Reviews with content warning for Murder - Maude Horton's Glorious Revenge

It was a bit of a slow burn to begin with, and took a few chapters for me to be fully hooked, as Maude was so hesitant and fearful.

The novel is polyphonic, with Constance's point of view being epistolary, only giving enough at each turn to explain the actions of Maude, who was timorously determined to find the truth behind the accident that befell her sister. The sinister character of Stowe was way too overdone as a creepy, classist, sexist, egotistical villain to be believable, but his macabre tours were fascinating.

I do so appreciate a historical novel that is clearly well researched. The time period, the locations, the sense (and smells) of London, as well as the frigid bleak of the Artic were exceedingly well done. The ending felt a bit rushed, but I felt the outcome was satisfying.

Was really pleased to have won the print edition of this book through a Storygraph giveaway.

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emmavardy2's review

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Story of Maude Horton whose sister Constance dies whilst on an expedition to the Arctic. Determined to find out what has happened to her and how she died leads to a series of revelations and events. An easy and gripping read.

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calamitydane's review

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

5.0

Loved this. Every time new info was revealed, my jaw was on the floor. The big reveal at the end had me shook.

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natashaleighton_'s review

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Steeped in grief, murder and revenge—and told through the dual POVs of Maude, her deceased sister Constance (via journal entries) and Edison Stowe (the man Maude believes is responsible), Lizzie Pook’s second novel is as exquisitely detailed and atmospheric as her first!

After learning of her sisters’ death aboard an arctic expedition vessel (described solely as death by misadventure) Maude (rightfully) wants answers. And after a disastrous confrontation with the Admiralty, Maude suspects a coverup is at hand.

So, when her sister’s secret journal (which details Constance’s journey aboard The Makepeace until moments just before her death) end up in her possession Maude is determined to find out the truth and get her revenge by whatever means necessary.

This was a fabulously plot twisty, rollercoaster of a book! Pook manages to blend the delightfully intriguing mystery of an Agatha Christie novel, with the dark and grisly undertones of Sweeny Todd (minus the cannibalism or musical numbers) that had me well and truly hooked!

The writing was as well researched and intricately detailed as Pook’s debut (which I also loved) weaving historical elements soo seamlessly that it was difficult to tell what was based on fact and what was fiction—which for me, made the narrative even more immersive.

Set during the height of murder mania and the public’s obsession with sensationalism, I was blown away by how vivid the descriptions were. Particularly those from Constance’s POV, which painted a poignantly vivid picture of just how terrifyingly harsh the arctic environment really was for explorers. And given how precarious her own position was, disguised as a cabin boy on a ship full of men—I was on edge the further into the journey (and journal entries) we got.

Impressively, all of our main characters were complex and full of depth. Even Edison (who was my least favourite character) had an intriguing, multifaceted background that (sort of) explained most of his motivations.

Though of course, it was Maude who stole my heart with her heartbreaking earnestness to find closure over her sister’s death. It took courage to do what she does and I couldn’t imagine having to do half of it whilst grieving soo deeply. But, Maude’s dedication (and methodical approach) to justice and revenge was gloriously compelling!

I did go into this expecting it to be more of a slow burn, but was pleasantly surprised by how pacy it was. Which definitely helped to make many of our characters’ riskier decisions seem all the more intense.

If you enjoy twisty, gothic-esque tales of murder most foul and wily women getting their revenge—then you’re gonna absolutely love this!

Also, a huge thank you to BookBreak UK for the (rather glorious) proof.

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