Such a good story of Maggie Dickson or Half Hanged Maggie. This is a true story of a girl in the 1700s that conceals her pregnancy then gets accused of murder. She gets a sentence of hanging.
We go back to a year before the crime and go through all the trials and tribulations with Maggie.
This is a fantastic book that will keep you hooked and keep you turning the pages. I didn't want it to end. It's one of those books where you're I'll just read one more chapter, then all of a sudden you're at the end of the book!
I'd give it more than 5 stars if I could

This is the tale of Maggie Dickinson, the woman who survived her own public hanging and it starts with her waking up in her coffin. What follows is her account of what happened before and after her hanging.

This story reimagines the life of the real Maggie Dickinson, who lived through the first half of the 18th century and came to fame after she was convicted for killing her new-born baby. She endured a public hanging and survived it – how this happened is still a rich source of speculation.
Our Maggie is a feisty young woman of 22, not content with a predictable future of poverty, gutting fish and abuse. Maggie had different plans and her biggest dream was to make her luck in London, a place she imagined to be everything her home town Musselborough was not. She was saved a big disappointment, since she only ever made it to the English border, where events started to be taken out of her hands and led to her execution, from which Maggie emerges stronger than before and now even more determined to be the master of her own destiny.

The book’s main themes centre around the hardship endured by working-class people, especially women. It also deals with male dominance, women’s self-determination and their reproduction rights. When Maggie exclaims: ‘Motherhood is hard. All the world looking upon us waiting for us to put a foot wrong’, she speaks a universal truth that even in our times hasn’t lost any of its candour.

The book has an easy flow and you can’t help but hope that Maggie will find what she is looking for. As a historical novel it is based on real events and the laws of the time. The author makes a good fist of immersing us into Maggie’s world, which is quite narrow. Although I personally would have preferred a broadening and deepening of the historical context, I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

I am grateful to NetGalley and Mantle / Pan Macmillan for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book and it being based on a true story was even better, this story is about Maggie who is from a small fishing village in Scotland who with other family members works hard on the dock side., Maggie is hanged for murdering her baby, the hanging itself was not successful as Maggie wakes up in her coffin to the surprise of her family at her wake. We then go back in time to the story that lead to the hanging and what a story unfolds.
Maggie is a strong character and has her whits about her and devises a plan that unfolds within the book. A great read and will look out for more from this author.
My thanks as always to NetGalley for the early read and to Pan Macmillan | Mantle for the early read and to author Kate Foster for such a great read.

Firstly, a huge thank you to NetGalley, Pan Macmillan and Kate for the opportunity to read this as an eARC. I’ve had a bad run of books in the last week, so when I finally settled on the sofa for the night I was SO glad it was time to read The Mourning Necklace. I was hooked straight away and stayed up until 2am to finish it!

In 1724 in Edinburgh, Maggie Dickinson should have died. That was to be her punishment for the crime she was accused of committing. She was hung for it. But hours later she pushes herself up out of her coffin and walks into her own wake, shocking the life (almost) out of her family.

Maggie’s story is one of truth. An old Edinburgh legend, if you like. But Kate fictionalises it and brings the story to life once again through her incredible writing - highlighting the struggles women went through at home, while working and in society in general at the time. The characters do not have extensive backstories, but it doesn’t matter in this book. Kate brings the characters to life in a beautiful way, despite their constant struggles.

What kept me reading almost non-stop was Maggie’s determination to keep going. Her outlook on life is admirable, but she’s no saint either. She does what she has to do to get by while trying not to upset others around her. This is shown through her interactions with other characters, from family members to strangers and friends she meets along the way.

I don’t usually like historical fiction, but this is an absolutely wonderful book. Heart-breaking, empowering, thought-provoking and beautifully written. I will be recommending this book to pretty much everyone!!

The book starts audaciously in the 18th century, with Maggie, a young Scottish woman waking up in her coffin on the way to her burial having been hanged for murder. However, the hangman's rope has failed. Based loosely on a real life case we are taken back into Maggie's life to discover her origins in a fishing village where her family supplement their income by holding onto smuggled goods for later collection. One man who comes to collect goods, takes a fancy to Maggie and soon her life is changing and the die cast on her trajectory to tragedy. What a great, dark tale, so expertly written. A page turner.

I LOVE Kate's books - The Maiden and The King's Witches - and so I was hoping this would be no different.

Historical is one of my most read genres and whilst I don't pretend to have read every book out there, for me, Kate is the best for writing historical novels today, especially historical novels that feel so contemporary.

I'd not heard of Maggie Dickson before this, but having looked her up it's clear that Kate has done her research. And you can tell history is her passion. Most people could write a half decent piece of work once they had all the facts, but it takes a special writer to put the meaning and emotion into that research.

This book took me a little longer to get into than her previous two. Not that that's a negative, just an observation. But once I was in, you couldn't get me our, and I read the last 80% or so in a day.

I love Kate's storytelling and character creation. But what shines most is just Kate's basic writing ability. I don't mean 'basic' as in bad. But I mean her ability to just write, to describe the mundane and the thrilling, is perfect.

I think I'd have preferred more character than plot. I loved it and everything about it, but I'm quite vocal in my preference for character development that plot. To begin with, I wanted a bit more depth to Maggie, but once it got going, it really picked up in that area. But either way, it is still a very impressive read.

Kate has become a go-to author for historical novels and I really hope she has plans to keep releasing them because she has a committed reader her.

As soon as I read the description for this book, I knew it was right up my street and it absolutely was!
Set in 1724 and inspired by the real life story of Maggie Dickson who was hanged for the murder of her newborn baby.
The story is told by Maggie and begins with her waking up in her coffin and realising that she is not dead.
She then takes us back to her early life in Musselburgh and we learn about the tragic events that led her to the gallows.
Such great writing by Kate Foster and her historical facts were well researched. Life in the 18th century was hard, especially for women and my heart ached for Maggie who wanted something better from life.
With a host of wonderful characters and a satisfying ending, I’d like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

An excellent book, well written and fantastic to read. Historically engaging and shocking at the same time, I thoroughly enjoyed readying this. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and author for this arc.

The Mourning Necklace is yet another novel by Kate Foster, in which she gives voice to Scottish women overlooked in historical records, offering her own interpretations of their stories. The book's protagonist is Maggie Dickson—a real-life woman who was hanged in Edinburgh in 1724 for the murder of her newborn child—yet miraculously survived the execution. The novel presents a fictionalized account of her life, exploring not only the circumstances of her sentencing but also her experiences before and after that fateful event.

Foster’s writing is both elegant and immersive, making for a smooth and engaging read. She pays meticulous attention to historical accuracy, and while the novel is largely a work of fiction, it convincingly captures the realities of the time. Maggie’s extraordinary survival serves as a springboard for a broader exploration of the struggles faced by women in the early 18th century. The novel delves into themes of poverty, exclusion, women’s dependence on male guardians, the harsh limitations on reproductive rights, and the deep social inequalities of the era. This thematic focus shapes the novel in a way that will undoubtedly resonate with many readers.

When I first picked up the book, I expected a more in-depth character study with a stronger focus on Maggie’s inner emotions and psychological struggles. I found myself wishing that aspect had been explored more fully, as it might have left a deeper impression on me. That said, the novel remains an absorbing and thought-provoking read, even for those already well-versed in the history of women's lives in early modern times.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a feminist perspective. If you’ve enjoyed Foster’s previous works, this one is sure to captivate you as well.

What an amazing part in history. The story of Maggie, who was hanged for concealing her pregnancy, and her baby dying. This story follows her life. Highly recommended.

I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader copy and leave this review voluntarily.

I would firstly like to thank the publisher for letting me read an advanced copy of this book.

The Mourning Necklace is a historical novel inspired by the real-life story of Maggie Dickson, a Scottish woman from the 18th century who was hanged for concealing her pregnancy and murdering her newborn—but survived the execution. Set in 1724 Edinburgh, the novel explores themes of survival, societal judgment, poverty, and women's rights. The story begins with Maggie’s miraculous survival after her hanging. The narrative then delves into her past, revealing the struggles and events that led her to the gallows. The book touches on issues like reproductive rights, coercive control, betrayal, and the hardships faced by working-class women. Kate Foster brings historical Edinburgh to life with vivid descriptions of its sights, sounds, and smells. I enjoyed this book immensely and would highly recommend.

The Mourning Necklace by Kate Foster is everything I’ve come expect from this talented author. Beautifully written, captivating and original, full of fascinating historical detail and characters that have real depth. I was completely engrossed, racing through the pages, unable to put it down. Although I found the ending a touch too neat and sentimental, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment of the story. This is historical fiction at its best and a true delight for any fan of the genre.

As with Kate’s previous books, this is also based on a true story of a young woman who was only “half hanged”.

I could really engage with the character as we learn the history of how she came to be sentenced to hang in the first place and the struggle women rich or poor had in such a male dominated time.

If you like good historical fiction with a touch of mystery this is for you!

The Mourning Necklace by Kate Foster

In The Mourning Necklace by Kate Foster delivers is the brilliant historical
story based on true fact.
Set in 1724, the book is about Maggie Dickson, a woman who,was sentenced to hanging for the murder of her newborn child , but comes around in a coffin and surprising her family by going back to them.
The author writes in a way that almost transports you back to that time and you feel as if you could have,actually been there with the description of the places she sets it in Scotland.

Based on the infamous true story of Half Hanged Maggie the story tells of this young woman trying to better herself from her circumstance.
Hung for a crime but she survives! Both heartbreaking and terrifying this story weaves flesh to the bones of the true story, giving Maggie a voice and a fictional story that intertwines with the true story perfectly!
An absolutely stunning read and a must for anyone who likes historical fiction

Kate Foster's latest novel is based on the true story of Maggie Dickson. In 1724 Maggie was sentenced to death for the murder of her newborn, she survives the hanging and wakes up in her coffin, while the judges debate whether her sentence has been carried out and she should be released, or if a second attempt at hanging Maggie should be made, we are taken back in time to learn about the events that have brought Maggie to this point. Foster does a great job of bringing 18th century Edinburgh and the surrounding area to life, and the female characters are exceptionally well written.

In The Mourning Necklace, Kate Foster delivers a gripping historical account inspired by a real-life case. Set in 1724, the book follows Maggie Dickson, a woman hanged for the murder of her newborn child—only to awaken in her coffin, defying death. The opening pages are an intense experience, as Maggie emerges from her coffin, bruised and dazed, with the rope mark around her neck a haunting reminder of her near death. The tension escalates as Maggie must confront the possibility of being hanged again while the judges debate her fate.

Foster's writing is vivid and immersive, bringing to life the settings of Musselburgh, Kelso, and Edinburgh. As someone familiar with East Lothian, I found the descriptions of the Grassmarket, Fisherrow, and Kelso particularly captivating. Foster’s ability to evoke the sights, sounds, and smells of these locations is nothing short of brilliant. Even those unfamiliar with the area will be transported to 18th-century Scotland through her detailed prose.

The book is not just about Maggie’s dramatic survival but also delves into the lives of the women around her. Despite facing gender-based violence and societal oppression, the women are portrayed as strong, resilient, and resourceful. They defy expectations, working hard to overcome the harsh realities of their time. Maggie’s character, based on a real historical figure, is especially compelling, and her story provides a powerful exploration of loss, hardship, and the fight for survival.

Foster also shines a light on the harsh realities of life for women in 18th-century Scotland. Maggie, as well as the other female characters, offers a glimpse into the strength of women who had to fight against rigid social expectations, limited rights, and a lack of financial independence. The book celebrates their resilience, competence, and quiet defiance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

For anyone with an interest in historical fiction, The Mourning Necklace offers a rich and immersive experience that blends historical facts with powerful storytelling.

Read more at The Secret Book Review.

My first experience with Kate Foster, and it certainly won't be the last.

Set in the eighteenth century, The Mourning Necklace is inspired by the true story of Maggie Dickson, a young woman who was accused of concealing her pregnancy and murdering her baby and was hanged, but survived her execution. Sometimes life is indeed stranger than fiction.

I followed Maggie's story with great interest. From the start I found her a very sympathetic character. I admired her resilience and her ambition for something more in life, and I understood her actions even if I didn't always agree with them. 

Apart from the strong characterization of the main character, the story had a lof of thought-provoking themes as well as many interesting informations about the time period, such as the life of working women and the prison system. The fact that it was a crime to conceal a pregnancy was shocking to me. 

The book is divided into three parts which follows Maggie's life before, during and after her execution, and I loved all of them, but the last part was my favourite. I loved how everything wrapped up and I was happy with everything that happened. And the epilogue had me in tears. It was a perfect ending to the story.

"The Mourning Necklace" by Kate Foster is a riveting historical novel based on the true story of Maggie Dickson, a woman hanged for infanticide in 18th-century Scotland who miraculously survives.

The story begins with Maggie's family grieving her supposed death, only to be stunned when she returns. This pivotal event sets the stage for a story that explores themes of survival, societal judgment, and women's resilience in the face of adversity.

Maggie's journey is at the heart of the novel as she faces her family's shame and the legal system's relentless pursuit. Her character transforms from a tragic figure to one of determination, driven by the desire to prove her innocence and protect herself. The supporting characters, like her family members, add depth to the narrative by highlighting the complex relationships and societal pressures that shape Maggie's life.

The book skillfully tackles themes that resonate with today's societal issues, such as the stigmatization of women's bodies and the criminal justice system's treatment of marginalized people.

Foster's writing is evocative and immersive, with a tone that balances the darkness of the subject matter with a sense of hope and defiance. The narrative structure effectively combines historical detail with personal drama, creating an atmosphere of tension and suspense.

For me, the book was emotionally powerful, evoking feelings of empathy and outrage. The way Foster handles sensitive topics invites readers to reflect on their own experiences with societal judgment and resilience.

In the realm of historical fiction, "The Mourning Necklace" stands out for its blend of historical accuracy and feminist perspective. It follows Foster's previous work, "The Maiden," by exploring female empowerment and survival in a patriarchal society.

This book is special because it brings attention to a lesser-known historical figure, using her story to shed light on broader social issues that remain relevant today.

Overall, it is a gripping read that will leave readers moved and inspired by Maggie's unbreakable spirit.

Although it took me a little while to settle into this book, I soon became immersed in Maggie’s tragic story and the circumstances that led her there. Although the premise of the book is quite dark, you root for Maggie throughout and feel frustration on her behalf for the way that women were treated. The ending is ultimately satisfying, although I would have liked to know more about the intervening years, I understand that the author had to end the book somewhere! It’s amazing Maggie is based on a real person and the book is clearly very well researched even though it is a fictional account. I look forward to reading the author’s next book!