It's my stop on the blog tour for the historical wonder that is Lying With Lions.
Detangling the plot:
Edwardian England. Agnes Ashford knows that her duty is threefold: she needs to work on cataloguing the archive of the titled Bryant family, she needs to keep the wounds of her past tightly under wraps, and she needs to be quietly grateful to her employers for taking her up in her hour of need. However, a dark secret she uncovers due to her work thrusts her into the Bryants’ brilliant orbit - and into the clutch of their ambitions.
They are prepared to take the new century head on and fight for their preeminent position and political survival tooth and nail - and not just to the first blood. With a mix of loyalty, competence, and well-judged silence Agnes rises to the position of a right-hand woman to the family matriarch - the cunning and glamorous Lady Helen. But Lady Helen's plans to hold on to power through her son are as bold as they are cynical, and one day Agnes is going to face an impossible choice...
Bobs and Books honest review:
An unusual time period, rarely seen in historical novels, but this really works. I definitely got caught up in this era and felt immersed into this world very quickly. I also liked Agnes' unusual job of an archivist and not your stereotypical role in the household. Very refreshing. Felt a bit Agatha Christie meets Sarah Waters for all the right reasons. Loved Helen and Agnes' relationship too. Agnes really changed my perceptions of her as the book continued and I found her particularly intriguing. Lots of characters that add to the plot and the small time hops are also interesting.
Its packed in so many things that it felt pacey and kept my attention throughout. Good to see LGBTQIA representation in this type of novel- not enough in my opinion. A wonderfully written read, very enjoyable.
About the Author:
Annabel Fielding, having graduated from the University of Arts London with an MA in Public Relations, is a PR assistant by day and a novelist by night. Being a self-professed history geek, she dedicates her free time to obscure biographies, solo travel and tea. She also posts a mix of book reviews and travel photos on her blog at History Geek in Town - Annabel Fielding She can also be followed on Twitter as @DearestAnnabel.
Lying With Lions is out now.
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