A brilliantly written historical crime debut, this is the first of the Lizzie Hardwicke trilogy- a unconventional, audacious, clever, and beautiful heroine fighting to survive in the dark underbelly of Georgian London. Atmospheric, fast paced and full of rich historical detail, this is a story of lies, obsession, murder and revenge, and I was gripped from the very first page.

Featuring a cast of characters as unreliable as the next, what I found very clever was the authors excellent way of using smoke and mirrors to point the fingers of suspicion at every character. You didn't know who to trust and this really added to the depth, tension and nervous excitement of the novel. Every chapter held a new and sometimes disturbing twist often revealing a secret you didn't quite expect - I haven't had a book keep me on my toes as much as this one did for a long time.

Shocking, sometimes tragic, dark, dirty, upsetting in places but uplifting and very funny in others, lovers of dark historical and Gothic fiction will love this. It's absolutely brilliant.

This was a delightful, witty and full of action novel! I just loved it! I loved Lizzie's character and her way of understanding life... The plot felt realistic and compelling. On top of that, the painting of 1700's London showed a deep knowledge of the times. I can't wait for the next book in this new series. A promising writer indeed!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

Wow, this book combines my two favourite things; history and murder mystery to make a super fun and gripping read. I absolutely devoured this book in one sitting and I’m dying for more instalments of Lizzie’s story already.

The historical setting was well described and immersive, the main characters were likeable and sharp and the big reveal was well orchestrated. The historical elements were interesting throughout and I definitely want to do more research into 18th century London on the back of this (the historian in me geeked out).

There were small reveals throughout that were predictable and I just want Lizzie to catch a break but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend as this is a solid 4.5* for me (rounded up to 5*)!

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the ARC!

London in 1759 isn't where Lizzie Hardwicke imagined herself living, and she definitely didn't see herself working in a Bawdy House! But sometimes needs must! She didn't imagine being the last person to see a new client before they were found murdered either and even though William Davenport, the Bow Street Magistrate's Assistant, seems competent he doesn't have the contacts she does! When another body is discovered, Lizzie realises she has to work harder, but that will only increase the danger she has put herself in, especially as she knows there is very little trust in her line of work

The author's notes in the advanced copy of this book Georgina Clarke says this is a twenty-first century take on the eighteenth century, which describes it perfectly. This is a great read. It flows, and the two main protagonists, Lizzie and Davenport, are sympathetically written and easy to like. First published in October 2019, this is now the first novel in a trilogy, which can't wait to continue reading.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Verve Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I had no idea whodunnit until the big reveal and happily recommend this highly.

I am grateful to Netgalley and Verve for allowing me to see a PPC of Death and the Harlot.
Another take on detective crime fiction: this time at the very earliest time of formal policing in London - as the Bow Street Runners were taking shape, though the detecting is done by an intelligent and educated young gentlewoman who has fallen on hard times following rape by her uncle and become the harlot of the title. Sin, debauchery, gin, blackmail and murder are all included in a picture of the seamier side of 18th century London. Lizzie is determined and loyal - the classic ‘tart with a heart’; but, although a good ripping yarn, it didn’t quite ring true for me.

The cover is excellent and perfectly depicts with a historical nudge the contents, willing you to delve in. A murder, a brothel and an investigation in the main character, Lizzie, hands itself over to an interesting and entertaining read.

I love the cover of this book, it gives a vibe about the story within.
'
1759 and inside Mrs Farley's Bawdy House, a 'reputable brothel. a wealthy customer is found brutally murdered... The last person to see him was Lizzie..

I loved Lizzie she is a fabulous character and this gem of a read is both dark and intense.

The plotline is brilliant, the story well told and I did not guess what happens next.. A joyous tale..

Death and the Harlot by Georgina Clarke

The year is 1759, and London is shrouded in a cloak of fear. With the lawmen at the mercy of robbers and highwaymen, it's a perilous time to work the already dangerous streets of Soho. Lizzie Hardwicke is somewhat protected from the fray at Mrs Farley's Bawdy House, a reputable brothel. But then a wealthy customer is found brutally murdered... and Lizzie was the last person to see him alive.
Loved the character Lizzie and how she went along with her business which was not always at it seemed.
A very clever novel.