What do you think?
Rate this book
The Watchers of Pencarrack Moor
1931, Cornwall.
Gwenna Rosdew had no choice but to step up as head of the family after her father was arrested for his role in a smuggling scandal. As his release date nears, she must start planning her own future - but when her journey of self-discovery leads her down an unexpected path, Gwenna must decide just how much danger she is willing to endure.
Meanwhile, a menacing discontent grows within Dartmoor Prison, and a young convict must quickly find his feet after making powerful enemies on both sides of the wall. As the rumblings threaten to erupt into a full-scale riot, Daniel must put his faith in an unlikely ally or risk not making it out of the prison alive.
When explosive events cause their two worlds to collide, the lines between right and wrong begin to blur, and both
Gwenna and Daniel must decide which side of that line they are prepared to stand on . . .
Praise for Terri
'A brilliant read' RoNA award-winning, bestselling novelist Tania Crosse
'Love, loss and old rivalries are skilfully woven against an atmospheric coastal backdrop holding a promise of new beginnings. A five star page turner from the start' Kay Brellend, author of A Workhouse Christmas
'I guarantee their story will stay with you long after you have finished reading this beautifully written book' Lynne Francis, author of A Maid's Ruin
'A moving story of tragedy, deception and one woman's determination to protect her family. I couldn't put it down!' Charlotte Betts, author of The Light Within Us
Gwenna Rosdew had no choice but to step up as head of the family after her father was arrested for his role in a smuggling scandal. As his release date nears, she must start planning her own future - but when her journey of self-discovery leads her down an unexpected path, Gwenna must decide just how much danger she is willing to endure.
Meanwhile, a menacing discontent grows within Dartmoor Prison, and a young convict must quickly find his feet after making powerful enemies on both sides of the wall. As the rumblings threaten to erupt into a full-scale riot, Daniel must put his faith in an unlikely ally or risk not making it out of the prison alive.
When explosive events cause their two worlds to collide, the lines between right and wrong begin to blur, and both
Gwenna and Daniel must decide which side of that line they are prepared to stand on . . .
Praise for Terri
'A brilliant read' RoNA award-winning, bestselling novelist Tania Crosse
'Love, loss and old rivalries are skilfully woven against an atmospheric coastal backdrop holding a promise of new beginnings. A five star page turner from the start' Kay Brellend, author of A Workhouse Christmas
'I guarantee their story will stay with you long after you have finished reading this beautifully written book' Lynne Francis, author of A Maid's Ruin
'A moving story of tragedy, deception and one woman's determination to protect her family. I couldn't put it down!' Charlotte Betts, author of The Light Within Us
400 pages, Paperback
Published April 29, 2025
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Terri Nixon
24 books51 followersTerri was born in Plymouth in 1965. At the age of 9 she moved with her family to Cornwall, to a small village on the edge of Bodmin Moor, where she discovered a love of writing that has stayed with her ever since. She also discovered apple-scrumping, and how to jump out of a hayloft without breaking any bones, but no-one's ever offered to pay her for doing those.
Since publishing in paperback for the first time in 2002, Terri has appeared in both print and online fiction collections, and is proud to have contributed to the Shirley Jackson award-nominated hardback collection: Bound for Evil, by Dead Letter Press. As a Hybrid author, her first commercially published novel was Maid of Oaklands Manor, published by Piatkus Entice (a digital-first imprint of Little, Brown,) and short-listed in the "Best Historical Read" category at the Festival of Romance 2013. The sequel, A Rose in Flanders Fields, was published by Carina UK (a digital-first imprint of HarperCollins) and was short-listed in the same category in 2014.
Terri's self-published Mythic Fiction series set in Cornwall, The Lynher Mill Chronicles, has now been launched. Books one and two are available in print and e-book, and the third book in the series is due for release in June 2015.
Terri now lives in Plymouth with her youngest son, and works in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Plymouth University, where she is constantly baffled by the number of students who don't possess pens.
Terri also writes under the name T Nixon, and has contributed to anthologies under the names Terri Pine and Teresa Nixon. She is represented by the Kate Nash Literary Agency.
Since publishing in paperback for the first time in 2002, Terri has appeared in both print and online fiction collections, and is proud to have contributed to the Shirley Jackson award-nominated hardback collection: Bound for Evil, by Dead Letter Press. As a Hybrid author, her first commercially published novel was Maid of Oaklands Manor, published by Piatkus Entice (a digital-first imprint of Little, Brown,) and short-listed in the "Best Historical Read" category at the Festival of Romance 2013. The sequel, A Rose in Flanders Fields, was published by Carina UK (a digital-first imprint of HarperCollins) and was short-listed in the same category in 2014.
Terri's self-published Mythic Fiction series set in Cornwall, The Lynher Mill Chronicles, has now been launched. Books one and two are available in print and e-book, and the third book in the series is due for release in June 2015.
Terri now lives in Plymouth with her youngest son, and works in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Plymouth University, where she is constantly baffled by the number of students who don't possess pens.
Terri also writes under the name T Nixon, and has contributed to anthologies under the names Terri Pine and Teresa Nixon. She is represented by the Kate Nash Literary Agency.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 10, 2025
The Watchers of Pencarrack Moor is the third book in the Pencarrack series by Terri Nixon, the sequel to the Fox Bay saga with some recurring characters. Quite a lot of characters. It was difficult for me to place everyone, and I should have reread the first two books in this series so that it was all a bit fresher in my memory, despite the list of characters at the beginning of the book; I would have liked it to be a bit more extensive, but that is purely personal and does not detract from the quality of the book.
Terri Nixon started her historical novels with The Oaklands Manor Trilogy, which starts in the year 1912 and runs until 1917. Then came The Penhaligon Saga. That one is set earlier, in 1910/1911, but in a different setting, namely Cornwall in southwest England. Nixon has stuck with this setting ever since and leads us through time, with The Fox Bay Saga in the 1920s and finally the Pencarrack books in the early 1930s.
The strongest points in all these historical novels are and remain the strong female characters, the community that is brought to life by Nixon, and the mutual relationships that provide both tension and romance as well as humor.
For those who have ever seen Twin Peaks: the title of the story is somewhat reminiscent of the Bookhouse Boys. A group of men who help keep things safe, incorporated by the local police. The Watchers themselves have their share of sins, but now try to serve society in this way.
But the Watchers actually stay in the background. The book mainly revolves around two other characters: Gwenna Rosdew and Daniel Pearce. The first is a recurring character from the previous books, the second is a new character who ends up in Dartmoor prison due to a rash act of stupidity.
Reading these books is very relaxing, but you have to keep your head in the game. Fortunately, it reads so smoothly that you can easily get through it in a few long reading sessions. And at the end it is always a shame that you have to leave this world again. It's certainly not all roses and moonshine, but it remains a very romantic period where some things were simpler, and that's exactly why it takes you so easily out of your own world and makes you forget your surroundings.
Terri Nixon started her historical novels with The Oaklands Manor Trilogy, which starts in the year 1912 and runs until 1917. Then came The Penhaligon Saga. That one is set earlier, in 1910/1911, but in a different setting, namely Cornwall in southwest England. Nixon has stuck with this setting ever since and leads us through time, with The Fox Bay Saga in the 1920s and finally the Pencarrack books in the early 1930s.
The strongest points in all these historical novels are and remain the strong female characters, the community that is brought to life by Nixon, and the mutual relationships that provide both tension and romance as well as humor.
For those who have ever seen Twin Peaks: the title of the story is somewhat reminiscent of the Bookhouse Boys. A group of men who help keep things safe, incorporated by the local police. The Watchers themselves have their share of sins, but now try to serve society in this way.
But the Watchers actually stay in the background. The book mainly revolves around two other characters: Gwenna Rosdew and Daniel Pearce. The first is a recurring character from the previous books, the second is a new character who ends up in Dartmoor prison due to a rash act of stupidity.
Reading these books is very relaxing, but you have to keep your head in the game. Fortunately, it reads so smoothly that you can easily get through it in a few long reading sessions. And at the end it is always a shame that you have to leave this world again. It's certainly not all roses and moonshine, but it remains a very romantic period where some things were simpler, and that's exactly why it takes you so easily out of your own world and makes you forget your surroundings.
January 5, 2025
The Watchers of Pencarrack Moor is a spellbinding tale of love, courage and family ties by Terri Nixon.
When her father was arrested for his role in a smuggling operation, the burden of responsibility landed squarely on Gwenna Rosedew’s shoulders. Having had to step into the role of head of the family, Gwenna needed to put all of her dreams and hopes for the future on the backburner. However, with her father’s release imminent, she realizes that the time has come for her to finally put herself first. However, little does she realize that life has more surprises in store for her that will take her down an unexpected path that could upend her entire world once more…
There’s even greater unease than usual in Dartmoor Prison with a young convict having to find his feet after making enemies on both sides of the wall. With the rumours of a full-scale riot gaining traction, Daniel has no choice but to put his faith in an unexpected ally – or else risk never seeing daylight or the outside world ever again.
When their two worlds collide, the lines between right and wrong blur for Gwenna and Daniel and they find themselves faced with the hardest decision of all: whether to choose duty over their own heart’s desire…
With strong characters, a vivid Cornish setting, dramatic plotlines and heartwarming romance, The Watchers of Pencarrack Moor by Terri Nixon is a riveting historical saga that will keep readers gleefully turning the pages. A writer who can make the past come alive who creates protagonists that leap off the pages, Terri Nixon is sure to wow her readers with her latest saga, The Watchers of Pencarrack Moor.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When her father was arrested for his role in a smuggling operation, the burden of responsibility landed squarely on Gwenna Rosedew’s shoulders. Having had to step into the role of head of the family, Gwenna needed to put all of her dreams and hopes for the future on the backburner. However, with her father’s release imminent, she realizes that the time has come for her to finally put herself first. However, little does she realize that life has more surprises in store for her that will take her down an unexpected path that could upend her entire world once more…
There’s even greater unease than usual in Dartmoor Prison with a young convict having to find his feet after making enemies on both sides of the wall. With the rumours of a full-scale riot gaining traction, Daniel has no choice but to put his faith in an unexpected ally – or else risk never seeing daylight or the outside world ever again.
When their two worlds collide, the lines between right and wrong blur for Gwenna and Daniel and they find themselves faced with the hardest decision of all: whether to choose duty over their own heart’s desire…
With strong characters, a vivid Cornish setting, dramatic plotlines and heartwarming romance, The Watchers of Pencarrack Moor by Terri Nixon is a riveting historical saga that will keep readers gleefully turning the pages. A writer who can make the past come alive who creates protagonists that leap off the pages, Terri Nixon is sure to wow her readers with her latest saga, The Watchers of Pencarrack Moor.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 2, 2024
It's 1931 in Cornwall, and Gwenna Rosdew's life just got turned upside down. Her dad's been caught up in a smuggling mess and arrested, which means she's now the family's go-to person. Talk about pressure, right? With her dad's release date coming up, Gwenna's trying to figure out her own path.
Meanwhile, over at Dartmoor Prison, there's this guy Daniel who's basically walking on eggshells. He's made some serious enemies and can feel the tension building. The prison's like a keg ready to explode, and Daniel's got to get smart fast if he wants to survive.
Their stories end up crashing into each other in this wild ride where nothing is black and white. Gwenna and Daniel both find themselves in situations where they've got to make some seriously tough choices about what's right and wrong.
The author absolutely nails the atmosphere. Reading this feels like you've been transported back to the 1930's - you can practically feel the misty moor air and sense the tension in every scene. Gwenna's character is especially wonderful and so well crafted - she's so real that you can't help but get pulled into her world with her.
This book is one of those books that just grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go. It’s a historical fiction that doesn’t feel like a dusty old history lesson, but more like a living, breathing story that is unfolding all around you.
If you love historical fictions, then this one is for you.
Meanwhile, over at Dartmoor Prison, there's this guy Daniel who's basically walking on eggshells. He's made some serious enemies and can feel the tension building. The prison's like a keg ready to explode, and Daniel's got to get smart fast if he wants to survive.
Their stories end up crashing into each other in this wild ride where nothing is black and white. Gwenna and Daniel both find themselves in situations where they've got to make some seriously tough choices about what's right and wrong.
The author absolutely nails the atmosphere. Reading this feels like you've been transported back to the 1930's - you can practically feel the misty moor air and sense the tension in every scene. Gwenna's character is especially wonderful and so well crafted - she's so real that you can't help but get pulled into her world with her.
This book is one of those books that just grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go. It’s a historical fiction that doesn’t feel like a dusty old history lesson, but more like a living, breathing story that is unfolding all around you.
If you love historical fictions, then this one is for you.
December 2, 2024
Having not read the 2 previous books in the Pencarrack Moor series I found the Dramatist Personae at the beginning useful so I could acquaint myself with the main characters. That said, Terri Nixon made excellent reference to previous books and I did not feel there were any gaps.
Set in and around Plymouth, Cornwall and Dartmoor in the early 1930’s I found this book a delight. I know the area well and so was able to relate to a number of settings. I enjoyed the day to day lives of those living around Pencarrack Moor and the contrast with the prison setting. The characters were real and believable and I was drawn to the strong females. I loved the use of Cornish surnames Rowe, Trevellick, Bolitho and Trethewey. This book and indeed the series would be enjoyed by readers of historical family sagas. Moreover, I could see this as a successful Sunday night series on television. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Set in and around Plymouth, Cornwall and Dartmoor in the early 1930’s I found this book a delight. I know the area well and so was able to relate to a number of settings. I enjoyed the day to day lives of those living around Pencarrack Moor and the contrast with the prison setting. The characters were real and believable and I was drawn to the strong females. I loved the use of Cornish surnames Rowe, Trevellick, Bolitho and Trethewey. This book and indeed the series would be enjoyed by readers of historical family sagas. Moreover, I could see this as a successful Sunday night series on television. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 6, 2024
I couldn't put this down as I just needed to know how things were going to work out for certain characters!!
I liked that a number of characters were mentioned at the beginning of the book with a little background info for us by way of an introduction. The character switch each chapter was done really well and it was easy to follow the story. I liked how the characters were linked one way or another and it was explained as the plot develops.
I did feel sorry for Pearce as he'd been dealt such a bad hand and had little to look forward too. He seemed a very likeable character and hopefully a next installment will show him living a much better life!!
Hope things continue to go well for Lynnette too. Was worried things would destabilise for her and she has a lot to lose after investing so much in her partner
I liked that a number of characters were mentioned at the beginning of the book with a little background info for us by way of an introduction. The character switch each chapter was done really well and it was easy to follow the story. I liked how the characters were linked one way or another and it was explained as the plot develops.
I did feel sorry for Pearce as he'd been dealt such a bad hand and had little to look forward too. He seemed a very likeable character and hopefully a next installment will show him living a much better life!!
Hope things continue to go well for Lynnette too. Was worried things would destabilise for her and she has a lot to lose after investing so much in her partner
December 9, 2024
💜 Blurb -
Gwenna Rosdew had no choice but to step up as head of the family after her father was arrested for his role in a smuggling scandal. As his release date nears, she must start planning her own future - but when her journey of self-discovery leads her down an unexpected path, Gwenna must decide just how much danger she is willing to endure.
Meanwhile, a menacing discontent grows within Dartmoor Prison, and a young convict must quickly find his feet after making powerful enemies on both sides of the wall. As the rumblings threaten to erupt into a full-scale riot, Daniel must put his faith in an unlikely ally or risk not making it out of the prison alive.
When explosive events cause their two worlds to collide, the lines between right and wrong begin to blur, and both
Gwenna and Daniel must decide which side of that line they are prepared to stand on . . .
🩵 Review -
I loved this novel. I was hooked from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. It was beautifully written, easy to follow, had good pacing and a great cast of characters. I also loved the place settings in the book. I hadn't read anything by the author before but I will definitely be reading more by them. I highly recommend it to other readers.
💝 Thank you to Random Things Tours, the publisher and author for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Gwenna Rosdew had no choice but to step up as head of the family after her father was arrested for his role in a smuggling scandal. As his release date nears, she must start planning her own future - but when her journey of self-discovery leads her down an unexpected path, Gwenna must decide just how much danger she is willing to endure.
Meanwhile, a menacing discontent grows within Dartmoor Prison, and a young convict must quickly find his feet after making powerful enemies on both sides of the wall. As the rumblings threaten to erupt into a full-scale riot, Daniel must put his faith in an unlikely ally or risk not making it out of the prison alive.
When explosive events cause their two worlds to collide, the lines between right and wrong begin to blur, and both
Gwenna and Daniel must decide which side of that line they are prepared to stand on . . .
🩵 Review -
I loved this novel. I was hooked from the very first page and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. It was beautifully written, easy to follow, had good pacing and a great cast of characters. I also loved the place settings in the book. I hadn't read anything by the author before but I will definitely be reading more by them. I highly recommend it to other readers.
💝 Thank you to Random Things Tours, the publisher and author for my copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews