, both the fictional and the real, are quite believable. This interesting look into the past does not disappoint. Well done, Ms. Braithwaite.

[Nicky Moxey · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favourite kind of historical novel...

Believable characters, and a setting that oozes historical truth; the lives of small people playing out against a larger stage.
With an author's note that enhances our knowledge of the book, this is a very satisfying read.

[Rebecca Key · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bunch of people willfully denying the truth because it doesn't fit the narrative--and it happened almost 350 years ago. At least the victims of today's braying mob aren't hung, drawn, and quartered.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stranger than Fiction

The events of this book probably would not be believed if they weren't based on historical record. While the main character is a composite of historical figures and the dialogue is admittedly fabricated, the main events of them the story are true. The characters are well drawn, the dialogue is consistent with the time period, and enough detail appears to keep the plot moving. An interesting look at the past.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author of Charlatan has written yet another fantastic book. She wove a story of English history with such style and detail that I could not put the down. The character development was thoughtful and done in a way you were able to appreciate each character's point of view without confusion. She is a wonderful storyteller who takes the time to thoroughly research her subject enabling the reader to learn about history while reading her book.

[Awallens · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting point in history

This was an interesting historical fiction novel. I don't think I have read a book during this period before. It will not be the last

[Julia Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is written in the present tense and in the first person, but from each characters' perspective. I loved the names given to the characters that were perfectly in keeping with the 1600's; Anne, William, Henry, Nathaniel, all strong names. I found I had to remember whose perspective I was reading about, but this style did allow me to understand the feelings and motives of each character.
The author did her homework and brought the horrors of Newgate Prison and the executions at Tyburn vividly to life. Too vividly at times and I was shocked at how innocent people could be condemned with very little evidence or the evidence of a so-called witness.
The true account of Titus Oates and the fame he sought through fabricating 'Catholic conspiracies' was heartbreaking for the innocent blood shed.
I really liked the main characters of Anne and Nathaniel, with Nathaniel the forerunner of a journalist who seeks out the truth and brings this truth to the people. His quest to discredit Titus Oates kept me turning the page and in fact I felt sad when I came to the end.
A well deserved five stars.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the characters in this book, especially Nathaniel and his wife Anne. I liked how the author weaved fact and fiction to create this well researched novel. It was a book that I could not put down and even when I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about what was going to happen next in the plot! I read it over a weekend and would definitely recommend it.

[Lizzie Chantree · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully written book. An absolute page turner that kept me staying up late to read more! I can't wait to read what the author has written next and will definitely be adding them to my TBR list or kindle.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction has the ability to take you to a place long ago, back to a time that isn't your own, with customs, traditions and legends which have been set down in history books. Mostly, I know a little about the time and place I find myself in, but not always, and so in The Road to Newgate, it's been a real treat to spend time with a story I didn't know too much about, that of the infamous preacher, Titus Oates.

The Road to Newgate is a vivid description of this unsettled time and is told through the eyes of three fictional characters who were caught up in the events as they happened. Nathaniel Thompson, writer and Licenser of the Presses, his wife Anne, and their friend, William Smith, all help to bring the story to life in a realistic way and intertwining real historical figures with that of fictional characters also gives an authentic edge to what was happening.

The story covers the tumultuous events which began in 1678 during the reign of Charles II and although England has had some stability during his 18 year reign, there is always intrigue and insurrection just waiting to happen. Religious discord, particularly from those who would have England return to Catholicism, is a constant threat, and so when the preacher, Titus Oates incites panic with news of a new Popish threat which threatens to kill the King, the meeting houses and coffee shops on the streets of London are decidedly twitchy.The city comes gloriously alive, so that you can hear the angry shouts, feel the danger and despair, and, as you traipse through seventeenth century London, the scented rag you hold your nose does little to disguise the dirt and squalor of this teeming city.

The author does this type of historical fiction so well, cleverly blending fact with fiction, danger with intrigue and all the necessary emotion along the way. The mystery at the heart of the novel is handled well and whilst it sounds strange to have enjoyed time in the hell hole that was Newgate Prison. The author's vivid descriptions of the place makes you feel that you have actually been incarcerated within its walls, on execution day, with the dubious aroma of boiling flesh filling your nostrils.

The Road to Newgate is an atmospheric insight into a turbulent and dangerous time. The author has done a commendable job in bringing place, people and historical detail to glorious life.

[CoffeeandInk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not always a fan of present tense, but when it’s done well, the technique is undetectable once the story is underway, and this was the case for The Road to Newgate. Told in the first person by three characters, I felt each character had their own voice, and I did not have to look back at the chapter heading to recall whose point of view I was in. Lovely, flawless technique :D.

I’m not terribly familiar with the time period though I vividly recall the Great Fire display at the London Museum when we were there in 2010. But even so, the background was so well researched and well presented that it flowed seamlessly with the story, in vivid color.

The plot is complicated (just the way I like it) and I’m not even sure I can capture the essence of it, but here goes: The Protestants are in power, imprisoning and executing Catholics left and right because of their own paranoia about plots against the king by the pope and his followers and fearing their own deposition from power. Into this mess swaggers Titus Oates, a real person in this drama, (I love the afterwords, especially those of historical authors) who accuses fellow Londoners of Popish Plots against the Crown.

The murder of a magistrate, Sir Edmund Godfrey, sets the story in motion. Nat and his wife Anne are caught up in these events when Nat begins to write for the public about his misgivings about the murder, that Titus Oates has painted it as yet another murder by the Jesuits (and men die by his word). This brings Titus Oates down upon his head. I highly recommend this book for readers of 17th century England who will enjoy the level of research. For lovers of historical mysteries, this one is a wonderful puzzle, a little different than the usual mystery plot. Lovely, twisty plot had me wondering to nearly the last page if Nat, Anne, and William were going to get out of their dire situation. Titus, though an onerous person, had great influence for a period of time and the novel reflects his rise and fall. I use the word “satisfying” a lot when I review books I really loved, but once all the pieces fell together, that’s exactly how I felt at the end.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Road to Newgate introduces me to the talent of Kate Braithwaite. I thought this historical was a great read. The vivid details and descriptions sent me back in time to 17th century London. The plot is intriguing with a few twists and turns that I did not expect. That kept me wanting to keep turning the pages. It was so hard to put down.
The Road to Newgate is one book I am happy to give five out of five stars. I highly recommend it to other readers who enjoy historical fiction that involves English history.
I received this book from the author. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Laurel Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge history fan so this book about the popish plot conspiracy concocted by Titus Oates was a must read. I was not disappointed at all! This is a well informed, researched and intelligent read. The characters were just perfectly crafted and I did shed a few tears at parts! This is a must read for all historic fans out there. It also reads very easily if you have no or little knowledge of the popish plot and by the end you will be fascinated about these events which came to pass. A real solid read.

[Andrea Zuvich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to appear on The Seventeenth Century Lady the week of publication.

[Mzf · Rating 5 out of 5]

(SPOILERS)
Anyone following the news might be forgiven for thinking that the current state of politics is unprecedented, but, as Kate Braithwaite has brilliantly written in The Road to Newgate, they’d be wrong. Another notable instance took place during the dark times of England’s reformation in the late 1600s, when a narcissistic con man held the public in his thrall, resulting in mass hysteria and the persecution of innocents for the crime of believing in a different religion.

From the first page, Braithwaite draws us into the London of 1678, its routines and mores, its sounds and sights and smells. Then, in this part love story, part investigative thriller, part courtroom drama, she keeps on delivering with unexpected plot twists and revelations.

The real action begins when Titus Oates, a self-proclaimed doctor in theology, accuses prominent Catholics of plotting to murder protestant King Charles II so they can install Catholic James II on the throne of England. His lies are lapped up by a public already disinclined towards what they term Popery, and by a judiciary more intent on preserving their own power than in seeing that justice is done. Oates might well get away with it were it not for Nathaniel Thompson, writer and Licenser of the Presses—a journalist effectively, who smells a big fat rat.

Nat’s doubts are informed by his friend William, a teacher, who has nothing good to say about his shared history with Oates. When Oates targets William for personal reasons and then goes for Nat himself, it’s time to fight back. But a setback for Nat is that his wife, Anne, is not convinced that Oates is a villain, and indeed Nat will have to persuade her first that the liar and charlatan must be ousted.

Nat’s progress is stymied by personal tragedies and his need to flee London but still he perseveres with his investigation. As the fight between truth and lies intensifies, Anne will come round to supporting her husband when he needs it the most, at the nail-biting trial of Oates, when Nat’s and William’s testimonies and evidence cannot be ignored even by the most powerful. The magnificent sentence handed down by the judge rounds off the action most satisfyingly: in addition to life in the dreaded Newgate prison, Oates will be paraded annually through London to be ridiculed and pilloried, a truly fitting punishment for a con man desperate for attention. But the beautiful and subtle ending reminds us of the miracle of compassion, that even those wronged most heinously can forgive their persecutor, and that indeed forgiveness, not vengeance, is necessary for healing.

Narrated alternately by Nat, Anne and William, we are treated to different angles on the story: Nat’s intense, cerebral views of the situation, Anne’s more intuitive reactions, and William’s perspective coloured by the fear that his secret life will be revealed. All are vivid characters of their time, but it’s Anne who stands out as she matures from insecure new bride, through tragedy and grief, through learning a trade, to become her own woman and partner to her husband.

It’s unusual for historical fiction to be this carefully researched, beautifully written, and tightly plotted, but in this richly imagined novel, Kate Braithwaite has also created a truly evocative work about a lesser known historical period and made it compulsively readable. A rare feat.

[Yvonne · Rating 4 out of 5]

With her latest novel Kate Braithewaite transports the reader to 17th century London during the reign of Charles II. The country is at peace until one man, Titus Oates, presents evidence to the Privy Council of a Catholic plot against the King. Once again neighbours view each other with suspicion and when the body of the missing Protestant magistrate, Sir Edmund Godfrey, is discovered, anti-Catholic tensions escalate.

Nathaniel Thompson, a writer of pamphlets and Licenser of the Presses, has doubts about Oates’ claims and is determined to expose the man as a fraud. Oates is a repugnant manipulator who is willing to sacrifice anyone for his cause. When Nathaniel is arrested and his family and friends threatened, he finally acknowledges just how dangerous his pursuit of Oates is but his conscience won't allow him to stop until the man is discredited.

Caught up in the public hysteria are the two main characters, Nathaniel and his young wife, Anne, only four months married when the story begins. The story is told mainly from their perspectives, interspersed with that of William, a friend and school teacher, later on. This gives a balanced view of the events taking place and how their opinions of Titus Oates, in particularly Anne's, change as more information of his past comes to light through Nathaniel's dogged search for the truth.

Anne is the perfect match for Nathaniel being intelligent, strong-willed and courageous. She defied her parents to marry Nathaniel and, as the story develops, even surprises her husband as to her strength of character when she is left to cope with a personal tragedy while he is imprisoned and when her path crosses that of the unpleasant Titus Oates.

Nathaniel, too, is a likeable character. His concern, apart from Titus Oates, is providing for Anne knowing what she has sacrificed to marry him. While on his news gathering forays around the city, his thoughts always return to Anne, who never complains of his long absences but draws him home like a magnet.

Although I knew of Titus Oates, the perjurer, and his connection to the Popish Plot, I was unaware of the finer details of this particular event in history until I read The Road to Newgate. Braithewaite does an excellent job of creating 17th century London and evoking the panic and uncertainty that ensued after Titus Oates made his claims. The courtroom scenes where Titus Oates defends his own case are particularly well done and will remain my favourite part of this novel.

The Road to Newgate was my introduction to the writing of Kate Braithwaite. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope she writes more in this style.

[Brodie Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An opportunist with a vindicative nature and no conscience uses his skills in delivering fear-mongering religious/political hyperbole to incite the masses. In this timeless tale, Nat uses his writing skills to discredit the opportunist, Titus Oates, who has skillfully enraged the Protestants of London against the so-called Popish Plot of 1678 pursuant to which Catholics allegedly were scheming to assassinate King Charles II. Rotating first-person accounts of Nat, his wife Anne and their dear friend William unfold the dangers they all face when Nat musters his courage to seek justice by publishing his convictions about Titus’s deceit. Nat is cautioned “(t)his is not about the truth…It’s about power,” and his perseverance leads him to infamous Newgate prison where he is “seasick as a stowaway, trapped in the dark,” among the noxious smells, lice, cockroaches and disease and the “unhappy song” of wailing and rumbling chains, all of which break many a man. Outside Newgate, seventeenth-century London comes alive, where it takes “Hackney courage” to endure and at the market, where Anne shops for a “colourful gewgaw.” Nate and Anne’s marriage is strained to the brink, but its endurance and their love and trust can strengthen Nat to get to the heart of Titus’s deceptions. The story is very much rooted in the historical record and when the tables turn on Titus, the enduring question is whether either side of religious and political zealotry can ever be right and dispense justice fairly. The Road to Newgate is a story well-told and an important reminder that studying historical events can give us insights on contemporary behaviors.

Was this review helpful? I am an avid world war based fiction reader and author. You can read more of my takes at https://brodiecurtis.com/curtis-takes/

[J.B (Debbie) · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful treat for those lovers of historical fiction who like a bit of mystery and crime attached! The Road to Newgate is perfect for such readers. Based on true events, Kate Braithwaite has managed to create characters and situations that both draw the reader in and sometime shock at the same time. Her depiction of London in the 1600's paints a picture of a grim place where suspicion could easily fall on a man or woman at the word of another with dire consequences.

The story is told from the perspectives of the main characters and this gives an interesting insight into their feelings and worries about the situation they find themselves in. All drawn together because of the accusations of an odious man - Titus Oates. Lives are put on the line because of him and Anne and her husband Nathaniel must decide whether to take a stand against him. They need to find out more about Titus. But, is the risk to great? They begin to question not only themselves but those around them. Who is friend and who is foe?

Kate Braithwaite has a beautiful writing style and the plot of this story made me want to keep reading. I became immersed in the story and the characters and found it absolutely intriguing. I adore books based on real events and the author has really made the events of 1678 really come alive. To be honest, the Popish plot was not something I was very familiar with so the book provided interesting perspectives of the events as they unfolded. An interesting read that I'd highly recommend. It was very clear that Kate Braithwaite had done massive amounts of research for this book and this is reflected in the writing. I thoroughly enjoyed it.