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The Highwayman
The Highwayman's Footsteps
When high-born William de Lacey saves a highwayman's life, he cannot guess how his own life will change. He may have escaped his father's sneering contempt, but has his easy childhood prepared him for the terrifying dangers that he must face now?
359 pages, Paperback
First published November 6, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 19, 2025
CONTENT: scenes of animal cruelty and death, murder/execution, many insinuations of rape including gang rape.
The highwayman is one of my favourite poems and I really appreciated the author's note and inclusion of the full poem here, as well as the references throughout the story.
It has an interesting premise - what would happen if the highwayman and the innkeeper's daughter of the poem had a daughter?
This book incorporates many issues of the status and role of women in the 1800s, rich vs poor, the story of Henry Parish and the awful stupidity and waste of soldiers who used flour to whiten their hair (because the poor going hungry for the vanity of the rich is hardly a new concept), politics of the militia, disowning your family, being a loyal friend, and much more. There is a very small paranormal element with the highwayman's ghost.
It felt slightly long and long-winded in parts, but overall, this is historical adventure for ages 12+.
The highwayman is one of my favourite poems and I really appreciated the author's note and inclusion of the full poem here, as well as the references throughout the story.
It has an interesting premise - what would happen if the highwayman and the innkeeper's daughter of the poem had a daughter?
This book incorporates many issues of the status and role of women in the 1800s, rich vs poor, the story of Henry Parish and the awful stupidity and waste of soldiers who used flour to whiten their hair (because the poor going hungry for the vanity of the rich is hardly a new concept), politics of the militia, disowning your family, being a loyal friend, and much more. There is a very small paranormal element with the highwayman's ghost.
It felt slightly long and long-winded in parts, but overall, this is historical adventure for ages 12+.
October 8, 2018
Interesting book; loved the concept of being based off of an historical poem. Very much an adventure story. I felt it was a little drastic at times with the violence included. The book presents the question: what are right and wrong, and what is the difference between them? While I would not whole-heatedly support the answer the book gives, it was an exciting, thought-provoking adventure.
December 28, 2022
This book is about a gentry who leaves his home and falls in with a highwayman...highwayperson who is put for revenge. The join forces and get into one fight after another while keeping one step ahead of the militia.
It is an okay read. It is not really to my liking so won't continue with this series.
It is an okay read. It is not really to my liking so won't continue with this series.
October 18, 2024
About a third of the book consists of the lead character asking himself questions. It's annoying, dull, and repetitive. I found what could otherwise have been an interesting history story very boring.
March 31, 2025
3.5 stars
Overall, I enjoyed the story, the bits of adventure, and its basis on The Highwayman poem, but the story felt like it kinda dragged in its delivery. I'm not sure if it's because I listened to it as an audiobook, but it just felt a little too long.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, the bits of adventure, and its basis on The Highwayman poem, but the story felt like it kinda dragged in its delivery. I'm not sure if it's because I listened to it as an audiobook, but it just felt a little too long.
January 22, 2024
3.5
A good story. Not sure if it was aimed at children/young adults?
A good story. Not sure if it was aimed at children/young adults?
August 15, 2025
An exciting adventure story. Not much depth, though. I remember being a little disappointed about that. 2.5 stars.
February 28, 2008
This book is called The Highwayman’s Footsteps. Author of this book is Nicola Morgan. She wrote other books like Chicken Friend, Flesh Market, and The Passion Flower Massacre.
The story starts in the old days when the Revolution war was starting. A young boy that has every thing he could ever dream of runs away from home. He leaves because his dad was a very mean man. Who leads the war for the British.
When he runs away he goes into an ally and a young girl points a gun at him. She is really sick and collapses. He takes care of her until she is better. She has a horse named Martin that knows her every move. It is as if they are one.
They have to run away from the British Calvary every time they step foot out of her house. While in hiding a little boy from the Calvary tries to steal Martin and ride away, because he is trying to run and get out of the army. So Bess, the girl, hides the little boy in the creaky, top part of the house.
When the Calvary comes Bess signals for the little boy to run. The Calvary catches up to him, and he is no more. Bess and the rich boy go to her friend’s house because the rich boy needs a horse. He gets a chestnut mare named Sapphire and to pay for her they have to complete a secret mission that includes the rich boy stealing from his father.
When Bess and the rich boy are hijacking the carriage the boy’s father realizes one of the hijackers is his own son. When they start to make there get away the boy’s brother comes chasing after them on his horse, which is bloody and extremely tired.
To Find out the end you will have to read the book!?!??!?
The story starts in the old days when the Revolution war was starting. A young boy that has every thing he could ever dream of runs away from home. He leaves because his dad was a very mean man. Who leads the war for the British.
When he runs away he goes into an ally and a young girl points a gun at him. She is really sick and collapses. He takes care of her until she is better. She has a horse named Martin that knows her every move. It is as if they are one.
They have to run away from the British Calvary every time they step foot out of her house. While in hiding a little boy from the Calvary tries to steal Martin and ride away, because he is trying to run and get out of the army. So Bess, the girl, hides the little boy in the creaky, top part of the house.
When the Calvary comes Bess signals for the little boy to run. The Calvary catches up to him, and he is no more. Bess and the rich boy go to her friend’s house because the rich boy needs a horse. He gets a chestnut mare named Sapphire and to pay for her they have to complete a secret mission that includes the rich boy stealing from his father.
When Bess and the rich boy are hijacking the carriage the boy’s father realizes one of the hijackers is his own son. When they start to make there get away the boy’s brother comes chasing after them on his horse, which is bloody and extremely tired.
To Find out the end you will have to read the book!?!??!?
July 24, 2012
Okay, I liked the main character of this book. He wasn't perfect, but he was well-intentioned and I felt fairly believeable. Yes, he was rather typical. However, he seemed like the kind of guy I wouldn't mind knowing, and while he didn't make for an absolutely fabulous main, he wasn't bad. Bess I didn't like NEARLY as much, probably because of my problem with strong, beautiful, independant heroines without faults. Yeah... she bugged me. But it was okay... except for a few things.
First of all... NO QUOTING POETRY IN PROSE LIKE THIS! MY GOSH! Bess would be telling the tale of her past and suddenly she would quote "The Highwayman" word. for. word. Okay, I get it. The book is based off the idea of their daughter. BUT STILL. YOU CANNOT QUOTE POETRY LIKE THAT. I found it disruptive, jarring, and just wrong. Also, the poem the author wrote, meant to follow the feeling of "The Highwayman"... well, simply, I didn't like it. I don't think it achieved what it meant to. It could have passed for just a poem written in mourning, and I'd have been fine with it. But when the MC goes on about how the rhythm stuck in his bones and the words echoed hauntingly... no. Just no. Praising your own poetry like that strikes me as wrong in general, but this went beyond that, even. Because it wasn't that great. Sorry, Nicola Morgan.
But, in the end, it was a decent book I guess. Or at least average. It held my interest fairly well, so I think it deserved three stars.
First of all... NO QUOTING POETRY IN PROSE LIKE THIS! MY GOSH! Bess would be telling the tale of her past and suddenly she would quote "The Highwayman" word. for. word. Okay, I get it. The book is based off the idea of their daughter. BUT STILL. YOU CANNOT QUOTE POETRY LIKE THAT. I found it disruptive, jarring, and just wrong. Also, the poem the author wrote, meant to follow the feeling of "The Highwayman"... well, simply, I didn't like it. I don't think it achieved what it meant to. It could have passed for just a poem written in mourning, and I'd have been fine with it. But when the MC goes on about how the rhythm stuck in his bones and the words echoed hauntingly... no. Just no. Praising your own poetry like that strikes me as wrong in general, but this went beyond that, even. Because it wasn't that great. Sorry, Nicola Morgan.
But, in the end, it was a decent book I guess. Or at least average. It held my interest fairly well, so I think it deserved three stars.
May 15, 2015
A pretty average book. Not great but not bad. The start of the book was good, straight into the action with the main character being held at gun point and telling himself 'I am not a true gentelman! I should have duelled my father and brother for that insult!' but after what I thought was a strong opening it quickly deteriorated. Will, you're a good character but please stop asking questions! They made up the majority of the book so after the 5th chapter the book really became a chore for me. I didn't find the language a problem but Bess was. A strong, faultless heroine who quoted the poem this book is based on word for word! No! It feels lazy and everyone, even a hardened highwayman, has faults! It looks as if all Reading Club Books will stay at the same underwhelming level which is a shame because I wanted to like this book!
SUMMARY
At first I was considering getting my own copy of this book but after the first few chapters it got boring so when I was dragging myself through the rest of the book and I finally finished it it felt like I had been hit repeatedly over the head with said book. The characters had both good and bad points (mostly bad), Will was probably one of the better ones. Great idea basing a book on a well known and loved poem BUT PLEASE DON'T QUOTE IT! I would recommend this book to young-ish children (end of Primary start of High School) but not for anyone older.
SUMMARY
At first I was considering getting my own copy of this book but after the first few chapters it got boring so when I was dragging myself through the rest of the book and I finally finished it it felt like I had been hit repeatedly over the head with said book. The characters had both good and bad points (mostly bad), Will was probably one of the better ones. Great idea basing a book on a well known and loved poem BUT PLEASE DON'T QUOTE IT! I would recommend this book to young-ish children (end of Primary start of High School) but not for anyone older.
December 7, 2014
Spoilers in the Second Paragraph so don't read it if you are interested in this book.
I thought this book was good, although sometimes repetitive in nature. The narrator tells the story in english similar to that of the time period, which makes the story seem kind of slow but at the same time is done skill fully and makes the book seem much more realistic. The narrator also thinks the thoughts and has feelings similar to that time period which has the same effect as the historic english. However, the ending is a bit slow and I believe something more daring and deadly in nature could have ended the book much more satisfyingly.
This book, based of the famous poem The Highway Man, is a good book and I'm glad I read it. It explores some very complex philosophical questions as the narrator, Will, finds himself with a girl highway robber after saving her from serious wounds after they first meet. Will, who is running away from a horrific wealthy family, realizes the corruption and the huge divide between the wealthy and poor and vows to rob his father with his companion after learning of terrible misdeeds. They do, and after an almost deadly fight with his snobby, cocky older brother, promises to give his fathers unjust money to a family in need.
I thought this book was good, although sometimes repetitive in nature. The narrator tells the story in english similar to that of the time period, which makes the story seem kind of slow but at the same time is done skill fully and makes the book seem much more realistic. The narrator also thinks the thoughts and has feelings similar to that time period which has the same effect as the historic english. However, the ending is a bit slow and I believe something more daring and deadly in nature could have ended the book much more satisfyingly.
This book, based of the famous poem The Highway Man, is a good book and I'm glad I read it. It explores some very complex philosophical questions as the narrator, Will, finds himself with a girl highway robber after saving her from serious wounds after they first meet. Will, who is running away from a horrific wealthy family, realizes the corruption and the huge divide between the wealthy and poor and vows to rob his father with his companion after learning of terrible misdeeds. They do, and after an almost deadly fight with his snobby, cocky older brother, promises to give his fathers unjust money to a family in need.
September 2, 2014
The Highwayman's footsteps really delves into a real historical viewpoint of the classes in 18th century England (Pre-American Revolution)... A young nobleman, experiencing cruelty from his brother and injustice (caused by the brother's lies) at the hands of his father, runs away from home. He finds himself at the mercy of a highwayman (sort of) and quickly a bond is formed between the two.
This one is written for the young adult market, but I found it very, very, well written, though at times, young Will spends an inordinate amount of time worrying about the differences between the high-born and the lower classes, which at times tends to slow the pace of the novel down.
Along our journey we meet poor folks willing to sell out suspected deserters, redcoats who lack any nobility, and common folk seeking justice.
A good read, Morgan writes well-- with the exception of delving too deeply into Will's thoughts. etc..
This one is written for the young adult market, but I found it very, very, well written, though at times, young Will spends an inordinate amount of time worrying about the differences between the high-born and the lower classes, which at times tends to slow the pace of the novel down.
Along our journey we meet poor folks willing to sell out suspected deserters, redcoats who lack any nobility, and common folk seeking justice.
A good read, Morgan writes well-- with the exception of delving too deeply into Will's thoughts. etc..
February 28, 2016
Do you like rhetorical questions? Do you as a reader ask questions which you don't intend to get answers to? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to read a book that was one quarter questions? Well, here it is. The Highwayman's Footsteps is your book if you like all that. Okay, I get it or at least I think I get it. At the beginning of the story there are mostly questions because the antagonist is confused and lack confidence. As he gains confidence his questions lessen and he speaks more in statements. That is kind of cool if that is what the author had in mind, but it still drove me crazy. I read with inflection in my head and the number of questions was making my brain hurt. I will give kudos for managing to make a extension of a beloved classic poem.
June 19, 2009
This book has a lot of morality questions in it. It talks about social status, and it's implications, as well as why we do the things we do. On top of that, it had many insinuations that women are less worthy than men, which is natural considering the time period it is set in. Some of the views were interesting, but many of them, also were irritating. Will spends so much time pondering right, wrong, and how he's about to die, we sometimes forget that there is an actual story behind it all. On top of that, he gets repetitive. Very repetitive.
However, I can't say I disliked this book. The characters were dynamic enough, and though Bess' story was quoted from the poem "The Highwayman" nearly word by word, I liked the way the author fit it in with her own story.
However, I can't say I disliked this book. The characters were dynamic enough, and though Bess' story was quoted from the poem "The Highwayman" nearly word by word, I liked the way the author fit it in with her own story.
June 27, 2016
3.5 stars
I enjoyed following the story of Will and Bess, two young people thrown together under unusual circumstances. Will is the second son of a rich but cruel nobleman, and strong-headed Bess is the daughter of the highwayman featured in the famous poem "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes. I've always loved this poem so I found the story intriguing and the author did a great job weaving the poem throughout the story. Of the two protagonists, I found Will more interesting as he struggled with the importance of social status and the meaning of good and evil, right and wrong, although it did get a bit repetitive at times. However, I loved the 18th century English backdrop with all its turmoil and upheaval, and there was plenty of action to keep me reading.
I enjoyed following the story of Will and Bess, two young people thrown together under unusual circumstances. Will is the second son of a rich but cruel nobleman, and strong-headed Bess is the daughter of the highwayman featured in the famous poem "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes. I've always loved this poem so I found the story intriguing and the author did a great job weaving the poem throughout the story. Of the two protagonists, I found Will more interesting as he struggled with the importance of social status and the meaning of good and evil, right and wrong, although it did get a bit repetitive at times. However, I loved the 18th century English backdrop with all its turmoil and upheaval, and there was plenty of action to keep me reading.
April 26, 2011
I enjoyed this book. I liked how both Will and Bess's attitudes and opinions changed and especially how Will learned that all people are the same regardless of social stature or race.
I liked Bess's strength and very much like that even though she was the strong one, the "girl power" message wasn't preachy or over done.
I was very impressed by how the author interwove the glorious poem the Highwayman in to the story and still stayed true to it.
I do have to say I was slightly perturbed by the ending. She didn't really end it so that better mean a sequel!
I liked Bess's strength and very much like that even though she was the strong one, the "girl power" message wasn't preachy or over done.
I was very impressed by how the author interwove the glorious poem the Highwayman in to the story and still stayed true to it.
I do have to say I was slightly perturbed by the ending. She didn't really end it so that better mean a sequel!
October 2, 2012
I wanted to love this book, honestly I did. I loved the idea of and was excited to read a novel based around one of my favorite poems, "The Highwayman" by Alfred Noyes. But it just didn't live up to my hopes. The language felt clunky and didn't read smoothly and the main character's constant questioning and inner turmoil grated my nerves. The retelling of the events of the famous poem felt too much like a copy-and-paste project with some added details and paraphrasing. Overall, I was bored.
May 31, 2015
Will has run away from his family and a life he doesn't want. On his way, he meets a young woman named Bess, who tries to kill him. Instead of leaving her to die, Will decides to nurse her back to health and stay with her, if she allows it.
But Bess has some plans of her own. Forced to see the poverty in the everyday man's way of life, Will decides to help her confront the one man he's always feared - his father.
An action-packed story with a wavering voice. The author tries to write in the way of the poem "The Highwayman" and doesn't always succeed or stay true.
But Bess has some plans of her own. Forced to see the poverty in the everyday man's way of life, Will decides to help her confront the one man he's always feared - his father.
An action-packed story with a wavering voice. The author tries to write in the way of the poem "The Highwayman" and doesn't always succeed or stay true.
May 29, 2008
Will is a highborn second son fleeing his father and brother. Now he's being robbed at pistol point, only to find its a wounded girl, Bess. The two build trust in each other as they flee redcoats. Their pasts come out, and it may be the only thing that will save them is the ghost of a highwayman, Bess's father.
December 1, 2008
Set in the mists of Scotland's history, The Highwayman's Footsteps leads us on a chase for justice through the farm holds, woods, moors and towns. The unlikely duo of the soft-hearted son of a lord and a hiwayman's gritty daughter strive together to combat the iron hand of the gentry that is squeezing the life from the Scots.
July 2, 2013
When I first read The Highwayman in seventh grade, it transfixed me, so, naturally, when I found this book, I could't wait to see what it was all about. IT'S WONDERFUL! Read it. I promise you won't regret it.
June 15, 2023
Really neat twist on The Highwayman, a poem I have always loved. The author really keeps you guessing on everything that's going to happen next, a really rare quality to find in most books nowadays. Really an inspiration and hope for all writers!!
July 31, 2018
It is different from what i remember of when i last read it. However, still highly enjoyably.
A great historical novel that i think younger readers will be able to enjoy. Plus the story is semi-based on one of my favorite poems.
Really interested in reading the sequel.
A great historical novel that i think younger readers will be able to enjoy. Plus the story is semi-based on one of my favorite poems.
Really interested in reading the sequel.
November 5, 2008
Very slow moving. The main characters thoughts come out in lots of questions which makes it harder to read. The questions get a little boring after awhile.
February 6, 2009
This book is not exactly a romance, but I found it romantic. The way the story was told certainly made my heart flutter.
March 23, 2012
I liked the story, but it had a little too much self reflection for me. I found myself skipping over sections.
October 17, 2012
I loved the way the author writes. She based this story on a poem. You have to read it. I haven't read a book like this one for a while.
June 16, 2014
This book reconnected me to my absolute love for Alfred Noyes' poem The Highwayman, and for that I thank it. So many fangirl moments reading this book.
July 17, 2014
Loved it, but sadly the ending was a slight letdown. A real shame as this book had amazing potential.
July 27, 2014
I frst fought this book was 3 0ut 5 and went to a 2 it just really not my type of story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews