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.

A vagrant's journey across Tudor England searching for a roof to call home. An interesting dive into a much overlooked section of Tudor society, with a unique voice and beguiling writing style. I really wanted to like it but as with many character driven literary novels it is very slow and is fairly repetitive in everything Tibb does and says. Not one for me.

Captivating and innovative, this is a really fresh take on historical fiction. Tibb's narrative perspective is amusing and insightful, bringing something different to a genre I often find stale.

I can see how this may not be for everyone given it's humour, which is often crude, but think this will be a great word of mouth hit this year.

Well, Tibb Ingleby and your trickeries, but you do tick all my boxes. ‘For these are the days and I should say…’that your readers will love you.
Tibb’s voice remains loud and clear long after finishing ‘A Little Trickerie.’ Rosanna Pike has created a uniquely memorable character in her vagabond teenager. Orphaned, with a new-born baby to care for, Tibb has only herself to rely on in a medieval England living by punitive Church laws and steeped in superstition. No wonder she has no time for the ‘big-man-God’.
We follow Tibb along the coasts of Norfolk and then Suffolk before heading inland. As she travels, she makes dear friends in Ivo and Maria, to name but two, but they both seem to let her down. Is there anyone she can trust? In a world where a belief in God seems more important than life itself, she learns that God is very unforgiving of difference and she sees for herself that the religious are both fearful and cruel.
In contrast, Tibb is curious, generous and warm-hearted. She wants her eccentric family to be happy. Is it really so wrong to use her talents to secure an earthly paradise?
This is a highly engaging read. The author uses her research wisely; we are steeped in the mire and sweat of medieval life whilst identifying with human desires that connect us across the centuries. Funny, fascinating and, ultimately, very moving. Highly recommended. What a wonderful discovery!
My thanks to NetGalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

I’m not sure I’ve really read anything quite like this. It’s brilliant historical fiction with an unforgeattable central caracter in Tibb

Orphaned and alone Tibb Ingleby must find a place in the world. As she travels through medieval England she meets a fantastic cast of characters. From Ivo to Ambrose all are brilliantly drawn and I wanted to spend time with them all - well excepting Father Brian and Signor Peroro - them I wanted to punch!

A Little Trickerie is an imaginative, often funny and always brilliant story. Love and friendship pitted against bigotry and greed

It’s foul mouthed and fabulous and one I’ll definitely be recommending to all

Thanks to Fig Tree/Penguin & Netgalley for the chance to read an early copy

A Little Trickerie is a captivating story set in Tudor England. It follows Tibb Ingleby, a resourceful vagrant who forms unexpected friendships with a really diverse cast of characters; which makes for a really compelling read.
A remarkable debut that offers a fresh perspective on Tudor England and the resilience of the human spirit. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future!

Life in Tudor England is fraught with danger. Deceit and drama abound in this addictive story. I enjoyed the book immensely. A real page turner.