This week, Michael Popple dives back in time with three outstanding historical fiction novels. You can find more of Michael’s book reviews on his blog: unseenlibrary.comÂ
The Death of Dora Black by Lainie Anderson
Hachette Australia, $32.99
Adelaide, 1917. When shop assistant Dora Black drowns off a city beach, the police quickly rule it an accident. However, something doesn’t sit right with the formidable Miss Kate Cocks, the British Empire’s first female police officer. Accompanied by her sassy junior constable, Ethel Bromley, Miss Cocks discovers a plot threatening the women of Adelaide and is forced to take matters into her own hands. Lainie Anderson presents a moving mystery that focuses on an intriguing Australian historical figure. Expertly combining details about the complex protagonist with an entertaining mystery, this is a fantastic book with a lot of crossover appeal.
King’s Enemy by Ian Ross
Hodder & Stoughton, $34.99
Two months after the 1265 defeat of Simon de Montfort’s army, rebel knight Adam de Norton remains a prisoner of the King. Hearing rumblings about continued uprisings, Adam escapes from prison and becomes a fugitive, hunted by all. Accompanied by widow Joane de Bohun, Adam finds his destiny entwined with the fate of the last rebel stronghold, Kenilworth Castle. Ross is in excellent form as he brings his exceptional De Norton trilogy to an epic conclusion. A powerful and intense read perfectly set around England’s longest siege, King’s Enemy is an incredible novel and one that comes very highly recommended.
Precipice by Robert Harris
Hutchinson Heinemann, $34.99
On the brink of World War I, a young London socialite, Venetia Stanley, is having a love affair with the Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith. More than twice her age, Asquith obsessively writes to Venetia, sharing sensitive matters of state. But with the country suddenly at war, a young intelligence officer finds himself caught in the middle of a massive scandal. Robert Harris once again impressively blends a unique historical event with his own thriller storyline. Featuring a detailed exploration of this infamous affair, Precipice is a fascinating and explosive novel that will have you hooked to the very last page.
