In this fascinating dual perspective historical fiction novel, readers travel between the present day lives of Isabella, her daughter Emily, her aunt Thalia, and local stone mason Oliver and the seventeenth century life of Bess Throckmorton, wife of Sir Walter Raleigh, shortly before the Gunpowder Plot and the attempt to blow up Parliament. Readers explore Bess’s manor Crestwall Hall in both timelines and learn the secret conspiracy of women attempting to stop the more famous Powder plot. Set against the backdrop of two conspiracies in two different timelines, Alexandra Walsh brings the high stakes of the seventeenth century to life in amazing fashion. Her characters, several powerful women from different times, are incredibly dynamic, life-like, and multidimensional, and Walsh gives the wives of the Powder Plot conspirators a voice and a presence in this novel. Crestwell Hall is a charming, whimsical manor home, and its hidden secrets and many mysteries are incredibly detailed and revealed in an appropriate way. Walsh’s latest novel is an excellent example of dual timeline historical fiction, and the world she has brought to life has some incredibly high stakes to deal with. Readers may be familiar with the Gunpowder Plot, but they probably have not heard of it from this perspective!

This novel presented a compelling premise by focusing on the wives of the Gunpowder Plotters, inviting readers to empathize and ponder the challenges they faced. The author skillfully wove threads connecting modern-day radicalized extremists with their historic counterparts, adding depth to the narrative. I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of terrorists on a destructive path and their women striving to prevent death, ruin, and disgrace.

The book demonstrated impressive research, and I appreciated the author's note at the end clarifying the blend of fact and fiction. The vivid descriptions painted a clear picture of the setting, prompting me to even search for Crestwell Hall to determine its existence—an indication of the author's clever and plausible historical fiction writing.

However, the abundance of featured names, especially from the backstories of minor characters, created unnecessary confusion for me. It slowed down the pace and hindered my enjoyment of the story. While I admired the author's planning, I believed a more stringent edit could have improved this aspect. The list of characters at the start was challenging to reference on a Kindle, causing a bit of disappointment.

The modern-day treasure hunt in the secret rooms felt less convincing compared to the historical elements of the story. Despite these drawbacks, the book stands as an impressive achievement, recommended for those intrigued by Tudor and Stuart history.

Firstly I have to comment on the cover, it's beautiful! It drew me in before I'd even read the blurb. But I was intrigued by this book from the moment it mentioned the gunpowder plot, It is a part of history that I only know the basics about and having it as a key element of the plot really sounded interesting, especially hearing it from the female point of view.
I loved the fact that in both timelines we have a strong set of women who support each other and help one another with whatever they need without really questioning it too much. Issy has The Coven, I love that her aunt named them that by the way it made me smile every time it was said, and they instantly are there by her side as soon as they even hear in her voice that she's struggling. I loved getting a bit more of Bess's story and then flipping back to Issy and waiting for her to gradually uncover that bit of the story for herself it was very clever the way that Alexandra Walsh flips between the two at the points she chooses to, and how we get to piece together and fill in gaps in the history with Issy. I think the pace of the story is just right, it moved with enough speed that I just kept telling myself that I'd read just one more chapter before sleeping/cleaning etc and I'd find myself 4 chapters later caught up in what was happening. I really enjoyed the writing style of it too and I definitely think I need to go read more by the author, she's brought the period and the characters right off the page for me, it's been a fantastic read.

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1605

With her husband, Sir Walter Raleigh, imprisoned in the Tower of London, his wife, Bess Throckmorton is shocked to hear of a plot against the king. Fearing that her husband will be implicated and with the assistance of other concerned women, she sets out to thwart the plot.

Present Day

Isabella and her daughter are excited to be starting a new life at the home of her aunt, Crestwell Hall. Whilst assisting with the renovations, she is thrilled to find a bible that once belonged to Bess Throckmorton and surprised to see the connection her new home has to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

The Secrets of Crestwell Hall is another dual timeline book from Alexandra Walsh and this time she takes us to the start of the Stuart era with a fascinating take on the Gunpowder Plot. We are used to reading about the roles of each of the men involved in the attempt on the king’s life, but here, the author has reimagined the story from the perspective of the plotters’ wives and their attempts to prevent the disaster from occurring. Alexandra Walsh always includes strong females in her books and it is always good to read about women who ordinarily remain in the historical background.

The present day story provides good links to the events of 1605 as we read about the refurbishment of Creswell Hall, a house thought to have largely unsubstantiated links to the Gunpowder Plot. As the book progresses, the author also demonstrates how the events of the past are still firmly in the minds of people who are intent on causing disruption and terror. I really enjoyed how this part of the story developed, taking it from historical fiction to something much more terrifying in a matter of pages!

I have loved all of Alexandra Walsh’s books and this one is definitely up there with the best. Perfect for fans of dual timeline books, especially those with an interest in the Tudor/Stuart eras.

The Gunpowder Plot is a very famous event in British history, mostly thanks to the famous refrain of "Remember, remember the Fifth of November", and is still commemorated at bonfire nights each year in the UK. When I was young (as in back in the 70s- yes, I am that old) we still had Fireworks Night on 5 November each year, but I don't think it really happens here in Australia anymore.

The book opens with Isabella Lacey and her young daughter arriving for a new life at the stately home known as Crestwell Hall. Isabella's uncle previously owned the home, but now Isabella and Emily need a new start, and helping her aunt Thaiya resurrect the home feels like the perfect opportunity. She can put her ugly divorce behind her and hopefully provide a stable home for Emily.

Her Uncle Phillip was a collector of many historical items, and had always maintained that Crestwell Hall was connected to the failed Gunpowder Plot but no one knows why he was so adamant. What they do know is that there are a lot of historical artifacts that need to be sorted, catalogued and appraised. In order to start restoring the home, Isabella and her aunt really need an injection of funds, but they don't know exactly where that is going to come from. Could there be some hidden treasures in the house?

This is a dual time line novel and the historical plot derives from a very simple question. Did the wives of the conspirators in the Gunpowder Plot know what was going on? Did they know that the plan was to blow up parliament on the 5th of November 1605 with the aim of killing the king with the aim of then replacing him with a Catholic ruler. The most well known name is probably Guy Fawkes but there were many other people involved in the plot. That's a very over simplified summary, but still.

Our main character is Bess Throckmorton, also known Elizabeth, Lady Raleigh, wife to the imprisoned Sir Walter Raleigh, whose name resonates through history as explorer, privateer and favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. Now that the Queen has passed and King James is on the throne, Raleigh has been imprisoned as a traitor and Bess has to do what she needs to do to protect her young sons.

Bess is related to most of the English aristocracy. Most of her family is Catholic but she and her immediate family are staunchly Protestant. That doesn't mean that she and her family are above suspicion when it comes to conspiracies, so when she starts hearing stories about yet another Catholic conspiracy, this time involving several of her male cousins, Bess knows that she could easily be implicated. She therefore starts reaching out to her female cousins (whether by blood or by marriage) to see what she can find out. After all, women are often invisible in the backgrounds and can quite often find out what their husbands, brothers and families are up to. What she learns horrifies her and she knows that she needs to do something to thwart the plan.

Bess is very resourceful, using her family connections to her advantage, and also in taking the necessary steps to ensure that her family is protected, especially if her husband remains in disgrace. An example of that is her ownership of Crestwell Hall, which has been carefully hidden so that no one can trace it back to her. There is a cast of characters at the beginning of the book to help see where all the family connections are, but there was still a lot of names to keep track of while you are reading.

I do love a book where the house has a key role to play and Crestwell Hall sounds like it would be absolutely fabulous to visit if it was real. There are hidden passageways, secrets hidden in plain sight and many previously undiscovered treasures which means that Isabella, her auntie, the mysterious Oliver and her friends who just happen to have very relevant and handy skills have their work cut out for them. I did enjoy the way that Isabella was able to slowly unveil the secrets that have been held by the house for centuries.


When I was thinking about what I was going to say, I realised that I haven't read many dual timelines recently. I know that a lot of people feel like they have been overdone but for the most part I like them, when they are done well that is. I thought that the author made some interesting choices, particularly as she was trying have some elements of the modern story line echo those from the historical time line. The reasons for conspiracies may be different, but there are still people who are sufficiently disenfranchised to feel that radical action required even today.


Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I read this author's previous book as well which had another interesting setting (an archeological dig in Crete) so I will be very interested to see what's coming next. Check out my review of The Forgotten Palace here.

I am sharing this review with the Historical Fiction Reading Challenge which I host. You can find out more about the challenge here. You can check out other participants in the tour below.

Rating 4.5/5

The Secrets of Crestwell Hall is another winner from Alexandra Walsh. I have loved all her novels, especially her Tudor ones and it is nice to have her step into the dramas of the Stuart era.

The book is a dual time novel set in 1605 around the machinations of the Gunpowder Plot, and present day. In 1605 Bess Raleigh (Nee Throckmorton) wife of Sir Walter Raleigh and former lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I is trying to eke out a living while her husband languishes in the tower at His Majesty King James I pleasure. Bess has long lost her willingness to put up with Sir Walter and his schemes. She decides to take her two sons to Crestwell Hall a manor house that is hidden behind her brother’s name and thus protected from seizure by the crown, or so she hopes. Meanwhile rumors abound that her Catholic cousins are mixed up in espionage against the crown. Bess will do all that she can to stop the plot and protect those that she loves.

In the present we have Isabella Lacey and her daughter Emily. Newly divorced, isabella and Emily are moving in with Issy’s aunt Thalia to help turn Crestwell Hall into a self sufficient working manor house. While clearing all the clutter that her Great-Uncle Philip created, Issy comes across a bible that appears to have belonged to Bess Raleigh and thus a mystery to be solved. How did Bess’ bible come to be found at Crestwell Hall and what part did she play in the Gunpowder Plot?

This was a great read with lots of history, I will say that the number of characters in 1605 was at times a bit overwhelming, it seems like everyone was a cousin, but the glossary in the front does help.

Thanks to Netgalley, I the publisher Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to read and review this book

We know much about the Gunpowder Plot and the men who conspired to destroy the government of King James by blowing up Parliament, but in this book the question is, what did the wives and female relatives know of these events? They were probably aware of secret meetings, and the treachery involved, the harm it would bring upon the family name, and the punishments that would be used against the heirs, the seizure of money and property, perhaps imprisonment or death.
Women were invisible outside of the home, yet, whilst the menfolk were at court, fighting wars or in prison, these women ran the estates, bore children, saw to their education, and were loyal to their family name and property.
Written with dual time lines, in 1605, we are at Cresswell Hall, the lady of this property is Lady Bess Raleigh and her husband is in the Tower of London. Bess and her fellow friends and relatives are aware of rumours circulating about a plot, they are determined to prevent this tragedy and save their husbands from folly.
Present day, we meet Isabella , newly divorced , and her daughter Emily. Aunt Thalia Beauchamp ( Beecham ) invites them over to Cresswell Hall,to help her renovate the Hall with a view to opening it to the public to display some recently discovered artefacts that once belonged to Lady Raleigh. There is history, mystery, romance, plus some unexpected architectural details which will be very useful next time I visit an Elizabethan property.
I lived in Northamptonshire for many years, yet found myself taken aback by how many noble families were involved in this plot. The thorny problem of religion played a major part in this intrigue.
A very enjoyable and incredibly well researched story, which gives an unusual insight into this event, the silent army of women. Their story is hardly ever known, but this novel does them justice. A strong female figure holds this story together.
Alexandra Walsh has done it again. I have read all of her books and know I am in for a treat each time I turn the pages.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers Boldwood books for my digital advanced copy, freely given in exchange for my honest review. A five star rating. I will leave a copy of this review to Goodreads and Amazon UK.

This is a dual timeline set in the present day and 1605. The main person in the earlier time is Bess, Lady Raleigh and concerns the relatives and wives of the plotters of the gunpowder plot. In the present day, Isabella and her daughter, Emily, have moved into Crestwell Hall with her aunt. I enjoyed how the two stories had a number of events that linked them together. In 1605, Bess showed what a strong lady she was, she gathered all the women together, as well as trying to stop others plotting against her. Isabella has problems of her own, especially her ex husband causing problems with their daughter. I do appreciate it when an author has completed a good amount of research, as in this case. It made me want to read more about some of the characters. This was a most engaging read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an incredible read that was so well written and had obviously been meticulously researched. It had a compelling story and I loved that it featured the gunpowder plot as not much historical fiction does.

The shadows of the past are inextricably linked with the future and by cleverly combining two dual timeframes we learn The Secrets of Crestwell Hall and the part it played in the 1605 Gunpowder Plot.

Isabella Lacey and her daughter Emily arrive at Crestwell Hall in order to make a new start. A failed marriage has left Isabella wary and suspicious but she is determined that with Crestwell’s owner, her aunt Thalia, she will help to bring the house and its history alive once more. However, finding Crestwell’s secrets is no easy task and whilst the echoes of the past intrude so we start to build up a picture of the previous owner of Crestwell Hall. Elizabeth Throckmorton was the wife of Sir Walter Raleigh but with Raleigh languishing in the Tower of London and with plots and counter plots swirling around her Elizabeth must look to protect herself and those under her care from being implicated in the plot to rid England of its unpopular King.

The history of the time is well explored and this retelling of the Gunpowder Plots adds an altogether different dimension, it was particularly interesting to read of the family, and friendship, connections between those who were plotting and those who wished to see it fail. The dual time aspect is done really well and I found that as one time frame finished we were whisked away either into the past with Bess and her troubles or forward into the future as Isabella and her aunt set about bring Crestwell Hall back to life.

An easy page turner, with much to enjoy, this dual time story has everything I wanted, well researched history, a lively plot and enough intrigue in both time frames to make for a satisfying read.

This is a story of mammoth proportions. I say this because it would have required a massive amount of research and a heaping dose of imagination. Hats off to Alexandra Walsh for succeeding in delivering such a fascinating and memorable novel!

The Secrets of Crestwell Hall is presented in two distinct timelines showcasing two radical groups side by side. (There are many other great parallels in the two storylines and characters, as well.) The premise of the historical thread (1605) is that of the famous Gunpowder Plot—a failed attempt to assassinate King James I of England during the Opening of Parliament. Guy Fawkes is discovered while he is preparing to detonate explosives. The plan was organised by Robert Catesby, a devout Catholic who hoped to kill the Protestant King and establish Catholic rule in England. The modern timeline was also intriguing as another radical group tries to take over a modern day version of the historical event.

The Secrets of Crestwell Hall opens with the first few lines of an English Folk Verse ‘Remember, remember the fifth of November / Gunpowder, treason and plot.’ It is a great way to remember the date and details. If you look up one of the many versions available, you will see the whole story presented in verse. (An additional bonus feature is found at the back of the novel in the author's historical notes which are highly beneficial in learning more about The Gunpowder Plot). Poet John Milton also composed a poem years after the event. His piece written in 1626 'Quintum Novembris' celebrates the anniversary of this failed attempt. His retelling surely made headlines in his day, too, during a year of witch trials and an influenza epidemic.

There are many things about this novel to admire— especially some brilliant lines. It’s a story about consequences particularly of men who are ‘craving the glory of power.’ But it also features the ‘silent army’ of women who ‘exist on the edges’ and learn to survive and ‘navigate the shadows’: those who work invisibly to keep everything running smoothly.

Bess Throckmorton, wife of Walter Raleigh, is an intriguing character and we learn a lot from her movements—the terror and tribulations she and others faced. The Gunpowder Plot has been skilfully delivered, with lots of action and reaction. The only difficulty I ran into was keeping track of the number of characters at times. But Alexandra does prepare us with a list at the front. It just might slow you down on occasion while referring back to it in digital format. A paperback version would likely remedy this.

Crestwell Hall itself is an impressive structure but I see it as a true character that houses, protects and breathes history. It is a mesmerising place that harbours centuries-old secrets. Hidden stories begin to explode when modern day Isabella digs into its past (while tending to its restoration). She has the enviable task of unearthing some very old treasures. I was quite taken with her journey and that of her daughter’s. She is divorced and dealing with the shock of unexpected change. Her ex-husband’s personality alterations after his war injury, what that leads to and his eventual realisation of his actions are well played out. I cannot say I ‘liked’ him and the danger he courts. There are some very tense moments but the ending sees justice served and repentance a reality.

There’s romance, mystery, danger, discovery, history, second chances and retribution to name a few. For those who love stories with very old houses, dual timelines and twisty rollicking adventures— get this novel! 4.5 Stars for this intriguing story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Thanks to Boldwood and Netgalley for the review copy.

I read about the Gunpowder Plot and the men who were involved. I never read anything about this story told by the women's POV
There's a lot to love and learn from this compelling, well researched and intriguing book.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This was a big book but as it was written in my favourite genre, timeslip, I didn't mind at all. The story was written so well with characters that flowed and I've always been intrigued by the Gunpowder Plot and the story went seamlessly from past to future and back again, well done!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this eCopy to review

The Secrets of Crestwell Hall was an intriguing duel timeline novel. We follow Isabella and her daughter Emily as they join her Aunt to restore Crestwell Hall. Still recovering from her divorce Issy has a number of demons that learning about Bess's life and the Secrets of Cresswell Hall help her overcome.

From Bess's story we learn about her husband, Sir Walter Raleigh's imprisonment in the Tower of London by King James. When Bess finds out about her cousin Robin Catesby's plot to kill the king Bess fears for her family that they will be imprisoned again. Forming her own spy ring of the wives of the 13 plotters Bess manages to find out what is planned and hopefully thwart all the plans.

Full of rich historical detail, expertly plotted, with the stories beautifully intertwined I could not put this book down

I was excited to read the newest book by this author. I’ve read all her previous books so I already knew I would like this one too.
This is another well written, well researched book. It effortlessly blends the past and present into a really good story. I did think the story set in the present was a little more interesting.
Historical fiction fans will definitely enjoy this book

I was entranced with this book. The story was history revealed in the best way possible.

Two timelines. One the 1600 and then the present day. Present times Isabella just after an acrimonious divorce is home with Emily her daughter, hoping for a new start at the Hall with her aunt Thalia. They hope to renovate the Hall, restore it from its neglected state and discover the secrets they know are stored there. It is a gargantuan task as decades of papers, receipts, boxes are there, along with undiscovered attics, cellars and priest holes.

In the 1600s it has been the home of Elizabeth Throckmorton, wife of Walter Raleigh now in the Tower of London. Elizabeth along with her clan women suspect that their menfolk are acting strangely under the guidance of Robin Catesby. They are frightened how it will affect them and their children, because though Elizabeth is Protestant her relations have remained staunchly Catholic, not a good thing at the time. It takes time for the women to piece together overheard conversations and copies of letters giving details of high treason. The men were planning to blow up Parliament, depose the King and take the Princess as hostage. The infamous Gunpowder Plot failed miserably, all the men were captured and were executed.

Isabella pieced the story together, and in the process discovered treasures of gold and paintings which would help in the restoration. The link for both women was the house which was much loved by both of them.

Elizabeth’s story could be one book in itself as it was a fascinating insight into how women sought to protect their families in whatever way possible when the stakes were high.

Romance in both eras were also a nice point. The terrorist group in the present day scenario of Isabella and Emily was stark, frightening and very realistic.

Altogether a five star read.

A great historical fiction, spanning across two timelines. I found the present storyline an easy read to get invested in and I really enjoyed reading about The Gunpowder Plot. My only gripe was that, at times, the historical fiction (especially at the beginning) felt a little over-explained. For example, during a conversation between Bess and a friend the dialogue explained things that didn’t feel natural for a conversation, such as the name and rank of another Lady. I thought this information could’ve been infiltrated into the storyline a bit differently so it didn’t feel as dry for the reader.

This is a historical fiction that alternates between two timelines which the authors weaves perfectly together to tell this story. The 17th century, where Bess Throckmorton and the wives of the Gunpowder Plot conspirators try to prevent a regicide, and in the present day, Isabella Lacey and her daughter Emily uncover Bess’s diary and face a mysterious threat.
The book is about history, mystery, and romance, with a twist on the famous Gunpowder Plot of 1605. It was interesting reading about The Gunpowder Plot in 1605 Thanks @netgalley

This book had a great premise with its focus on the wives of the Gunpowder Plotters, making it easy to empathise and wonder what it would be like to be plunged into such a situation. This was reinforced by the clever way the author wove threads linking modern-day radicalised extremists with the historic plotters. I loved this aspect of the book, with terrorists set on a destructive path and their womenfolk doing all they can to prevent death, ruin and disgrace.
The book was impressively researched and I was so pleased to find the author’s note at the end and get the detail of what was fact and how much was invented.
There were some lovely, vivid descriptions which made it easy to picture the setting. Halfway through I had to google Crestwell Hall to find out if it was real - a sign of clever and plausible writing in an historical fiction author.
The downsides of the book for me were a great many names being featured, which made it unnecessarily confusing - especially where these were from the back story of minor characters and I didn’t really need to know. It slowed down the pace and spoiled some of my enjoyment of the story. As much as I admired the author’s planning, I felt a stricter edit could have improved this aspect. The list of characters at the start isn’t easy to flick back to on a Kindle, and I must admit my heart sank a bit to see it there.
The modern-day treasure hunt in all those secret rooms was less convincing, for me, than the historical aspects of the story.
Overall, the book is an impressive achievement and one I’d recommend to anyone interested in Tudor and Stuart history.

I savored every page of this latest brilliant book by Alexandra Walsh. The difficulty of researching women of the Tudor & Jacobean periods must be staggering since they were considered so insignificant in historical records. Yet, this author has done it and created an exciting dual-timeline tale, skillfully weaving together historical facts with fiction. Bess Throckmorton is a fascinating woman in her own right besides being the wife of Sir Walter Raleigh and she is the star of this story as the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 unfolds. I loved how Bess's story paralleled with Isabella's in the modern timeline, leading to a truly heart-pounding conclusion at Parliament once again.

Both timelines eerily fit into current political headlines of terrorism and conspiracies in Europe and America. Religious fanaticism and intolerance led to the plot to blow up Parliament in 1605 and still lead to violence today. Those Catholic gunpowder plotters wanted to return England to what they perceived as its former greatness, completely misjudging the public reaction to their intended carnage. That's not unlike current American politics, though I suspect Bess Throckmorton wouldn't be surprised that men are still at it today. I loved everything about this book and was genuinely sorry to turn the last page.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the digital ARC. All opinions and the review are my own.