Dark Secrets on Dressmakers' Alley

Dressmakers Alley #2

by Rosie Clarke

Preorder the next instalment in the Dressmakers Alley series from bestseller Rosie Clarke Praise for Rosie

'Brilliant read. Wonderful characters that draw you into Harpers world. Thoroughly enjoyable.' Kitty Neale

'When it comes to writing sagas, Rosie Clarke is up there with some of the best in the business' Bookish Jottings

'Full of drama, romance and secrets ... A perfect example of its genre' That Thing She Reads

'This is wonderful historical fiction that is so character-driven you'll wish these women lived on your street' Reader Review

'Absolutely loved this latest instalment and revisiting the ladies of the Lane. Another great story of love and heartache' Reader Review

Genres: Historical, Historical Fiction, Fiction

322 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

Reviews

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed being reacquainted with Dressmakers Alley and it's inhabitants.

If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:

https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Secrets on Dressmakers’ Alley by Rosie Clarke is another in her Dressmakers’ Alley series. All is going well at the Miss Sophie factory. Unbeknownst to most, Sophie and her former mistress, Lady Diane, had gone into business. Lady Diane did the designing and Sophie ran the factory, making dresses for women. It had been hard at first to get good seamstresses but they had managed and now were almost showing a profit. Winnie was all set to marry Sam so she was happy. Then, someone started attacking women on the streets of an evening. It got so bad that Joe put together a watch of sorts to protect their women. Then, the worst happened when the suspect was found murdered, struck several times in the head and a hammer with Sam initials was found nearby. Just as Joe and Jeb had been released, Sam was arrested. Sophie did the only thing she knew to do and went to Lady Diane, who called an attorney. It was not the one she wanted but he had had his appendix out. Sophie and he began at once to free her brother. Very complicated.

These are good character, living a life that is totally foreign to me. That is what makes it so appealing. I think it is good to read about other periods in time and this takes place not that long ago. But, the gentry and the common foll are still divided. Some open-minded people are beginning to make strides forward. Lady Diane’s stepson is jilted. That is an interesting side-plot. Sibbi gets tired of waiting for Joe to love her, another side-plot. The whole thing is an interesting look into a time awhile ago. Clarke does well with this time period and makes it her own, interweaving appearances from people from other series. It is full of wonderful and warm people, written to a tee by Clarke. Not so much a plot, but more a slice of life with plots in and amongst daily life. Pacing is perfect. What a good series!

I was invited to read Dark Secrets on Dressmakers’ Alley by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #RosieClarke #DarkSecretsOnDressmakersAlley.

[Lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the latest instalment in the Dressmakers’ Alley series, readers return to a dark point in the story, as women are being attacked and robbed while several local businesses have been the victims of burglary. As the acts escalate and the police do nothing, the men in the area take the defense of the community upon themselves until local Sam Collins, Winnie’s future husband, is targeted as the possible murderer of the prime suspect. Lacking an alibi and possessing motive and the murder weapon, Winnie must convince her friends and the police that Sam is innocent, but the truth is much stranger and darker than the police’s reality. With new and familiar faces dealing with this new threat to the community of Dressmakers’ Alley, readers will be immersed in this new mystery and the high stakes involved for everyone. With new characters sharing their perspective as the plot unfolds, Clarke really has a chance to let the characters shine and tell the story as they did in the first book in the series and in her other titles. With a terrifying mystery and a long road to the true culprit, readers will love the newest book in the Dressmakers’ Alley series and find themselves working with Winnie to solve the mystery before it is too late.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advance copy.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dark Secrets on Dressmakers' Alley is a solid second instalment in the series, following up on the events of Dangerous Times on Dressmakers' Alley. While you could read it as a standalone, with the multiple characters and story arcs it's would make sense to start with the first book to fully appreciate the characters’ development and the story's continuity.

This book brings a mix of romance, mystery, and darker themes, much like the first one, but it dives even deeper into the suspense. The pace builds, with twists that kept me flipping pages eagerly to find out what would happen next.

Rosie Clarke also does a good job of weaving historical and social context into the story, giving the reader a vivid feel of the era. The added romance and the thrill of solving the mystery make it an engaging and emotional read.

When reading on the Kindle, I got to 91% and the book ended, and I thought I had another few chapters left, so I felt the ending was a bit abrupt, but it leaves plenty of threads that will no doubt be picked up in the next instalment.

Fans of historical fiction will like this book, especially those already invested in the Dressmakers' Alley series. Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced copy.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

The second book in the Dressmakers' Alley series, this book features the same characters from Book 1 and more. This time, someone is harming women. Several people are suspects, so some of the local men form a patrol. The reason for the attacks is complicated, though, and it may take some time for the police to interrogate suspects and decide who is lying, who is telling the truth and who is responsible. Meanwhile, life changes for Winnie, Yvonne and other dressmakers. They continue to work in a successful business and may even discover greater success as they hone their skills and share their creations.
This is my first Dressmakers' Alley book, and I enjoyed it. The characters were all different and complex, which adds dimension to the story.
I do wish the author had delved deeper into the psychological background of the characters and investigated their reasons for doing things. For example, why is Sibby so clingy? Why doesn't Lady Diane want to attach her name to her dress designs? The story does include enough depth to make it interesting, and perhaps the author chooses to not dive deeper in order to keep the book fairly light and not so heavy.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

This is the second book in the Dressmakers’ Alley series, set in 1920s London. I enjoyed the previous book, so I was looking forward to this.

This was my second visit to Dressmakers’ Alley, and I was pleased to be back in the company of some characters that I remembered fondly from the first book. As I read, I felt those characters coming to life again, and they felt real to me. I think on this occasion, the character that I identified with the most was Sibby.

The title refers to ‘dark secrets’, and I did find the storyline a little bit darker, at least compared to the previous book, but it was very invested in the story. I cared about the characters and what happened to them.

I enjoyed this continuation of the series, and if you like historical sagas, you might like this series too.

Thank you to NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

[Eileen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Secrets on Dressmakers’ Alley is the second in the latest series of historical sagas by Rosie Clark. This book is set in London in the 1920s. Rosie Clarke definitely knows her readers and in this book she brings in some characters from her other series’s which is a nice touch. This story has a darker side to it than her earlier work and is all the better for that, cause let’s face it, London is not all knees up mother brown etc. there is an underbelly of crime running through these books which gives it a meatier feel. The cast of characters are well fleshed out but I think it would be wise to read the first book in order to get a better understanding of how things have developed. Overall I’d say this will be as successful as her previous books, and why not, if the formula works why change it.
For me this is a 4⭐️ read. Many thanks to #Boldwoodbooks for my advanced copy of this book. #Boldwood #NetGalley

[AnnMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, and I think you should read the first book, Dangerous Times on Dressmakers' Alley before you read this one. This book can be read as a standalone, but as we are continuing the story of the characters from book one, it is much better to know what had happened to them previously.

As with the first book, this one was darker than I am used to from this author, but there is more romance and definitely more mystery. I couldn't read quickly enough to find out what was going to happen next.

I loved the majority of the characters, and as the author intended, I despised the evildoers. Sad, happy, or shocked, this story had me gripped from start to finish and I am very happy with how things came to their conclusion.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read about a community of people who mainly live in the same area. I found the details about the fashions interesting and the fact that Lady Diane was responsible for some of the designs. This story tells about how the people lived their lives, their jobs and there was some romance as well. There is also someone who is attacking the women of the area. There is a nod to some of the events of the period, including the Women’s Movement. I hadn’t read the first book in the series and although there were a number of characters, it didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the story. Some events are resolved but as this book is part of a series, some are ongoing. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Angela Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had read the first book in the series and looked forward to this one.
I was not disappointed. A bit of fashion, the workings of a dressmaking business from design to sale, and human interactions all together made for a great read.

There was the murky underworld to contend with and some follow on from the first book but it’s perfectly possible to read this as a stand-alone book. It would be easy to provide spoilers but then the twists and turns would be less impactful
My only disappointment? It ended after 91% on my Kindle - then a chapter of another book followed. I felt a bit cheated of the final 8% or so somehow. This seems to happen a lot though I feel.

However this didn’t detract from a well written and well researched book.

Thank you for the chance to read the ARC

[Storied Conversation · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a close-knit community, this engaging story offers a vivid look at the intertwined lives of its residents, including fascinating insights into the fashion of the period. The book captures both the everyday routines and relationships of the characters, alongside the suspense of an attacker threatening local women. Historical references, like the Women’s Movement, add depth to the setting and narrative. Even without reading the first book, the large cast is easy to follow, with some plot threads resolved and others left for the next book in the series.

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Jeanette Fallon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Women are being physically attacked on Dressmaker's Alley. One woman killed.

A killer is on the loose. The men were up in arms and decided to do something about it.

This book was a page turner. I loved the characters. There were families that sincerely cared for each other. There were neighbors who stood up for each other in their times of need.

This is Book 2 of the Dressmaker's Alley Series. I have read the previous story and I know I'll read the next. I have to know if Susie will find happiness. Will Joe and Sarah find true love? Did Sibby make a big mistake leaving a safe place for a man she really didn't know?

I can't say enough about Rosie Clarke's books. I have enjoyed them all.

[Helen Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Secrets on Dressmaker's Alley is the second in the Dressmaker's Alley series. Set in London in the 1920s, someone is attacking women.

This book is about how people lived their lives back then; about their jobs and home life and struggling to make ends meet, whilst others lived comfortable lives. It is quite dark in places, but also romantic..

This is the first book that I have read in this series, and found that I wasn't at a loss as to what had previously happened - it read as a standalone. I liked most of the characters and the period that it is set in. It was a very enjoyable read, and will definitely be reading more.

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for letting me read a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

[Nix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Secrets on Dressmakers' Alley is the latest instalment in the gritty, historical saga series set in London's East End in 1924.

It builds on the first book in the series "Dangerous Times on Dressmakers' Alley" with many of the characters returning and coming further to life.

The girls are enjoying their work at Miss Susie's, the dressmaker's run by a former maid. Recently there has been a series of women being attached and robbed, even in broad daylight.

The Police seem too busy (and somewhat incompetent) so the men of the Dressmakers' Alley create a rota to keep an eye on the area and to keep their wives, girlfriends and sisters safe.

The story felt a bit darker than the previous one, and some of the novelty from the first book was now just part of the back story (a Lady designing dresses, a former maid running a business, the Women's Movement, etc).

(Netgalley ARC)

[Rhona Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good read.

This book follows on from book one, Dangerous Times on Dressmakers Alley. It can be read separately, but the characters etc were all in book one, so it is best that you read book one first.
Miss Susie's has been going for nine months and the girls are being attacked, shops being robbed. The local men get together to form patrols to make sure the women are kept safe. But when the man, who did the attacks is found dead the men are called in by the police and one is put on remand, can Susie save her brother?
A very good follow up to the first book. Enjoyable read.
Highly recommended.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Dressmaker’s Alley series and whilst it can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading book one as it is also a fabulous read.

It was great to be back in Dressmaker’s Alley and catching up with the characters we had met in book one . After a couple of chapters I was completely captivated by this book and all that was going on. I love the way the author brings her characters to life and her descriptions of them and their surroundings makes me feel I’m actually there with them. There’s various themes throughout the book including murder and romance and all of them had me glued to the story. I highly recommend this series for fans of historical fiction saga stories.

[Sven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thrilling. Things are just about settling in at the Alley, when attacks and other dangers happenings, including a murder, throw the members into a tizzy to solve the mystery.

Well paced, with a mystery, great ending, and some romance thrown in, this book is worth the read. And of course, as a dress maker myself, I loved reading about the inner workings of this profession.

#netgalley #DarkSecretsOnDressMakersAlley

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thrilling instalment with characters that you will love and others that you will utterly despise! The girls feel like friends I've known for years. There is a lot of drama plotted in the book and a mystery twist. It is quite a dark and disturbing mystery for this genre but I thoroughly enjoyed investigating with the characters. A gritty action filled historical saga that is different but highly palatable.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

We meet up with the girls from Dressmakers Alley again. Miss Susie’s is going well with lots of orders coming in. There is a problem for the girls as women are getting attacked and robbed as they go home. The men go out in groups trying to protect the girls and maybe catch the attacker. There’s a lot going on for the seamstress’s in this book. Will all this trouble cause trouble for Lady Diane’s business. I highly recommend this book it’s yet again another great series from Rosie.

[Jody Reads Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clarke does a great job at capturing the feel of the time period in regards to fashion, as well as the problems of the time. Real-life work, relationship, and social issues make the characters easy to identify with.

Thank you to NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for allowing me to read and review this book.

[Olive Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark Secrets on Dressmakers alley

Although I enjoyed this 2nd book in the series, I was very disappointed on how short it was, I don't think it was value for money, it's very disappointing when authors have to shorten their books so they can get a third one. I have read everyone of Rosie Clarks books and was surprised by this one the way it ended.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being the second book, it was delightful to reunite with familiar characters. Set in 1920s London, brimming with romance, murder, suspense, and a mystery to unravel as someone preys on women in the night, this book is a compelling page-turner and a pleasure for readers. Rosie Clark's consistent quality of storytelling and writing elevates this book.

[Enid Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating insight to family & Business

Sequel Book 2 describing the daily lifestyles of various houses in the East End after WW2. Description and detail of working people and other defined sectors of lifestyle such a welcome record of historical working class life and criminality The love matches and tribulations well contrived and written

[Ash Laverty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second instalment in this series was even better than the first! I couldn’t put the book down as I just wanted to know who the murderer was - and the twist at the end was great. The difference romances and relationships that develop through the story are also wonderful.
4 stars out of 5 ⭐️

[Christine Leake]

Love Rosie Clarke l have read all of her books as they come out Dressmakers alley being the latest one a mix of murder intrigue love and marriage and beautiful clothes l always look forward to the next instalment to know how things turn out.

[Mrs Nicola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another lovely story!!

Thank you, Rosie Clarke, for another of your lovely stories. I was gripped and had to pick my Kindle up and read, just a bit more each time I was that into it.

[Caroline Palmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and fashion filled installment of the life on Dressmaker’s Alley! I hope there will be more, more than just one more!

[Carol Mageean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 in the series and great little reminders to keep you going from characters in book one. Great style of writing plenty of characters and plenty going on really enjoyed this book

[Carole Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

An excellent read with lots of twists and turns. The characters are brought to life with each turn of the page.

[Sharon Broaster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t want it to end

Another great series in the making for Rosie - I wasn’t ready for the book to end when it did. I hope it won’t be long for book 3 . Xx