The Three: A devastating, compelling historical thriller

by Kelsey O'Brien

1791. The dressmaker, his lover and his lover's wife. A house full of secrets where danger lies behind every door.

Matthew came from nothing. Now he is a skilled corset-maker adored by high society. But he must hide his true self from prying eyes, seeking love in the riotous underbelly of Georgian molly houses. If outed, he will face the noose.

When he falls in love with aristocrat Henry, he is hired as private dressmaker to Henry's wife, Elina, so they can continue their secret affair.

The three live together in uneasy tension inside the huge dark country mansion, and Matthew soon discovers Elina has secrets of her own. Slowly he is drawn into her dangerous world of revolutionary politics.

When the truth about Matthew and Henry threatens to explode their lives, Matthew is forced to make a devastating who does he save? His lover or his friend?

A thrilling and devastating read perfect for fans of Sarah Waters, Jessie Burton and A.J. West

Genres: Historical Fiction, Gay

279 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 29, 2026

Reviews

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rare for me to read a book set in the 18th Century ( 1791 and earlier as the book goes between times )

We meet Matthew who is a skilled ladies dressmaker and got to say there is a lot of talk of his trade/skill in the book and I wondered how I would find it and most of the time it was fascinating, the talk of different fabrics and how the dresses were made were enlightening and as for the wonderful women characters he met, they were a delight to read about)

I also found it more than interesting in this time of much gender talk that men wore wigs and more make up ( powders, blusher ) than women, the gender gap was small if there at all ( modern ‘we are the first Gen to do this’ would probably be surprised at some practices from that time )

But Matthew has a secret, being gay is certainly not accepted and has to be kept to certain places for quick meets and ‘Molly Houses’ that are at constant risk of raid, to be gay is a real risk of prosecution and a hanging offence

So when Matthew meets Henry and they fall in love everything has to be a secret, and if this means Matthew has to become Henrys wife’s live in dressmaker, so be it

As the story progresses life becomes unbearable for Matthew and as he gets politically closer to Henrys wife guilt starts to appear

I wont say why but the section on Bedlam is sobering for anyone to read

It really was a staggering read re the info and research the author has done and the many questions/ideas the book welcomes, it may not suit everyone and yes at times I had to fully concentrate to take it all in but found myself looking forward to reading it and really believing all was reading

Wonderful authors notes where she states as a reader the book is now ours as well
as hers as we shared the journey together

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet book. Gay and historical, win win!

[Gerda · Rating 4 out of 5]

One house. Three people. A secret that dares not speak its name.

Get transported to the 18th century Georgian London in this novel about love, betrayal, friendship and growth.

Based in 1770 to 1791 we follow Matthew a dress (stay) maker across 20 years alternating between past and current timeline. We meet many strong minded characters like Henry, Martha and Lady Elina. Each playing an integral part to Matthew. Based in London and Stonehurst Manor. It was incredible to jump into the 18th century London and see the time capsule of what it once was and its fashion, society and architecture.

I’m so grateful to have read this book! I instantly connected to Mathew’s character and his growth across the years. The book was well written and easily understood. My favourite character has to be Martha and her growth through this as the stay making trade was heavily dominated by men. This whole book is dedicated to searching for life equalities and societal change through Elina’s prospective and her friendship with Matthew.

Each chapter will leave you wanting to turn the next page just to find out what is next! I’d also like to highlight the attention to the fabric trade and apparel honour & how we’re all connected through the garments we wear no matter the societal place. This novel is truly ours - “bound tightly together to create something whole”.

Read this book for;
Historical outfits
Courageous characters
Queer history
Fashion and garments
Time travel to Georgian London
Twists and turns in every chapter

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

couldn't put it down. totally transporting page-turner that delivers on drama, plot, pace, heart and emotional depth. you get invested in these characters, they feel real and three dimensional, you care about their inner lives and journeys. deeply researched, political and intelligent - all in a non-pretentious way. one of those books you ‘surface’ from at the end if that makes sense as you realise you’ve truly been immersed in its world and don’t want it to end

[Mel Chesneau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished The Three and I adored it. I was completely hooked – the characters, the voices, the writing, all of it. The kind of book you keep thinking of and can't wait to get back to. I couldn't put it down and stayed up into the early hours of the morning reading it...

It's set in 1700s England, following a dressmaker in love with his client’s husband in a time when homosexuality was punishable by death. Also a beautiful story of friendship, resilience, and empowerment. The historical details are impressive and yet not overwhelming, which keeps the narrative moving at a good pace.

I look forward to reading more of O'Brien's work and would especially love to see a prequel to this story!

[Paula Gorman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novel! It was fun to be transported to England in the 1700-1800s. The story was thrilling and I couldn’t put it down. Highly recommend

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading The Three. It is so clear how much research the author put into the work in order to truly transport the reader into this time period. She does an amazing job of taking present-day cultural and political discussions and depicting them in the book’s setting. The characters are simultaneously so relatable and likeable, we’re rooting for them and finding empathy for their mistakes. I highly recommend this book ! The writing is super fun to read and done by a clearly talented author.

[Palak Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book so beautifully captures the resilience and courage it took to not be a man in the 18th century. Matthew is a very likeable character with his flaws and his internal monologue gives so much context and depth to the story. It’s a treat to accompany his ideological evolution across decades. The plot is so well researched that everything is set in an accurate portrayal and gives a touch of authenticity to the story.

I would 10000% recommend reading this one if you’re interested in political and cultural commentary from the 18th century that is equally relevant today (unfortunately)!

[John OBrien · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read fiction very often. This story kept me engaged and wanting to read more. What a great read!

[Mystica · Rating 5 out of 5]

1791 England. Interesting times and we have people living dangerously on the edge. Matthew is a skilled corset maker and his business is steadily on the rise. He came from nothing and has clawed himself up, setting up a business which is seen as successful. Though catering to the elite, he is still on the outside of society until he takes up with the aristocratic Henry with whom he falls in love. The danger of keeping a liaison like this secret is a must as it is a criminal offence. Matthew moves into Henry’s house as a private corset maker to Henry’s wife Elina so that the deception can continue.

So far the story is nothing untoward because society had many secrets swept under the Carpet, and ignored by polite society so that surfaces are not ruffled and secrets are kept hidden. Discovering that his lovers wife was well into revolutionary politics which she had kept carefully hidden was a surprise. Supporting her in her movement to popularise her ideas was not part of Matthew’s duties but he sympathised with Elina’s position in the household and then began his surreptitious life of helping Eliza without Henry’s knowledge.

The reckoning was coming and it did. It was sobering, difficult and emotional to process, but it was excellent reading.

[Maddy McGlynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Three is a bittersweet love story set in the gay underworld of Georgian London. Although a short read, it is powerful in its exploration of the cruel realities of Georgian society for women, gay people and those caught in the slave trade.

On the opposite page is the decadence of 18th-century fashion and beautiful country homes.

It is an immersive, elegant and breathtaking read.

[K D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this juicy Reed. Felt like I time traveled back and was taken to a completely another world in place in time. Fell in love with the characters in the drama – Kotel, how much research went into this book, and truly felt like I was walking with the characters back in time couldn’t recommend enough!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A historical thriller in the late 1700’s. This is a story of two gay men in a time when it was very taboo. One an has a wife with her own secrets. It was a different genre for me, but was an enjoyable read.