This book is a great atmospheric historical thriller which is the authors debut. 
An excellent plot and the book is extremely gripping 
Can’t believe this is a debut and can’t wait for the next book

This was a new time period of historical fiction for me and I really enjoyed it. The title with "harlot" immediately drew me to it and then to see it had a mystery element, I was in! I feel like the author did a bang up job with research. I totally felt transported back to 17th century London. I enjoyed all the characters and didn't guess the twists too early on, which is always appreciated. It sounds as if this will become a series and I would definitely pick up the next one.

I was completely absorbed into this book, with its extremely likeable heroine Lizzie Hardwicke, Harlot of the title.

A high-class London prostitute working out of a mid 18th century Soho pleasure house. When one of her "customers" is found murdered she faces inevitable suspicion, so, keen to clear her name she joins forces with an investigator and becomes amateur sleuth.

Set in the back streets of London, among the seediest pubs, the coffee houses and bathhouses where no respectable girl would be seen, as a lady of the night Lizzie can pass through, if not completely unnoticed, at least accepted. She uses her keen skills of observation and an understanding of peoples motives gained from her questionable trade, to great advantage.

What emerges is a complicated tale of blackmail, and revenge, where everyone has either a hidden past or leads a double life, nobody can be taken at face value and murder takes in the stinking filth at the bottom of every dark alley. As a Notorious Highwayman awaits sentencing nearby everyday life carries on in its bustling noisiness and everyday struggles to make ends meet any way possible.

Lizzie, despite a hardened nature through the life she has been pushed into by circumstances, still has a tender heart. Deep down she longs for love and friendship. She takes pity on a couple of younger women one of whom she hopes to prevent being forced to make the same choices which led her where she now resides, on the wrong side of respectability, and the other who has already fallen far below this, yet still manages to touch Lizzies toughened heart. It is this caring nature which made me warm to Lizzie, the original tart with a heart.

The story fairly gallops along, it is exciting and well written and filled with great characters, none of whom you quite know whether to trust or run like hell from.

Following Lizzies adventures allows us to vicariously tread paths we'd never dream of setting foot on and I could see and smell the whiff of roasting chestnuts, vying with the odour from a greasy mutton pie vendor overlying the ordure of the sewage-laden River Thames and its surrounding courts and alleyways.

I loved it and can't wait for further adventures with Lizzie Hardwicke.

History and mystery......two of my favourite things. This was a stunning historical narrative laced in death and deception that had me reading in a state of frenzy. The writing was engaging and captured my attention with its charm and nod to the era. Artistic license has been used sparingly to an extent to highten the narrative, but hasn't overstepped the boundaries of respect for the era or the genre to create an all round gem of a read.

Death and deception play a large hand in this narrative and add mystery and wonder to the reading experience. I mean who doesn't love a tantalising 'who dunnit' plot and this story features enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes and triple guessing right up until the concluding sentence.

Lizzie Hardwicke is a dream of a character creation who single handedly makes this story in my opinion. The intelligence and sheer bravery she shows elevates her position in society and makes her a strong player amongst the male contemporaries in the book. I sincerely hope that this is not the last we will hear from Lizzie as I get the feeling she has only just begun to explore her talents with the Bow Street Runners.

Death and the Harlot is an all round dream of a read. I loved each and every moment of this book and can't recommend it highly enough.

RATING: 4 STARS
2019; Canelo

Lizzie Hardwick is not a Lady solving crimes in her spare time between tea and balls. Lizzie is a sex worker in 1759, working for one of the Madams, so she has a roof over her head and food in her belly. After one encounter with a John, who was also a traveling merchant, she becomes embroiled in his murder. Lizzie was the last to see the murdered man, and Bow Street Runner, Constable William Davenport while suspicious has no evidence to take her in. Lizzie is not one to let a man help her out of a jam, so she turns to detecting the killer and clear her name. 

Going into this novel, I was sure within the first few pages with Lizzie's encounter with a customer. Several pages past that I was hooked. I liked that this mystery was right in the "seedy" parts of town, rather than seeing the wealthy try to navigate the back alleys. Lizzie also is very secretive about her life before the brothel, so there is another personal mystery at play. Davenport is also a mystery. This with the chemistry of Lizzie and Davenport made me really enjoy this novel. I am glad this will be a series to see where each character goes and if they have any romantic sparks. This is a well researched and written novel. You can tell that there is a passion for the era that comes through with the writing. If you like C.S. Harris and Rhys Bowen, this might be your next read!

***I received an eARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***

An exciting historical mystery with an appealing and unique heroine.  I've read a number of mysteries with protagonists who used to be prostitutes, but who have moved on to be madames or courtesans or respectable working women.  But Lizzie Hardwicke in Death and the Harlot is still active in that trade and the glimpses into the life of an 18th century prostitute in a respectable brothel were very interesting indeed.  I understand why the author opted to keep the dialogue modern rather than attempting to have her characters speak in a more period-appropriate fashion.  I'm sure this was supposed to make the story more accessible to non-history buffs, and perhaps it did.  However, it made the book much less evocative of time and place than it should have been and, for me, less enjoyable.  That said, I did like the book a great deal and am certainly looking forward to subsequent installations.

Death and the Harlot is a murder mystery set in London in 1759.  Lizzie Hardwicke works as a prostitute at Mrs Farley’s and after one of their parties a client is found murdered  in the yard of the local ale house, and with Lizzie being the last to see him she finds herself top of the suspect list.  In order to prove her innocence Lizzie decides to go and find the murderer herself.  With the help Constable William Davenport, Lizzie finds herself probing into the detail of Reed’s life, and following a path of blackmail to find the real killer.

I loved reading this book, the characters and story hooks from the first page and reeled me in through out the book until the final shocking conclusion.  Lizzie Hardwicke is a wonderful  character and the phrase ‘a tart with a heart’ was made for her. Like many women of that period Lizzie comes from a middle class family, she has been educated but unfortunately found herself homeless until one of Mrs Farley’s girls spots her and they take her in.  Being in an establishment like Mrs Farley’s mean that she is warm, fed and protected from clients rather than be living on the street and being in danger. It is a higher class establishment, but as the murder investigation proves, their clients may have many secrets and are not all they seem.  Her humanity and caring side comes out when she helps two very different young girls who find themselves in trouble; Sallie is a prostitute on the street, who is down on her luck and Amelia who finds herself at Mrs Farley’s without knowledge of what they do there.  Lizzie uses her own money to help both girls outing try to keep them safe.

Georgina Clarke really captures the sights, sounds and smells of London as well as the social and political scene. London was a busy and bustling city, with many different people from many different walks of life.  Unfortunately, being the eighteenth century the sanitary conditions were not always that great in some parts so the streets flowed with human waste, rotting food and rats and this is all brought to life from the page.  The murder mystery has as many twists and turns as the alleyways of London, moving from the gaming houses, to the banks of the Thames, the ale houses and to the countryside of Norfolk.  The tension builds throughout with several red herrings, and a showdown at the end that sees Lizzie put her life in danger.

Death and the Harlot is a dark and thrilling murder mystery with secrets, lies, blackmail and duplicity.   What really makes this book and excellent read is the character of Lizzie Hardwicke; she is intelligent, quick witted, compassionate and likeable to all she meets.  Full of wonderful character sand brilliant descriptions that give this book an authenticity this is real page turner and I can’t wait for the next book in the series and catch up with the dynamic and delightful Lizzie Hardwicke.

A historical crime mystery set in Victorian London in 1759. 

Lizzie Hardwicke is a prostitute living in a bawdy house and that leads to meeting many unsavory visitors.  She is a strong protagonist and is determined to make the most of her situation. She also has a heart of gold and that made her incredibly endearing. 

When a wealthy customer is found murdered and Lizzie was the last to be seen with him, she is determined to become an amateur detective. She soon starts uncovering lies and secrets that could clear her name.

The murder mystery has many interesting twists and kept me on my toes for more clues. The pace is of the book is steady and I never skimmed the pages.  The cast of characters were all entertaining and had their own back stories that added interest.

I would recommend to historical crime fans who enjoy unique settings and a well paced mystery. I'm looking forward to the next in this series! Lizzie is a fabulous character.

Gripping, engaging, a new blow in historical crime dramas.
Georgina Clarke gets the readers involve so well into the story that you are able to walk along smelly London streets with Lizzie Hardwicke dodging begging children for a slice of bread or dishonest propositions from lusting men.
With Lizzie Hardwicke is born a new heroine. She is brave, smart, witty and kind in a heartless time. In addition, her condition of harlot gives Lizzie the opportunity to move through as sordid as well refined backgrounds.
I like so much the relation between William Davenport and Lizzie,the constable and the prostitute. They represents two opposite worlds that take aside their differences to help each other in this case. It’s like a forbidden friendship, indeed, an exciting relationship.
The well-written story is so fluently that catches you from the first page and there are many unexpected twists that keep you reading until the last page.
I enjoyed every page so much, that now I can only wait for the second book of Lizzie Hardwicke’s adventures.

Death and the Harlot was an interesting, absorbing story with strong, captivating protagonists.  It was a nice change-of-pace break from serious life stories, one I thoroughly enjoyed.  Georgina Clarke writes a fine tale.  I hope this is just the first chapter of Lizzie's story.  Georgina Clarke is an author I will follow.

Lizzie Hardwicke is a working girl in 1759 London.  Her 'house' is in Soho, run by middle-aged madam Mrs. Sarah Farley and while not at the top of the quality houses of prostitution in London at that time, Mrs. Farley's place is clean and well-run and the girls are treated well. Fed, housed, protected, and free to wander in the daylight hours, Lizzie knows she could be a lot worse off.  

When Mrs. Farley finds a young teen wandering and frightened, in despair after her father threw her out for refusing to marry a man twice her age who would help the family establish themselves in society, the solution as Lizzie sees it is to hide her in the attic until they find an alternative lifestyle solution for Amelia.  Amelia, who is in love with Tommy, a blacksmith's helper, so they must find Tommy a job. Mrs. Farley doesn't necessarily agree, but she gives Amelia and Lizzie a few days grace before she starts charging 'rent' for a room.  Lizzie is determined to steer Amelia onto a different life course, as her own tale was so similarly mapped out.  

And then the body's begin to pile up. Lizzie's the prime suspect in the first death, one of her latest customers, so she does all that she can to find the real culprit for police runner William Davenport before she is charged with murder and hung. Lizzie will encounter more death, blackmail, and the 'dirty' side of 1750's London before the solution falls into place.   

I received a free electronic copy of this historical novel from Netgalley, Georgina Clarke, and Canelo publishers.  Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me.  I have read this book of my own volition, and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work.

First of all, thank you so much to Ellie Pilcher at Canelo Publishers for getting in touch via email and offering a spot on the blog tour and a digital copy of Death And The Harlot in exchange for an honest review. I was instantly compelled by the intriguing synopsis and pleased to discover a heady mixture of crime, mystery and historical fiction, set in one of my favourite time periods, 18th century London. Furthermore, it was wonderful to read about such a fascinating female protagonist, Lizzie Hardwicke whose personal back story becomes all the more intriguing as the story continues and certainly piqued my interest for reading further novels about her, if this becomes a series.

Georgina Clarke has provided a story steeped in curiosity, from the previously mentioned female lead who works as a prostitute in one of the higher end brothels, to the engrossing mystery that surrounds one of her customers' rather sudden and suspicious death. Lizzie becomes embroiled in the case, having been one of the last people to speak to the unfortunate man and before long, heads into a whirlwind plot of blackmail, secrets and danger. In 18th century London, it is difficult enough to be a woman, especially if you have a character as determined and independent as Lizzie Hardwicke, but she sets her mind firmly on unravelling the mystery and unmasking the villain, no matter what the personal cost may be to herself.

The author does a wonderful job of bringing all the squalor and atmosphere from London in this period of history to life in glorious detail. I've mentioned in previous reviews that I appreciate when an author can capture a setting so vividly and imaginatively. As a result, I certainly felt as if I walked the same paths as Lizzie, seeing everything she saw and feeling everything she felt. As a character, I loved her stubborn doggedness in pursuit of justice, the way in which she never gave up despite how hopeless the situation may have seemed and the size of her heart when she was faced with other characters within the story that needed her help or advice. I did feel occasionally that it would have been nice to have the same level of development with other individuals in the novel - for example, Sallie and the lead male protagonist William Davenport, but perhaps this is all in the works for future books in the series?

I think if you're a fan of historical fiction, crime and beautifully detailed settings, you'll definitely enjoy this book and I have to admit, I am curious to find out where Lizzie's life may take her next. I'm even crossing my fingers for a change in her circumstances in the future - a clear sign that her character got under my skin.

A tremendously gripping historical crime novel that sheds a light on the dark underbelly of 18th Century London, Death and the Harlot is an exceptional debut featuring Lizzie Hardwicke devotees of the genre are simply going to lap up.

London in 1759 was shrouded in danger, fear and jeopardy. Beneath the wealth and glamour of the capital lay hidden a dark world of greed, corruption, deception and murder. With highwaymen running rampant all over town, criminals staking their claim all over the city and prostitutes plying their trade all over London, the busy streets are a playground for the debauched, the discordant and the most dangerous members of society. Being a woman earning her living as a prostitute in Soho is certainly not easy, but Lizzie Hardwicke is a survivor. Resourceful and spirited, Lizzie is protected somewhat by being one of Mrs Farley’s girls. However, when one of her wealthy clients is murdered and Lizzie realizes that she was the last person alive to have seen him alive, she realizes that she is going to need all of her wits to get herself out of this mess! Can she find the killer and clear her name? Or is Lizzie destined for the gallows?

Constable William Davenport is determined to find the criminal roaming the streets of London. The finger of suspicion points at Lizzie Hardwicke, but was she really the one responsible? Is Lizzie Hardwicke a killer? Or is there something far more sinister and dangerous afoot? William vows to find out, however, he has to contend with Lizzie turning detective and constantly hampering his investigation!

Lizzie will not rest until she has found the killer responsible, but that proves to be easier said than done! Lizzie might have vowed to uncover the murderer whatever the cost, but as the body count keeps rising, will she manage to solve this most baffling puzzle? Or will those responsible do anything to keep their secrets dead and buried at all cost – even if Lizzie has to pay the ultimate prize!

I raced through Death and The Harlot! A fiendishly clever mystery that is wonderfully plotted, hugely suspenseful and brilliantly evocative, Death and The Harlot is an engrossing and involving tale of secrets, lies and deception that will keep readers on tenterhooks and gleefully turning the pages all through the night!

Lizzie Hardwicke is a wonderful heroine. She is a smart and intelligent sleuth readers will cheer for and delight in as she takes on the seemingly impossible task of solving a murder.

A fantastic historical crime novel that I could not put down, Death and The Harlot is a compulsively readable tale I highly recommend!

Georgian London 1759, Miss Lizzie Hardwicke is a working girl, a prostitute, working for Madame Farley who employs girls to entertain the menfolk of London. After an evening with wealthy businessman George Reed, a cloth merchant from Norwich, Lizzie is eager to get rid of him so invites him to the masked ball the brothel is holding the next day as long as he leaves immediately.

Whilst at the ball George comes across a young woman who is staying at the brothel after being kicked out by her father for loving the ‘wrong’ boy. She is not a working girl, but this doesn’t stop George trying his luck. After creating a scene George is thrown out of the brothel and the next day is found murdered at the back of the local tavern, garroted by his own handkerchief. His purse and pocket watch are missing, along with some papers he was carrying.

Constable William Davenport is sent to investigate the murder and soon turns his attention to Lizzie who was one of the last people to see him alive. To help clear her name Lizzie tells the constable that she will find the killer as no-one will suspect her of looking for the killer and she can see and hear things he wouldn’t. The constable agrees and the two begin working together.

I have a love/hate relationship with historical fiction so I wasn’t sure what I would make of Death and the Harlot as the Georgian era isn’t a period I remember reading about before. However, told in the first person from Lizzie Hardwicke perspective the book was most enjoyable, especially as Lizzie’s voice comes across strong. She is also a well-educated woman for her age and profession.

The plot has many layers to it as not only do we have the working girls of London and the murder of George Reed we also have a group of highwaymen that are in the area after their leader John Swann was captured, who are causing mayhem. As more information about George’s murder comes to light most of the characters we had met early on in the book become suspects. The mystery unfolded nicely with the pieces falling into place as the story progresses.

Georgina Clarke has written a fantastic debut novel that not only kept me wondering throughout who the killer could be and how all the pieces slotted together but it kept me entertained from the beginning until the very end. I am pleased to learn that this is the first in a planned series as I can’t wait to meet Lizzie again.

This is a book that will appeal to those who love a good murder mystery as well as those that love historical fiction too.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this book. I found this book very good indeed. There is an educated girl down on her luck and working in the oldest profession for all women in this vein. The difference is she has built up a good relationship with all those she comes across and when a murder occurs she is well placed to side the police and with a quick sit and mind does become a force to be reckoned with. I found myself hoping that this would become the first in a series involving the characters as I am sure there are more relationship developments that can be built upon as well as more murders to be solved.

Murder mystery in the eighteenth-century with a likeable female detective and a well-researched setting.

Atmospheric and authentic ‘Death and the Harlot’, features Lizzie Hardwicke, a harlot who becomes embroiled in a murder hunt, and turns detective. Despite her tragic family history, she remains humorous and kind, using her intelligence and knowledge of people, and the area, to help solve a complex crime.

The plot is full of suspects and twists, the tone is pitched correctly for the time period. William Davenport, a Bow Street Runner is determined to find the culprit and discover more about Lizzie’s past life. He has many secrets too, and the relationship between them is interesting and promises to be an integral part of future stories.

This is lighthearted despite the gravity of the crime, the characters are complex and fit with the time period, although the tale is written in a contemporary style. A clever, entertaining story, I look forward to the next book in the series.

I received a copy of this book from Canelo via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Lizzie Hardwicke job is not one of the most respected; she is a “whore”, yes after a turbulence past, she decided that it was much more worthier to be paid for her choice than simply being used. Saying this, you will see that Lizzie is a strong woman that doesn’t want to be used but that takes care of her loved ones and fights for them till the end.
When one of Lizzie’s client appears dead near her “work house” she will try to discover the truth before the murder affects her reputation. Lucky for her, the main detective of the case doesn’t think that she is guilty and they will work together to discover the truth.
This had been a very interesting case, because even if the victim didn’t have my likeness from the beginning, after discovering the truth, one can’t doubt that he has been murdered. Let’s say that there’s a long cue of possible killers…
If you are searching for a detectiveness story with an intelligent character and some curious friends this one is for you! The story finish with an interesting twist, so I can’t wait to read the next adventure!

Death and the Harlot is the historical crime debut novel from Georgina Clarke.

Set in London 1759, wealthy Norwich cloth merchant George Reed visits Lizzie Hardwicke, a prostitute at Mrs Farley’s brothel. To keep him sweet and to earn extra coin, Lizzie invites him to a masked ball…

But after Tommy shows up and a bit of a todo,  Reed is thrown out……

His body is then found murdered, robbed and left among the rubbish.

Constable William Davenport suspects Lizzie is responsible….but she decides to find the murderer herself !!!!

This unlikely pair begin to work together as Lizzie will be able to get people to talk, where Constable Davenport can’t….

There are many secrets and lies in this wonderfully, risqué, rollicking historical crime thriller….from whores to highwaymen…..thoroughly entertaining.

Thank you to Canelo, the author and NetGalley for a free copy of the ebook and this is my honest, unbiased review.

This is a brilliant atmospheric crime story ,set in London  1759,the descriptions are so good I felt  I was there !!!.Lizzie Hardwicke ,a young prostitute becomes the prime suspect when one of her  one of her "gentlemen"is found murdered ..Lizzie is a very interesting character with a back story and I enjoyed learning how life was in this era .This is a very well written and researched book and I do hope there will be more books  about Lizzie Hardwicke .Many thanks to The Publisher ,the Author and NetGalley for my free copy in return for an honest review .

This was an engrossing story, it was written in a lively and entertaining way. The main character of Lizzie Hardwicke was very engaging. She was an intelligent woman who was in her situation through no real fault of her own. I enjoyed the way she went about discovering the identity of the murderer. Her interaction with Will Davenport, had me wondering if anything might develop between them. There were a number of interesting characters, many with their own secrets. I do hope there will be more stories featuring the main characters. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fun and enjoyable read.  A handful of typos did not overly detract.  It's impossible to dislike the heroine.  Despite her traumatic backstory, she's still strong, spunky, funny, and kind (veritable prostitute with a heart of gold), though also crude and blunt.  The seamy underbelly of London is pretty vividly described, and I enjoyed meeting the cast of characters.  I also enjoyed the historical note at the end.  My biggest issue with the book was that I thought there was a fair amount of fat-shaming.  Every time the author described an overweight person, she was really quite denigratory (describing the characters as disgusting, fat pig,  etc, overly dwelling on their size when it didn't seem to have any bearing on anything else besides how gross she finds them).  I also thought the mystery itself was too obvious but it was still enjoyable figuring out the details of how it all came together.  Apart from those things, I very much enjoyed this read.  My thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.