The Wicked Lady

by Elena Collins

'Incredibly atmospheric, haunting and poignant.' Nicola Cornick 1648 - Hertfordshire

Thirteen-year-old Katherine Ferrers is in despair at being betrothed to arch-Royalist Thomas Fanshawe whose family are hellbent on plundering her family’s fortune to champion the exiled Charles. As her unhappy marriage stretches before her, her only comfort is her beloved childhood home The Cell. But as the years pass and Kate grows restless, a new passion, a new love and a dangerous calling threaten to upend everything she’s ever known.

Present Day - Hertfordshire

Charlie Wolfe jumps at the chance to help his uncle renovate a tumbledown cottage overlooking Nomansland Common. Number One Constable’s Cottages was once the home of the man charged with ridding the common of the highwaymen who terrorised travellers. But it’s the story of The Wicked Lady, the notorious female highway robber, that captures Charlie’s imagination, and some long winters’ nights he’s sure he can the hoofbeats of her horse echoing across time.

What drove this mystery woman to risk everything for a life of crime, and why is she still restless, wandering the common in grief? It seems only Charlie can finally uncover the secret Katherine Ferrers has kept for hundreds of years; a secret of a terrible betrayal and a tragic love that was never meant to end this way…

USA Today bestselling author Judy Leigh writing as Elena Collins, brings you this spellbinding and heartbreaking timeslip novel, uncovering the intriguing story of another brave woman that history forgot. Perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Nicola Cornick, Diana Gabaldon and Louise Douglas.

Praise for Elena

'The emotionally powerful story of Katherine Ferrers really gripped me and the spooky sightings of her ghost were spine-tingling. Elena writes so beautifully and weaves the threads of the stories together so masterfully. Both heartbreaking and hopeful, it’s a brilliant read.' Nicola Cornick

'A wonderful book by a fabulous author. Very highly recommended.’ Louise Douglas

'The Lady of The Loch held me spellbound from the first page to the last. With two storylines beautifully woven together to create a seamless tale of love, loss, betrayal and, above all, hope, it’s a must-read. Collins’s detailed knowledge of the period trickles through the tale wrapping the reader in a vivid shifting world as it moves between the 14th century and present day. Cleverly researched and exquisitely written, The Lady of The Loch is a timeless story of hope, family and love. I loved it.' Alexandra Walsh

What readers are saying about Elena

‘Amazing book, couldn't put it down. Beautiful story, held me focused from the very start. A must read if you are a lover of history, romance and spirits. Perfect!!!'

‘Beautifully written, totally believable, an historical eye opener and love story. What more could you ask for?’

‘I adore how this author weaves the past and present. All three of her books have familiar settings for me, and so, it was easy for me to picture the places; that said, she’s described them so beautifully, I can see everything just as a picture. Great writing in my “book”.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Mystery, Historical

370 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2024

About the author

Elena Collins is a pseudonym of author Judy Leigh.

Reviews

[Rosh ~catching up slowly~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a Nutshell: A dual-timeline novel based on the partly-fictionalised story of Katherine Ferrers, an actual highway robber from the 17th century. Good use of both timelines. Atmospheric writing, great research, interesting characters, mildly paranormal. Recommended.

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Plot Preview:

Present Day. Hertfordshire. After going through an unexpected break-up and losing his job, Charlie grabs the opportunity to help his uncle renovate an old cottage next to Nomansland Common. As Charlie eases into his temporary new home, he spends his time with activities that help him forget his pain. His friendly new neighbours are also helpful. The only issue is the mysterious hoofbeats he hears on some nights, and a strange lady who appears to be staring at him from the Common. When Charlie learns of her identity as the “Wicked Lady” who was a notorious highway robber in the mid-1600s, Charlie wonders about her life story, why she is still around, and why she always appears sad.
1659. Hertfordshire. Having been married at just age thirteen to a husband who is more interested in restoring the king to the throne than in his young wife, Katherine (Kate) Ferrers has spent the last eleven years lonely, watching her husband spend her parental money on royal requirements while ignoring their tenants. But when a new threat emerges along with a new chance for happiness, Kate knows that she’ll do whatever she can to fight the first and secure the second.
The story comes to us across the two timelines in the third-person perspectives of Charlie and Kate.

Bookish Yays:
😍 Kate: a strong character who does her best within the social restrictions of her time. Loved her complex and brave personality.

😍 The historical timeline details: The place, the characters, the beliefs, and the events seem mostly accurate to the era. Appreciate the author’s research into Kate’s life.

😍 Charlie: It was unusual to have a male protagonist in the contemporary timeline, as most such interlinked-dual-timeline novels go with female main characters. Charlie handles his role perfectly. His being a sensitive and sensible young man elevates this story.

😍 The music-related scenes: much appreciated!

😍 The paranormal bits in the contemporary timeline: Spooky and atmospheric. The face-outside-the-window scene creeped me out!

😍 The focus on the women's restricted freedom in the 1600s: Quite infuriating. There’s much unfairness in this timeline, but that is to be expected from the 1600s.

😍 Each timeline having a love story without being romance-dominated: Though I’m not fond of romantic insertions in non-romance genres, both were handled well in this novel.

😍 The author’s note: excellent! Always love it when authors clarify their writing choices in a historical fiction that is based on the facts. Filling in the gaps between fact and fiction isn’t easy for such an old story, especially when the details aren’t entirely available, but the author has done a commendable job here. A big thank you to the author for including the photos of the key character and the places!


Bookish Mixed Bags:
😐 This is advertised as a timeslip novel, but it didn’t meet my definition of timeslip. Isn’t timeslip when characters accidentally move across timelines without the aid of technology? A paranormal/ghost appearance in another timeline is just a haunting spirit to me, not timeslip! (You are free to disagree, of course.) This isn’t a point against the novel, but against the label.
(Coincidentally, I have read only one other book by this author: 'The Witch's Tree', and that also was advertised as a timeslip novel, but actually wasn't one!)

😐 The other characters of the contemporary timeline (except Luna and Marilyn) are interesting even when they have minor appearances, but they aren’t detailed too much. Charlie’s ex-girlfriend Luna and his new neighbour Marilyn get somewhat cliched roles. The historical timeline had more intricate characters.

😐 Alan the dog: Awesome dog (not surprisingly!), and inspired by a real dog named Alan whose photo appears in the author’s note. The only quibble is the emphasis on what a great name ‘Alan’ is for a dog. It is not only repetitive but also incorrect IMHO. (Again, you are free to disagree. But I just can’t picture a dog when I hear ‘Alan’!)

😐 I understand why the historical timeline ended where it did, but I wish we had known more. The ending has one really, really sad scene off the page. The author handled it exceptionally, but man, it was tough to know what happened.


Bookish Nays:
😕 The connection between the two timelines is a bit flimsy. This story would have worked perfectly even without the modern timeline, which has its good moments but is quite predictable, and is more of a placeholder for extending the reveals of the main plot from the 1650s.

😕 The use of the phrase 'beauty sleep' was certainly not present in the 1650s. Not a major flaw, but a distracting one.


All in all, the shortcomings are relatively minor. The historical timeline is strong enough to make this a book worth reading, all the more as it is based on the actual life of a brave young girl whom life didn’t do justice.

Much recommended to historical fiction readers.

3.75 stars.


My thanks to Boldwood Books for providing the DRC of “The Wicked Lady” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

The digital version of this book is currently available free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.


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[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a wonderful opening and then on to chapter one. We start in the present with Charlie, who lives in London and is being dumped by his girlfriend, Luna. He's distraught and his Uncle Bill suggests they team up, buy an old cottage, do it up and sell on for a large profit. Charlie and his dog Alan doss down in No 1 Ferrer's Lane while the building work is being completed but something doesn't feel right and the nearby Common is creepy.
In 1648, in the same area, Katherine, who is thirteen, is being married off to a relation of her Guardian. Thomas Fanshaw is sixteen and not a pleasant character. She's being married for her fortune, which her husband squanders supporting the fight to place King Charles back on the throne.
The next time we meet Katherine is 1659 and she has been married for eleven years and from here the story really takes off.
I liked all the main characters in the story. Katherine's life was a difficult one. Women had a terrible time in that era and it's well depicted here.
Charlie's story was equally interesting especially once he meets Edie, who lives at No 3 in Ferrer's Lane.
There was a real wave of sadness going through the story and me while reading and my heart went out to Katherine.
I dropped a star because the two stories never really gelled together. In dual timelines you expect some sort of connection but it didn't happen. They could easily have been two separate books. I felt let down too by the ending. Wanted more from Katherine's story.
Saying that, it's a great read and the writing is fantastic. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an early copy of this book to read.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlie is at loose ends since his girlfriend left him. He’s tired of his job and needs something new to focus on.
I thought this was a good story. It’s told in dual timelines, both just as interesting. I liked all the characters and felt sad for Kate having to marry at such an early age. It’s the perfect combination of romance and mystery wrapped up in one book

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A haunting and thrilling narrative, I loved reading the story about the Highwaywoman. It’s a tale that has plenty of atmosphere, steeped in history and I enjoyed switching between the seventeenth century to present day, following Charlie as he navigates a new way of life.

We meet Charlie as his girlfriend is dumping him. Shocked to the core, he decides to move to Nomansland Common to help his uncle renovate Number One, Constable Cottage. Without realising it, he is in the area where Katherine Ferrers, the rumoured Highwaywoman, once roamed. Except she doesn’t seem to be at rest.

The story is so atmospheric, particularly when the ghost is sighted. It literally gave chills up my spine and I thought the writing was so powerful. Coupled with Charlie’s reactions, you could not deny that this ghost has presence and this provokes him and his neighbour to start finding out about this historical character.

Switching to the 1600s, I enjoyed reading Katherine’s story, especially as it is based on fact. The writer has clearly researched this period and I loved the mixture of historical with romance. Readers immediately sympathise with Katherine as, at just fourteen years old, she is married to a sixteen year old man – with whom she is absolutely no connection with. Thanks to the patriarchal society, Katherine has no voice and soon, very little money left, due to her husband’s unwavering, financial support to the monarchy. It is the threat of the sale of her family home that leads Katherine to make a life-changing decision and I admired her courage in trying to maintain her independence.

Switching between past and present, the two timelines weave a beautiful story that has developing parallels. I enjoyed reading about both periods and thought the story was well-balanced between the two. Further to that, the main characters were all likeable and I found there were points where my heart was in my chest, particularly concerning Katherine’ story and her determination to keep her ways a secret. The fact that she steals from the rich in order to support the poor families was selfless to the end, a bit like a Robin Hood character, and I was desperate to understand why her ghost was never at rest.

This was another great read from Collins and I feel I have learned a bit more about another historical character from the past. Highly recommended.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute cosy romance with a dash of spooky mystery.

Told from two POV’s. Kathrine, 1600’s, married at 14 to a man who just wants her money.

Charlie, modern day, renovating a house near the commons and has spooky sightings of a mysterious rider.

I liked this tale is actually based off real folklore. It was cute, romantic and kinda spooky.

Realistically I would I liked an entire book about Kathrine. The ending was sad and unsatisfying, I just didn’t really connect with the characters and the dialogue was a bit cheesy for my tastes. Cute little cosy romance though and super easy to read.

Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of this book sounded really interesting. Katherine Ferrers is a fascinating character from history - a teenager in a loveless marriage turned highway robber. Charlie’s story was also interesting as he tried to find his footing after the unexpected end of a relationship. Charlie has his own personal journey with a bit of mystery thrown in as he and his neighbor, Edie, try to find out more about a ghost haunting their neighborhood. The ghost they seek is Katherine Ferrers. Her story set in the late 17th century seems to be more about a woman finding some semblance of agency with all of society against her. The problem with the book is that I just don’t think the two stories did mix as well as some other dual timeline novels I have read.

The true history surrounding Katherine Ferres is really interesting, but I’m not sure it was truly explored in this book. I wanted more.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4

Thank you NetGalley & Boldwood Books for the ARC!

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Married at fourteen Katherine Ferrers knows that there will never be any love lost between herself and her profligate young husband who is determined to spend her considerable fortune supporting the anti-royalist movement in the years following the English Civil War. With her inheritance dwindling Katherine embarks on a dangerous venture which will see her life, and that of her friends, placed in great danger.

In the present day, Charlie Wolfe is renovating an old cottage in Hertfordshire when he senses the ghostly presence of a woman on horseback and with the help of a friend, Charlie is determined to discover more about the mysterious wicked lady who once roamed the countryside and whose troubled spirit still remains.

Based on the true story of Katherine Ferrers, an English gentlewoman, who became a highwayman, this beautifully written time-slip novel is an atmospheric and evocative story which blends past and present, myth and legend together, capturing the imagination right from the start. I enjoyed piecing together all the pieces of the puzzle, whilst at the same time wanting to know more about this fearless young woman who was involved in such a dangerous activity. The modern day element is done well, and there's enough jumping at shadows to appreciate the eeriness of the story whilst also enjoying Charlie's transition from being somewhat lost and lonely to finding out so much about himself and the enigmatic wicked lady in the process.

[Tara B · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Elena Collins novel did not disappoint!

A beautifully written tale of love, heartbreak and justice. This story is set in 1600s Hertfordshire alongside a dual timeline of Present Day. The author effortlessly weaves a piece of fascinating historical fiction based on a female highwayman.

Katherine Ferrers is a most wonderful character and we follow her journey through a loveless marriage and her yearning for love and justice. A story of one extraordinary woman's strength and guile.

Present day characters are also wonderfully written and display a warmth and vulnerable charm.

This was such an easy read not only did it have a spellbinding storyline, I loved the characters and the roles they played. It was atmospheric and had a ghostly gothic vibe too.

Can't recommend this enough. 5 Stars all the way!

[Susanne Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m fascinated with the history of Highwaymen so I was very excited to read this duel timeline story. I was instantly hooked by the story of Katherine, her struggles as a woman in a man’s world in the 1600s, being forced into an arranged marriage and having no control over her own money. I loved how she fought for her independence and to care for the poor families on the estate. It was interesting so see her story develop, taking on a new life to preserve her home and help the poor under her care.
The modern day story features Charlie, who has separated from his long term girlfriend and finds himself in a new location working alongside his Uncle. Spooky things begin to occur and it leads him to a new friendship with a neighbour.
I liked that the main character in the present part of the story was male, it added a further depth to the story and was refreshing to see his perspective.
An enjoyable historical read that was gripping and entertaining throughout.

[BlaireReadsTheThings · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC for this title.

Skipping synopsis because I don't care. This book is slow and confusing. I really gave it my best shot, but it's just awful. The criss-crossing timelines are mad confusing. The characters are annoying and I just don't like any of them. I shouldn't have to get more than 30% into a book before I understand what is happening.

[Sharonb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just meh! I flicked through the modern part i just wasn't interested in it. The 17th century story was a bit more interesting, but I quickly lost interest in that as well.

This is my 3rd Elena Collins book, and I enjoyed the other two. The historical part of those seemed to have a bit more substance than this one.

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written ficton based on a historic figure local to me. Fun to have the context of the places in my head whilst reading, although I'll be looking careful next time I'm dog walking in dusky light on the common.

[julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic well written time slip novel by this author. The beauty of these books is that you are engrossed immediately into the two linked stories; one present day and one in the life of Katherine Ferrers, a highwaywoman living in the 1600’s. As in all Elena Collins’s novels, it is based on past true events and characters, exquisitely researched, which are vividly brought to life for the reader. I eagerly await the next one.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the advance review copy.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eerie prologue sets the scene for the story of Katherine Ferrers believed to be the first female Highwaywoman. Elena, in her true magical style, weaves a spellbinding story bringing together myth and legend about Katherine. A girl aged 14 married to someone just so he could squander her wealth on his mission to bring Charles the 2nd to the throne. In the 17th century, women had no rights and Katherine was very determined to not allow him to take everything she owned, but not for her but for the villages her husband tried to fleece. Moving to Ferrers Lane, in an attempt to mend a broken heart, Charlie is petrified to hear horses hooves and snorts outside with no sign of anybody there, linking up with his neighbour Edie they resolve to discover the truth about The Wicked Lady.
I love Elena's dual timeline novels, she brings long forgotten people back to life to tell their stories. Her modern day characters are relatable and don't detract from the earlier storyline. From the written word you can tell the amount of research that goes into writing these books

[Nicki · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted more from this book. There's a kernel of a good story in there, but this wasn't fleshed out enough.

This novel is told over two time periods - but it's not a timeslip novel as indicated in the blurb. The modern storyline features the ghost of the Wicked Lady haunting her old stomping grounds but seen only by Charlie and Edie and their dogs. There's no rhyme nor reason to this - she just pops up with her horse now and then. In fact, the whole modern storyline is pointless and the characters are dull, especially Charlie.

In the historical timeline, the story is too romanticised. Everyone who finds out about Katherine's secret seems to smile indulgently and take it in their stride. I find that very hard to believe. There's also an attempt to make Katherine a kind of Robin Hood figure, doing her criminal activities for the good of the poor rather than because she wants to or because it's exciting when the rest of her life is so restrictive. Even the love story between Katherine and Raife is passive. We're told they are madly in love - virtually within minutes of meeting each other - but I never saw the passion leaping off the page.

The ending is weak too. This story goes out with a whimper rather than a bang. The author says in her notes that this kind of story is a writer's dream because fact and legend mingle and it's all about filling in the gaps. But for my money, she didn't take full advantage of being able to fill in the gaps. It was disappointing.

[Carol Beckman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good page tuner

Knowing Wheathampstead and the story of the Wicked Lady this appealed to me.
A bit too cosy and romantic for my taste but a lovely imagining of what happened.

[Carman T · Rating 3 out of 5]

The historical side of the story's ending could have been fleshed out a bit more. That part was somewhat disappointing.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wicked Lady is quite an intriguing tale! Inspired by a rich heiress/highway robber in history named Katherine Ferrers who led a sad and conflicting life. There is mixed information available about her but the author wonderfully marries the two accounts drawing upon the factual and hypothetical to create a mesmerising story.

I have loved all of Elena Collins/Judy Leigh’s books and this one is no exception. I was drawn in from the first page and stayed up very late reading this riveting tale. Everything about this dual timeline historical paranormal was appealing: the lead and supporting characters, the setting, the eerie atmosphere and the twisty plot. Although I favoured the historical thread a little more than the modern one, I still found it essential in how it provides a great mystery for Charlie and Edie to solve (while revealing a connection to their unfolding romance). Plus, their research offers a lot of background on Katherine and the area. Things ramp up when musician Charlie sees the ghost of this woman on horseback while helping his uncle renovate one of the cottages that overlooks Nomansland Common.

Why is this teary-eyed woman wandering the plains for centuries? Between the two timelines we get to experience and hear about her dilemma, trauma, heartbreak, love and loss. It is a moving tale filled with lessons, interesting figures and long ago traditions. During the past segments, I truly felt transported to the 1600s and could understand the emotions and predicaments of Katherine, her frustrations and imprisonment within a male dominated culture. And how it compelled her to go in directions she may never have gone under a more favourable environment.  

The Wicked Lady is a delicious riveting read of high adventure, forbidden romance, where our heiress heroine becomes a female Robin Hood of sorts stealing from the rich to pay the poor. It starts with her purpose to save The Cell from being sold off. Her passionate, determined heart leads her to gamble with the odds. As the plot thickens and her safety is in question, she keeps thinking ‘just one more robbery’ and she will stop. But the lure continues as her need increases but how long before disaster strikes or her good luck runs out?

I could not help but feel sad for this woman who was forced by her cruel stepfather to marry at age thirteen his sixteen year old nephew that she does not like (for good reason). It is an arranged marriage and a bad one at that for her husband takes the money, lands and buildings she inherited from her good-hearted father and disposes of them to fund the King’s war and ambitions. Thomas Fanshawe is not a likeable or very present man in the story but when he does appear— a coldness sweeps through the scenes. Although Kate resorts to less than moral activities to compensate for his actions, she garners our sympathies due to what has driven her to protect her family’s legacy. But what will it cost her? We may admire her generosity for she truly cares for the less fortunate. This tips the scales in her favour. But, does her desire to amass more funds lead her down a slippery slope?

At the beginning, I forgot how young Katherine was as she responds much like an older person. But when the story fast forwards to her twenties and we see that her determination and stubborn fortitude have only increased with time, we realise these self-preservation mechanisms end up carrying her through horrific circumstances. Although she is alone in her marriage, she is not alone in other relationships. She has the undying support of her house servants which says a lot about their thoughts of her circumstance. And she finds friendship and love in a man who joins her escapades.

I don’t want to say any more so as not to spoil the experience for others, but I encourage those who love historical fiction with ghosts or paranormal activity, to read this novel. It will keep you spellbound and pinned to the pages as you move between time lines and worlds! Each thread carries similar emotional traumas and a need for healing. But it all comes together in a beautiful blended whole. Many elements reminded me of D. H. Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover and William Langland’s Robin Hood. There are also wonderful references and appearances of literary greats Samuel Pepys, John Milton, Andrew Marvell and John Donne. There is a lot to admire in The Wicked Lady and much to whet the appetite with its literary references. This is one rollicking adventure I won’t soon forget! An easy 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for my review copy.

[Monika Caparelli-Hippert · Rating 5 out of 5]

English review:

I didn't even read the blurb, I just pick up any new book by Elena Collins when I see one :-).
So, as is usual with Ms Collins, we have a novel that takes place on two levels of time. Firstly, we are in the here and now with the young saxophonist and craftsman Charlie, who has just split up with his girlfriend Luna. Or rather, she has split up with him and Charlie has to get his life back on track. The offer from his uncle Bill, the owner of a construction company, comes at just the right time: In rural Hertfordshire, the two buy a dilapidated building and renovate it from the ground up. The new area and especially the nice new neighbor Edie slowly bring Charlie back to normal life.... But that is only one part of the story in this novel, in the other time level we are about 400 years earlier in the time of Oliver Cromwell in the same area where the 13-year-old orphan Katherine Ferrers grows up and is married to the 16-year-old royalist Thomas Fanshawe. Fanshawe is a royalist and the main goal of this marriage was, at least for him, to get as much money as possible from his young wife's inheritance and use it to finance the royal cause. Of course, the fun-loving, clever and rebellious Katherine saw things a little differently - especially when she then met the love of her life..... However, Katherine's life is supposed to be dramatic and her mind cannot find peace - and so centuries later Charlie and Edie will meet Katherine and reconstruct her life as best they can.

Fun fact: Katherine Ferrer and Thomas Fanshaw are real people, they really existed, and Katherine has gone down in local annals as a local celebrity, the "Wicked Lady", because as the "Highway Woman" she robbed rich travelers and gave some of the money to the poor, and some - this is Ms. Collins' poetic license - hoarded it for herself and her future.

Katherine and her spectacular but short life is the connecting link between the two time periods, and the author has once again created an exciting, atmospheric rich and very emotional story from this.

My reading impression: I was able to immerse myself in the story from the first page, and the story grabbed me. Exciting and well-plotted, with credible and likeable characters – and with a little paranormality, it had something. And of course the author writes fluently and captivatingly, no question about it.

I just found the ending a little abrupt and unsatisfying. That was a bit too fast for me. I didn't think Katherine's story was really told to the very
end, and Charlie and Edie also came to an agreement pretty quickly, and then there was an epilogue with peace, joy, and happiness - hmm, yes, I love happy endings and expected one, but I also had the feeling that the book had to be finished quickly and the author wanted to get to the end. I felt something was missing. So I'm giving it 4.5 out of 5 stars. Ms Collins has set her own standards so high in her previous books, but in my opinion the "Wicked Lady" doesn't quite live up to them.

But whatever, it was "still" great, and I was very well entertained! Romance, history, a little ghost story, "true crime", and lots of emotions - it's all in here, I can highly recommend the book!

Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the review copy!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back to the 1640s, and I was immediately caught up in the life of Katherine Ferrers – only thirteen, but promised in marriage to a man she barely knows, and who only wants to get his hands on her properties and fortune to support the Royalist cause. The only blessing is that he’s rarely home – she forms friendships with the staff at her former childhood home, enjoys riding her stallion on Nomansland common, but then becomes very aware that there are many on their estate suffering in poverty as her husband siphons the money away. Always feisty, she comes up with a daring plan to replenish the coffers – while putting herself in considerable danger, as the authorities become increasingly determined to end her nocturnal activities.

In the present day, Charlie – yes, rather unusually, a male lead character, and one I particularly liked – is trying to find his way again after a broken relationship, staying in a dilapidated cottage in Hertfordshire, working with his builder uncle to renovate and put it on the market. It’s one of three, and we follow him as he builds new relationships with his neighbours – but also becomes increasingly aware of a ghostly presence, on horseback, disturbing his nights, setting out to discover more about their story and allow the spirit to find rest.

Katherine’s story is compulsive reading – and, despite the dubious morals of her chosen path, she remains entirely sympathetic throughout with her determination to put right the wrongs of her neglectful husband. It’s also a particularly moving romance – perhaps an impossible one, but one I desperately hoped would bring her happiness. The whole historical setting is wonderfully brought to life – and I really loved that constant edge of danger and mounting tension that the author brought to the story as Katherine’s outings became increasingly fraught with the possibility of discovery.

But it’s a really well balanced dual time story too – none of those uncomfortable wrenches – with some excellent character development, as Charlie encounters some romance of his own, and finds that uncovering Katherine’s story allows him to make some necessary decisions about his own future. The touches of the supernatural that link the stories are quite wonderfully done – there’s not really anything that will give a reader sleepless nights, but they’re certainly particularly atmospheric, very realistic, and distinctly chilling at times.

The twists and turns of the beautifully told story really kept the pages turning, and even faster as the tension steadily increased – and it certainly more than engaged me at an emotional level too. I read it in one thoroughly enjoyable sitting – and would very much recommend it to others.

[Sim Hel · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Wicked Lady" ist so ein Buch, das mich bis zur Hälfte wirklich mitreißen und gut unterhalten konnte und mich dann aber leider verloren hat. Bis zur Hälfte hätte ich problemlos vier Sterne gegeben, nicht weil die Story (oder Stories, weil es zwei völlig verschiedene Geschichten sind, die erzählt werden und sich nur immer wieder leicht überschneiden) so originell ist, sondern weil die Figuren so sympathisch und liebenswert sind, allen voran Charlie und Edie.
Aber was ist dann passiert?

Leider muss ich sagen, dass mir Katherine und ihre Geschichte von Anfang an nicht so zugesagt hat. Katherine war mir unsympathisch; ich fand sie anmaßend und trotzig, und irgendwie der Zeit völlig unangemessen. Aber ab der Hälfte wird ihre Geschichte nur noch absurd. Sie fängt an, als "Highway Robber" zu tätig zu werden, doch irgendwie wird dies von allen Personen um sie herum gutgeheißen. Keiner hat Einwände. Auch als die Situation eskaliert und Katherine noch weitere Verbrechen begeht, wird dies von allen akzeptiert. Niemand erhebt Einwände. Das kommt mir doch sehr unglaubwürdig vor, vor allem zur damaligen Zeit.
Überhaupt hätte ich mir gewünscht, dass der Handlungsstrang, wo Katherine als Strauchdieb agiert und quasi für die Armen stiehlt, mehr ausgearbeitet wird. Zum Beispiel hätte ich mir Szenen gewünscht, in denen sie tatsächlich auch mal mit Armen in Kontakt kommt und sieht, wie diese leben, aber das ist nie der Fall, sodass man sich fragt, woher sie überhaupt weiß, wie arm diese Leute tatsächlich sind. Stattdessen entscheidet sich die Autorin für eine ziemlich schwülstige und eher unpassende Liebesgeschichte, die ziemlich vorhersehbar endet.

Vorhersehbar wird auch die Geschichte von Charlie und Edie ab der Hälfte des Romans. Vorher hat es mir Spaß gemacht, die beiden zu begleiten, aber irgendwie verliert dieser Teil dann irgendwann an Triebkraft und versandet. Es geht nur noch darum, ein Haus zu renovieren, zu kochen oder zu essen und mit den Hunden spazieren zu gehen. Auf eine überraschende Wendung wartet man vergeblich.

So muss ich leider sagen, dass dieses Buch nur nett und ganz unterhaltsam ist, aber weit unter den Möglichkeiten bleibt. Lange wird es mir nicht im Gedächtnis bleiben.

[Martha Dunlop]

This book was special. I always love Elena Collins books, and this one is set locally to me which only increased the immediacy.

There are two timelines, a romance with a ghost, and a historical tragedy which tells the story that leads to the haunting.

The modern timeline is a fabulous feel good story with characters to love, their gorgeous dogs, and a wonderful, haunted common. It’s told from the point of view of Charlie, a musician who has had his heart broken, and retreated from his old life to work with his uncle, renovating a run-down cottage on Nomansland just outside St Albans. I loved the way the renovation of the cottage mirrored Charlie’s healing process, and his love for the new life he’s building. I loved the relationships he builds and I really enjoyed the music that was threaded through the story. This is a gorgeous story of personal transformation and happy endings.

But while Charlie lives in the cottage, he sees a ghost and it’s these encounters that link the two timelines together and bring the real magic to the story.

Set in 1648, the Katherine Ferrers timeline is a really sad story about a young girl pushed into a life she never wanted, with a man she didn’t like and who had no interest in her. This is a much darker story, with a fiery woman who deserved so much more out of life. Backed into a corner, faced with losing everything to the man she married, she made a frightening choice and took a stand in an attempt to save herself and those she loved. Though I knew roughly where this was going, I was really rooting for her to succeed and come out of it alive and happy. This is such a deeply felt story line, with love, tragedy, bravery and a strong moral compass. It was impossible not to love her.

This part of the book was based on a local legend, and I am fascinated to find out more.

I loved every minute of this book and definitely recommend it. It has everything from a contemporary feel good storyline to a much darker, older narrative. It has love, tragedy, happy endings and sad, and of course dogs!

Another fabulous mystical book from Elena Collins.

[nickiknackinoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I slipped into this book like a pair of comfortable shoes…. wonderful and totally perfect!.
With a dual timeline, the story was eerie and we hear about unfortunate Kate, a young bride who’s married for the use her money can be for her new husband and his needy projects for the royal member. She has no control over this element, her husband can decide where the money goes. We follow her story intermittently with Charlie’s. I thought it flowed really well.
Poor Charlie, who had come to live in a rundown cottage on Nomansland Common on Ferris Lane, had been dumped by his long term girlfriend Luna, who shot off to Cornwall to live a new theatrical life. She urged Charlie to return to his old self. The Charlie who she’d met and fallen in love with. Ouch!! So he leaves their old life behind to work for his Uncle Bill. They buy this cottage together, “a doer upper”. and he lives there with very little, but starts to fall in love with the area where the house is situated. Apart from the ghost of a woman on horseback who seems to turn up when he’s not expecting her, and looks so sad. Who is she? What does she want?
Then there’s the matter of a beautiful young woman who lives at the end of the row of three houses. Will she be a permanent fixture in his new life? Or is he too scared to love again after the heartbreak he suffered at the hands of his ex?.
I absolutely adored this story and I will definitely be looking up The Wicked Lady!!! I love stories loosely based around factual people and places in history.
I would like to thank Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this arc copy for review consideration via Netgalley.. My opinion is my own.
#Netgalley, #TheBoldBookClub, #JudyRLeigh.

[loopyloulaura · Rating 4 out of 5]

1640s, Kate Ferrers is forced to marry a man who steals her fortune until she resorts to highway robbery to save her home. Present day, Charlie is trying to rebuild his life after being dumped by his girlfriend. But his new home is haunted by a ghostly presence...
The Wicked Lady is a dual timeline novel set during the English Civil War and the present day in Hertfordshire, UK.
Poor Kate is just a teenager when she is told she will marry a man she barely knows. Thomas is a Royalist and only wants her fortune which he quickly spends by giving to his king. Next he insists that Kate sell her childhood home and she begs him to reconsider. The only way she can make enough money to satisfy him is to commit highway robbery and put her life in danger. Charlie has been dumped so heads off for a fresh start renovating a house with his uncle. Along with one of his neighbours, he begins to sense a ghostly presence and together they research the area and discover the legend of the Wicked Lady before trying to separate the facts from the fiction.
The writing style is easy to read and the descriptions and dialogue allowed me to become immersed in both timelines. The author has done a lot of research about the history and geography of the region to bring the plot to life. I much preferred Kate's parts of the book due to my love of history as well as the character's inner strength against the adversity she faces. The spooky elements added an extra dimension to the plot and I enjoyed the romances in both timelines. I felt that the ending of the book didn't resolve the ghost thread to my satisfaction.
The Wicked Lady is an enjoyable dual timeline novel and I loved the strong lead female character and historical aspects.

[Maddy McGlynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an atmospheric and addictive read that brought 17th century female highwayman Katherine Ferrers to life.

I really enjoy a good timeslip novel, where past and present merge to create two stories connected by one figure. Katherine’s tale was poignant but full of adventure, and Charlie’s story was not only a tool to enhance her story, but provided a warm and comforting narrative set in the modern day.

Katherine’s life was utterly fascinating, from her marriage at just 14 to a husband she had no affection for, to becoming a renowned highwaywoman to save her own fortune. Collins captures her boldness and bravery, whilst also shows her humanity, and what life was often like for married women in the 17th century.

Charlie’s story deals with themes of heartbreak and healing, set in the same location as Katherine, centuries later. Through his eyes, we see her restless spirit and the poignancy of her story.

The Wicked Lady is beautifully written and absorbing, despite tackling some more serious themes. I devoured this book within a few sittings, and became wrapped up in the story.

I also loved seeing the pictures at the back of the book that show the real locations of Nomansland Common and The Cell. Plus a celebrity appearance from Alan, who features in the book!

This is a great new story that pays homage to Katherine Ferrerrs, a highwaywoman whose story needs to be told.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Inspiredbypmdd Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, what a wonderfully told story, and a great way to remember and imagine the life of 'The Wicked Lady'! Elena Collins is an absolute must read author for me, I am full of awe in how well researched and put together this story is. It's a dual timeline that splits between 1600s and the now. We follow Kate and Charlie's story. Kate is an orphan who has to marry at 13 and her inheritance is then in the hands of her husband, royalist Thomas Fanshawe. Charlie has been dumped by his girlfriend and has given up London life to help his uncle Bill refurbish a rundown cottage for profit, there with his best friend and dog Alan, life starts to change. Although, the ice cold breeze and shadows of a woman on horseback have him a little perturbed. His friendship with his neighbour Edie and her dog Bianca starts to open his eyes to life outside of mourning the end of something and looking at the beginning of his new life with a brighter light. She too feels the ice shadows and shares rare glimpses. Together they investigate who she was and what her path could have been.
Kate's life was lonely, her husband away at war and paying her little to no mind when present. She strikes up an instant bond with someone she shouldn't and so her story unfolds. Elena writes so cleverly and with good humour, I was gripped and couldn't wait to read more and have my imagination play me the story as I swept from page to page. 5 big shiny stars!!!! look forward to the next one!!!

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical novel written in dual timelines - 1648 in Herefordshire wealthy heiress Katherine Ferrers is to be married to a relative of her guardian, and in present day Herefordshire, after splitting up with his girlfriend, Charlie Wolfe has moved into a cottage that he is renovating with his uncle. Both timelines have a strong romantic element to them and the earlier timeline some interesting literary references.

Briefly, after her marriage Katherine is living in her childhood home The Cell whilst her husband is away fighting to restore the royal family to the throne and gradually spending her fortune in support of the royalist cause. Moving on to 1659 and with her money running out and her husband demanding more, Katherine makes a dangerous decision. In the present Charlie starts hearing horse hooves in the night and sees what looks like a woman on a horse. He doubts himself until his neighbour Edie also sees and hears the mysterious woman on horseback.

Katherine is a very strong character. Accepting of her situation and making the most of her absent husband but her strength and compassion really shone through when she takes a Robin Hood approach of taking from the rich to give to the poor, whilst funding her planned escape from her marriage. Her morals in some ways were a bit suspect but her life had not been a happy one and she was chasing happiness. An enjoyable and entertaining historical fiction novel.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fascinatingly complex and emotional dual perspective and dual timeline historical fiction novel, readers travel between 1648 Hertfordshire and present day Hertfordshire and Constable’s Lane. At thirteen, Katherine Ferrers was betrothed to Royalist Thomas Fanshawe, who wants to sell off her family inheritance and fortune to reinstall Charles II to the English Throne, and their marriage is long and unhappy with Thomas traveling around England for the royalists while Kate remains at her childhood home and final property The Cell. In the present day, Charlie Wolfe relocates to Constable’s Lane and Nomansland Common in Hertfordshire to help his uncle renovate a cottage, but the story of the Wicked Lady and the highwaymen who terrorized travelers in the area in the seventeenth century. As Charlie spends more time in the area and encounters the Wicked Lady’s ghost, her secrets are slowly revealed and change her legacy. This fascinating dual-timeline and dual-perspective historical fiction novel has roots in history, Katherine Ferrers Fanshawe being a real historical figure, and Elena Collins has brought her and her seventeenth-century elite existence to life in this novel. With its vibrant descriptions, charming characters, and idyllically haunted location, this historical fiction novel with a twinge of ghost story is an excellent and immersive read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Jeni · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wicked Lady is a story well woven between two time periods that offers intrigue and mystery to the reader.

Usually I'm not a fan of dual time stories, generally finding them to be very jarring when switching time periods. Time lag? However, Elena Collins weaves these time jumps so well that beyond the change in scenery the reader slips effortlessly from one time to another. It made the journey more interesting.
And yay for a strong female lead. A female highway woman is what drew me to the story in the first place. Katherine is well written, strong and resilient. Charlie, in the modern day, was just as interesting and well written. It was great to see it be a male lead uncovering an interesting woman's history for a change.

As for uncovered history it was interesting that the author told us things that the characters weren't always privy too. Those explanations gave a great depth to the book and a richer experience.

There are a few bumps in the night, or rather hooves in the night, to add to the atmospheric air of mystery and ghostly goings on. Don't worry, you probably wont need to leave the lights on after this one though.

Grab this slow burn mystery for a weekend read when the fog rolls in and the fire is roaring.

Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Ashley Cloninger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the supernatural books by Elena Collins and The Wicked Lady is another great story.

The Wicked Lady follows Katherine Ferrers, a young heiress in 17th century England during the turbulent times of the Civil War and the Protecorate under Oliver Cromwell. Katherine is married off at the tender age of almost 14 to her stepfather’s nephew, an unattractive, surly young man who proceeds to run through her fortune in support of the Royalist cause. When money gets tight what is an independent young woman to do? Why become a highwaywoman of course, or so the legend says.

In the present Charlie Wolfe has had his heart broken and is barely surviving in London when his builder uncle offers him the chance to redo a historic cottage in St. Albans, While renovating the cottage strange happenings start to trouble him. A rider on horseback seen late at night and on the periphery of nomansland common Is something or someone haunting Charlie?

The chapters move back and forth between Katherine’s story and Charlie’s. I really enjoyed the historical aspect and felt great sympathy for Katherine who had no control over her life or fortune. Charlie’s story was a good catalyst for the ghost story aspect, after all who does not like a good haunting?

Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, Boldwood Books and the author for the chance to read and review this ARC.