What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secrets of Blythswood Square
You wouldn't suspect it, but scandalous secrets are being kept on Blythswood Square... 1846. Glasgow is a city on the cusp of great social change, but behind the curtains, neighbours are watching, and rumours of improper behaviour spread like wildfire on the respectable Blythswood Square. When Charlotte Nicholl discovers that the fortune she has been bequeathed by her father is tied up in a secret collection of erotic art, she is faced with a terrible coice, sell it and risk shaming her family's good name or lose her home. An encounter with Ellory McHale, a talented working-class photographer newly arrived in Glasgow, leads Charlotte to hope she has found not only someone who might help her, but also a friend. Yet Ellory is hiding secrets of her own - secrets that become harder to conceal as she finds herself drawn into Charlotte's world. As the truth begins to catch up with both women, will it destroy everything they've fought to build - or set them both free?
413 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2024
158 people are currently reading
1674 people want to read
About the author
Sara Sheridan
46 books431 followersBorn in Edinburgh. I'm a complete swot - love books always have! Currently obsessed with late Georgian/ early Victorian culture, the subject of several of my novels, and with 1950s Britain for my Mirabelle Bevan murder mystery series set across the UK - and even one in Paris. Occasionally write tie-in books for historical dramas on TV, children's picture books and short stories, mostly for charitable causes.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews
March 8, 2024
Great research that conjures up an authentic-feeling picture of Glasgow in the 1840s- the contrast of the poverty and roughness with the new wealth born of Empire. However the plot is weak and not very interesting, and moves at a glacial speed, and I'm so tired of historical fiction being peopled with characters with 21st century attitudes. The strong women defeating the patriarchy theme has become a cliché in historical fiction now, stale and hackneyed unless it is treated with originality, which is not the case here, I fear. I lost interest before I reached the halfway point and skimmed through to the end, which was pretty much as expected.
October 23, 2023
Excellent excellent excellent! A booksellers dream to recommend. Being from Glasgow I always remember Blythswood Square being a place of mystery; rumours of murder, brothels and gambling dens etc…Walking around the square as a teenager I always felt it had a movie set quality to it. As soon as I saw this title and realised it was ‘my’ Blythswood Square, I had to jump in.
A beautiful historical fiction about 2 woman fighting for a freedom only afforded by men. We follow their stories and see the friendships they forge with each other and others around them, navigating the secrets and lies hovering around them both…
Fabulous characters, I grew to love them all, even the ones I really disliked, they helped paint a picture of what was expected of women in the mid 19th century.
Sarah Sheridan knows how to tell a great story. I’m off now to order THE FAIR BOTANISTS!
A beautiful historical fiction about 2 woman fighting for a freedom only afforded by men. We follow their stories and see the friendships they forge with each other and others around them, navigating the secrets and lies hovering around them both…
Fabulous characters, I grew to love them all, even the ones I really disliked, they helped paint a picture of what was expected of women in the mid 19th century.
Sarah Sheridan knows how to tell a great story. I’m off now to order THE FAIR BOTANISTS!
February 10, 2024
I particularly liked that the book was written in the present tense. It really stood out for me and made me wonder if most historical fiction is written, perhaps unsurprisingly, in the past tense. Along with Sara Sheridan’s vivid writing, it made me feel like I was right there with the characters, experiencing everything with them.
It was so interesting to read about the early days of photography. Ellory, is apprenticed to famed Edinburgh photographer David Octavius Hill, one of many historical figures who appear in the book. When her talent is recognised, she takes the opportunity to set up her own studio and moves to Glasgow. This is a bold move for a woman at at time when their lives were very constrained. Charlotte Nicholl, on the face of it is better off but she is also constrained by society’s expectations of women. Grieving for her father, as a single woman living alone in a large house in Glasgow’s Blythswood Square, she is the subject of much gossip.
The way people’s lives are restricted in different ways by many influences seemed to me to be a major theme in the book. Another character who really existed was the campaigner and social reformer Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery in America, he had escaped and, at this point in history, toured Britain giving talks about equality, freedom and opportunity. We see the hypocrisy of the Free Kirk at play as it refuses to hand back money given to the Kirk by American plantation owners. The Church of course had much to say about the place of women and how they should be living their lives. Although, clearly there is no comparison with enslavement, to a certain degree women’s opportunities were limited whether by rank, poverty or expectation. (Incidentally, there is a fascinating piece about Douglass and his interest in early photography on the National Galleries website.)
The risk of scandal and ruin is never far away for many characters in this book and there is much kept hidden behind closed doors. Quite literally in some cases! The need for secrecy looms large as we read about erotic paintings, suggestive photographs and bawdy poetry. I was aware of Robert Burns’ less socially acceptable poetry but learned of other poems by Alexander Pope and John Wilmot which were quite eye-opening. Having led a very sheltered life, Charlotte is quite shaken by what she sees and reads.
As much as this book is about hidden desires, societal constraints or conforming to expectations, it’s also about awakenings and liberation. Sara Sheridan has created wonderfully likeable characters in Ellory and Charlotte, as well as Murray, Jeremiah and Jane. Her attention to detail brings 19th century Glasgow and Edinburgh as vividly to life as if looking at a photograph. This is a brilliantly researched novel bringing the lives of women sparkling onto the page in a compelling story of strength, friendship and unconventional independence.
It was so interesting to read about the early days of photography. Ellory, is apprenticed to famed Edinburgh photographer David Octavius Hill, one of many historical figures who appear in the book. When her talent is recognised, she takes the opportunity to set up her own studio and moves to Glasgow. This is a bold move for a woman at at time when their lives were very constrained. Charlotte Nicholl, on the face of it is better off but she is also constrained by society’s expectations of women. Grieving for her father, as a single woman living alone in a large house in Glasgow’s Blythswood Square, she is the subject of much gossip.
The way people’s lives are restricted in different ways by many influences seemed to me to be a major theme in the book. Another character who really existed was the campaigner and social reformer Frederick Douglass. Born into slavery in America, he had escaped and, at this point in history, toured Britain giving talks about equality, freedom and opportunity. We see the hypocrisy of the Free Kirk at play as it refuses to hand back money given to the Kirk by American plantation owners. The Church of course had much to say about the place of women and how they should be living their lives. Although, clearly there is no comparison with enslavement, to a certain degree women’s opportunities were limited whether by rank, poverty or expectation. (Incidentally, there is a fascinating piece about Douglass and his interest in early photography on the National Galleries website.)
The risk of scandal and ruin is never far away for many characters in this book and there is much kept hidden behind closed doors. Quite literally in some cases! The need for secrecy looms large as we read about erotic paintings, suggestive photographs and bawdy poetry. I was aware of Robert Burns’ less socially acceptable poetry but learned of other poems by Alexander Pope and John Wilmot which were quite eye-opening. Having led a very sheltered life, Charlotte is quite shaken by what she sees and reads.
As much as this book is about hidden desires, societal constraints or conforming to expectations, it’s also about awakenings and liberation. Sara Sheridan has created wonderfully likeable characters in Ellory and Charlotte, as well as Murray, Jeremiah and Jane. Her attention to detail brings 19th century Glasgow and Edinburgh as vividly to life as if looking at a photograph. This is a brilliantly researched novel bringing the lives of women sparkling onto the page in a compelling story of strength, friendship and unconventional independence.
January 27, 2025
Pros: Interesting historical details on photography and Frederick Douglass (hadn't heard of him, but now I'm interested in reading his autobiography)
Cons: Boring plot, the slowest paced-book I've read in ages, and overly detailed writing that (as usual) I wasn't impressed by.
After reading this, I'm not sure if I would pick up another of Sheridan's books, even though The Fair Botanists does sound interesting (but then, so did this, and look what happened - I've just spent a week reading a book I'm only rating two stars).
Strangely, I've noticed that the blurb on my local library catalogue is not correct - one of the main characters named isn't in the book at all and the plot is completely different. Even more strange, the blurb on the back of the actual book (which is where the blurb here on GR comes from) gives one of the main characters the wrong last name. This isn't an independently published book (it was published by Hodder and Stoughton) so this feels like a pretty big (and potentially costly) mistake for the publisher to make.
Cons: Boring plot, the slowest paced-book I've read in ages, and overly detailed writing that (as usual) I wasn't impressed by.
After reading this, I'm not sure if I would pick up another of Sheridan's books, even though The Fair Botanists does sound interesting (but then, so did this, and look what happened - I've just spent a week reading a book I'm only rating two stars).
Strangely, I've noticed that the blurb on my local library catalogue is not correct - one of the main characters named isn't in the book at all and the plot is completely different. Even more strange, the blurb on the back of the actual book (which is where the blurb here on GR comes from) gives one of the main characters the wrong last name. This isn't an independently published book (it was published by Hodder and Stoughton) so this feels like a pretty big (and potentially costly) mistake for the publisher to make.
September 20, 2023
I was drawn to this book by the title. I am Glaswegian and Blythswood Square had a bad reputation when I was growing up. I do however love the Victorian era and the history of Glasgow. This story centres on two women who become independent in different ways. One chooses to be and the other has to be, due to circumstances. The description of Glasgow in the mid 19th century is really interesting. Landmarks I know well are only just being built, the river Clyde is a bustling thoroughfare. I think a map would have been a welcome addition to orientate those who are unfamiliar with the city. There are several themes : equality , poverty, religion, art, public v private matters, etiquette, expectations of society. Fans of Ambrose Parry will enjoy this book as it’s set in the same time frame as his Edinburgh saga. The characters are all important in their own way, they all contribute to the story. I wonder if there will be a sequel. I shall look out for more by this author. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a prepublication ebook.
May 21, 2024
I really liked this. I bought it a few days ago, at an author signing where I met Sara Sheridan. I wasn’t familiar with her books at all. It helps that I live in Glasgow so I know the streets and areas the characters live in, even though the book is set in 1846.
May 19, 2025
The blurb on the back of the book had me worried. “1836. Glasgow. When Charlotte Nicholl discovers that the fortune she has been bequeathed by her father is tied up in a secret collection, she is faced with a terrible dilemma: sell it and risk shaming her family’s good name or lose her home.”
What was I doing here. How had I come about this book. My sister. Always my sister. She got me three books via a bookshop website where you tell them what kind of fiction you enjoy-historical fiction and then they send you three books you might like. It was a birthday present.
I needn’t have been worried though. What I found was a wonderful Victorian story where there was a real 3D world. You could feel the realness of Edinburgh and Glasgow, of the many types of worlds which exist within those cityscapes.
It is a beautiful book but also one that challenges preconceived ideas about women, the church, enslaved people and gays in a period where they are almost completely absent in the told history.
What was I doing here. How had I come about this book. My sister. Always my sister. She got me three books via a bookshop website where you tell them what kind of fiction you enjoy-historical fiction and then they send you three books you might like. It was a birthday present.
I needn’t have been worried though. What I found was a wonderful Victorian story where there was a real 3D world. You could feel the realness of Edinburgh and Glasgow, of the many types of worlds which exist within those cityscapes.
It is a beautiful book but also one that challenges preconceived ideas about women, the church, enslaved people and gays in a period where they are almost completely absent in the told history.
May 16, 2025
I really enjoyed the variety and depth of characters and how each was portrayed and developed within the interesting storyline.
April 12, 2025
There's nothing like warm sunny days spent reading in the park. That's how I've been enjoying this book and it has been fabulous.
I loved The Fair Botanists and was intrigued to see how this historical fiction set in Glasgow would fare. it was very enjoyable. Great characters and very interesting insight into the history of the time.
I loved The Fair Botanists and was intrigued to see how this historical fiction set in Glasgow would fare. it was very enjoyable. Great characters and very interesting insight into the history of the time.
June 8, 2025
This was my book club read and the general consensus from the others was that they didn’t enjoy the book- for reasons being that it was too slow and didn’t have much plot.
I agree it’s slower than a typical book, but I didn’t feel that it was dragged out. It was written well enough that the slower pacing was still engaging. It was a historical set in Scotland with two strong female main characters. The writing style was lovely to read and really worked well on bringing small details to life. It was this that fleshed out the plot and I have to say I enjoyed it!
The characters were also relatable and had a lot of layers and meanings put to each of them- each one was not conforming with society and were determined to do so. I think this is what I loved the most about the book- the breakaway from standard norms without fear of being ostracised is an exciting idea that we all wish we could achieve.
The reason I do not give it a full set of stars is because there was one character that I didn’t particularly resonate with and I personally didn’t like how she was written. It seems it was intended that way, but all the same I wasn’t a fan of her.
Overall though, I really did enjoy this book!
I agree it’s slower than a typical book, but I didn’t feel that it was dragged out. It was written well enough that the slower pacing was still engaging. It was a historical set in Scotland with two strong female main characters. The writing style was lovely to read and really worked well on bringing small details to life. It was this that fleshed out the plot and I have to say I enjoyed it!
The characters were also relatable and had a lot of layers and meanings put to each of them- each one was not conforming with society and were determined to do so. I think this is what I loved the most about the book- the breakaway from standard norms without fear of being ostracised is an exciting idea that we all wish we could achieve.
The reason I do not give it a full set of stars is because there was one character that I didn’t particularly resonate with and I personally didn’t like how she was written. It seems it was intended that way, but all the same I wasn’t a fan of her.
Overall though, I really did enjoy this book!
January 2, 2024
As the much-anticipated latest novel of Sara Sheridan, author of Fair Botanists, The Secrets of Blythswood Square had a lot to live up to, and a big shadow to step out from. But this riveting novel rose to and exceeded the challenge.
The Secrets of Blythswood Square follows Charlotte Nicholl and Ellory Mann as they find their ways in Glasgow - one, a recent heiress who uncovered her late father’s dark secret, and the other, a photographer granted an unexpected chance at independence and success.
Sara Sheridan proves once again that she can write compelling and sympathetic stories for her characters, detailing aspects of life that are often overlooked. In Blythswood Square, Sheridan demonstrates her mastery of the craft.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this novel, particularly Jeremiah Catto and his inner monologue. Seeing our main characters, Ellory and Charlotte, step into themselves and their potential was immensely satisfying. This was a book that was very easy to get into, and very hard to put down!
Sheridan paid attention to issues contemporaneous to the novel, weaving the story of Frederick Douglass into her fictionalised Glasgow women’s lives and providing further reading at the end of the book.
All in all, this is yet another exceptional read from Sara Sheridan. I can’t wait to see what she publishes next!!!
Thank you to NetGalley UK and Holder & Staughton for their gratis copy.
The Secrets of Blythswood Square follows Charlotte Nicholl and Ellory Mann as they find their ways in Glasgow - one, a recent heiress who uncovered her late father’s dark secret, and the other, a photographer granted an unexpected chance at independence and success.
Sara Sheridan proves once again that she can write compelling and sympathetic stories for her characters, detailing aspects of life that are often overlooked. In Blythswood Square, Sheridan demonstrates her mastery of the craft.
I really enjoyed the cast of characters in this novel, particularly Jeremiah Catto and his inner monologue. Seeing our main characters, Ellory and Charlotte, step into themselves and their potential was immensely satisfying. This was a book that was very easy to get into, and very hard to put down!
Sheridan paid attention to issues contemporaneous to the novel, weaving the story of Frederick Douglass into her fictionalised Glasgow women’s lives and providing further reading at the end of the book.
All in all, this is yet another exceptional read from Sara Sheridan. I can’t wait to see what she publishes next!!!
Thank you to NetGalley UK and Holder & Staughton for their gratis copy.
November 22, 2023
I absolutely love Sara Sheridans books. They’re so easy to get into and so hard to put down.
The Secrets of Blythswood Square is no exception. It’s a great story populated with excellent, believable characters and woven with rich historical detail.
You can always rely on Sara for feisty independent women and in BS, the main characters are two women from very different backgrounds. Charlotte Nicholl is an heiress who is left to deal with her fathers secrets after his death and Ellory Mann, a working class girl trying to make her way in the male dominated world of photography. Both women fight against their upbringing and the restrictive society expectations of 19th c Scotland to make new lives for themselves and the reader is urging them on at every step.
In The Fair Botanists the author breathed life into 19th century Edinburgh. However the setting for Blythswood Square, - 19th Glasgow is a harder task. Glad to say that she absolutely nailed it. The hustle and vibrancy, the industry, trade and the poverty of the city is vividly brought to life. You can almost smell the Clyde and hear the horses and carts on the street.
Great range of characters in this one too from ambitious, flamboyant Jeremiah Catto and local busybody Mrs Grieg (grrr) to the inclusion of real life figures such as Frederick Douglass
Another excellent read from this author and I have to give a shout out to the cover designer - it's absolutely gorgeous!
The Secrets of Blythswood Square is no exception. It’s a great story populated with excellent, believable characters and woven with rich historical detail.
You can always rely on Sara for feisty independent women and in BS, the main characters are two women from very different backgrounds. Charlotte Nicholl is an heiress who is left to deal with her fathers secrets after his death and Ellory Mann, a working class girl trying to make her way in the male dominated world of photography. Both women fight against their upbringing and the restrictive society expectations of 19th c Scotland to make new lives for themselves and the reader is urging them on at every step.
In The Fair Botanists the author breathed life into 19th century Edinburgh. However the setting for Blythswood Square, - 19th Glasgow is a harder task. Glad to say that she absolutely nailed it. The hustle and vibrancy, the industry, trade and the poverty of the city is vividly brought to life. You can almost smell the Clyde and hear the horses and carts on the street.
Great range of characters in this one too from ambitious, flamboyant Jeremiah Catto and local busybody Mrs Grieg (grrr) to the inclusion of real life figures such as Frederick Douglass
Another excellent read from this author and I have to give a shout out to the cover designer - it's absolutely gorgeous!
September 20, 2024
I really enjoyed this book! It was very heartwarming and I loved so many of the characters and their stories
January 9, 2025
As someone who has recently moved to Glasgow, this was a really interesting read. I really enjoyed reading about the streets I walk on everyday, catapulted back in time. I also found the characters to be extremely loveable, and although I was initially against the multiple POVs in the same chapter, I do feel it ultimately allowed more character development for all of the side characters - Jeremiah was a particular highlight.
However, I do feel this novel suffered from pacing issues. For the first half of the book I was honestly bored and it was such a slog to get through. At the halfway point I really began to love it, but I can’t quite forgive how slow it was to start. Equally, I actually feel that certain aspects (Charlotte meeting Blanche!) were so rushed at the end that it felt like it was just being crammed in to wrap everything up.
That being said, it was a nice easy read about a topic I never thought could pique my interest.
However, I do feel this novel suffered from pacing issues. For the first half of the book I was honestly bored and it was such a slog to get through. At the halfway point I really began to love it, but I can’t quite forgive how slow it was to start. Equally, I actually feel that certain aspects (Charlotte meeting Blanche!) were so rushed at the end that it felt like it was just being crammed in to wrap everything up.
That being said, it was a nice easy read about a topic I never thought could pique my interest.
January 16, 2025
4.5 stars. Another strong book from Sara Sheridan, with more feisty women doing their own thing. Ellory Mann goes from Edinburgh to Glasgow in 1864 to set up her own photographic studio and the story is about how she manages to make ends meet, along with another character Charlotte who is recently bereaved and has to fend off well meaning neighbours who think they know what’s best for her. In an era when women were merely decorative and had nothing of their own, it’s great to see some of them succeeding against difficult odds. It was interesting with it being set in Glasgow and intriguing to see life then in a different city.
February 21, 2024
I fell in love with the gorgeous cover and then I fell in love with the entertaining and compelling story. A story about women relationship, their role in the society and an embarassing collection of erotic art that could make the owner a wealthy woman but let her reputation in tatters.
A great book if you love photography and want to read about the pioneers.
Well plotted, entertaining and featuring a great cast of characters.
I loved the storytelling and the story
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
A great book if you love photography and want to read about the pioneers.
Well plotted, entertaining and featuring a great cast of characters.
I loved the storytelling and the story
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
March 27, 2024
It was really refreshing to read a victorian era novel about your hometown & it was easy to be transported back in time & imagine how many familiar locations would look & feel then, due to the atmospheric descriptions the author provides. Furthermore, both the female lead characters were strong and independent, forging ahead in a society that was predominantly slanted towards men & offered an insight into the challenges & preconceptions they were up against. I particularly liked understanding the work of photography during the time, so whilst bring entertained I was also being educated & it's for this reason overall I give the book 4 stars!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 29, 2025
Wat ik leuk vond: vrouwen die opkomen tegen het patriarchaat.
Wat ik niet leuk vond: de voorspelbaarheid van het verhaal en het feit dat er voor ieder probleem een perfecte oplossing is waardoor alles (natúúrlijk) goed afloopt. Geef me wat meer spanning en sensatie.
3.5 ⭐️ afgerond naar 4, want het las lekker weg.
Wat ik niet leuk vond: de voorspelbaarheid van het verhaal en het feit dat er voor ieder probleem een perfecte oplossing is waardoor alles (natúúrlijk) goed afloopt. Geef me wat meer spanning en sensatie.
3.5 ⭐️ afgerond naar 4, want het las lekker weg.
March 16, 2025
A pleasant story set in Scotland in the 1800’s about a girl who becomes the First Lady photographer in the city of Glasgow. There were a few twists throughout but nothing that exciting which is why I have given this 3 stars.
March 26, 2024
If I described it, I wouldn't do it justice but I throughly enjoyed it. Whole read about families and gossip in Glasgow in the 1840s.
November 4, 2024
Not a quick read but very well written and interesting
June 29, 2024
A very readable and enjoyable book. I also enjoyed learning more about early photography!
July 31, 2024
struggled at first with the present tense and the flitting between POV’s, to the point I considered dnf-ing very early on, but I got sucked in and was glad of it. I love a book that is clearly well-researched and about a topic the author is excited by, and I am very fond of the idea of vintage intimate images and art. I had a hard time separating all the religious terminology, but the characters were all captivating and the plot, while largely predictable, was pleasing to follow. I would consider reading more by this author.
March 18, 2025
I loved the authentic setting, and the characters, mostly fictional but with a smattering of real people from the period. However, I found the story itself lacked tension and cohesion.
June 24, 2025
A fun read with lots of lovely historical detail
December 5, 2024
This was well written and I appreciate the effort that must have gone into researching mid-nineteenth century photography in order to provide a historically accurate portrayal of the craft. Nevertheless, I found the plot was lacking a bit in this book and it was just a bit boring. I felt like nothing really happened and at the same time too much happened in what was written as having taken place over the course of about a month. Overall, I’d just say that this was technically good but it didn’t really speak to my soul in any way.
April 25, 2025
Not gonna lie, I expected much more. the first 200 pages were a bit boring and slow. the last 100/150 pages were better and more secrets were revealed. I couldn't really wrap my head around why certain secrets were that bad and some characters got off a bit too easy for keeping the secrets from their friends. I also found certain aspects to be left "open" a bit too much. The ending was nice but I expected a bit more drama and gossip.
July 21, 2024
Excellent really enjoyable book, with intrigue and a great selection of characters. Particularly enjoyed the introduction to photography and the intrigue behind Charlotte’s father’s collection!
Edited to add that I don’t usually like books written in the present tense, but this worked very well. Bravo!
Edited to add that I don’t usually like books written in the present tense, but this worked very well. Bravo!
December 27, 2025
3.5 stars
A charming step back into the world of 1800s Scotland. I felt like there was maybe a little too much going on, which somehow simultaneously felt like nothing was really going on, but still very enjoyable to read. I also loved the inclusion of Frederick Douglas and the references to the abolitionist movement.
A charming step back into the world of 1800s Scotland. I felt like there was maybe a little too much going on, which somehow simultaneously felt like nothing was really going on, but still very enjoyable to read. I also loved the inclusion of Frederick Douglas and the references to the abolitionist movement.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 150 reviews