'The Swift and the Harrier' by Minette Walters follows Mistress Swift, a female physician, who provides medical care in the civil war to Royalists and Parliamentarians alike. Despite her gender she earns respect due to her skills, and whilst those around her choose sides she remains neutral and opposed to the carnage of war. Responding to calls for help from her cousin Ruth to save the life of her infant son, Mistress Swift meets William Harrier, a man she is introduced as a footman, but doesn't act like one. His story and background gradually becomes entwined with hers.

I have heard lots of praise for Minette Walters but have never read her novels. I absolutely loved this one. There was the right balance of fact with fiction, and Walter's prose easily created vivid pictures in my mind that totally absorbed me. I would definitely recommend this to others and experienced book grief when it ended. I will be seeking out other novels by her.

Traditionally, autumn feels like the time for curling up with a murder mystery novel, or maybe venturing into the horror genre for the heady days of October, if you are that way inclined. Publishers know it too – a huge amount of these sorts of books are scheduled for autumn every year, when the nights get longer and the urge to sit in an armchair with a book increase. But I’d argue that there is also something utterly delightful about cracking open a thick historical fiction novel and immersing yourself in its world just as the weather turns and you’re safe and cosy at home. Historical fiction should be the new autumn reading trend; change my mind.

All this to say, historical fiction is really working for me as a reader right now. And one of the books I’ve been enjoying immensely is The Swift And The Harrier by Minette Walters. Every history nerd has their least favourite period of history and I have to say that the English Civil War, about which this book revolves, is slap bang in the middle of mine. But a good book can always be the exception, and The Swift And The Harrier is indeed that.

In 1642, England is divided as Civil War breaks out. In Dorset, Jayne Swift, the daughter of a minor Royalist family, practices as a doctor – and she is a very good one too. Jayne pledges to treat any person who comes to her, regardless of their political affiliation, and she spends the war experiencing the horrors for herself as she works selflessly to improve the lot of the people of Dorset. In the middle of all this, she is constantly coming across William Harrier, a man who quickly endears himself to her, even as she realises that his mysterious comings and goings point to a more interesting person than she first thought.

Walters is a crime writer by reputation, but has in recent years turned her hand to historical novels, of which The Swift And The Harrier is the latest incarnation. It isn’t difficult to spot Walters’ crime writing pedigree in this novel; one of the earliest scenes involves the execution of a Catholic priest and it was such a visceral, disgustingly realistic scene that it gave me pause before I could carry on reading. The rest of the novel in comparison is relatively toothless, at least in terms of such graphic descriptions; Walters does not flinch away from describing the injuries that Jayne has to deal with, but none of them are so stomach turning that it detracts from the reading experience. If the entire story had been full of scenes such as the execution then The Swift And The Harrier would have been a more difficult read, but not a worse one; it is simply a matter of taste, after all.

The true triumph of The Swift And The Harrier, besides what feels like a very realistic view of the Civil War – periods of horror followed by uneasy quiet – is the relationship between Jayne and William. Whilst this is not a romance story, there is of course a romantic element, and it is a delicious slow burn taking place between two people who are exact equals in almost every important way. The English Civil War took place over nine long years and so, therefore, does their relationship.

Jayne is the main point of view character of the story and her work is too important, and she is too sensible, to spend much time pining over William. Indeed, for much of the novel, she hardly thinks of him at all beyond the times that they happen upon one another. When they do come together for short scenes, the chemistry is undeniable, and any discerning reader will know how the story is going to end. But there is no rush to get there, from either character; both of them are busy with the war effort. Perhaps the story told from William’s point of view would reveal more unrequited longing on his part, but as mentioned before, he is Jayne’s equal and I doubt he’d have time for anything so frivolous when there is work to be done.

The first chapter of this book, opening with a bang, sets the scene for an enthralling story set in the English Civil War. You need a strong stomach for the first barbaric incident related here. The battles are wonderfully depicted. You can almost hear the screams as men are blasted with old fashioned weaponry.
Jayne Swift, the central character of this novel, is exceptional for the fact she's a female doctor in a time when this was not the norm. She remains neutral as to her allegiances and vows to help the wounded on both sides but it's her character that shines through and makes you interested in the outcome of her story.
William Harrier, her love interest, is a chameleon. A man of many disguises, we're never sure who he really is. The love story is understated but fits perfectly into the novel.
The fact and fiction parts of the book blend seamlessly. I've always been interested in this part of history and learned a lot here.
This is my first book by this author and I've already purchased another on the strength of this one.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, solid story with fantastically drawn characters. The historical element is an added bonus.

Grateful thanks to Netgalley and Atlantic Books, Allen & Unwin for an early copy of this book to read and review.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this new novel.

I usually enjoy historical fiction but this was not for me. I think this book came at the wrong time, so right book at the wrong time. 😬

A beautifully written love story, set in our country's most turbulent times, when brothers took opposing sides, fathers disowned their sons and mothers wept for the battlefield dead, killed by men of their own nation. While this may be a romance at heart, The Swift and the Harrier is the perfect way to learn a little about a vital period of history we never learn about at school, in a way that makes it come alive.

Historical fiction at its best, great characters & sense of place. Dorset booksellers should be loving this one!

This book really hits you from page one with the reality of war and how it changes people when their inner daemons comes out. We follow the characters of Jayne Swift a physician so dangerous at the time of Civil War and William Harrier a man who at first seems a shadowy figure a man not to be trusted. This story brings a good historical account of the senselessness of war on both sides and the large part women played with no recognition. The characters shine as the book unfolds and a part of history provides a exciting backdrop.
I was given an arc of this book by Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

A really good book. The story tells of Jayne Swift, a squire's daughter who is also a physician and William Harrier, a soldier in the Civil War. The plot gives a carefully drawn picture of conflict and survival during the Civil War. The characters are well developed although I doubt Jayne would have been so readily accepted as a doctor in the 17th century. It was so good I read it in two days.
I have read a few books recently about the 17th century and found it an interesting period though not a sensational as Tudor times.

There were elements of this I loved but for me there was far too much history in the story. I was much more interested in the small story of two people and their families, rather than the big story of war. I did find it utterly unbelievable that the female doctor seemed ultimately well-received everywhere she went. In the mid 1640's, at the time this story was set, the witch-finder general was seeking out 'witches' so to have a story with a female doctor without any mention of the incredible risk of being accused seems such an oversight.

Set in Civil War England this book is the story of Jane Swift and William Harrier, a clever play on words as both surnames evoke birds of prey. Jayne Swift is a rarity for her time, a female physician trusted by both the royalists and Parliamentarians involved in the war. William Harrier is an altogether more complex character who isn't quite as he initially appears. A great read which puts the realities of life for the ordinary Englishman under the microscope as King and Parliament battle for control of the country. Jayne and William cross paths at different points in the story and each tie a little more about each character is revealed. They become allies in many senses of the word. Jayne is a strong female character in the mold of many of Minette Walters female protagonists.
This book was an extremely pleasant surprise, this isn't one of my favorite periods of English history yet I remained glued to the pages from beginning to end.

Having read many novels by Minette Walters in the past, I was intrigued to read a piece of historical fiction by her.

The Swift and The Harrier follows Jayne Swift and William Harrier through the period of the English Civil War. Jayne is a physician, and William fights in the war, and through both their positions Walters shows the difficulties and harshness of battle.

I really enjoyed the well researched historical aspects of the novel, and the underlying romance story was effectively interspersed within the history. I'll definitely look out for more novels of this genre by the author.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great storyline with excellent characters. I would highly recommend this book as it was a great read.

Took a while to get into, with characters apparently changing sides at will, but, once there, a good and engrossing read. Set in the mid 17th century when Royalists and Parliamentarians were struggling for power. The two main characters were a tall woman, trained in medicine so a rarity for her time trying her best to remain impartial, and the Harrier a man of many parts and sides. The story involves a lot of history of the time, but makes it feel real, excellent character descriptions, gory battle and aftermath scenes. Well worth the read though. Thanks to NetGalley and Atlantic Books, Allen and Unwin for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Set during the English Civil War this book follows the story of Jayne Swift. As a lady physician she faces much discrimination and danger as she goes out & about helping people. Caught up in the crowd watching the hanging of priests, she is helped by a footman, William. William Harrier is not all he seems and Jayne meets him again in a variety of guises.
This is a well written, engaging book which I struggled to put down. I know little about the history of this period so enjoyed this as the background for the story.
Jayne and William are fascinating characters. Jayne is headstrong which does land her in trouble at times. I do wonder if, in reality, she could have got away with some of the things she said & did but a bit of poetic licence is allowed as it wasn't too extreme. I like the fact that neither character is perfect & makes mistakes. The supporting cast are also well constructed with very real personalities.
All round this was just an excellent read. A fascinating period of history, a good plot and great characters. I do hope that we meet the Swift and the Harrier again.

I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley.

War in the west country

I wanted to read this because I so admired the author’s two Black Death novels, but this novel is very different. Where the plague novels were super examples of the possibilities of historical fiction, The Swift and the Harrier is an example of a genre I normally avoid, the historical romance, a superior version, maybe – Jane Austin in the English Civil War.

It’s good, though. Jayne Swift is the daughter of a west country gentleman. She has fulfilled her ambition to train in medicine, although she cannot have the title of doctor because of her gender, and she uses her skills for the benefit of rich and poor. When the Civil War begins, she determinedly refuses to take sides but treats the injured of King and Parliament equally. During the course of the war from time to time she encounters William Harrier, a spy, but for King or Parliament, that remains ambiguous.

The story ranges throughout the war in Dorset and elsewhere, in siege and battle, at home and in town, sparing little of the agonies of war, and its pointless division and conflict. While Jayne treats all equally, it is clear throughout that Parliament is the lesser of two evils and her family, Royalists to begin with, are gradually swayed to the other side.

There is much social history, family drama, military conflict, guest appearances by famous men (e.g. Oliver Cromwell), and, of course, ultimate romance.

A first for me from Minette Walters and she does one of my favourite genres {Historical Fiction } brilliantly. This isnt just fiction though this is a love story entwined around the Civil wars of Royalist and Parliamentarians.in 1642.

The factual based writing is interesting and tells of the battles that went on in 1642 and works its way around a lady called Jayne Swift , who is a physician but not recognised as one until the wars break out and her skills are needed.

During this time she attracts the attention of a gentleman William Harrier and the love story builds throughout the book.... The Wars rage on and the the insight to the Civil Wars is fascinating and enlightening as to what they were about and why they fought

The use of Jaynes medicine box that was centred around herbs and their uses is and interesting facet of the book and one which as spurred me on to look at herbal medicine in more depth...

I give this five stars as it was a wonderful interesting read

*Many thanks to Minette Walters, Atlantic Books, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
A historical fiction set in Dorset which open during the early stages of the Civil War. Ms Walters does a superb job depicting the horrors of that period, giving us insight into both sides and also into tumultous religious divide. The main character, Jayne Swift, is an ususal young woman, independent and practising medicine , not afraid of opposing male doctors and open to innovative methods of treatment. She finds her equal in the person of a mysterious footman, William Harrier, who turns out to be much, much more.
I enjoyed the solid history in this novel and the characters well-developed and interesting though not all likeable. Descriptions of the position of a woman , consequences of her choices and social conditioning deserve praise. And I was thankful for the romance being kept at the minimum level.

From the first page The Swift and the Harrier is a gripping novel set during The English Civil War. It’s focus is Dorset during the era and it brilliantly fictionalises the particular conflicts and shifting of alliances within the county. Dorset is a microcosm for divisions within the country as a whole at this time.

Jayne Swift is a healer from a quietly royalist middle class landowning family who is herself determined to remain neutral. Unfortunately for her her healing abilities takes her into the orbit of Prince Maurice, brother to the more famous Prince Rupert . The very first chapter places Jayne in an horrific incident in Dorchester orchestrated by the Puritan faction led by Samuel Morecott who is her own kinswoman, Ruth’s despicable husband, mean ,and an opportunist. William, lady Alice’s footman, is determined to become Jayne’s protector but is William really what he appears? He seems to be embroiled in nefarious activity , maybe spying for both sides.

The reader will follow Jayne and William’s fluctuating fortunes throughout the remaining years of the war. They will discover much about shifting loyalties , family divisions and the war’s impact on ordinary drafted in soldiers , those ordinary men and women who just want peace for their families and good harvests but are corralled against their by wicked masters. Jayne is a wonderful protagonist and her story is thrilling. This is a wonderful book of courage and fortitude, and incredibly perceptive about character. The novel is pacy, informative , intriguing and beautifully written revealing its characters with a profoundly human touch. I know the period well. It is spot on , brilliantly researched and , above all, I loved the book’s exciting narrative .

I loved this English Civil War story of Jayne Swift and William Harrier by Minette Walters. What more could you ask for than a feisty heroine and a mysterious hero fighting to stay live and help others in turbulent times. It also helped that I live in Dorchester so that the settings had some familiarity and it was interesting to learn some of the local history of that time.

Recommended for all readers of historical fiction.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

Dorset in 1642. A civil war has broken out between the king and parliament.
The story centres around brave Jayne Swift, female physician, who were obviously rare in 17. century and mysterious William Harrier, man of many roles and talents.

Minette Walters is one of my favourite writers. I've read all her crime novels and now she excels herself in a history fiction genre. Master storyteller takes us on a journey to the brutal and bloody times and yet the novel is full of adventure, action, heroes, villains and also hope, love and friendship.

Nation is divided by religion, social/patriarchal hierarchy, wealth and much more. Survival of the fittest and the smartest is inevitable. Everything is also still very much relatable even in 21. century.

Superb read!