What do you think?
Rate this book
Mrs Pearcey: A gripping and powerful novel inspired by a Victorian true crime
Weaving anonymously through the crowds, Hannah smiled as she felt the weight of her pad in her pocket, a pad that by rights should contain a shopping list of kidneys and turbot and ribbons, but instead held the gruesome details of a first-hand account of a murder . . .
Mrs Pearcey tells the story of Hannah, a young woman engaged to be married, who becomes obsessed with her near-neighbour Mrs Pearcey, accused of a scandalous murder.
Unbeknown to her journalist fiancé, Hannah begins to investigate in secret, discovering details that the investigators have failed to spot, and realising that the woman bound for the gallows may not be as guilty as the press have branded her . . .
Sharp, immersive and utterly transporting, Mrs Pearcey tells the story of a heroine you're rooting for at every turn, who comes to question whether the predetermined path of marriage and motherhood is really the one for her. It's also a brilliant portrait of tabloid journalism in Victorian London, exploring how the Victorian appetite for true crime was just as insatiable as our own today.
Mrs Pearcey tells the story of Hannah, a young woman engaged to be married, who becomes obsessed with her near-neighbour Mrs Pearcey, accused of a scandalous murder.
Unbeknown to her journalist fiancé, Hannah begins to investigate in secret, discovering details that the investigators have failed to spot, and realising that the woman bound for the gallows may not be as guilty as the press have branded her . . .
Sharp, immersive and utterly transporting, Mrs Pearcey tells the story of a heroine you're rooting for at every turn, who comes to question whether the predetermined path of marriage and motherhood is really the one for her. It's also a brilliant portrait of tabloid journalism in Victorian London, exploring how the Victorian appetite for true crime was just as insatiable as our own today.
397 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 5, 2026
32 people are currently reading
351 people want to read
About the author
Lottie Moggach
5 books107 followersLottie Moggach is a journalist who has written for The Times, Financial Times, Time Out, Elle, GQ and The London Paper. She lives in north London. Kiss Me First is her first novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
February 11, 2026
Hannah Teale is newly engaged and lives her life through the ladies magazines that she reads avidly. Her fiance is Cosmo, an up and coming journalist and through him Hannah becomes exposed to the idea of writing. When a woman and baby are found murdered near her home, the whole area is filled with the fear that the Ripper has struck again but the truth is more prosaic. A woman of Hannah's age is arrested and Hannah becomes obsessed by her story.
This novel is based on a true crime from the late Victorian age in which a young woman was hanged for the murder of her lover's wife and child. Here Moggach uses the fictitious character of Hannah to explore crime and punishment as it referred to women in those times and how this related to the insatiable appetite for true crime. I loved the way that the newspapers and Madame Tussaud's were used to reflect this public demand whereas the actual victims were almost forgotten and if the accused could be shown as a jezebel then the verdict was inevitable.
This novel is based on a true crime from the late Victorian age in which a young woman was hanged for the murder of her lover's wife and child. Here Moggach uses the fictitious character of Hannah to explore crime and punishment as it referred to women in those times and how this related to the insatiable appetite for true crime. I loved the way that the newspapers and Madame Tussaud's were used to reflect this public demand whereas the actual victims were almost forgotten and if the accused could be shown as a jezebel then the verdict was inevitable.
April 13, 2026
This is an unusual fictionalised account of a gruesome true crime. Historical detail is fascinating and the sense of a murky, sleazy, grimy Victorian world is vividly created and the tension tightens considerably in the last two chapters.
However, Hannah the everywoman lead who becomes obsessed with the horrific crime is an odd creation, young and childlike on one hand, then Becky Sharp like in her quick thinking moments later.
The secondary plot involving her parents felt forced and unnecessary.
Finally and this is not something I've ever noticed before but the hardback seems to have such large font it almost feels like a children's book.
However, Hannah the everywoman lead who becomes obsessed with the horrific crime is an odd creation, young and childlike on one hand, then Becky Sharp like in her quick thinking moments later.
The secondary plot involving her parents felt forced and unnecessary.
Finally and this is not something I've ever noticed before but the hardback seems to have such large font it almost feels like a children's book.
March 31, 2026
There was so much to enjoy in this story of a young woman’s preoccupation about a murder trial, set in Victorian London and based on a true crime. I loved the attention to detail describing life in Camden Town, the author really brought the city to life. And I was grateful that the characters were authentic, in that they adhered to the social mores and conventions of their time. I’ve read too many historical novels where the protagonists are given a thoroughly modern attitude or outlook which just doesn’t ring true.
March 21, 2026
Unfortunately I was rather disappointed with this book and struggled through it. I was interested in the case of Mrs Pearcey, especially as it's based on a true crime, but the main story, that of Hannah who became fascinated by the case and delved deeper, didn't really draw me in. It's an obviously well-researched book though and the writing is good, just not compelling enough for me.
December 10, 2025
This fictionalised account of a real historical murder is very different to other books I’ve read in the same genre. Despite being set in Victorian London, it feels modern and fresh, with a good pace and energy that pull you through the story.
Fiction based around real criminals is often based on news reports and court documents of the time, which can feel heavy and slow, but here we follow the story alongside Hannah, a young woman about to get married, who becomes interested in the case. The story is told cleverly through Hannah reading news reports, talking to people involved in the case, building relationships with eye witnesses to the court proceedings, and even finding ways to witness some elements herself. The great thing about this approach is that any real documents we have around a historic incident are often unreliable, but because we experience it alongside someone existing at the time, we see it through her eyes and she is able to offer us her own opinions as the story unfolds. It is presented as something reported or discussed, not fact.
There is a wider discussion here too. Hannah lives in a time where women are exploring their independence and autonomy, and there are some really nice interactions with other characters throughout, leading her to question who she wants to become, and what it means for her to be a wife in the next phase of her life. Her husband Cosmo is inoffensive as a character, but he is led by the conventions of the time, as is her brother Will. Hannah begins to manage that situation as the book progresses and it feels appropriate to the late Victorian era. She comes across independent young women of different social classes, reflecting on her own experiences as a woman, and also the experiences of the women around her, including having that moment we all have when we realise our parents are more complex than we thought.
The historical elements are perfect too. This is a well researched book. A lot of the period detail is subtle and in passing, for example a brief story from one character about a friend who worked in a false teeth factory, and how she would come out covered in white dust. Every single detail of the setting has been meticulously mapped.
I’d love a sequel to this book. I’m not sure how that could happen as it’s about a specific crime in a particular point in history, but I would certainly read similar from this author. From what I’ve seen, her other books are less my vibe, but I’ve certainly got my eyes peeled for more historical fiction like this one.
I received an e-ARC in return for an honest review.
Fiction based around real criminals is often based on news reports and court documents of the time, which can feel heavy and slow, but here we follow the story alongside Hannah, a young woman about to get married, who becomes interested in the case. The story is told cleverly through Hannah reading news reports, talking to people involved in the case, building relationships with eye witnesses to the court proceedings, and even finding ways to witness some elements herself. The great thing about this approach is that any real documents we have around a historic incident are often unreliable, but because we experience it alongside someone existing at the time, we see it through her eyes and she is able to offer us her own opinions as the story unfolds. It is presented as something reported or discussed, not fact.
There is a wider discussion here too. Hannah lives in a time where women are exploring their independence and autonomy, and there are some really nice interactions with other characters throughout, leading her to question who she wants to become, and what it means for her to be a wife in the next phase of her life. Her husband Cosmo is inoffensive as a character, but he is led by the conventions of the time, as is her brother Will. Hannah begins to manage that situation as the book progresses and it feels appropriate to the late Victorian era. She comes across independent young women of different social classes, reflecting on her own experiences as a woman, and also the experiences of the women around her, including having that moment we all have when we realise our parents are more complex than we thought.
The historical elements are perfect too. This is a well researched book. A lot of the period detail is subtle and in passing, for example a brief story from one character about a friend who worked in a false teeth factory, and how she would come out covered in white dust. Every single detail of the setting has been meticulously mapped.
I’d love a sequel to this book. I’m not sure how that could happen as it’s about a specific crime in a particular point in history, but I would certainly read similar from this author. From what I’ve seen, her other books are less my vibe, but I’ve certainly got my eyes peeled for more historical fiction like this one.
I received an e-ARC in return for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book is one of those in the Crime Faction genre - weaving fictional characters and narrative into a real murder set in Victorian London.
We start with Hannah, a young woman on the cusp of married life who gets obsessed with a news story she sees. That of Mrs Pearcey who has been arrested, accused of the murder of her lover's wife and child. She is so fascinated by the case, she takes a leaf out of her fiancé's book and turns investigative journalist, inveigling herself into the case. Getting access to various places, finding clues that the detectives missed, selling the information to the press... She is determined to prove that there is a different narrative that could have happened and she becomes equally determined to prevent who she sees as a possibly innocent women from being executed...
As with all faction books, after I finished it (and not until, even though I was gagging to) I looked up the real case and read around the details I found online from various sources. I know what I read here is fiction but it really was fascinating following it in "real time". Learning things as they were discovered by Hannah. Especially given she is a woman in very much a man's world.
And it's blatantly obvious that not only has the author done her research on the case in question, she has also meticulously studied time and place - Victorian London - which is evident from all the extra small things that she includes into the narrative, all of which makes it feel totally real. And the characters she created alongside the real people, were all very well crafted.
This is the third book I have read by the author, the other two being Kiss Me First and Brixton Hill and I have to remark that they are all completely different but at the same time, all feel familiar with regard to style and execution.
All in all another winner from another author now firmly cemented on my watch list... Roll on next time... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
We start with Hannah, a young woman on the cusp of married life who gets obsessed with a news story she sees. That of Mrs Pearcey who has been arrested, accused of the murder of her lover's wife and child. She is so fascinated by the case, she takes a leaf out of her fiancé's book and turns investigative journalist, inveigling herself into the case. Getting access to various places, finding clues that the detectives missed, selling the information to the press... She is determined to prove that there is a different narrative that could have happened and she becomes equally determined to prevent who she sees as a possibly innocent women from being executed...
As with all faction books, after I finished it (and not until, even though I was gagging to) I looked up the real case and read around the details I found online from various sources. I know what I read here is fiction but it really was fascinating following it in "real time". Learning things as they were discovered by Hannah. Especially given she is a woman in very much a man's world.
And it's blatantly obvious that not only has the author done her research on the case in question, she has also meticulously studied time and place - Victorian London - which is evident from all the extra small things that she includes into the narrative, all of which makes it feel totally real. And the characters she created alongside the real people, were all very well crafted.
This is the third book I have read by the author, the other two being Kiss Me First and Brixton Hill and I have to remark that they are all completely different but at the same time, all feel familiar with regard to style and execution.
All in all another winner from another author now firmly cemented on my watch list... Roll on next time... My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.
February 5, 2026
Thank you to Phoenix Books for sending me this early copy.
•••••
Set in Victorian London and I’m already invested. I love historical fiction with a factual premise, and this one did not disappoint. I was completely swept away.
Although this is a work of fiction, as Moggach states in her authors note, Mrs Pearcey herself was very much real. Her crimes shocked the nation and were even compared to Jack the Ripper. The factual elements woven into this story were mesmerising and the addition of the fictional character of Hannah and her sleuthing, enhances the narrative beautifully. I feel it added such an interesting spin on the Mrs Pearcey scandal, especially with how the press was involved. It really highlights the impact the press can have and how it can shape how people think. An aspect that very much is still relevant today.
I particularly enjoyed how the story invites the reader to form their own opinions and interpretations. Moggach gave us a fantastic narrative that presented events to encourage questions and reflection. I thought this was so clever and brilliantly executed.
Alongside the mystery that is Mrs Pearcey, we are also given glimpses into Hannah’s personal life, including her relationships with her fiancé and her mother. This made the characters feel more rounded and interesting and added more layers to the story.
Completely compelling, Mrs Pearcey is the perfect blend of history and imagination. This slow burn tale carried me through the streets of London in 1890, vividly bringing the setting completely to life. The story encourages readers to question a crime from over 130 years ago which I found genuinely thought provoking and wholly engaging.
If historical fiction floats your boat, I thoroughly recommend this novel.
•••••
Set in Victorian London and I’m already invested. I love historical fiction with a factual premise, and this one did not disappoint. I was completely swept away.
Although this is a work of fiction, as Moggach states in her authors note, Mrs Pearcey herself was very much real. Her crimes shocked the nation and were even compared to Jack the Ripper. The factual elements woven into this story were mesmerising and the addition of the fictional character of Hannah and her sleuthing, enhances the narrative beautifully. I feel it added such an interesting spin on the Mrs Pearcey scandal, especially with how the press was involved. It really highlights the impact the press can have and how it can shape how people think. An aspect that very much is still relevant today.
I particularly enjoyed how the story invites the reader to form their own opinions and interpretations. Moggach gave us a fantastic narrative that presented events to encourage questions and reflection. I thought this was so clever and brilliantly executed.
Alongside the mystery that is Mrs Pearcey, we are also given glimpses into Hannah’s personal life, including her relationships with her fiancé and her mother. This made the characters feel more rounded and interesting and added more layers to the story.
Completely compelling, Mrs Pearcey is the perfect blend of history and imagination. This slow burn tale carried me through the streets of London in 1890, vividly bringing the setting completely to life. The story encourages readers to question a crime from over 130 years ago which I found genuinely thought provoking and wholly engaging.
If historical fiction floats your boat, I thoroughly recommend this novel.
March 19, 2026
October 1890, Camden Square in Camden Town, north London: Hannah Teale loves to read magazines such as Girl's Own Paper, and has even sent in her own travel article - this is not published but the printed response is not totally discouraging. She is engaged to be married to Cosmo, a journalist on Fleet Street, and is looking forward to setting up a new home with him, browsing the advertisements for suitable properties to rent. Just days after dinner with his family, though, Cosmo's grandmother dies and turns out to have changed her will, leaving all her money to Cosmo's father's brother. They will have to live with his parents or her mother. Cosmo immediately starts talking of a plan to improve his prospects and earnings at work, by going undercover and being admitted to a lunatic asylum, then writing about the experience. Just a few days later, news breaks of a murder of a woman and baby nearby, and Hannah starts her own investigation. A woman called Mary Pearcey is arrested and Hannah realises she has met her.
This novel is based on a true story - Mary Pearcey was a real young woman who was convicted of murder in 1890. Hannah Teale and her fiance, their families, friends, colleagues etc are fictional, and this novel is based on imagining all that was never reported in newspapers, and exploring some of the questions which have never been answered fully satisfactorily or at all.
The fictional plot of Mrs Pearcey is based on a series of coincidences and surprising events, but I enjoyed this story of Hannah's curiosity to look beyond the horizons of her everyday life and wedding plans. I loved all the social history, of the areas of London where everything takes place, of people, including many women, travelling to court and queueing up to get in and watch the trial. I feel I can imagine Hannah quite well, and worry about how quickly she might have become bored with the expectations of respectable married life for a woman of her place and time. Perhaps she could have found a way into earning some money as a writer, whether of magazine stories and columns or fiction of her own?
April 17, 2026
(4.5 stars)
Mrs Pearcey is based on the true story of the Victorian murderess, Mary Pearcey, who became an infamous news sensation in crime-obsessed 1890s London. Mary Pearcey and her story have since faded to relative obscurity (compared to her contemporaries like Jack the Ripper), but Lottie Moggach expertly brings new life to such a grim and unexplained case.
Hannah, a fictionalised upper class woman, takes it upon herself to investigate Mrs Pearcey's crimes after following the case in the wake of the rampant newspaper reports. Hannah is used to explore the broader themes of Mrs Pearcey's crimes, as well as the ins and outs of her life as a young Victorian woman. She has her own sub-plots that some may find challenging to follow in contrast to the true crime at the centre of the story, but I really enjoyed reading Hannah's story.
A lot of the content in Mrs Pearcey is fictionalised, but Maggoch has clearly done thorough research of the case and time period to make this novel feel historically authentic rather than loosely inspired. As a lot of other reviewers have mentioned, it is best to read this novel alongside the facts of the real case, as Maggoch does a brilliant job of including specific historical detail into the narrative. A definite recommend for fans of Victorian crime and historical 'faction'.
*Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of this book for the purpose of review*
Further reading:
-The Specimens by Mairi Kidd
-The Butcher's Daughter by David Demchuk
-Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito
-Triflers Need Not Apply by Camilla Bruce
Mrs Pearcey is based on the true story of the Victorian murderess, Mary Pearcey, who became an infamous news sensation in crime-obsessed 1890s London. Mary Pearcey and her story have since faded to relative obscurity (compared to her contemporaries like Jack the Ripper), but Lottie Moggach expertly brings new life to such a grim and unexplained case.
Hannah, a fictionalised upper class woman, takes it upon herself to investigate Mrs Pearcey's crimes after following the case in the wake of the rampant newspaper reports. Hannah is used to explore the broader themes of Mrs Pearcey's crimes, as well as the ins and outs of her life as a young Victorian woman. She has her own sub-plots that some may find challenging to follow in contrast to the true crime at the centre of the story, but I really enjoyed reading Hannah's story.
A lot of the content in Mrs Pearcey is fictionalised, but Maggoch has clearly done thorough research of the case and time period to make this novel feel historically authentic rather than loosely inspired. As a lot of other reviewers have mentioned, it is best to read this novel alongside the facts of the real case, as Maggoch does a brilliant job of including specific historical detail into the narrative. A definite recommend for fans of Victorian crime and historical 'faction'.
*Thank you to the publishers for providing a copy of this book for the purpose of review*
Further reading:
-The Specimens by Mairi Kidd
-The Butcher's Daughter by David Demchuk
-Victorian Psycho by Virginia Feito
-Triflers Need Not Apply by Camilla Bruce
February 18, 2026
What does it mean to be consumed by a stranger’s fate?
This novel is based on a true crime from the late Victorian age in which a young working class woman was suspected of the murder of her lover's wife and child.
Victorian London’s response to crime, punishment and reporting is explored through the lens of the protagonist Hannah - strangely consumed by the crime and its detail and determined to try and find out the truth.
The other main storyline follows Hannah herself - recently engaged but potentially struggling with her choice, as well as navigating issues like class and the societal restrictions on women.
I found this book difficult in places - there is no satisfying resolution in either of the main storylines. I found the characterisation of Hannah hard to relate to or sympathise with, and often found myself wondering at details added that didn’t seem to push the plot along or provide much insight into the interiority of Hannah.
The research for the period and of the case (and the sensationalism of the tabloid press) however was meticulously done and thoughtfully written.
Thank you to @phoenix_bks for an advanced, #gifted copy of Mrs Pearcey for review, which is out now!
Do you need a satisfying resolution to enjoy a novel, or can you sit with the ambiguity?
This novel is based on a true crime from the late Victorian age in which a young working class woman was suspected of the murder of her lover's wife and child.
Victorian London’s response to crime, punishment and reporting is explored through the lens of the protagonist Hannah - strangely consumed by the crime and its detail and determined to try and find out the truth.
The other main storyline follows Hannah herself - recently engaged but potentially struggling with her choice, as well as navigating issues like class and the societal restrictions on women.
I found this book difficult in places - there is no satisfying resolution in either of the main storylines. I found the characterisation of Hannah hard to relate to or sympathise with, and often found myself wondering at details added that didn’t seem to push the plot along or provide much insight into the interiority of Hannah.
The research for the period and of the case (and the sensationalism of the tabloid press) however was meticulously done and thoughtfully written.
Thank you to @phoenix_bks for an advanced, #gifted copy of Mrs Pearcey for review, which is out now!
Do you need a satisfying resolution to enjoy a novel, or can you sit with the ambiguity?
March 19, 2026
I really liked the premise, it's obviously set in my favourite historical period, but I found it *very* slow. The research is incredible, though: I could vividly see the Victorian streets of Camden Town in my mind; I loved these little historical facts, like when the characters mentioned Jane Eyre or Middlemarch, when they talked about Charles Darwin and Madame Tussauds - it all made the story so real. The writing was really good too, but otherwise the story dragged and I just didn't click with the characters, especially the main character of Hannah. Cosmo, her fiance, was rather annoying too, tbh. I almost feel like this would be much better as a non-fiction book about the true crime and Mrs Pearcey.
September 15, 2025
Possible mild spoilers
3.5 ⭐
This sounded interesting enough for me to bump it up my tbr pile. Even more so when I realised the author also wrote Brixton Hill.
This is a completely different vibe.
I always enjoy a well written female character battling against society norms of the age.
This one throws in a puzzling murder that Hannah tries to make sense of.
She's plucky that's for sure, and gets places she probably shouldn't be.
Running alongside that is the wedding plot, which I was never sure if it would or should go ahead.
Very enjoyable read.
3.5 ⭐
This sounded interesting enough for me to bump it up my tbr pile. Even more so when I realised the author also wrote Brixton Hill.
This is a completely different vibe.
I always enjoy a well written female character battling against society norms of the age.
This one throws in a puzzling murder that Hannah tries to make sense of.
She's plucky that's for sure, and gets places she probably shouldn't be.
Running alongside that is the wedding plot, which I was never sure if it would or should go ahead.
Very enjoyable read.
November 22, 2025
Fun in some ways but the MC grated on me.
I was given a review copy by the publisher.
I was given a review copy by the publisher.
January 2, 2026
This book was inspired by an infamous true crime story that was the talk of Victorian London.
Synopsis:
It’s 1890 in Camden, London and Hannah Teale is planning her wedding. Her fiancé, Cosmo, is a fledgling newspaper journalist.
As reports start emerging of a brutal double murder and a local woman has been arrested, Hannah thinks back to an encounter with this accused woman and a fascination with the case begins.
Hannah strongly believes that there is more to this crime than initially meets the eye and is determined to find out more using the preparations for her wedding to hide her investigations.
Can Hannah discover the truth before it’s too late and what sacrifices is she prepared to take when societal rules and the patriarchy are already against her?
Suspenseful and atmospheric, this was a really interesting and engrossing story. I loved Hannah’s boldness, quick wittedness and her dogged determination to uncover the truth, despite the patriarchy that was supposed to diminish her.
The author’s detailed research was evident and Victorian London with all its sights and smells was very effectively brought to life on the page.
I struggled to put this down, especially towards the end, as I felt so invested in Mrs Pearcey’s fate.
Thank you so much to @phoenix_bks for sending me this brilliant early copy for my honest review.
UK Publication Date : 5th February 2026
Synopsis:
It’s 1890 in Camden, London and Hannah Teale is planning her wedding. Her fiancé, Cosmo, is a fledgling newspaper journalist.
As reports start emerging of a brutal double murder and a local woman has been arrested, Hannah thinks back to an encounter with this accused woman and a fascination with the case begins.
Hannah strongly believes that there is more to this crime than initially meets the eye and is determined to find out more using the preparations for her wedding to hide her investigations.
Can Hannah discover the truth before it’s too late and what sacrifices is she prepared to take when societal rules and the patriarchy are already against her?
Suspenseful and atmospheric, this was a really interesting and engrossing story. I loved Hannah’s boldness, quick wittedness and her dogged determination to uncover the truth, despite the patriarchy that was supposed to diminish her.
The author’s detailed research was evident and Victorian London with all its sights and smells was very effectively brought to life on the page.
I struggled to put this down, especially towards the end, as I felt so invested in Mrs Pearcey’s fate.
Thank you so much to @phoenix_bks for sending me this brilliant early copy for my honest review.
UK Publication Date : 5th February 2026
March 7, 2026
I’m a relatively new to the world of ‘faction’ and this book has firmly installed my interest. Hannah was fascinating, I really enjoyed following her as she learnt about the events, especially through her talking to those around her. I love social media within books, but this method made me feel I was there in the book with Hannah.
This is my first book by the author and will be adding her previous books to my TBR. You can tell how much research was put into this book and I can see her becoming one of my autobuy authors.
This is my first book by the author and will be adding her previous books to my TBR. You can tell how much research was put into this book and I can see her becoming one of my autobuy authors.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews