The Messenger of Measham Hall

by Anna Abney

For Nicholas Hawthorne, the Catholic heir to Measham Hall in Derbyshire, subterfuge is part of everyday life. But there are deeper and darker secrets even than his family’s outlawed religion: why is his father, Sir William, so reclusive? What became of his mother, and his aunt Alethea? And who fatally betrayed his cousin Matthew?

Nicholas is determined to find out, but as England slides towards invasion by the Protestant forces of Prince William of Orange, he becomes entangled in conspiracies within King James’s court – and soon learns that both truth and love come at a high price.

Genres: Historical Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

Published June 29, 2023

About the author

Also writes as Madeline Dewhurst

Reviews

[Wendy(Wendyreadsbooks) Robey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating story of lies, politics and families set to the backdrop of King James’ court and the threat of William of Orange. I found the historical elements so compelling and well researched. Having read The Master of Measham Hall recently, it was interesting seeing how the characters had developed and how their relationships had grown. Nicholas was an intriguing one - naive at times but with a good heart, you could sense the indecision in him from an early age and I enjoyed seeing him grow into the young man.

[ClaireJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the follow up to The Master Of Measham Hall which I read a couple of years ago and loved so I was keen to read it.

It is set in the 17th century where religion and politics mix dangerously together creating a lot of unsettlement and suspicions within society. The author manages to successfully bring this tense atmosphere to the book alongside meticulous research of this period in history. The writing flows seamlessly and I was fully immersed in the setting.

The story, even though it is a sequel can easily be read as a stand alone. It may even be better in a way to have not read the first book as it may spoil part of the mystery for you. However, it didn’t for me, I still found the twists it took kept me invested and I really took a liking to the main character of Nicholas.

This is a fantastic, captivating historical fiction story that is full of adventure and intrigue. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this series already!

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a lot of rot in England…A lot of tub-brained people fearful of anyone who isn’t just like them. It sickens me how they lap up every lie Titus Oates tosses them, hailing his as their saviour..

He should get you out of this country while he can. The place has turned into a nest of vipers. ‘

You don’t have to have read The Master of Measham Hall before reading this but personally I would recommend it. It will really effect how you read this story…

Derbyshire 1678. King Charles is on the throne. Religious differences plague his reign and catholic plots to seize the throne are constantly suspected. Nicholas lives with his Father, Sir William Hawthorne, at Measham Hall. His tutor, Father Mathew is a Jesuit Priest ministering in secret. Beloved by all, the household is devastated by Mathew’s arrest and subsequent trial. He is accused of being part of The Papist Plot and under threat of execution…Nicholas has never known his Mother and finds his Father aloof and uncaring. He is desperate to travel and to study at the College of St Omer.

I dont’ know whether it was the effect of having come straight from the first book but I absolutely plunged into this novel. It really does help if you have read the first book as you realise how unbelievably clever the author has been in plotting this! It is also a bit like being in the audience of a play where you know something that the actors don’t.

Once again the writing is gorgeous and there is a great cast of characters. I adored Father Mathew and the scenes with him on trial had me on the edge of my seat..And William …what can I say. He’s so cleverly drawn.

Once again I was diving into my history books checking out Titus Oates ( or Otis Tights as I mistakenly referred to him to my husband) and the Papist Plot. I felt that wonderful sense of curiosity about history all over again.

A quote on the cover of this book referred to the novel as being ‘so timely’ and you may well look at the quotes above and see something of that!

This will be one of my favourite works of historical fiction this year.

[Claire Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicholas, a young, naive and sometimes irritating narrator tries to navigate the confusing world growing up as a Catholic in the years of James IV before the glorious revolution of William and Mary. Buffeted between a boyish wish to see the world, to live up to his uncle Matthew's desire for him to have a continental Catholic education and his father’s hope to keep him safe in the country estate Nicholas instead becomes a pawn blackmailed into spying at court. His entree is a beguiling, protestant family whose spoilt elder children show him the excesses of Society whilst the younger children are the siblings he never had. Susceptible to the females he meets looking for mother, lover and sister figures in his life, Nicholas tries not always successfully to do the right thing. Towards the end of the novel Nicholas stumbles into the truth about his own family and realises that his own life and future is shaped by choices already made by his parents.
I had not read the earlier volume of this series and so the secret on which this book turns may have been already known to most readers. I think it was actually an advantage but I will certainly be looking out for that volume to understand better the characters backstory.
An enjoyable and intriguing story. Thanks for the publisher in providing an advance copy.

[Fiona Woolford · Rating 4 out of 5]

As it has been over a year since I read “ The Master of Measham Hall “ I had to do a bit of re-reading to jog my memory.
Historically it was spot on with dates,people and countries.
As for Measham and surrounding areas I can concur that details are most definitely correct as I live 3 miles away and aware of history behind Measham Hall.
This book can be read as a stand alone novel as events from preceding novel are very well revealed .
I can feel a 3rd novel to follow as although the ending I think was as it should be it left som unanswered questions.
The characters were all very likeable, especially Mathew, his words were heartfelt and meaningful.
My only fault was not with the novel itself but that of the book binding and cover, I found myself having to do a bit of a home repair job on it, I look after my books and spine nearly gave way before even half way through.
Would I recommend this book …..
Would I read it again…. Yes if there is a 3rd instalment to follow.
My rating Anna Abney is ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ s

[Emma Dickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set a few years after the first book, this one is following young Nicholas Hawthorne, son of the master of Measham Hall, who begins to suspect not everything is what he has been brought up to believe.

King James II is on the throne and is contending with the treat of William of Orange, while, as Nicholas grows into a young man, has his own political and religious problems to contend with.

Having read the first book recently, I knew the secret, so it was interesting following Nicholas as he started to uncover the truth. The characters are very well created and used against each other in plots and intelligence, whilst still showing their love and loyalty to those closest to them.

[GeorgeMonck · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved delving deeper into the Hawthorne family in 17th century England.
It’s 1678 and King Charles is on the throne and Catholic plots to seize the throne are plaguing his reign.
The author successfully manages to bring to life the tense atmosphere of these times.
A great cast of characters, cleverly drawn and the balance between history and fiction is perfect.
It’s full of adventure and intrigue and a huge twist that I didn’t see coming, that certainly made the book for me.
Thanks @madelinedewhurst @duckbooks & @netgalley for the eARC

[Aileen (Ailz) Grist · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Annarella · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[AtomicBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyable historical fiction. I really enjoyed the period of history this story is set in, the history of the time is important to the telling of the story alongside the story of the main characters. All the characters feel very believable and compelling.