The Midwife's Tale

The Midwife's Tale cover
Good Books rating 4.42
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Technical
  • ID: 6826
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • ISBN: 9781250010773
  • Publisher: Macmillan + ORM
  • Published: 2024-09-04
  • Reviews: 3

Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, The Midwife's Tale introduces Bridget Hodgson, a midwife who becomes an unlikely sleuth. When her friend Esther Cooper is sentenced to death for a murder Bridget believes she didn't commit, she embarks on a dangerous investigation. Joining forces with the resourceful Martha Hawkins, Bridget navigates the treacherous streets of York, confronting powerful families and hidden truths. The novel blends historical detail with a gripping mystery, exploring themes of justice, tyranny, and the resilience of women in a tumultuous era. /n/n As Bridget and Martha delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of deceit and corruption that reaches the highest levels of society. The murdered man's Puritan facade hides a sinister double life, and the investigation forces the duo to confront their own fears and pasts. With rebel artillery bombarding the city and a ruthless killer on the loose, the stakes are higher than ever. The Midwife's Tale is the first in a series that promises to captivate readers with its rich historical setting and compelling characters.

Reviews
Kirkus Reviews · 2025-12-05
fascinating 4.50

The book is packed with fascinating information about midwifery during the English Civil War. The fast-paced narrative and ingenious plot make it a standout debut.

The reviewer highlights the wealth of historical information about midwifery and the English Civil War, which adds depth to the story. The fast-paced narrative and clever plot twists make it an enjoyable read. The reviewer praises the author's ability to blend historical detail with a compelling mystery, making it a notable debut in the genre. The book's engaging characters and intriguing setting further enhance the reading experience.


Quick quotes

    Historian Thomas' fiction debut is packed with fascinating information about a midwife's skills and life during the English civil war.

    The ingenious, fast-paced narrative makes it a standout debut.

    The book's engaging characters and intriguing setting further enhance the reading experience.

Words and Peace · 2013-01-23
compelling 4.75

If you enjoy historical mysteries set in 17th century England, this book is a must-read. The blend of historical detail and mystery is expertly crafted.

The reviewer strongly recommends this book to fans of historical mysteries, particularly those set in 17th century England. The detailed historical context and well-crafted mystery elements make it a compelling read. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to create a rich and immersive world, making it a standout in the genre. The book's engaging narrative and intriguing characters further enhance the reading experience, making it a must-read for history and mystery enthusiasts.


Quick quotes

    If you enjoy historical mysteries set in 17th century England, you have no choice but read this book!

    The blend of historical detail and mystery is expertly crafted.

    The book's engaging narrative and intriguing characters further enhance the reading experience.

Classic Mystery Blog · 2012-11-23
engaging 4.00

The characters are well-drawn, and the conflict of a god-fearing woman who must understand the complexities of her world is compelling. The historical details and mysteries are engaging.

The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters, particularly the protagonist, who grapples with her faith and the realities of her time. The historical setting is richly detailed, and the mysteries are well-crafted, keeping the reader engaged. The reviewer finds the blend of historical context and mystery to be particularly satisfying, making it a compelling read for fans of the genre.


Quick quotes

    The characters as well are very well drawn also.

    Lady Hodgson narrates the tale, and the conflict of a god-fearing woman who has to understand the complexities of her world is compelling.

    The historical details and mysteries are engaging.

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