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The Dread Penny Society #5
The Queen and the Knave
Romance and mystery come full circle in the fifth and final book of Sarah M. Eden’s best-selling Victorian Proper Romance series. London, 1866 Móirín Donnelly has spent the last five years working in the shadows for the Dread Penny Society, a secret fraternity of penny dreadful authors who use their profits, influence, and street smarts to protect the poor and vulnerable of Victorian London. But spending so much of her life in secret is taking its toll on her soul—and her heart. When members of the Dread Penny Society begin disappearing, Móirín turns to her friend Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington for help. The two have developed a friendly rapport, and Móirín feels like she can trust him, though perhaps not with all of her secrets. Fitzgerald Parkington has a sixth sense when it comes to tracking down criminals, which is why he’s recently been transferred to the Detective Department at Scotland Yard. But when roadblocks and red tape keep him from tracking down the criminal mastermind known as “The Tempest,” he must rely on the one woman who has unexpectedly captured his heart—the brash, bold, and fiery Irish lass, Móirín Donnelly. As the Tempest’s deadly reach threatens to overwhelm all of London, Móirín and Fitz are caught in an elaborate game of cat and mouse that leads down back alleys, through dark London buildings, and right to the gates of Kensington Palace. Móirín has one chance to save Fitz and the Dread Penny Society from the Tempest, and she might have to sacrifice her one chance at love to do so.
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2023
87 people are currently reading
4533 people want to read
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May 19, 2023
Delivered with a capital “D” for Dazzlingly Dreadful. This is a riveting finale, not a standalone, so don’t you dare not enjoy this mystery and peril crescendo from the beginning.
I’ve been up and down with the books in this series (#4 still my favorite) but mostly because of personal predilection for internal conflict romance, which here is mostly lacking between our highly secretive but sweet low-angst couples. It is a fabulously fun Victorian world, I adore the penny dreadful stories format, and our main banterrific couple was once again, as Ms. Eden does so well, stellarly complementary.
Spoiler free, I’ll just throw out my main suggestion of what, as a reader and fan, I sorely feel we needed and didn’t get: a prologue. I absolutely was floored and SO on board for the reveals in the previous book, and yet I needed/wanted some on- page set-up to how the DPS came to be, how both the Tempest and the Master rose up (safe houses and cohort thugs don’t grow on trees, you know?). That would’ve been so great to see those beginnings as part of the finale and further cement some characterization for the founders while we’re at it. That, and that one of the secondary penny storylines was as charming as it was skimmable. But the other one is all very high stakes, magic, class difference, sweet couple, agh, more than made up for it in all its parallel themes magnificence. I loved it! Even spine of steel resilient queens need loyal knaves to call them “love” *sigh*
Wishful comments out of the way, I marvelled from beginning to end at how so many moving parts to this series conclusiom were managed so satisfactorily. The climactic peril, the developing romance, the proportional presence of the ensemble, the pacing and placing of the secondary storylines, and that third act ramped up to the appropiate heart-pounding level of “How will this work out?” bonkers. The ending was perfectly full circle, and I’m so happy I read this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the generous souls at Shadown Mountain Publishing for an ARC and the relief from the suspense.
Content notes: kissing only, mention of attempted assault, some non-graphic bloody violence.
I’ve been up and down with the books in this series (#4 still my favorite) but mostly because of personal predilection for internal conflict romance, which here is mostly lacking between our highly secretive but sweet low-angst couples. It is a fabulously fun Victorian world, I adore the penny dreadful stories format, and our main banterrific couple was once again, as Ms. Eden does so well, stellarly complementary.
Spoiler free, I’ll just throw out my main suggestion of what, as a reader and fan, I sorely feel we needed and didn’t get: a prologue. I absolutely was floored and SO on board for the reveals in the previous book, and yet I needed/wanted some on- page set-up to how the DPS came to be, how both the Tempest and the Master rose up (safe houses and cohort thugs don’t grow on trees, you know?). That would’ve been so great to see those beginnings as part of the finale and further cement some characterization for the founders while we’re at it. That, and that one of the secondary penny storylines was as charming as it was skimmable. But the other one is all very high stakes, magic, class difference, sweet couple, agh, more than made up for it in all its parallel themes magnificence. I loved it! Even spine of steel resilient queens need loyal knaves to call them “love” *sigh*
Wishful comments out of the way, I marvelled from beginning to end at how so many moving parts to this series conclusiom were managed so satisfactorily. The climactic peril, the developing romance, the proportional presence of the ensemble, the pacing and placing of the secondary storylines, and that third act ramped up to the appropiate heart-pounding level of “How will this work out?” bonkers. The ending was perfectly full circle, and I’m so happy I read this series.
Thank you to Netgalley and the generous souls at Shadown Mountain Publishing for an ARC and the relief from the suspense.
Content notes: kissing only, mention of attempted assault, some non-graphic bloody violence.
September 5, 2023
“For the poor and infirm, the voiceless and hopeless, we do not relent. We do not forget. We are the Dread Penny Society.” “Long live the queen.”
What an amazing ending to a fantastic series! Sarah M. Eden delivers a powerful, action packed finale with all the beloved characters, a sweet romance, and a suspenseful showdown between The Tempest and The Dread Master. This is one book that you have to have read the previous books in the series to really appreciate and is not meant to be read as a standalone.
One of Moirin Donnelly’s carefully kept secrets is out and makes her the number one target for The Tempest’s revenge. When members of the Dread Penny Society start disappearing, she enlists the help of the handsome Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington. Their friendly banter and great working relationship leads Moirin to trust him with some of her secrets and perhaps even her heart. It’s a race against time as Moirin, Fitz, and the remaining Dread Penny members work to foil the Tempest’s plans and rescue their fellow members before it’s too late.
Along with the exciting conclusion are two delightful Penny Dreadfuls. Poise and Pru Detectives for Hire is about two endearing older ladies who decide to take up detective work. It’s a fun, cute story involving solving a murder and dogs. The Queen and the Knave is a magical story of a young Queen on the eve of her coronation who’s under a curse. It’s up to her and her friend and brave guardsman to thwart the witch’s evil plans and save her kingdom from chaos and war. I enjoyed the romance between Eleanor and Reynard and the clever solution Eleanor figures out to defeat the witch.
I thoroughly enjoyed Moirin’s story! After I finished, I wanted to immediately go back and reread all the books to catch all the clues throughout the series. The story kept me on edge as Moirin & Parky/Fitz visit the creepiest of places searching for the missing Dread Penny members. The romance between Moirin and Fitz was a slow burn delight. I especially enjoyed their witty banter. The Tempest is the perfect villainess and foil to Moirin. She’s deliciously evil and I kept hoping she would finally get her comeuppance. While the story starts off a little slow as all the pieces are put in place, it quickly builds to an exciting conclusion where everything comes full circle and ends with quite a bang!.
This is one series you don’t want to miss! Highly recommend to Miss Scarlet and the Duke or Sherlock Holmes fans. I received an advanced complimentary comply from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
What an amazing ending to a fantastic series! Sarah M. Eden delivers a powerful, action packed finale with all the beloved characters, a sweet romance, and a suspenseful showdown between The Tempest and The Dread Master. This is one book that you have to have read the previous books in the series to really appreciate and is not meant to be read as a standalone.
One of Moirin Donnelly’s carefully kept secrets is out and makes her the number one target for The Tempest’s revenge. When members of the Dread Penny Society start disappearing, she enlists the help of the handsome Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington. Their friendly banter and great working relationship leads Moirin to trust him with some of her secrets and perhaps even her heart. It’s a race against time as Moirin, Fitz, and the remaining Dread Penny members work to foil the Tempest’s plans and rescue their fellow members before it’s too late.
Along with the exciting conclusion are two delightful Penny Dreadfuls. Poise and Pru Detectives for Hire is about two endearing older ladies who decide to take up detective work. It’s a fun, cute story involving solving a murder and dogs. The Queen and the Knave is a magical story of a young Queen on the eve of her coronation who’s under a curse. It’s up to her and her friend and brave guardsman to thwart the witch’s evil plans and save her kingdom from chaos and war. I enjoyed the romance between Eleanor and Reynard and the clever solution Eleanor figures out to defeat the witch.
I thoroughly enjoyed Moirin’s story! After I finished, I wanted to immediately go back and reread all the books to catch all the clues throughout the series. The story kept me on edge as Moirin & Parky/Fitz visit the creepiest of places searching for the missing Dread Penny members. The romance between Moirin and Fitz was a slow burn delight. I especially enjoyed their witty banter. The Tempest is the perfect villainess and foil to Moirin. She’s deliciously evil and I kept hoping she would finally get her comeuppance. While the story starts off a little slow as all the pieces are put in place, it quickly builds to an exciting conclusion where everything comes full circle and ends with quite a bang!.
This is one series you don’t want to miss! Highly recommend to Miss Scarlet and the Duke or Sherlock Holmes fans. I received an advanced complimentary comply from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
April 7, 2023
This is one series where you need to have read the book before to understand what's going on in this one. This is the final installment and everything points to the culmination of what happened before.
First, let me get it out of the way that I'm not a fan of the dread penny stories inserted in the main story. It breaks the flow.
There's a LOT going on in this story. We get updates on all the other couples and characters, and we see all of them come together to defeat the villain. Móirín and Fitz are the main characters and, although we get to see their relationship grow (and they are super cute), it's the main mystery and the fight against The Tempest that take precedence.
The Victorian setting is well done, sordid and dark with a ray of hope, just like Charles Dickens would do.
The theme of found family, with loyalty and justice, is the main one in the series and this story.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
First, let me get it out of the way that I'm not a fan of the dread penny stories inserted in the main story. It breaks the flow.
There's a LOT going on in this story. We get updates on all the other couples and characters, and we see all of them come together to defeat the villain. Móirín and Fitz are the main characters and, although we get to see their relationship grow (and they are super cute), it's the main mystery and the fight against The Tempest that take precedence.
The Victorian setting is well done, sordid and dark with a ray of hope, just like Charles Dickens would do.
The theme of found family, with loyalty and justice, is the main one in the series and this story.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
September 18, 2023
This was disappointing. I expected the Dread Master to solve things much more quickly. There were no narrative surprises and the villain's motives don't really explain the Heathledger Joker meets Saw with a dash of Moriarty vibes you get from this supposedly brilliant psychopath. The plot dragged and was nothing but action scenes where characters can't figure out basic things, but they're supposed to be smart. It all felt rather cartoonish. Lack of attention to historical dress also messed with suspension of disbelief on a few occasions. The riff on a James Bond Villain monologue saves this book from being one Star. For once I actually wanted more romance. Tge two characters are cute, but the constant motion and plot meant not enough character moments. How something written to be a break neck pace is as slow as this book is is anyone's guess.
June 10, 2023
This was a great conclusion to the Dread Penny Society. This series MUST be read in order or you will be completely lost with all the characters and storylines.
I loved seeing Móirín and Fitz! Their banter was perfection. The mystery and suspense kept me guessing. And I loved seeing all the dreadfuls together again.
I will say that one of the penny dreadful stories didn't really capture me, so I skipped it. But I loved Mr. King's, The Queen and the Knave! I honestly could have read a much longer and more in depth of that story.
All in all, a great conclusion to this unique and fun series!
*I received an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I loved seeing Móirín and Fitz! Their banter was perfection. The mystery and suspense kept me guessing. And I loved seeing all the dreadfuls together again.
I will say that one of the penny dreadful stories didn't really capture me, so I skipped it. But I loved Mr. King's, The Queen and the Knave! I honestly could have read a much longer and more in depth of that story.
All in all, a great conclusion to this unique and fun series!
*I received an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 18, 2023
I am very impressed how everything was brought together in this explosive finale. I will say it started out a tad slow for me but with each plot twist and piecing together all the clues it became more and more riveting. I was at the edge of my seat thinking “wait, WHAT?” It was a brilliant ending to a fantastic Victorian mystery series!
August 22, 2023
I love the structure of this series and enjoy being immersed in the Dread Penny Society with the quirky use of language. This final installment has Moirin Donnelly, the Dread Master, as the main character along with her newly-promoted detective friend, Fitz Parkington. They confront The Tempest that has been terrorizing London. There's a secondary plot about Fitz's grandfather that fizzles at the end of the book.
This book in the series does not stand alone, as many elements that are critical to the story that appear in earlier books aren't revisited. For example, the Radlett murder is mentioned, but there is no reminder of what that was. I've read all the books in the series and couldn't recall the details.
Where this book suffered for me was in pacing and unclear action sequences. The middle 50% of the book moves more slowly than the start and end. The ending action sequences mostly happen inside the Dread Penny clubhouse, but there are points when descriptions of where people are positioned are vague. The chains and gibbet cage that are pivotal in one of the final scenes aren't clearly described. At first, the cage is just said to be a gibbet. It caused some frustration because those scenes are full of emotion and characters readers have grown to love. To not have a clear description of what is happening could be frustrating.
Elizabeth's stories (written as Mr. King) are as strong as always. Moirin's story isn't quite as interesting, but we'll give her a pass as a writer since she has a lot going on in this book!
This book in the series does not stand alone, as many elements that are critical to the story that appear in earlier books aren't revisited. For example, the Radlett murder is mentioned, but there is no reminder of what that was. I've read all the books in the series and couldn't recall the details.
Where this book suffered for me was in pacing and unclear action sequences. The middle 50% of the book moves more slowly than the start and end. The ending action sequences mostly happen inside the Dread Penny clubhouse, but there are points when descriptions of where people are positioned are vague. The chains and gibbet cage that are pivotal in one of the final scenes aren't clearly described. At first, the cage is just said to be a gibbet. It caused some frustration because those scenes are full of emotion and characters readers have grown to love. To not have a clear description of what is happening could be frustrating.
Elizabeth's stories (written as Mr. King) are as strong as always. Moirin's story isn't quite as interesting, but we'll give her a pass as a writer since she has a lot going on in this book!
June 13, 2023
This book is the perfect ending to a brilliant series!
Sometimes I find myself at a loss of words when it comes to giving my opinion on a book. "The Queen and the Knave" puts me in the same situation. There's a lot to process ;)
While the entire series was amazing, "The Queen and the Knave" has my heart. Móirín caught my attention from the first volume, with her knife to boot;) The relationship between Móirín and Fitzgerald is what I loved the most. I simply love the way they tease each other.
Romance is not the central theme of this series, which, in my opinion, makes it so good. I always enjoy a healthy dose of mystery and suspense laced with romance.
I also love how all the previous volumes pave the way for the final battle.
The whole series, and this volume in particular, is truly brilliant. (Point to the mastermind behind it;)❤
The author's writing style is one of the reasons why her books are so beautiful. Funny, witty and easy to understand. For this reason, Mrs Eden is one of my favourite authors (and because she's a true genius)
A part that I really liked was: "She turned to face them all. The bruises hadn't entirely faded, and the scuffs and cuts were still healing. But they were all there, still standing, still dedicated to the cause they'd pledged themselves to."
// I really think that, for a clearer understanding, the series should be read in order.//
*I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion.*
Sometimes I find myself at a loss of words when it comes to giving my opinion on a book. "The Queen and the Knave" puts me in the same situation. There's a lot to process ;)
While the entire series was amazing, "The Queen and the Knave" has my heart. Móirín caught my attention from the first volume, with her knife to boot;) The relationship between Móirín and Fitzgerald is what I loved the most. I simply love the way they tease each other.
Romance is not the central theme of this series, which, in my opinion, makes it so good. I always enjoy a healthy dose of mystery and suspense laced with romance.
I also love how all the previous volumes pave the way for the final battle.
The whole series, and this volume in particular, is truly brilliant. (Point to the mastermind behind it;)❤
The author's writing style is one of the reasons why her books are so beautiful. Funny, witty and easy to understand. For this reason, Mrs Eden is one of my favourite authors (and because she's a true genius)
A part that I really liked was: "She turned to face them all. The bruises hadn't entirely faded, and the scuffs and cuts were still healing. But they were all there, still standing, still dedicated to the cause they'd pledged themselves to."
// I really think that, for a clearer understanding, the series should be read in order.//
*I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and this is my honest opinion.*
Read
September 10, 2023REREAD September 2023
This is a series you need to read in order of publication.
⚠️SPOILER FREE⚠️
The Queen and the Knave
(Proper Romance Victorian)
By Sarah M. Eden
Pub Date: September 2023
Pages: 368
Book 5 & final book in series
This is the last book of a series I really enjoyed!
I will keep this spoiler free, so if you enjoy....
◇Romance
◇Mystery
◇Justice
◇Happy Endings
◇Victorian time
◇Friendships
I recommend this whole series!
This last book was fantastic, and it was nice being back with these characters. Really enjoyed all the twists and turns through out this series! Different from what Sarah M Eden has written before in a good way.
Thank you to the publishing house for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Book Synopsis:
"London, 1866
Móirín Donnelly has spent the last five years working in the shadows for the Dread Penny Society, a secret fraternity of penny dreadful authors who use their profits, influence, and street smarts to protect the poor and vulnerable of Victorian London. But spending so much of her life in secret is taking its toll on her soul—and her heart.
When members of the Dread Penny Society begin disappearing, Móirín turns to her friend Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington for help. The two have developed a friendly rapport, and Móirín feels like she can trust him, though perhaps not with all of her secrets.
Fitzgerald Parkington has a sixth sense when it comes to tracking down criminals, which is why he's recently been transferred to the Detective Department at Scotland Yard. But when roadblocks and red tape keep him from tracking down the criminal mastermind known as "The Tempest", he must rely on the one woman who has unexpectedly captured his heart—the brash, bold, and fiery Irish lass, Móirín Donnelly.
As the Tempest's deadly reach threatens to overwhelm all of London, Móirín and Fitz are caught in an elaborate game of cat and mouse that leads down back alleys, through dark London buildings, and right to the gates of Kensington Palace. Móirín has one chance to save Fitz and the Dread Penny Society from the Tempest, and she might have to sacrifice her one chance at love to do so."
This is a series you need to read in order of publication.
⚠️SPOILER FREE⚠️
The Queen and the Knave
(Proper Romance Victorian)
By Sarah M. Eden
Pub Date: September 2023
Pages: 368
Book 5 & final book in series
This is the last book of a series I really enjoyed!
I will keep this spoiler free, so if you enjoy....
◇Romance
◇Mystery
◇Justice
◇Happy Endings
◇Victorian time
◇Friendships
I recommend this whole series!
This last book was fantastic, and it was nice being back with these characters. Really enjoyed all the twists and turns through out this series! Different from what Sarah M Eden has written before in a good way.
Thank you to the publishing house for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Book Synopsis:
"London, 1866
Móirín Donnelly has spent the last five years working in the shadows for the Dread Penny Society, a secret fraternity of penny dreadful authors who use their profits, influence, and street smarts to protect the poor and vulnerable of Victorian London. But spending so much of her life in secret is taking its toll on her soul—and her heart.
When members of the Dread Penny Society begin disappearing, Móirín turns to her friend Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington for help. The two have developed a friendly rapport, and Móirín feels like she can trust him, though perhaps not with all of her secrets.
Fitzgerald Parkington has a sixth sense when it comes to tracking down criminals, which is why he's recently been transferred to the Detective Department at Scotland Yard. But when roadblocks and red tape keep him from tracking down the criminal mastermind known as "The Tempest", he must rely on the one woman who has unexpectedly captured his heart—the brash, bold, and fiery Irish lass, Móirín Donnelly.
As the Tempest's deadly reach threatens to overwhelm all of London, Móirín and Fitz are caught in an elaborate game of cat and mouse that leads down back alleys, through dark London buildings, and right to the gates of Kensington Palace. Móirín has one chance to save Fitz and the Dread Penny Society from the Tempest, and she might have to sacrifice her one chance at love to do so."
August 18, 2023
First off, if you haven’t read this series yet, you shouldn’t read this review. I’ll try my best not to leave spoilers but that’ll be really hard to do. *** So again, if you haven’t read the series, don’t read this review. Go read the series.
And a little side note for those who care-I like to read the Dread Penny mini stories separately because personally they detract from the story a bit. Though interesting, I prefer to skip them and read them at the end.
Now to the review.
This series is best read when you’re in the mood. I know the difference and I read this one when I was craving the DPS world filled with action, mystery, and the DM. And that made all the difference!! I loved it and it was so fun to read more of Moirin’s past, her romance with Fitz, and the havoc made by The Tempest.
Sorry, keeping it short so I don’t accidentally spoil anything. Just know it didn’t go how I had expected and most reveals were surprising but good!!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
And a little side note for those who care-I like to read the Dread Penny mini stories separately because personally they detract from the story a bit. Though interesting, I prefer to skip them and read them at the end.
Now to the review.
This series is best read when you’re in the mood. I know the difference and I read this one when I was craving the DPS world filled with action, mystery, and the DM. And that made all the difference!! I loved it and it was so fun to read more of Moirin’s past, her romance with Fitz, and the havoc made by The Tempest.
Sorry, keeping it short so I don’t accidentally spoil anything. Just know it didn’t go how I had expected and most reveals were surprising but good!!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2023
WHAT. A. CONCLUSION.
I’ve absolutely LOVED this Victorian mystery genre Sarah Eden has dived into with these books! The Dread Penny Society has been a favorite since book one and I’m so SO pleased with how it’s ended! Each story keeps you right on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next bit of clues to the bigger picture. And let me just say, the wrap up to everything was well worth the wait!
Móirín and Fitz were the perfect set of “partners in solving crime”! I loved seeing how well they worked together and their obvious talents and street smarts coming out in full force. This book takes us all over London and meeting with so many characters! I love the history woven throughout along with a sweet bit of romance. A wonderfully satisfying ending to a great series!
If you haven’t given this series a chance yet because it’s a different genre than you’re used to, I’d highly recommend you try it anyway. Sarah Eden weaves an intricate, addicting tale that is sure to capture your interest! Long live the queen!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve absolutely LOVED this Victorian mystery genre Sarah Eden has dived into with these books! The Dread Penny Society has been a favorite since book one and I’m so SO pleased with how it’s ended! Each story keeps you right on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next bit of clues to the bigger picture. And let me just say, the wrap up to everything was well worth the wait!
Móirín and Fitz were the perfect set of “partners in solving crime”! I loved seeing how well they worked together and their obvious talents and street smarts coming out in full force. This book takes us all over London and meeting with so many characters! I love the history woven throughout along with a sweet bit of romance. A wonderfully satisfying ending to a great series!
If you haven’t given this series a chance yet because it’s a different genre than you’re used to, I’d highly recommend you try it anyway. Sarah Eden weaves an intricate, addicting tale that is sure to capture your interest! Long live the queen!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and publisher. I was not required to leave a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 3, 2023
I read this book months ago and I feel like I’ve been holding onto a huge secret. As much as I love and look forward to every one of Sarah Eden’s book, this series is my favorite of hers. I savored every page. How she writes the main story, plus two penny dreadfuls the way she does is masterful. They all connect and are engaging in so many ways. (Posie and Pru are my favorite things ever!) The author has a wonderful talent for making even the tiniest details in the book brilliant and so important to the story. In case those reading this review haven’t read The Bachelor and the Bride (the book before this one), I won’t try to summarize or give hints to this one. But just know this is one of the best series I have read and The Queen and the Knave was an excellent end to this brilliant series. The twists and turns were written well and each character good or bad written with care and precision.
I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
I received a copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.
December 18, 2025
As the conclusion to the series, “Dread Penny Society”, this book did not disappoint! If I could give it and the whole series 10 stars out of 5, I would!
The storyline, format of the book, and characters are unique to any series or book I have ever read. It also contains plenty of twists and turns throughout the entire book, which kept me guessing all the way through. I definitely could not put it down, wanting to read/listen to it until the very end. If you love mystery and intrigue, with action and also plenty of clean romance then pick up the first book in the series called, “The Lady and the Highwayman”.
The storyline, format of the book, and characters are unique to any series or book I have ever read. It also contains plenty of twists and turns throughout the entire book, which kept me guessing all the way through. I definitely could not put it down, wanting to read/listen to it until the very end. If you love mystery and intrigue, with action and also plenty of clean romance then pick up the first book in the series called, “The Lady and the Highwayman”.
August 10, 2023
#TheQueenandtheKnave #NetGalley
The Dread Penny Series is full of suspense and twists and turns. Moirin Donally, the Dread Master of the Penny Dreadful Society, has been trying to hunt down the person known as The Tempest for five years. Whenever she gets close enough, The Tempest is nowhere to be found. The Queen and the Knave was one of my favorite books in the series. Moirin shows how brave and determined she is.in trying to make sure the authors are safe and that she won't stop hunting down The Tempest.
The Dread Penny Series is full of suspense and twists and turns. Moirin Donally, the Dread Master of the Penny Dreadful Society, has been trying to hunt down the person known as The Tempest for five years. Whenever she gets close enough, The Tempest is nowhere to be found. The Queen and the Knave was one of my favorite books in the series. Moirin shows how brave and determined she is.in trying to make sure the authors are safe and that she won't stop hunting down The Tempest.
September 5, 2023
Whew. This series. Not going to lie, I wasn’t in love with book one but by book 3, I was invested and by book 5 I was entirely intrigued.
I really enjoy books with equally matched love interests and Sarah Eden does a wonderful job of making Móirín and Fitz a good pair. I imagine they will spend a lot of time solving riddles and fighting for the underdog together and I'm thrilled for them.
If you like cat and mouse suspense, series, opposites attract romance- but opposites of the law, their personalities are truly quite similar, satisfying endings, wax museums, pennies, tunnels, and riddles, read this book. Well, start with book 1. There is a lot in these books and starting with 5 wouldnt make it nearly as satisfying.
I really enjoy books with equally matched love interests and Sarah Eden does a wonderful job of making Móirín and Fitz a good pair. I imagine they will spend a lot of time solving riddles and fighting for the underdog together and I'm thrilled for them.
If you like cat and mouse suspense, series, opposites attract romance- but opposites of the law, their personalities are truly quite similar, satisfying endings, wax museums, pennies, tunnels, and riddles, read this book. Well, start with book 1. There is a lot in these books and starting with 5 wouldnt make it nearly as satisfying.
June 14, 2023
Have you been reading the Dread Penny Society series? I've been following along and loving them from the first book being released! I even went to a book release signing for one of them and met the author! She's amazing! Very talented author and storyteller. She has woven together an amazing tale of friends and a society trying to protect and help the oppressed and needy, as well as 5 sweet love stories. *Happy sigh* And those penny dreadfuls written in each of the books are deliciously gothic and full of fun, mischief, suspense and tales of triumph! If you didn't know, her publisher has taken all of the individual penny dreadfuls and compiled them into a beautiful book that will release around the same time as this book.
Just so everyone is aware, this is a series where you HAVE to read every book in order! Each story builds into the next and boy are there some awesome plot twists and big reveals along the way!!! This book features a certain Irish lass, Móirín, and a certain police detective, Fitz Parkington, whom the lass can't help but rib, tease and keep a close eye on. These two have been dancing around each other for several books and I'm pleased as punch (ok, maybe that's not the best time to use the phrase but I really am pleased-not like punch- and this phrase is perfect for this book and time period-IFKYK) that they finally are acknowledging what all of us readers have already known and have seen. They're so cute together! And such a great duo in detective work!
I really don't want to give any spoilers here. None at all! This book is power packed and full of lots of whodunnit and guessing and hoping the Dread Penny members can all be safe and hurry up and figure out what's going on with the Tempest! Time is running out. And nobody knows who will be next.
I loved seeing all of the previous characters again! We get a lot of all of them throughout the book! Woohoooooo!!!!! Seriously they're all wonderful and have their own strengths and it's great seeing them come together and helping each other!
I know I'm gushing but honestly I can't help it! I seriously love this series and it just goes to show again why the author is one of my all time favorites! She's a master at her craft! I'm sad this is the final book but it was an amazing end to an amazing series! I'll be revisiting it again and again!
Content: Clean. There are moments of mild violence and peril but nothing overly graphic. Some death, some danger, some fights, etc. No explicit content and nothing more than kisses.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
Just so everyone is aware, this is a series where you HAVE to read every book in order! Each story builds into the next and boy are there some awesome plot twists and big reveals along the way!!! This book features a certain Irish lass, Móirín, and a certain police detective, Fitz Parkington, whom the lass can't help but rib, tease and keep a close eye on. These two have been dancing around each other for several books and I'm pleased as punch (ok, maybe that's not the best time to use the phrase but I really am pleased-not like punch- and this phrase is perfect for this book and time period-IFKYK) that they finally are acknowledging what all of us readers have already known and have seen. They're so cute together! And such a great duo in detective work!
I really don't want to give any spoilers here. None at all! This book is power packed and full of lots of whodunnit and guessing and hoping the Dread Penny members can all be safe and hurry up and figure out what's going on with the Tempest! Time is running out. And nobody knows who will be next.
I loved seeing all of the previous characters again! We get a lot of all of them throughout the book! Woohoooooo!!!!! Seriously they're all wonderful and have their own strengths and it's great seeing them come together and helping each other!
I know I'm gushing but honestly I can't help it! I seriously love this series and it just goes to show again why the author is one of my all time favorites! She's a master at her craft! I'm sad this is the final book but it was an amazing end to an amazing series! I'll be revisiting it again and again!
Content: Clean. There are moments of mild violence and peril but nothing overly graphic. Some death, some danger, some fights, etc. No explicit content and nothing more than kisses.
I received a copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain Publishing, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
Happy Reading!!!
September 9, 2023
The exciting conclusion to this wonderful Dread Penny Society series was phenomenal!
This is a series that will be best appreciated if read in order. I loved that this final installment included so many past characters and was a culmination of everything that's been building up, resulting in a showdown between The Dread Penny Master and The Tempest. Not only were loose ends neatly wrapped up, but the twists, turns, and anticipation left me breathless.
Moirin and Fitz (aka Parky) were the perfect combination to wrap this series up. While technically a proper romance, the main focus is on the mystery and suspense, but the sweet romance was the icing on the cake. I was so eager to see how things would end and I love all these characters--it was a treat to see them together again.
Sarah Eden is a master storyteller. The two Penny Dreadfuls told within (stories within the story) were so entertaining and creative. I loved it all from beginning to end and I'm completely satisfied with this finale.
Content: mild romance; mild+ moments of peril/death/violence
*I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
This is a series that will be best appreciated if read in order. I loved that this final installment included so many past characters and was a culmination of everything that's been building up, resulting in a showdown between The Dread Penny Master and The Tempest. Not only were loose ends neatly wrapped up, but the twists, turns, and anticipation left me breathless.
Moirin and Fitz (aka Parky) were the perfect combination to wrap this series up. While technically a proper romance, the main focus is on the mystery and suspense, but the sweet romance was the icing on the cake. I was so eager to see how things would end and I love all these characters--it was a treat to see them together again.
Sarah Eden is a master storyteller. The two Penny Dreadfuls told within (stories within the story) were so entertaining and creative. I loved it all from beginning to end and I'm completely satisfied with this finale.
Content: mild romance; mild+ moments of peril/death/violence
*I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own and were voluntarily given.*
June 30, 2025
I always have mixed feelings when it comes to starting the last book in a series I loved. I’m always so excited to finish it but at the same time I don’t want it to end. And I get so attached to these characters, so ending a series like this is always a little bittersweet.
I loved the final installment of The Dread Penny Society! I was hooked from page one! I didn’t want to put it down! It is very action-packed and suspenseful. And, of course, there’s romance in it, too. I also loved Posie and Pru, characters in one of the penny dreadfuls. They seem like quite the characters! And I loved getting to know characters better that were on the outside of the other stories, and not just the main characters either. I really don’t want to give too much away of the plot, because I don’t want to spoil anything for anybody. Just know that this is a very exciting and satisfying conclusion to the series, and I can’t wait to read it again!
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I loved the final installment of The Dread Penny Society! I was hooked from page one! I didn’t want to put it down! It is very action-packed and suspenseful. And, of course, there’s romance in it, too. I also loved Posie and Pru, characters in one of the penny dreadfuls. They seem like quite the characters! And I loved getting to know characters better that were on the outside of the other stories, and not just the main characters either. I really don’t want to give too much away of the plot, because I don’t want to spoil anything for anybody. Just know that this is a very exciting and satisfying conclusion to the series, and I can’t wait to read it again!
I received an advanced copy from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 15, 2023
This book started with a bang and didn’t slow down. Móirín. Is. Amazing. I adore her character and the action and romance of the book was a great balance. I’m trying to so hard not to spoil because I want to gush about everything lol.
It was harder at times to figure out what Móirín was saying because of her accent. I really enjoyed the puzzle and the new way of speech. I loved the authenticity of having an accent when you’re an immigrant and seeing the differences in pronunciation was so cool to me.
Definitely recommend. You should absolutely read the rest of the series before this one however. Otherwise, you won’t have half as much fun as I did because you won’t have a mystery to chew on.
This was an honest review of an ARC provided to me.
It was harder at times to figure out what Móirín was saying because of her accent. I really enjoyed the puzzle and the new way of speech. I loved the authenticity of having an accent when you’re an immigrant and seeing the differences in pronunciation was so cool to me.
Definitely recommend. You should absolutely read the rest of the series before this one however. Otherwise, you won’t have half as much fun as I did because you won’t have a mystery to chew on.
This was an honest review of an ARC provided to me.
August 14, 2023
3.5 stars. The final book in The Dread Penny Society series!! Before you ask, yes you absolutely must read these in order, else you will have no idea what's going on. I really enjoy these books because they are each a self-contained historical romance, but there's a longer thread going on as a background plot, which culminates in the finale here in The Queen and the Knave. That being said, I do think this book had the least successful romance story, and the "other" plot took center stage. I'm not a fan of insta-love, and that's more or less what happened in here, with very little chemistry or buildup. Móirín is such a great character, and I really wanted her love story to be epic! Regardless, this final book was satisfying as a conclusion to the whole series, and most of the DPS characters you know and love make at least a short appearance in the story.
Thank you to Sarah M. Eden and Shadow Mountain for my advance print copy!
Thank you to Sarah M. Eden and Shadow Mountain for my advance print copy!
January 23, 2024
3.5 rounded up from the very great relief of it finally being finished. I also adored Pru and Posie which was a little bit surprising to me as it is not usually the style of story I like, but they just tickled my funny bone and I had to read to the end of their story before I could finish the other two stories. I still don't understand the why of the Tempest, but perhaps that is true of any archvillain along with pulling off impossible crimes. Fitz is a little too good to be true in his own way, too generous, understanding, obedient and kind even when he could have and possibly should have been angry or stubborn, but it is nice to have such a paragon of a man even if they rarely appear in life.
May 13, 2024
The Queen and the Knave is the final book of the series, following a new character and her adventures as she helps a policeofficer with a new case.
Can't say that I was engaged right from the start, though this one didn't stray away from the pattern of the previous books. It was also nice that the other characters showed up.
Can't say that I was engaged right from the start, though this one didn't stray away from the pattern of the previous books. It was also nice that the other characters showed up.
October 19, 2023
Móirín Donnelly is tired and afraid. For years she's been on the run from the police, living under an assumed name and trying to protect her younger brother Brogan. For almost as long she's been helping the poor and wretched of London both on her own and as the top secret Dread Master, leader of the Dread Penny Society. Now the Dreadfuls are scattered, hiding in Móirín's safe houses as they prepare for battle with the evil criminal leader knows as The Tempest. The Tempest is proving a worthy adversary for Móirín, being clever and cunning. Móirín has no idea what the Tempest will do next - only that the Tempest sees her as a threat "There can only be one queen." Can Móirín Donnelly, the Dread Master, save her Dreadfuls and save London from the Tempest? She can't do it alone. Constable Fitzgerald Parkington, Móirín's sometimes friendly sparring partner, has proven himself trustworthy. For 20 years he's been searching for his lost family and now with a promotion to Detective, he might be able to find out what happened to his grandfather at long last. Unfortunately Scotland Yard sees fit to give him only boring or cold cases like the Phantom Fox who isn't stealing anything anyone wants or the Irish woman wanted for murder, Maureen O'Donnell. He's itching to do something more and when Móirín Donnelly asks for his help in figuring out where the Tempest will strike next, Fitz is only too happy to oblige. Can Móirín trust him once more or will she risk everything she's worked for? Or worse- her heart?
AHHHHHHH The final chapter! I am so sad this series is over. I loved every minute and the last one ended with such a bang, I was eager to read this one. The wait was worth it. I didn't want to devour the book in one night. I knew it would be unputdownable but I also wanted to savor it. I read it a chapter or two at a time. The romance was as sweet and funny as I expected. I love the banter between Móirín and Fitz! The danger was very real and very palpable. I was worried about the Dreadfuls the whole time and wondering who would survive and who might not. The climax of the story left me feeling a little flat on my first read. It was similar to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows without magic. I wanted more action and wanted to see what was going on outside, too. My second read I liked the scene better. I took my time to read it and it was enough for me. Don't rush through it! There are clues as to what is happening I missed on my first read. The aftermath of the battle was still a little lacking. I have questions about some of the villains, especially one that was way too coincidentally intertwined with both characters. Just one minor quibble- when I read tunnels, my thought immediately went to the underground trains and I was surprised the characters didn't think of that but then they explained what they were looking for and why so their searches made more sense. I also wanted a recap of this case that drove the whole good vs. evil storyline. I forgot too much. (Looked it up online later https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.u...)
As always, the descriptions of lower class London made me feel like I was really there. In this book we get the SMELL as well as M and Fitz search for her missing friends. Sarah M. Eden excels at research. The language didn't always sound true. I remember Fletch speaking more Cockney and Fitz does too at one point but it's written as standard English. What about the Tempest? She's a child of the streets as well and I had a hard time hearing her voice in my head as anything other than cultured. Only Elizabeth and Ana should sound like BBC period drama characters. I need to watch more Dickens adaptations I guess.
I had previously read the penny dreadfuls so I skipped them both times. I may go back and read Posie and Prue. They were so funny. I would read that series for sure. "Mr. King's" stories are still so silver forkish and so predictable but I always enjoy a sweet romance so I liked that story too.
Móirín Donnelly is a badass! I loved her from the minute she stepped on page in the first book and kept hoping she'd get her own story. She has a big heart but she's taken on too much. Brogan is an adult with a family of his own. She worries about him like he's still a little boy! No grown man wants his big sister to treat him like a child. She keeps secrets from him too. Once again, he's an adult! Let him have choices and don't decide for him. Móirín fears her identity could be tortured out of the Dreadfuls if they were captured. Would they really let that happen? No! Again, adults, choices. They all entered into the DPS willingly. They know how to fight and they know how to protect themselves. Yet, as the story went on, I shared her fears. The Mastiff was not a clever criminal. He was just a thug compared to the Tempest. Móirín is smart. Really smart, street smart, wise, clever enough to stay one step ahead, but she's really stupid when it comes to relationships. She hasn't really been able to get close to anyone because of the tough life she's led. The moral of this story is share the burden. Once she does and lets go of some of her secrets, the Dreadfuls all make their own choices. Their sweethearts and family members make choices too and they all have a common goal.
Fitz is another swoony hero. A cockney lad, he too had a tough life. His family was all gone by the time he was 9 years old. How heartbreaking! For the last 20 years he's been searching for his grandfather who disappeared. This loss has driven Fitz to become a detective. He's smart, has good instincts, a photographic memory and works hard. Fitz knows which constables he can rely on and inspires confidence in the lower ranks just as Móirín does with the DPS. They all follow their leader blindly without question because they recognize a good leader when they see one. Fitz is incredibly brave without being brash like Fletcher and Brogan. He's smart about his fights. He does have a bit of a smart mouth and doesn't take orders very well though. I fear he will be sacked before he does much good. Sergeant Wheatley seems to have it out for Fitz. Is this man just a bully throwing around his superiority? Is he hazing the new guy? Or is it something more sinister? If there was a mole in the DPS, it wouldn't surprise me if there were more than one in the Metropolitan Police.
I adore his banter with Móirín. His password cracked me up every time he used it, especially when he said it on purpose. Their banter made me grin every time. Fitz is more lighthearted than Móirín in spite of having a rough childhood. He's not hiding the way she is so he doesn't have to be cautious. They're a lot alike though but their different personalities balance each other out. I adore them together, like Fletcher and Elizabeth and Brogan and Vera. I think Fletch and Elizabeth are still my favorites though.
Not all the members of the DPS appear here. Because Vera was injured and hasn't recovered, the Donnelly-Sorokin clan has been lying low. Her father has more of a part to play in putting together the pieces of the puzzle of what drives the Tempest. Mr. Sorokin has a slight clue as to her identity and what happened to drive this woman to lead the criminal underworld and wage war on those who try to stop her. Stone appears in this novel more than any other. He's the strong, silent type mostly but always willing to pitch in, fight, lend a hand or do whatever is necessary to help. We meet his sweetheart, Celia Ganda, for the first time. London born and raised, Celia is no stranger to life among the lowly. She can hold her own and come out smiling. Everyone really likes her and of course I do too. I wish there was a whole book about Stone and Celia because I want to know more about her. Fletcher, being the only one to know the Dread Master's identity, pops in and out. He's trying to keep Elizabeth and his urchins safe. At this point, Elizabeth can take care of herself. It's the urchins Fletch's heart aches for. He's such a softy! His trademark wit is not absent when needed to lighten the mood.
Gemma is supposed to be dead but circumstances force her and Barnabus (Baz) to move, putting Gemma is real danger from her evil uncles. Gemma is so strong and so brave. I can't imagine being in the situation she was put in and she handled it so well. I was terrified for her the whole time. Ana also has a big role to play in this story. While Fitz is only half-heartedly searching for The Phantom Fox, she's right under his nose and he doesn't notice. Not at first anyway. He sees enough to put it together but they're on the same side in this war so he's not about to rat her out. Ana is plucky and a real hero. Lord Chelmsworth is back and still hiding from the villains who want to kill him. He seems like a decent person. He has morals but he's also a politician and cares very much for his image and reputation. He could be an ally or an enemy. There's not enough of the urchins, understandable given the circumstances. Very Merry is a hoot even when she's calmly relating bad news.
The Tempest's network of villains is far-reaching. She's coerced a lot of people into joining her. Some have done so willingly, the The Mastiff, the Raven, and The Protector. Others prefer to work alone, like Gemma's uncles but are forced by necessity to team up. While others still are threatened, tortured and bribed. One of her henchmen is Nolan, the DPS butler. Unfortunately he is not a well-developed character. We don't really know what happened to him. Was he always a villain or did life's hardships make him one? (We do get an answer to that, briefly but I wanted more development). He's nasty but because he's an old man, people overlook him. How deep in this is he? Did he give up the DPS and then scarper or is he involved in the fight?
The Tempest is a very chilling villain. She's mad. Very clearly mad. Yes life is hard on the streets but the Donnellys and Fletcher survived and became writers and community leaders. Stone was enslaved and doesn't seek revenge on all White people. If their guesses are correct, the Tempest has generational trauma she can't let go of and sees the DPS as an obstacle in her quest for revenge and vengeance. This mad queen of the underworld is quite clever. She speaks in riddles and is one step ahead of Móirín at every turn. That makes her quite the adversary and very, very chilling. This woman is evil. Mad and pure evil. I am grateful there's nothing redeeming or sympathetic about her though. The Tempest is a good foil for our heroine. They made choices that were vastly different. I don't think the Tempest's reasons for being evil are good ones. M, being Irish, has a lot more reasons to be angry and want to do one of the things the Tempest wants done but she chooses not to. Therefore, I can't feel bad for the Tempest. You can argue she was brainwashed by her mother and grandmother. She's had a really rough life without the advantages Fletcher and the Brogans found. You can argue the woman is mentally ill and deserves compassion but I personally don't see any redeeming qualities in her.
I can't say more without spoilers but this was a thrilling and fitting end to the series. I may have to reread them all a few times!
AHHHHHHH The final chapter! I am so sad this series is over. I loved every minute and the last one ended with such a bang, I was eager to read this one. The wait was worth it. I didn't want to devour the book in one night. I knew it would be unputdownable but I also wanted to savor it. I read it a chapter or two at a time. The romance was as sweet and funny as I expected. I love the banter between Móirín and Fitz! The danger was very real and very palpable. I was worried about the Dreadfuls the whole time and wondering who would survive and who might not. The climax of the story left me feeling a little flat on my first read. It was similar to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows without magic. I wanted more action and wanted to see what was going on outside, too. My second read I liked the scene better. I took my time to read it and it was enough for me. Don't rush through it! There are clues as to what is happening I missed on my first read. The aftermath of the battle was still a little lacking. I have questions about some of the villains, especially one that was way too coincidentally intertwined with both characters. Just one minor quibble- when I read tunnels, my thought immediately went to the underground trains and I was surprised the characters didn't think of that but then they explained what they were looking for and why so their searches made more sense. I also wanted a recap of this case that drove the whole good vs. evil storyline. I forgot too much. (Looked it up online later https://www.hertfordshiremercury.co.u...)
As always, the descriptions of lower class London made me feel like I was really there. In this book we get the SMELL as well as M and Fitz search for her missing friends. Sarah M. Eden excels at research. The language didn't always sound true. I remember Fletch speaking more Cockney and Fitz does too at one point but it's written as standard English. What about the Tempest? She's a child of the streets as well and I had a hard time hearing her voice in my head as anything other than cultured. Only Elizabeth and Ana should sound like BBC period drama characters. I need to watch more Dickens adaptations I guess.
I had previously read the penny dreadfuls so I skipped them both times. I may go back and read Posie and Prue. They were so funny. I would read that series for sure. "Mr. King's" stories are still so silver forkish and so predictable but I always enjoy a sweet romance so I liked that story too.
Móirín Donnelly is a badass! I loved her from the minute she stepped on page in the first book and kept hoping she'd get her own story. She has a big heart but she's taken on too much. Brogan is an adult with a family of his own. She worries about him like he's still a little boy! No grown man wants his big sister to treat him like a child. She keeps secrets from him too. Once again, he's an adult! Let him have choices and don't decide for him. Móirín fears her identity could be tortured out of the Dreadfuls if they were captured. Would they really let that happen? No! Again, adults, choices. They all entered into the DPS willingly. They know how to fight and they know how to protect themselves. Yet, as the story went on, I shared her fears. The Mastiff was not a clever criminal. He was just a thug compared to the Tempest. Móirín is smart. Really smart, street smart, wise, clever enough to stay one step ahead, but she's really stupid when it comes to relationships. She hasn't really been able to get close to anyone because of the tough life she's led. The moral of this story is share the burden. Once she does and lets go of some of her secrets, the Dreadfuls all make their own choices. Their sweethearts and family members make choices too and they all have a common goal.
Fitz is another swoony hero. A cockney lad, he too had a tough life. His family was all gone by the time he was 9 years old. How heartbreaking! For the last 20 years he's been searching for his grandfather who disappeared. This loss has driven Fitz to become a detective. He's smart, has good instincts, a photographic memory and works hard. Fitz knows which constables he can rely on and inspires confidence in the lower ranks just as Móirín does with the DPS. They all follow their leader blindly without question because they recognize a good leader when they see one. Fitz is incredibly brave without being brash like Fletcher and Brogan. He's smart about his fights. He does have a bit of a smart mouth and doesn't take orders very well though. I fear he will be sacked before he does much good. Sergeant Wheatley seems to have it out for Fitz. Is this man just a bully throwing around his superiority? Is he hazing the new guy? Or is it something more sinister? If there was a mole in the DPS, it wouldn't surprise me if there were more than one in the Metropolitan Police.
I adore his banter with Móirín. His password cracked me up every time he used it, especially when he said it on purpose. Their banter made me grin every time. Fitz is more lighthearted than Móirín in spite of having a rough childhood. He's not hiding the way she is so he doesn't have to be cautious. They're a lot alike though but their different personalities balance each other out. I adore them together, like Fletcher and Elizabeth and Brogan and Vera. I think Fletch and Elizabeth are still my favorites though.
Not all the members of the DPS appear here. Because Vera was injured and hasn't recovered, the Donnelly-Sorokin clan has been lying low. Her father has more of a part to play in putting together the pieces of the puzzle of what drives the Tempest. Mr. Sorokin has a slight clue as to her identity and what happened to drive this woman to lead the criminal underworld and wage war on those who try to stop her. Stone appears in this novel more than any other. He's the strong, silent type mostly but always willing to pitch in, fight, lend a hand or do whatever is necessary to help. We meet his sweetheart, Celia Ganda, for the first time. London born and raised, Celia is no stranger to life among the lowly. She can hold her own and come out smiling. Everyone really likes her and of course I do too. I wish there was a whole book about Stone and Celia because I want to know more about her. Fletcher, being the only one to know the Dread Master's identity, pops in and out. He's trying to keep Elizabeth and his urchins safe. At this point, Elizabeth can take care of herself. It's the urchins Fletch's heart aches for. He's such a softy! His trademark wit is not absent when needed to lighten the mood.
Gemma is supposed to be dead but circumstances force her and Barnabus (Baz) to move, putting Gemma is real danger from her evil uncles. Gemma is so strong and so brave. I can't imagine being in the situation she was put in and she handled it so well. I was terrified for her the whole time. Ana also has a big role to play in this story. While Fitz is only half-heartedly searching for The Phantom Fox, she's right under his nose and he doesn't notice. Not at first anyway. He sees enough to put it together but they're on the same side in this war so he's not about to rat her out. Ana is plucky and a real hero. Lord Chelmsworth is back and still hiding from the villains who want to kill him. He seems like a decent person. He has morals but he's also a politician and cares very much for his image and reputation. He could be an ally or an enemy. There's not enough of the urchins, understandable given the circumstances. Very Merry is a hoot even when she's calmly relating bad news.
The Tempest's network of villains is far-reaching. She's coerced a lot of people into joining her. Some have done so willingly, the The Mastiff, the Raven, and The Protector. Others prefer to work alone, like Gemma's uncles but are forced by necessity to team up. While others still are threatened, tortured and bribed. One of her henchmen is Nolan, the DPS butler. Unfortunately he is not a well-developed character. We don't really know what happened to him. Was he always a villain or did life's hardships make him one? (We do get an answer to that, briefly but I wanted more development). He's nasty but because he's an old man, people overlook him. How deep in this is he? Did he give up the DPS and then scarper or is he involved in the fight?
The Tempest is a very chilling villain. She's mad. Very clearly mad. Yes life is hard on the streets but the Donnellys and Fletcher survived and became writers and community leaders. Stone was enslaved and doesn't seek revenge on all White people. If their guesses are correct, the Tempest has generational trauma she can't let go of and sees the DPS as an obstacle in her quest for revenge and vengeance. This mad queen of the underworld is quite clever. She speaks in riddles and is one step ahead of Móirín at every turn. That makes her quite the adversary and very, very chilling. This woman is evil. Mad and pure evil. I am grateful there's nothing redeeming or sympathetic about her though. The Tempest is a good foil for our heroine. They made choices that were vastly different. I don't think the Tempest's reasons for being evil are good ones. M, being Irish, has a lot more reasons to be angry and want to do one of the things the Tempest wants done but she chooses not to. Therefore, I can't feel bad for the Tempest. You can argue she was brainwashed by her mother and grandmother. She's had a really rough life without the advantages Fletcher and the Brogans found. You can argue the woman is mentally ill and deserves compassion but I personally don't see any redeeming qualities in her.
I can't say more without spoilers but this was a thrilling and fitting end to the series. I may have to reread them all a few times!
September 5, 2023
Holy Moly!!! What an ending to this series!! I've loved all of the books in this series and wondered how it would end but never did I imagine what Sarah M. Eden came up with! Heads up, this is a series you HAVE to read in order because the story builds in each book and this is the fantastic end we've all been waiting for.
The Dread Penny Society is in danger from the Tempest, and despite their best efforts and various secret hiding places they start to disappear. This forces Móirín Donnelly to team up with Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington, a friend she kids around with and seems to be sweet on but because of what led her to come to London she's kept him at arm's length. Now, because of the Tempest's actions Móirín must trust Parkington (aka Parky or Fitz) with some of her secrets--secrets even her brother doesn't know.
This one hooked me from the beginning and didn't let go. I was with Móirín and Parky as they went all over and under London trying to find the missing DPS members. The penny dreadfuls included in the book were a welcome relief from the anxiety the Tempest was giving me over the beloved DPS characters. I don't want to give anything away so I'll list what I liked about the book.
The dual pov of Móirín and Parky, getting to see all the DPS members from the previous books, the penny dreadful stories, the slow-burn romance between Móirín and Parky, the kisses, and of course the climatic ending where the Tempest gets what she deserves!! I loved seeing everyone find someone to love--they all deserve it. I'd love to go back and binge read/listen to this series so I see all the little things I missed the first time I read them.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
The Dread Penny Society is in danger from the Tempest, and despite their best efforts and various secret hiding places they start to disappear. This forces Móirín Donnelly to team up with Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington, a friend she kids around with and seems to be sweet on but because of what led her to come to London she's kept him at arm's length. Now, because of the Tempest's actions Móirín must trust Parkington (aka Parky or Fitz) with some of her secrets--secrets even her brother doesn't know.
This one hooked me from the beginning and didn't let go. I was with Móirín and Parky as they went all over and under London trying to find the missing DPS members. The penny dreadfuls included in the book were a welcome relief from the anxiety the Tempest was giving me over the beloved DPS characters. I don't want to give anything away so I'll list what I liked about the book.
The dual pov of Móirín and Parky, getting to see all the DPS members from the previous books, the penny dreadful stories, the slow-burn romance between Móirín and Parky, the kisses, and of course the climatic ending where the Tempest gets what she deserves!! I loved seeing everyone find someone to love--they all deserve it. I'd love to go back and binge read/listen to this series so I see all the little things I missed the first time I read them.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Want to read
April 13, 2023Hold on to your seats, Dread Penny Society fans, with this concluding episode of our fine group of fellows, the stakes are higher than ever. All is revealed in this exciting conclusion!
This story is a tangled web that began with the Lady and the Highwayman. The layers were added little by little and eventually we have such a satisfying ending to this society that is set on helping the less fortunate. With the clues laid bare until there is nowhere left to hide, the final showdown is not to be missed.
Once again, the penny dreadfuls inside the story are delightful and intriguing. It is three stories in one. Sarah Eden's book is rich in detail and delightful in the reading. It is cliche to say I couldn't put it down, but it is true. There is so much to learn and to solve before the end.
The story is full of familiar characters as well as new ones who just add so much to this world. The ending of this book feels like a new beginning. Clear your calendars, you won't want to miss this one.
I received an early copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review,
This story is a tangled web that began with the Lady and the Highwayman. The layers were added little by little and eventually we have such a satisfying ending to this society that is set on helping the less fortunate. With the clues laid bare until there is nowhere left to hide, the final showdown is not to be missed.
Once again, the penny dreadfuls inside the story are delightful and intriguing. It is three stories in one. Sarah Eden's book is rich in detail and delightful in the reading. It is cliche to say I couldn't put it down, but it is true. There is so much to learn and to solve before the end.
The story is full of familiar characters as well as new ones who just add so much to this world. The ending of this book feels like a new beginning. Clear your calendars, you won't want to miss this one.
I received an early copy from the publisher through NetGalley and this is my honest review,
November 27, 2023
***4.5 stars***
This was the perfect end of the series. I love the different characters that make up the Dread Penny Society. Sarah M. Eden's attention to detail is amazing. I don't know how she can keep all the characters and their individual storylines straight.
The Dread Penny Society is scattered. The Tempest is taking control of London and kidnapping members of the Society. Moirin (who shocked me in the last book) teams up with Detective Parkington to follow the clues and save the city and her friends before it's too late.
This story will keep you invested and "on the tip of your toes". I adored this book.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This was the perfect end of the series. I love the different characters that make up the Dread Penny Society. Sarah M. Eden's attention to detail is amazing. I don't know how she can keep all the characters and their individual storylines straight.
The Dread Penny Society is scattered. The Tempest is taking control of London and kidnapping members of the Society. Moirin (who shocked me in the last book) teams up with Detective Parkington to follow the clues and save the city and her friends before it's too late.
This story will keep you invested and "on the tip of your toes". I adored this book.
Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
February 27, 2024
The plot twist at the end of Book 4 was big enough to make me want to read this book, but in the time between reading that book and this book I realized how little of what happened at the end of the last book made sense. This book acknowledged that it didn't make sense, but didn't actually answer how it came to be, which was a little bit frustrating. The plot was stressful from page one instead of building to it.
June 30, 2023
Each book in this series has the distinction of being very much its own story while contributing to the greater whole, which really is impressive. This book brings us to the end of the whole Tempest issue, although I admit to hoping for more books in the series itself. Moiran is an excellent heroine, even more so when we consider the role she's been playing from the shadows of the previous novels, and her romance with Fitz, although a bit more rushed than others in the series, is still nicely grounded and rewarding to read about. As always, the main story is broken up by two serialized penny dreadfuls, one by Mr. King (Elizabeth) and one by Moiran's pseudonym. The latter is something of a surprise, as it's basically the 19th century equivalent of an elderly sleuth novel, but that makes it fun. (And yes, the ladies are very good at dogs.) King's dreadful is a little too on-the-nose, but the fairy tale feel of it also sets it apart from earlier entries in a positive way.
As always, Eden's writing is excellent, and the plotting is deft. Period detail is excellent, and if the accents can be a little difficult to parse, they're still well within the realm of understandable. With a delightful blend of mystery and romance, this is simply a good book (and series) overall, and even if you don't think you'd like a "proper" sort of romance (i.e. closed door, fade-to-black), it's worth picking up the first book so that you can eventually get to this one.
As always, Eden's writing is excellent, and the plotting is deft. Period detail is excellent, and if the accents can be a little difficult to parse, they're still well within the realm of understandable. With a delightful blend of mystery and romance, this is simply a good book (and series) overall, and even if you don't think you'd like a "proper" sort of romance (i.e. closed door, fade-to-black), it's worth picking up the first book so that you can eventually get to this one.
June 17, 2023
What a great conclusion to a fascinating series. The romance - wonderful. The mystery - intriguing. The ending - perfect. It all comes together in a fun and lovely way!
I cannot say enough about Eden as an author. Whether I'm talking about this book, or another she has written, she is just such a gem of an author. The romance is always clean, but that doesn't mean it's got no swoony factor - the swoon is there. It's soft and sweet and just right for these characters.
The Queen and the Knave is more more mystery to me than romance, and I'm ok with that. I enjoyed following along with Moirin and Fitz to figure it all out. the fact that we are in London in 1866 doesn't hurt either. Eden brings all the history to the book, but not so much that it's boring and a bunch of factoids. No, she just brings what is necessary to the story and I appreciate that very much!
I do recommend reading this series in order. There are just some pieces, and people, that are better explained if you have. And trust me - they are great stories so you cannot really go wrong! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I cannot say enough about Eden as an author. Whether I'm talking about this book, or another she has written, she is just such a gem of an author. The romance is always clean, but that doesn't mean it's got no swoony factor - the swoon is there. It's soft and sweet and just right for these characters.
The Queen and the Knave is more more mystery to me than romance, and I'm ok with that. I enjoyed following along with Moirin and Fitz to figure it all out. the fact that we are in London in 1866 doesn't hurt either. Eden brings all the history to the book, but not so much that it's boring and a bunch of factoids. No, she just brings what is necessary to the story and I appreciate that very much!
I do recommend reading this series in order. There are just some pieces, and people, that are better explained if you have. And trust me - they are great stories so you cannot really go wrong! I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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