I can only compare a writing voice as original as this to my first encounter with that of Jeanette Winterson in Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit. Set in the early days of the Tudor dynasty, this is a historical novel, yes, but one in which the life of social outcasts and the poor, rather than that of the ruling classes, provides the backdrop for a breathtakingly daring scam in which the little group of protagonists risks torture and execution if exposed. Tibb, the central character, is warm and sympathetic, but bedevilled by guilt for the death of her mother and sister. Her struggle, and that of her friends - each cursed in their own way by society's norms - is a hard one, and their enemies are powerful and relentless. Strong characterisation, dialogue, and plot make this a most excellent first novel.

Absolutely loved this book. Set in early Tudor England, it tells the tale of Tibb, a young girl left on her own when her mother dies in childbirth. Born into an itinerant life she continues as such at a time when that was illegal, and the story of how she survives and the people she meets along the way, and the trickery she gets into is beautifully told. Tibb's voice is unique and instantly drew me in. There are lots of ups and downs in the book and the characters are at times in tremendous peril. I loved the ending, which was not something I was expecting! Would highly recommend this book.

Wow what an impressive and original debut! I haven't encountered a young heroine that has won my heart as quickly as this since Adunni in Abi Daré's 'The Girl with the Louding Voice'. Pike's characterisation is brilliant and I found myself captivated by the potty-mouthed narrative voice of Tibb Ingleby from the first page to the last. The plot is also pretty propulsive and the whole thing reads a bit like a Medieval English version of Huckleberry Finn.

Orphaned and alone, Tibb doesn't generally stay long in any one place, and so the story weaves its way through town and country of medieval England. Along the way Tibb meets fellow outcast and wanderer Ivo and the pair strike up an enduring and friendship. We meet other characters too - both the helpful and the hideous. There is bigotry, ignorance, cruelty and persecution along the way - so trigger warnings for some readers. Tibb herself is haunted by past abusive trauma which she describes as a 'black snake' which coils itself around her and strangles her self worth.

This is historical fiction, but with a fresh feminist slant which felt surprisingly modern at times. I was intrigued to discover that this book was inspired by the real life tale of the Holy Maid of Leominster, known only as Elizabeth, who created quite a stir in the late fifteenth century with a little angelic trickery of her own.

Pike plays on the commonality of our experience - we all ultimately want the same basic things as Tibb - a roof over our heads, food in our bellies, to love and be loved in return. Through the characters of Ivo and Ambrose the themes of tolerance and acceptance are further explored.

Suffice to say, I delighted in this piece of fictional trickery and loved getting to know Tibb, a true pearl in the oyster, and a character I shall remember for a long time to come.

With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books for the ARC for this review.
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Born a vagabond, Tibb Ingleby has never had a roof of her own. But her mother has taught her that if you're not too bound by the Big Man's rules, there are many ways a woman can find shelter in this world. Now her ma is dead in a trick gone wrong and young Tibb is orphaned and alone.

As she wends her way across the fields and forests of medieval England, Tibb will discover there are people who will care for her, as well as those who mean her harm. And there are a great many others who are prepared to believe just about anything.

And so, when the opportunity presents itself to escape the shackles society has placed on them, Tibb and her new friends conjure an audacious plan: her greatest trickerie yet. But before they know it, their hoax takes on a life of its own, drawing crowds - and vengeful enemies - to their door...

What can I say about this debut novel, other than it is completely brilliant and I absolutely adored it. I hoovered it up in two sittings then felt so sad because there was no more!

A Little Trickerie is so spankingly original, and manages to be simultaneously disarmingly funny, and deeply moving.

It is most definitely irreverent, often sweary, very 'earthy', but it is stuffed to bursting with heart and soul.

Beautifully, and refreshingly written, it vividly evokes 16th century Tudor life, (see the above reference to 'earthy' haha), and is based on a true story of the so-called ‘Holy Maid of Leominster’ - a 16th century conwoman who impersonated an angel and amassed a cult following.

This novel is populated with a ragtag cast of characters, each one brilliantly rendered and in Tibb we have a distinctly unangelic heroine, who is completely unforgettable, with a truly distinctive and memorable voice. They sweep us along in their wake, we hate the baddies, and the rest steal our hearts.

The story explores themes of belief and superstition; kinship and courage; 'found family'; Love, friendship and sexuality.

It's about characters we come to love overcoming adversity and the worst possible circumstances, with courage, wit, cunning and 'a little trickerie'.

And it's about hopes and dreams, and how important they are.
Not being forced to choose 'half a life, or no life at all' as Ivo feels is his only option, but about trying to live your best life by seizing every opportunity you can.

As Tibb, channelling her Ma says:
'Live the life you dream, Tibb....Would you let this short life slither past?....would you let a ripe apple roll on by, Tibb?'

This debut is pure gold, and one of my best reads of 2024. I can't wait to see how Rosanna Pike will follow this one!

Tibb Ingleby, born an itinerant, learns from her mother that societal norms need not constrain a woman's search for shelter. After her mother's tragic death in a failed deception, Tibb is left orphaned in medieval England. She encounters both allies, like Ivo, and adversaries as she navigates this harsh world.

With newfound companions, Tibb devises a bold plan to break free from societal restraints, but their scheme attracts dangerous attention. Tibb's distinctive voice and courage are her tools for survival, aided by unexpected allies.

This is a captivating, innovative tale set in Tudor England. It explores themes of belief, kinship, and resilience through a vivid, emotional narrative and a refreshingly imperfect heroine.

A Little Trickerie is an original piece of historical fiction, with a unique and compelling heroine. Tibb is a force of nature, somehow guileless and cunning all at once, determined to find a safe space in a world fraught with medieval danger.

There's a lot I loved - the vivid characters and lively prose - but unfortunately my enjoyment was tampered by the constant repetition. The plot is fairly thin, threaded together with coincidences and convenient get-out clauses, and for what is ostensibly a coming of age story, there is almost no real character development.

Like the trickerie at the heart of the story, it's perhaps best if you don't look at the craft of this novel too closely - just accept it and enjoy the entertaining voice and refreshing characters.

Tibb Ingleby was born a vagabond and has never had a home. Her mother dies leaving her an orphan. Tibb has no choice but to travel through medieval England and meet people who will care for her but also people who will harm her. Tibb alongside her friends will perform the greatest trickerie yet.

This was okay but I really struggled with the way this was written. The writing style fit the story but it was not easy for me to read at all. Other than that it was fine but nothing special which is a shame because I love historical novels.

This is written in the most wonderful, fresh voice. Tibb's way of viewing the world and her unique way of expressing herself feel historically accurate but so very relatable. The plot is slow-moving through the first half of the book, but the gradual coming together of different elements makes for a tense finale. I was braced for tragedy, and so relieved to get a happy ending.

This is the story of Tibb, a young girl in medieval England who has lost her beloved mother and is in danger of becoming a vagrant, and therefore an outlaw. On a beach in Norfolk she meets a gentle, kind young man who is running from his own demons and this is the story of how friendship, love, cunning and indeed ‘a little trickerie’ could keep them from the ravages of church and state in violent and intolerant times. Tibb’s voice is unique and took a bit of getting used to at the start of the book, but soon became absolutely captivating, with this reviewer willing her to outsmart all her opponents. This is a book full of charm and with a story to keep the reader engaged until the final,word.

'I really believe it, you know,' he says. 'That your ma and that sweet sister of yours are up there, and they are watching you from their great height, and they are thinking of you all the time. And one day, a long time from now, you'll join them too.'
Will I? I am considering it when a thought smacks me round face. 'But... is it not only good people who become angels, Ivo?'

Fourteen year-old vagrant Tibb has been well-schooled in the fine art of scraping by with the help of some villainous tricks but, being homeless, let alone criminal and homeless is a dangerous life to live in the early 1500s. Nobody can be trusted, and even the church isn't a refuge for those who don't do exactly as the priest dictates. Thankfully, Tibb lands, albeit bumpily, on her feet, when she finds friends that will change the course of her life for ever.

I have to admit that I took a while to warm to this book, as the non-linear sections of narrative didn't initially work for me. I felt frustrated as it felt as though too much of the plot was being given away too soon, BUT I was *completely* wrong, and I'm so glad I kept going! I absolutely loved the characters, particularly Maria, who really comes into her own towards the end. The plot is witty and clever, and it whips along at a great pace with lots of lovely surprises mixed in. There's also slightly unnerving suspense that grows throughout as Tibb and her friends hatch the most incredible and audacious plan to get level with the world...

This is such an original tale, following the lives of people from a section of Tudor socity not usually included in historical fiction. Definitely worth looking out for when it publishes in August!

Thank you to @Netgalley and @penguinfigtree for giving me the opportunity to read and review this lovely debut novel from @roseannapikeauthor

A Little Trickerie delves into a bittersweet world of a distant yet familiar Tudor England. Tibb is a character to be reckoned with, and I mean it when I say she has one of the most captivating voices I have ever read. She is full of charm, sadness, cheek, and brave naivety, and her character driven story does not lack because of her. She is arresting, and her at times unreliable narration is so well built. A bildungsroman of sorts, Tibb and many other characters had my heart bleeding time and time again. The first half of the story will sit with me for a very long time. I cannot give it any more recommendation from that statement alone. I have some issues with the latter half of the story (the trickerie part), but it would be part disgrace to even explore it when I had so many true-to heart emotions with these characters. Ivo and Tibb, together on that beach, is both devastating and mesmeric. I knew from that moment on I had been tricked. These two will not ever leave me.

“Is it better to live in a small way, or not to live at all?”

A bold and unique historical fiction, with a highly original narrative voice that shines against the backdrop of Tudor England.

Tibb is such a refreshing protagonist, brash, and opinionated, but with such an openly loving and accepting heart, you fall in love with her and her rough edges instantly, as you follow her journey across the years to find the meaning of having a home. The cast of characters are varied and well crafted, with a comforting found family aspect unfolding, but the relationship that is the most deeply affecting of the novel is that between Ivo and Tibb. That fierce kind of unconditional love that forms between them, forged through the bonds of being each other's person when they had none, their arc is beautiful and heart wrenching at times, and not something you’d typically see in a historical fiction of the era and it is all the richer for it.

Exploring themes of prejudice, superstition versus true belief, overcoming grief and trauma, and learning to accept and love oneself, the story is riddled with emotional notes and heavy themes that are handled with care, although do be warned for ample trigger warnings.

A vivid, unflinching, historical fiction debut, with one of the most unique narrative voices I’ve read, Tibb is not a protagonist soon to be forgotten!

Although I definitely liked A Little Trickerie, I didn't enjoy it as much I was hoping to – it has wonderfully inventive prose and is set in the Tudor period, which are two of my favourite things in a novel, but the story didn't always grab me (just personal preference!). But I would still recommend – the ordinary Tudor world is evoked really well, I enjoyed reading about the towns and villages of England, and Tib is such a precious character – the victim of hard circumstances and the survivor of a LOT, but still so willing to believe in the goodness of others. I also thought the way that the things we understand now – sexuality, mental health – were woven into the plot was really well-considered without being anachronistic. Thanks to @penguinfigtree for letting me read this via @netgalley – it's out in August! 3.5 stars

What an amazing debut from this author! You are immediately immersed in the highs and lows of Tibb’s life and mediaeval England. As the book progressed I was less and less able to put it down, the final night staying up until 2am to finish it. That doesn’t often happen to me. This is a 4.5 start book for me. Only because I was put off by the liberal use of foul language in the beginning and this nearly stopped me reading the book, otherwise would have been a straight 5 star. I understand some bad language is part of Tibet andMa’s character but the excessive use distracted me from the story. I look forward to hearing more from this extremely talented writer.

A fun, charming caper that makes for a refreshing addition to the genre. Tibb is a wonderful heroine!

Absolutely loved Tibb and her unique voice and how she navigates life as a vagabond in medieval England. Yes her Ma dies on her but she picks up some great friends along the way and dodges some not so nice people. Always looking for ways to stay alive and get cash, they join those who exploit the religious believers with their very own little trickerie.

I absolutely loved this unusual piece of historic fiction. Tibb is a young vagrant in Tudor England, living on her own wits after her mother dies in childbirth. I was completely drawn into her world, and the difficulties of life at the time for a poor young girl. She was a really vibrant presence, and the book was surprisingly positive and enjoyable, although having to deal with terrible circumstances. Once she finds a group of entertainers to live with, things seem to be looking up, but she ends up having to use her skills to fake a miracle, and then live with the fear of being found out. I couldn't put it down!

This book was a lot of fun. Completely immersive historical fiction with a voice that'll stay with you for long after reading. Tibb Ingleby sneaks, curses, and deceives her way around the fields and forests of medieval England and works her way into your heart en route. One of the best historical fiction books of 2024 so far (and with a gorgeous cover, too).

A dizzyingly brilliant story about stories, reinvention, and the power of found families, A Little Trickerie manages to pull off the feat of its complex language and tale of fake angels and real demons. Uplifting and buoyant, A Little Trickerie is all but a Tudor era Hustle adaptation, with oodles of charm and chosen family warmth.

A story about Toby and her fight against the laws against vagrancy and against the demons in her head. The narrative has twin tracks, one in the present and one ahead of time, which combine in the end in an unexpected way.