A brilliant sequel (ish) to Blood and Sugar but you don’t need to read both.
A really good murder thriller but made better because it is the story of women in Georgian England

I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would. At first I thought it was just another murder mystery set in the 18th century, but it actually contains a surprisingly relevant commentary on various cultural beliefs at the time. The books presentation of women is refreshing - the main female characters are all well-rounded and multi-dimensional. I also really enjoyed how the book depicts prostitutes without any tone of pity or shame. It celebrates these women for their independence, their sexual freedom, and the control they have over their own lives. I also enjoy how the book exposes the hypocritical power structure that is inherent in such a patriarchal society - men (and by extension the beau monde) condemn prostitution publicly, but are personally responsible for its longevity. They then further despise prostitutes who have no shame or regret surrounding their lifestyle choices, since these women represent everything the patriarchy fears - women in control of their own sexuality. I enjoy the way the book celebrates these women, and binds them together rather than pitting them against each other.
I also enjoyed the classical allusions, with the main plot seemingly taking inspiration from Aeschylus' Oresteia. Clytaemnestra is a personal hero of mine and it was thoroughly appreciated to see her championed and idolised through such a feminine lens.
Definitely a fun, yet poignant, summer read!

On the way to Vauxhall Gardens, the main character in this book, Caroline Corsham witnesses the death of another woman. Initially, the Bow-street runners begin an investigation but when they learn that Lucy Lovelace was a courtesan, they soon lose interest. This is when Caroline (Caro) takes matters into her own hands. She hires a thief-taker and they begin an investigation. Plunging deep into the lives and secrets of some of the people involved. They learn more than they originally bargained for.

This is a really deep book, depicting the value of the woman in the late 18th century and the way it is viewed by men.

#LauraSheprerdRobisnon has done a marvellous job in crafting this masterpiece full of intrigue and challenging moments.

Thank you #netgalley and publishers for the advanced copy of this book.

-- BOOK REVIEW DOUBLE FEATURE --
Blood & Sugar AND Daughters of Night by Laura Shepherd-Robinson

Ok, so shame on me for waiting so long to start this series. A lovely friend kindly sent me a copy of Blood & Sugar many moons ago, and it has sat on the top of my tbr pile for months, but never quite being picked up... until the wonderful folk over at Pan Macmillan sent me a gorgeous copy of Daughters of Night to review.

I had fully intended to just read them out of order, picking up the new one first, and then going back to 'fill in the blanks' so to speak... but when it came to it, I just couldn't do it. I am so glad I read Blood & Sugar first as it sets up the second book perfectly (although I don't think it’s at all necessary to read them in order as the mysteries are entirely separate, there are just some recurring characters)

These are both Historical Mysteries set in the 1780s, the first centres the slave trade, and the second set a year later focuses on a brothel. In both books the author does not shy away from the more gruesome details, and both stories include particularly brutal violence, so just be warned if that's a trigger for you, but it is always appropriate to the story, and handled sympathetically. The settings are tangible and real, and the characters are complex and have wonderful depth and development. The mysteries were equally enthralling and kept me guessing in both books and I hadn't figured either out until the 'big reveal'.

I was completely engrossed by both stories and I couldn't put either book down. These are a fantastic little duo and I really hope there are more to come in this series. These will both be in my 'best of the year' list for sure!

If you are looking for Historical Fiction with a heavy dose of Mystery then these books are for you!

5 outstanding stars.

As a keen lover of historical fiction, especially featuring strong female leads, I thoroughly enjoyed Daughters of Night, even if it took me a while to finish. This wasn’t due to the length, but instead my life outside of reading. However, as someone who can lose interest when distracted away from a book (please see my pile of unfinished TBRs), Daughters of Night succeeded where others failed, drawing me back time and time again to follow our protagonist Lady Caroline ‘Caro’ Corsham, looking to investigate the murder of her Italian countess friend Lady Lucia. However as Lucia is revealed to be high class prostitute known as Lucy Loveless, Shepherd-Robinson effortlessly immerses the reader in Georgian London through the eyes of Caro as she engages private thief-taker Peregrine Child to find her friend’s killer.

Previously I have found changing narrative perspectives (such as the ones between Caro and Child) to be distracting and difficult to follow. However, Shepherd-Robinson manages this exceptionally well, and her evident knowledge of the time period has led to some excellent worldbuilding. What I appreciated the most was that the contexts were not forced. Discussions of ‘taboo’ (but prevalent) subjects, from political treachery and corruption to the sex trade and prostitution are key elements of the rich narrative, but these were never sensationalised – it was part of Georgian London’s life and living. With prostitution classed as the world’s ‘oldest profession,’ it was refreshing to have these characters weaved into the plot just as successfully as others rather than glorifying or debasing their actions.

As if the brilliantly evoking and well-researched setting was not enough, the murder mystery was also exceptionally well-performed, leaving the reader guessing at each turn. However, even if I had a corkboard, a map and some red thread, I likely wouldn’t have used it as Shepherd-Robinson builds a vivid picture through the variety of complex and comprehensive characters, headed by the extremely likeable Caro.

Daughters of Night is a must read for 2021; perhaps bring a notepad or a mini-murderboard to keep track if you can’t read it in one sitting – this book is captivating from the first page to the last.

I would like to thank NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and the author Laura Shepherd-Robinson for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Such a brilliant read. I was hooked from the very start and loved every aspect - the wonderful characters, the references to the clever games and tricks and the detailed setting which transport you from the dark and seedy city streets to the playgrounds of the rich and upper class. I loved the relationship between Caro and Child - so different but it worked so well. The difference in their worlds and characters brought together so cleverly in their hunt for justice.

This is a murder mystery set in Georgian London with a determined female amateur sleuth. Clever use of sensory imagery immerses the reader in the sights, smells and sounds of Georgian London. A well-plotted murder mystery reveals the darker side of Georgian England.

Caro's partnership with the thief-taker Childs is interesting. The suspense builds as the mystery deepens and the danger intensifies.

This is an original historical murder mystery with complex characters and an authentic setting.

I received a copy of this book from Pan Macmillan- Mantle via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

This is such an exquisite book - so evocative and beautifully written, even when describing the worst people, smells and places of Georgian England.
Caro, the protagonist, in mysterious circumstances, has come across her fatally wounded acquaintance Lucia in the Vauxhall Gardens late one evening. As the book unravels, it is revealed why Caro was out so late and what the connection is to Lucia, as well as to Caro's family more broadly.
The characters are really well-drawn and I was very engaged by the thief-taker, Mr Child. So much so, I found myself researching thief-maker's work from this period. Always a good sign when a book inspires further research!
This is a brilliant book that crosses historical fiction, thriller and murder mystery. Highly recommended.

Mrs. Caroline Corsham (Caro), the wife of Captain Harry Corsham (the protagonist of Shepherd-Robinson’s 2019 debut, ‘Blood & Sugar’) is in a precarious situation. In desperation, she accepts help from Lucia, an Italian Countess of her acquaintance. But, on the night of their arranged meeting in the secluded bowers of London’s Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Lucia is found brutally murdered. The Bow Street constables are quick to the scene, yet when they discover that the murdered woman was not actually a countess but a highly-paid prostitute named Lucy Loveless, they drop the case. Caro, who has her own motives for wanting to see justice done, resolves to solve the crime herself. With the help of a private theif-taker, Peregrine Child, Caro risks her reputation and her safety to delve into the hidden corners of Geogian society; a dangerous world full of artifice, hypocrisy, deception and secret lives.

If you (like me) loved the TV period drama, ‘Harlots’, you will love ‘Daughters of Night.’ It’s absolutely filled with historical detail, a rich cast of characters and clever plot-twists! Though crime thrillers are not my usual read, the well-researched historical setting really appealed to my love of historical fiction.

I read Shepherd-Robinson’s debut, ‘Blood & Sugar’ last year, and while I enjoyed it, I think I prefer ‘Daughters of Night’. Personally, I found Coro a much more engaging and compelling main character than her husband. I also really liked how ‘Daughters of Night’ celebrates and showcases women’s strength and tenacity in the face of adversity. I’d love it if the next book (not sure if this is in the works or not?!) explores Harry and Coro’s strained relationship in more detail. Perhaps they could solve a crime together?!

A fantastic historical thriller set in Georgian London, with a great mixture of characters from different backgrounds. I absolutely adored Caro as the strong-willed heroine on a quest for justice. Brilliantly done!

Daughters of Night by Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a tale of murder, mystery, and scandal in eighteenth century England. It is a well-researched read, and anyone interested in the London society of those times and its class differences will really like this book.

The story gets complicated at times, so much so that it is difficult to remember all the plot points or the findings our protagonist duo makes during their search for the murderer. Other than that minor point, the plot is engrossing and makes up for a very vivid and well-thought tale.

Just when I thought I had solved the mystery presented by the story, I was met with another unexpected twist at the end, thus making the experience of reading the book satisfactory.

Thanks to the author and the publisher for the ARC.

Verdict: Recommended.

RTC but rounding up to four stars. Took a while to find my footing with this (not much of a historical fiction reader), but a compelling murder mystery with twists and turns, with really fleshed-out lead characters (likeable and with flaws and makes mistakes).

***eProof and Audiobook given by UK publisher by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

Just lost my first write-up for this which was far more detailed, so need to rewrite it. Going to be way shorter as I lost my notes and my trail of thought.

I am not the biggest reader of historical fiction. It;'s a genre I would love to read more in, and I hope to do so in the next 12/18 months, but it's not my go to. So, when I first heard of this and the author's debut, Blood & Sugar, I jumped on them as this appealed to me hugely. I did plan to read "Blood and Sugar" first, but me realising I have a ton of audiobooks from NetGalley to review sealed the deal.

This is a historical murder mystery of quality. You can tell from the level of research and of detail, and from the tight plotting, fleshed out and likeable and unlikeable characters (all with flaws and all who make mistakes and a solid murder mystery, tackling a range of issues such as sex work, gender politics, domestic abuse, alcoholism, along with other triggers.

But, like I said earlier, historical fiction isn't my go-to, so it took me a little longer than normal to get my brain in gear and to forgive some of the characters's decisions and choices (Our two main leads question the suspects and reveal EVERYTHING they have discovered to them. Time and time again, and this frustrated me hugely).

But I am intrigued to read Blood and Sugar, and more from this author and this genre.

A gripping historical whodunit with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing. A far-reaching investigation instigated and led by the indomitable socialite Caroline Corsham. Following her supporting role in the author’s previous novel, Blood & Sugar, this time Caro is in the driving seat. Determined to solve the murder of an acquaintance and well-known prostitute, Caro employs the thief taker Peregrine Child to help her find the killer leaving no stone unturned or member of the aristocracy scrutinised. Another talented author added to the must-read list.

Always been a fan of historical fiction. Loved reading this book. A true journey into World War II fiction indeed. If you are up for a heartbreak, go for it.

Thoroughly enjoyed this historical crime thriller which is set in Georgian London, the author Laura Shepherd-Robinson brings her tale to life in a vivid and enthralling way. Great characters, wonderful writing, a Rich, descriptive and intricate plot. This is an amazing read and I thoroughly recommend this to all crime and thriller readers, also to non fans of the genre, because this genre isn’t my usual read, but it was so interesting and gripping, definitely pick this up.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

Daughters of Night is set in Georgian London, not a period that I’ve read that much about. I love a good historical novel, and this is definitely one of the good ones! There’s loads of really interesting, accurate (it seems to me!)historical detail, and the characters are well developed people that I wanted to find out more about.
It was surprising that Caro Corsham could investigate a death and a disappearance herself, but I suppose with money and status comes a little freedom - and her husband isn’t in the country for the vast majority of the book. Caro’s thief taker, Peregrine Child, is a great character. A complex man, he wants to do what’s right, despite the fact that he’s paid to do so. He comes with his own set of problems: drinking, gambling, he owes money to the wrong people (if there are ‘right’ ones, I don’t know!), but I really had the impression throughout that he had empathy for the prostitute he was looking for. He realises that these women don’t always choose to do the job, and when they do, it’s because there’s little other choice.
This is a big book, and I listened to it on Audible, so it was a lot of hours - but it didn’t seem that way. The narrator, Lucy Scott, was really engaging, and her different voices were discernible from one another. I’ve done this a couple of times recently with my NetGalley books: I realise that there are some books that just really lend themselves well to being read aloud - and it’s a far more entertaining way to get ready for work or to cook dinner!
I loved this book, and I’d highly recommend it - either in book or audible form!

This book was a fun read. I usually don't pick up such lengthy novels easily but something about its synopsis and setting attracted me enough to apply for an Advance Reader Copy. And I am glad to report that I was not disappointed in the least. The subject was tackled marvelously. The mystery and sleuthing was well paced, the characters deftly etched and overall a nice reading experience. Will definitely recommend.

It’s 1782 and Caroline Corsham – known to her friends as Caro – is waiting for her husband, Captain Harry Corsham, to return to London from France where he has been sent on diplomatic work. Visiting the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens one evening, Caro is horrified when she comes across the body of her friend, Lady Lucia, an Italian noblewoman, who has been stabbed and left to die. The London authorities seem to have no intention of investigating the murder, which confuses Caro until she discovers that her friend was not who she claimed to be: she was actually a prostitute known as Lucy Loveless. As the police are no longer interested, Caro knows that she will have to avenge Lucy’s death herself – so with the help of thief taker Peregrine Child, she sets out to begin an investigation of her own.

Daughters of Night is a sequel to Laura Shepherd-Robinson’s previous novel, Blood & Sugar, but both books work as self-contained mysteries and I don’t think it will matter if you read them out of order. Those of you who have read Blood & Sugar will remember that it follows Harry Corsham as he investigates the death of an abolitionist friend and uncovers the horrors of the slave trade. Caro was only a minor character in that book, but now, with Harry absent in France, this is Caro’s turn to take centre stage with her own mystery to solve – and again, there is a very dark topic at the heart of the story, in this case prostitution and the treatment of women in 18th century society.

I mentioned in my review of the first book that I found the characters too thinly drawn and not memorable enough, but that was not a problem at all with this second novel. Daughters of Night is written partly from Caro’s perspective and partly from Peregrine Child’s; I liked them both and thought they complemented each other very well. Child’s previous experience as a magistrate means he knows what sort of questions to ask and what clues to look out for, and while he has some personal problems of his own he is a decent and honourable man. Caro is new to crime solving but there are things she understands that Child does not and together they make a perfect team. I certainly had no idea who the murderer was; there were several suspects who all seemed equally likely to me, so I enjoyed following the twists and turns of the plot until the truth is revealed.

Although the Georgian world that has been created here is not always very pleasant, it’s always fascinating to read about and feels thoroughly researched, ranging from larger themes such as the roles of art and classical mythology to the tiniest pieces of arcane knowledge that add colour and intrigue to the story. Laura Shepherd-Robinson has said that her next book will be a standalone but that she might return to this world again for a future novel – and I hope she does, as I would love to find out what else life has in store for Caro and Harry!

Long murder mystery, I think it felt longer because it wasn't particularly gripping.

Basically a woman has a new best friend. New best friend is murdered but it turns out she wasn't what she said and was actually a prostitute based on olde London so their friendship is frowned upon.

She then investigates the murder herself with a fair few surprises along the way. Although its isnt a complicated story. There are a lot of characters, each with their own secret, even so its a slow read.

Really disappointed I couldn't get into it they way I hoped.

Daughters Of Night by Laura Shepherd-Robinson is a dark historical murder/mystery/thriller set in 1780's England. I recently found out after reading the book, that this actually has characters from her previous book Blood & Sugar. We are following Caroline Corsham, a wealthy woman who is determined to find the identity of the murderer of Lady Lucy Loveless. Initially, upon discovering the brutally attacked woman, Caro realizes the Lady's attack was planned, and before she could get answers, Lucy dies in Caro's arms. The investigation gets picked up by Bow Street Runners and they stop s it when they realize the real identity of the woman who was murdered. The mystery surrounding Lucy's death deepens with the Bow Street Runner's reluctance to do the required search and their negligence of evidence of foul play. Caro wants to bring the killer forward and sets out on the path to do it by hiring the thief-taker, Peregrine Child. With each step in the right direction, the Lords, and authorities covering up their tracks things start to get more dangerous for Caro and Child. Can they bring justice to Lucy or will they find themselves conceding in defeat in their search for the killer?

Overall, this was a slow-paced historical fiction that will captivate you with the atmospheric setting of Georgian London and keep you glued to the book by the themes of social, class, political, and gender divisions. It's a murder mystery that will be the perfect partner for your night-time reading routine. I gave the book 4.5 stars and highly recommend it if you love slow-paced historical murder mysteries.