The Messenger of Measham Hall

A great story that follows the aftermath of Oliver Cromwell up to the arrival of Prince William of Orange. It follows the development of a young boy into manhood with no mother and only a father, bring him up as a Catholic surrounded by protestants hostile to Catholics during the reign of king James who was beset by the contending factions., How he survives with his life and how he finally discovers his mother is a fascinating tale with the prospect in view of going to holland to spy on the exiled King, can’t wait for the next instalment.

I haven't read the first book and read this via Netgalley, I raced through this and couldn't put it down. The reason, for once a good historical novel set in a time which isn't Tudor, regency or Victorian. Against a backdrop which feels quite timely, civil unrest and distrust against your fellow neighbour. The characters are well drawn out and developed leading the reader to question who they should even trust, as the novel develops. Intricately researched and written this is one for those who are looking for a different type of historical fiction, that has depth and gravity. Once I'd finished this I went and bought the first book, although this second novel can stand alone, I'm quite pleased I read this one first as the mystery of who was friend or foe ran quite deeply..I am now looking forward to seeing where the third book goes and to reading more novels by Anna Abney.

The accomplished sequel to the brillant "The Master of Measham Hall" originally published in 2021.

This second installment is a truly captivating and riveting piece of historical fiction set during the tumultuous reign of the Catholic James II and it ends at the beginning of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 that brought the king's son in law on the English throne.

A great fictional tapestry of a country plagued with lots of political woes, plenty of religious dissenters and their violent intolerance and last but not least enough conspiratorial shenanigans to keep the reader on the edge of his/her seat from start to finish. Cunningly plotted and choreographed, this very entertaining drama is also blessed with a terrific cast of exquisitely drawn characters that sparkles all over the pages!

Finally I would encourage readers to start with the previous title because I have the feeling that we are witnessing the beginning of a very promising series...

Highly recommended and to be discovered and enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!

Many thanks to Duckworth and Netgalley for this fabulous ARC!

An intriguing and well researched historical fiction set in an age when religion and politics mixes and can be deadly.
I loved the storytelling and the characters
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This is the first book I have read by Anna Ashby, it will not be the last. I wanted to find out where the story was going at times this was very a very hard book to put down

Set in the 17th century it is a take filled with religious intolerance, persecution, death and secrets long since buried coming to the surface.

This is one of a growing number of excellent recent novels set in the 17th century, long may this trend continue.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

I’ve read both the current titles in this series. I felt the ending of the first one The Master of Mearsham Hall was disappointing and this one’s is similar. Very well researched and written.

Not really my thing

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Duckworth Books, I read a free advance review copy of the book. This review is voluntary, honest any my own opinion.