Today I am delighted to be sharing my review for These Lost & Broken Things by Helen Fields, this was my first book by this author and I loved getting to know Sofia and her family.
My Review
Based in the early 1900’s in London we get to know Sofia when her husband suddenly dies leaving her sole provider for their young children. Throughout this story you observe Sofia struggling to put food on the table for her children and gain an insight into her childhood where she initially learnt to spot cheats as a child travelling with her family. As you keep reading Sofia visits the darkest corners of her past whilst trying to find a way forward and remain in control of her life and keep her children safe.
I found that once I had started to read to story of Sofia both past and present it lured me in. Set against the suffragete movement in London this story is full of vivid descriptions of both the squalor and splendure of London dependent on your social class. It highlights how poorly women were treated by men and how this was deemed normal and acceptable just over 100 years ago.
A book that I thoroughly enjoyed and so pleased to have discovered a new author whose books I can’t wait to read again in the future.
Book Blurb
Maiden-Mother-Murderer
How dangerous is a woman with nothing left to lose?
The year is 1905. London is a playground for the rich and a death trap for the poor. When Sofia Logan’s husband dies unexpectedly, leaving her penniless with two young children, she knows she will do anything to keep them from the workhouse. But can she bring herself to murder? Even if she has done it before…
Emmet Vinsant, wealthy industrialist, offers Sofia a job in one of his gaming houses. He knows more about Sofia’s past than he has revealed. Brought up as part of a travelling fair, she’s an expert at counting cards and spotting cheats, and Vinsant puts her talents to good use. His demands on her grow until she finds herself with blood on her hands.
Set against the backdrop of the Suffragette protests, with industry changing the face of the city but disease still rampant, and poverty the greatest threat of all, every decision you make is life or death. Either yours or someone else’s. Read best-selling crime writer Helen Fields’ first explosive historical thriller.
Available to purchase here
About the Author
An international and Amazon #1 best-selling author, Helen is a former criminal and family law barrister. Every book in the Callanach series claimed an Amazon #1 bestseller flag. Her next book, the sixth in the series, ‘Perfect Kill’ is due out on 6 February 2020. Helen also writes as HS Chandler, and last year released legal thriller ‘Degrees of Guilt’. Her previous audio book ‘Perfect Crime’ knocked Michelle Obama off the #1 spot. Translated into 15 languages, and also selling in the USA, Canada & Australasia, Helen‘s books have won global recognition. Her first historical thriller ‘These Lost & Broken Things’ comes out in May 2020. A further standalone thriller published by HarperColllins will come soon. She currently commutes between Hampshire, Scotland and California, where she lives with her husband and three children. Helen can be found on Twitter @Helen_Fields for up to date news and information or at www.helenfields.co.uk.
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