This was a great book full of intrigue, mystery and red herrings! Story line was easy to read and easy to follow. Can't wait for the next book by Rosie Clarke, she never seems to fail with her books!
Many thanx to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for allowing me to read and review this book

This was a good mystery. Well well-written with intertwining viewpoints. Some triggers but overall a good book that I would read again.

"Who knows what goes on behind closed doors"
...

Winnie Brown is estranged from a mother who wants nothing to do with her and cares little for her. Having been taken in by Mary and her police officer husband, Winnie is only too eager to follow in her mentor's footsteps and join the Women's Movement, taking on an administrative role in the office. One day Mary requests that Winnie embarks on an undercover field mission, which could prove dangerous for her should she arouse too many suspicions. A local sweatshop in the heart of Dressmakers' Alley is believed not only to be employing girls and women who are enduring terrible working conditions and being paid a pittance, but that the management and the illusive owner of the business are also involved in several darker and more nefarious activities being conducted from the upper floors of the building.

Attracting too much attention, Winnie soon finds herself on the wrong side of the managers and their associates, where she learns first hand the levels of violence they are willing to exert and the scant regard in which they hold human life, when their scheming is under threat of being exposed. Can Winnie rely on the Movement, the police or her new friends, including her new beau and local cobbler Sam, to help keep her safe from harm?

Meanwhile, Lady Diane Cooper, who has married into her title, to a husband many years her senior, whilst still upholding many of the privileges and proprieties her status demands in order that she does not disgrace or give bad press to her husband's name, is much more willing to embrace the changes which society is coming to demand. Her Lady's Maid, Susie, is treated with courtesy and respect, as are the other members of her household staff. When Lady Diane's order for a new ballgown triggers a sequence of events which throw into the spotlight the many divisions which still remain within society, she tasks Susie with being her eyes and ears on the ground, as she determines to try and right some of the wrongs she has uncovered, whilst still protecting her husband's place in the hierarchy he holds in such great esteem. However, this proves to be more difficult than she imagines, so when she decides that she would quite like to venture into business for herself, something she assumes her husband will not countenance, she is pleasantly surprised when she approaches him with her business plan, as his reaction is not at all what she had expected.

Susie is in fact Sam's sister, so she in effect has a foot in both camps, making her services invaluable to both her mistress and the Women's Movement. When she is first introduced to Winnie, she is a little unsure that this fiery and fearless young lady, is a good match for her steady, even-minded brother. However, when the chips are down, the two of them form a bond which proves stronger than either could have imagined.

...

This historical fiction story, is a lovely, well-blended mix of romance, social history and mystery. Narrated from different perspectives, as the two sides of the same coin, it is totally believable, wonderfully nuanced and meticulously researched, with amazing attention to detail. The chapters are short, well-signposted and keep the action moving along at a steady pace; whilst the characters are well-drawn, easy to relate to and invest in and a joy to watch blossom and unfold as they embrace their new tomorrows.

It is often remarked that war is a true leveller and whilst that was most definitely proved true in many post-war situations, here in Dressmakers' Alley in 1923, it is all too apparent that many 'shady' employers are still only too happy to exploit their majority female workforce, whilst conducting other illicit dealings in the full light of day, with little regard for secrecy or human decency and indeed life. Similarly, some members of the elite and aristocracy are finding it difficult to adjust to a new way of life where it isn't shameful to be seen by their peers taking an active interest in the 'trade' professions, whilst at the same time adapting and moderating their behaviour and attitudes towards the staff who work in personal service to them.

With her connections to both Lady Diane and through her brother Sam, to Winnie, Susie is one of the pivotal characters in this storyline and the one in truth, who has the most to gain from a society which is fast changing. Although Lady Diane would much rather be more 'hands on' in her new venture, she respects the fact that her husband has gone a long way towards meeting her aspirations and is loathe to take further advantage of his good nature. However, with the speed of change being wrought, it won't be long before a brave new order is ushered in.

Winnie and Sam have also come into their own, she as an active contributor to the Women's' Movement and Sam being a very liberal-minded and ethical small businessman. At first Sam is a little reluctant to see Winnie mixing with the likes of Lady Diane, however he soon realises that she is not going to be taken advantage of and that the titled Lady is honest and true with her good intentions and plans for his future wife.

Location, storyline and characters feature equally in this unfolding saga, with the 'armchair traveller' in me being left more than satisfied with the real sense of time and place that I could almost step into and an atmosphere which lingered on in my thoughts, long after I had closed the final page.

Overall, a compulsive reading experience which was beguiling, intense and suspenseful from beginning to end!


This is definitely a 4*+ story, from this new to me author. However where certain sites demand full star only ratings, I feel dreadfully guilty in needing to award 4, rather than 5 stars. That is only for the purely personal reason that I would have preferred a more definitive ending, rather than one which makes it all too clear that there may be subsequent sequel stories, especially as I am probably the world's worst series reader, although I do aim to try and keep abreast of any new episodes if a storyline grabs my attention as this one has.

What a great holiday read this was. With a few twists and turns it kept me wanting to go back to it even more.
Fabulous characters. Nice to meet Harpers again.
Kept me entertained on holiday.
I thoroughly recommend it..

I loved this one, so descriptive and interesting. The writer made it all come alive for me and I found I just couldn't stop reading. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A good start to another new series from Rosie Clark. A few twists and turns in this book, some that you don't actually see coming at all. I really liked all the characters in this book and can't wait to see what is next for the community and how our Lady fairs after that ending.

In this historical fiction mystery, Rosie Clarke brings readers to the East End of London in 1923, where Madame Pauline’s sweatshop churns out dresses to hide a darker secret. When Winnie Brown infiltrates the sweatshop for the Women’s Movement and her police officer friend, she has no idea what she’s uncovered. When the sweatshop copies one of Lady Diane Cooper’s original dress designs, she sends her dresser Susie to figure out who stole her dress design, sending Susie and Winnie on a collision course with a dark secret and a mystery in the heart of the East End. As the novel unfolds, readers become immersed in the mystery and the secrets of the East End from Winnie and Susie’s perspectives (though Clarke includes a few other perspectives to tell the story). Clarke’s characters are complex and charming, and the relationships between protagonists Susie and Winnie and other minor characters are fun to read and follow. The complex setting and plot reflect actual historical issues of sweatshops and design copying in the early twentieth century, so Clarke’s research shows in the background plot of the novel. A fun read and a strong start to a new series by Rosie Clarke, fans of historical fiction are sure to enjoy this book.

Slower paced, and ended with it seeming to be left open to be a series.
It was interesting to see the story unravel and how the different character point of views became intertwined.

Dangerous Times on Dressmakers Alley is the latest creation be Rosie Clarke

The story reintroduced Sonnies Brown, previously featured in the Harpers series, who is now thriving after reconciling with Mrskarenmcgarry@gmail.com Harper and is striving to establish herself within the Women's Movement. We are also introduced to Lay Diane Cooper, esteemed in high society and devoted to her husband, yet eager to make her mark in the world of design.

Revising familiar characters and locations added a delightful layer to the story, providing more depth and felt like coming home. Reading the previous stories isn't a requirement as this book is a standalone although I can see the scope for more and would welcome meeting more characters from a Dressmakers Alley

The book had everything that you would expect to find in a book of this genre; strong characters, drama and ultimately a feel-good factor.

Set in 1923 in London's East End we meet Winnie Brown who is the main character in this book. She is a compelling character who has committed a minor criminal act in her past. We meet her when this is behind her and she is working for The Women's Movement. She has had a difficult life growing up with a mother who blamed her for everything and is now estranged. She is taken under the wing of Mary, and her policeman husband, who help her to see her true worth. I loved Winnie as a character, and watching her develop was a pleasure to read.
I think anyone who enjoys reading sagas will lap this book up. I enjoyed it very much and I wholeheartedly recommend it to lovers of the genre.

Those who have read this author's previous historical sagas will be delighted with the opportunity to start a new series which is set during the early years of the twentieth century. In the aftermath of WW1 the country is starting to get back to some semblance of its pre-war status and yet there are still huge divisions between those who have money and those, like Winnie Brown, who need to make ends meet. A supporter of the Women's Movement, young Winnie is persuaded to take up a meagre role in order to infiltrate a dressmakers establishment on the aptly named Dressmakers' Alley in a seedier part of the East End of London where it is suspected that some nefarious deeds are taking place.

With her usual warmth and empathetic style of writing the author weaves a story which is quite dark in places and filled with an element of danger which sees Winnie caught up in a whole heap of trouble. Perfectly blending the lives of the poor, with those of the upper-classes, we get to see both sides of life and observe just how difficult it was for all women to make their mark as even the affluent women had to abide by a set of social constraints.

I've enjoyed spending time on Dressmakers' Alley, trying to piece together all the strands of the mystery and hoping that everything would work out for Winnie and the girls at Madam Pauline's sweatshop. As this is the first book in the series I am sure that we will discover more about this world which the author recreates so thoughtfully.

Dressmaker’s Alley—Danger lurks!

A relatively interesting story set in the early 1920’s referencing the women’s suffragette movement, sweatshop working conditions for seamstresses, and women being trafficked.
Winnie Brown, who’s part of the freedom movement, decides to look at the happenings at Madame Pauline’s, a shonky dress production establishment that treats its seamstresses abominably, on Dressmaker’s Alley in London’s East End. The women are given pittance wages, a 10-12 hour working day, no lunch break and short, infrequent toilet times. They are bullied and harassed.
Then there’s the stairs that lead to the closed off attic.
It’s in this area she meets Sam Collins, a cobbler with his own shop nearby. Sam’s sister Susie, as it happens, is the Dresser and personal maid to Lady Dianne Cooper, husband to Sir Henry Cooper. Sir Henry it appears owns the building where Madame Pauline’s is housed. He is completely unaware of anything untoward occurring there.
There’s a whole lot of coincidences that produce a set of seemingly intertwined situations. Maybe too many coincidences. They make the plot seem just too pat.
A clean romance with more than threatening overtones, exposing the hardships of the time, that women particularly faced.

A Boldwood Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Dangerous Times on Dressmakers Alley by Rosie Clarke

Welcome to Dressmakers' Alley, a twisted place filled with dark and deadly secrets
London’s East End 1923

In the heart of Dressmakers' Alley, Madame Pauline’s sweatshop is rumoured to be a particularly unpleasant place to work. Filled with seamstresses paid a pittance who turn a blind eye to what darker activities are hidden behind locked doors.

Young Winnie Brown is keen to prove her value to the Women Movement and secures a job as a seamstress to investigate the whispers of some unsavoury goings on. Her concerns are soon justified when she hears a desperate cry for help.
Such a brilliant story by Rosie , love all her books , very much the queen of this genre.

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is a historical saga set in 1920s London. On first impressions, this seemed to have an air of elegance and glamour about it, and I thought about how it could be rewarding to be a dressmaker, to take pride in designing and creating something elegant and beautiful. Of course, I had a feeling there must be much more to the story than that, and was curious to find out more about these characters and their experiences at Madame Pauline's.

I connected with some characters more than others, and I connected with Winnie the most. Initially, she seemed lonely and unhappy, and as a reader, when a character is presented in that way, I almost feel the need to support the character, as a friend might support them.

I felt the author had clever and subtle ways of bringing the story to life, and as I continued reading, I began to feel surprised by some of the drama and deceitful behaviour. Aside from that, I did find this a light, pleasant read. It helped me to escape for a little while, as historical fiction often does. In particular, I hoped that Winnie would find some happiness, and I enjoyed sharing her journey.

Thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

How wonderful. The start of a brand new historical saga series and that I do like. 'Welcome to Dressmakers' Alley, a twisted place filled with dark and deadly secrets. London’s East End 1923'. That is what I was drawn to and I must say I loved this book. A great way to start a new series with strong women characters and a great story.

This is a gritty and dramatic story of war, hard work, life and the treatment of people. It is a story that is well told and easy to read yet it is strong and courageous in its writing. I just couldn't put it down and I can't wait to see what happens next. Bring on the next book, Please!

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Dangerous Times on Dressmakers’ Alley by Rosie Clarke is a novel of London after World War I, peripherally connected to Harpers Emporium and the Pig & Whistle. There are three female protagonists: Winnie, who is somewhat a juvenile delinquent rescued by a constable and his wife, and now living productively; Lady Diane who has married, for love, a nobleman almost twice her age; and Susie, Lady Diane’s friend and maid. Mary, the constable’s wife, works with a women’s group and she is frustrated with how slowly the law works sometimes, especially in investigating the mistreatment of women. She sends Winnie undercover at a sweat shop to ascertain exactly how the women are being mistreated. It turns dangerous but she passes by a cobbler’s shop every day and there she met Sam, who would become important to her. He is Susie’s brother so now these women are all linked. This is a little different novel than the others of Clarke’s I’ve read. It’s less a slice of life and more of a mystery, although I can see the sequel being more a slice of life. Time will tell.

Winnie had a terrible mother. Even now, when she tries to make amends, she is thwarted and treated cruelly. Sam saw it and his heart bled for her. She is a terrific character. She has made mistakes but has pulled herself up with the help of Mary and the constable. She is headed toward a good life, if circumstances don’t spoil it. Lady Diane is a modern woman. She looks upon Susie as her best friend, a situation so unlike the past. Diane also wants to pursue her own dreams but must convince her husband, who is still slightly old-fashioned. Susie turns out to be a modern woman although she doesn’t start off that way. Clarke has a genius for storytelling an is shows through on every page. This book is not about the war, it is about the daily life of common folks. It is a great story. You can always depend on Clarke for that! Thanks, Rosie Clarke.

I was invited to read Dangerous Times on Dressmakers’ Alley by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #RosieClarke #DangerousTimesOnDressmakersAlley

This is the first book in a brand new series by Rosie Clarke. I have to admit I’m always a bit nervous when starting a new series, especially one of an author where I’ve read and absolutely loved two of her previous series, (Mulberry Lane & Harpers). Well I had nothing at all to fear as Dangerous Times at Dressmakers Alley was another superb read and this is only the start of what I know is going to be a great new series. Beginning in March 1923 in the East End of London this is more than just a light hearted saga. Dressmakers Alley where there are various dress making workshops has one which is more than just a workshop and upstairs there is sinister things happening. One of the workers is determined to find out what it going on up there but will it put their own life in danger ? A great story with well developed characters and I loved the references throughout the book to Harpers Emporium and Mulberry Lane which I’ve mentioned above are two other series by Rosie Clarke. I will now be waiting ‘patiently’ for the second book in this series.

Set in 1920s East End London, working in a sweatshop is hard, underpaid work. Investigating the shop, Winnie finds herself embroiled in more than she had bargained for, uncovering intrigue and exploitation. Well written.

Dressmakers Alley is a dangerous place and as the characters lives collide they discover that something quite sinister is happening. The characters are endearing particularly Winnie who I really liked. The first couple of pages in the book I didn't think I would enjoy the story but as Rosie Clarke is one of my favourite authors of course I continued to read and I am so delighted that I did. The story quickly wrapped me up in it's dramatic and exhilarating plot. I almost wet my pants at the mention of the Pig& Whistle which has been featured in previous sagas and I love it! The cliffhanger which it ends on has me really wanting a follow up book.

Rosie Clarke, a new to me author, kept me turning the pages well into the night, with her new book Dangerous Times on Dressmakers' Alley. A gripping story with a seedy undertone, a mystery, a romance, and the inter workings of the suffragette movement. What a great start to a new series!

Clarke with her exquisite prose had this reader engrossed from the very first page. Taking place in 1923 London, Clarke’s attention to detail painted a vivid picture of the sweat shops and their conditions, which unfortunately is still relevant in parts of the world today, as well as the lifestyle of the upperclass. Her strong character development stood out in both classes as we follow Winnie, Lady Diane, and Susie through their respective roles in life, love, and adventures separately and together.

Great start for this historical saga by Clarke, and this reader is definitely looking forward to the future books in this series. I highly recommend this enthralling action-packed story for those who enjoy British Historical Fiction.

I received a complimentary copy of this awesome book, Dangerous Times on Dressmakers' Alley, from Boldwood Books via NetGalley. I was under no obligation to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own.