What do you think?
Rate this book
The Highwayman Came Waltzing
The Highwayman Came Waltzing by Kathleen Baldwin
is a whimsical visit to the world of thieves. These highwaymen are not at all what one might expect. When Elizabeth’s childhood sweetheart returns from the Napoleonic wars to investigate a series of robberies in Claegburn Woods. She never dared dream their shared waltz would rekindle their affection for one another. But she knows loving Lord Ryerton is impossible, because Elizabeth hides a dark and dangerous secret.
A Tribute to The Highwayman by Alfred NoyesThis novella is a tipping of the hat to Alfred Noyes. Oh, what silken dreams were spun on the wheel of his romantic poem, The Highwayman. If you leaned out the window with the innkeeper's daughter and sighed over the dashing highwayman, this is a story for you. Several verses are echoed in the chapter headings, and the complete poem is available at the end of the book.
This improbable tale is written solely for your delight and enjoyment. Should you happen to crave more information about the highly romanticized, sometimes brutal truths behind the real highwaymen of myth and legend, please visit Kathleen's website.
Until then, take a deep breath; close your eyes to harsh realities, and stroll into Claegburn Woods where the moon rides high and the owls are hunting on silent wing, there we will enter the lives of a rather unusual band of Robinhoodlums.
77 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2014
39 people are currently reading
150 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Baldwin
18 books894 followersGet ready to fall in love with the heartwarming humorous novels of Kathleen Baldwin, a Wall Street Journal, #1 Barnes & Noble, and Amazon bestselling author. Delighting readers around the globe, her stories have been translated into several languages, and more than 650,000 books sold worldwide. Baldwin's unique plots even captured the attention of a Japanese publisher who adapted her Regency Romance, LADY FIASCO, into a manga.
#1 USA Today bestselling author Meg Cabot raves that Kathleen’s A SCHOOL FOR UNUSUAL GIRLS is “completely original and totally engrossing.”
The New York Times Book Review called it “enticing from the first sentence.”
Kathleen’s love of adventure isn’t limited to her writing. She taught rock climbing in the Rockies, survival camped in the desert and in the snow, slept beside a mountain lion, and lost an argument with a rattlesnake. Later, she married her very own hero and raised four feisty children.
Kathleen is also an avid reader and adores the wit and humor of Oscar Wilde, P.G. Wodehouse, and Jane Austen. Her eclectic reading interests range from Frank Herbert to Meg Cabot, and on to the incredibly imaginative tales of Diana Wynne Jones.
News and other fun stuff at: Website, Newsletter,Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
A School for Unusual Girls , was her first historical romance for Young Adults. It is a Junior Library Guild selection, and Texas Librarians gave it the 2016 Spirit of Texas reading program award. Publisher’s Lunch listed it in their 2015 Young Adult BookBuzz. Kansas State NEA Reading Circle gave it a starred review in their 2016 “Best of the Best” for High Schools. Scholastic licensed it for book fairs. The Stranje House series is currently under a renewed film option.
#1 USA Today bestselling author Meg Cabot raves that Kathleen’s A SCHOOL FOR UNUSUAL GIRLS is “completely original and totally engrossing.”
The New York Times Book Review called it “enticing from the first sentence.”
Kathleen’s love of adventure isn’t limited to her writing. She taught rock climbing in the Rockies, survival camped in the desert and in the snow, slept beside a mountain lion, and lost an argument with a rattlesnake. Later, she married her very own hero and raised four feisty children.
Kathleen is also an avid reader and adores the wit and humor of Oscar Wilde, P.G. Wodehouse, and Jane Austen. Her eclectic reading interests range from Frank Herbert to Meg Cabot, and on to the incredibly imaginative tales of Diana Wynne Jones.
News and other fun stuff at: Website, Newsletter,Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
A School for Unusual Girls , was her first historical romance for Young Adults. It is a Junior Library Guild selection, and Texas Librarians gave it the 2016 Spirit of Texas reading program award. Publisher’s Lunch listed it in their 2015 Young Adult BookBuzz. Kansas State NEA Reading Circle gave it a starred review in their 2016 “Best of the Best” for High Schools. Scholastic licensed it for book fairs. The Stranje House series is currently under a renewed film option.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 4, 2015
I love the classic poem that inspired this story; so glad it's at the end of the novella. This is a great twist on the Robin Hood/highwayman idea. Dashing guy? Check. Highwaymen who by day wear petticoats?! And the charming man put in charge of exposing the culprits? Let the battle of wills begin. Very fun.
August 24, 2016
The Highwayman Came Waltzing (2005, Kengsington Publishing Corp) was originally the lead story in the
Waltz with a Rogue
(2005) anthology. (I read this story individually, re-released for Kindle in 2015.) The Highwayman Came Waltzing is a clean, humorous, and romantic Regency novella, set in 1814, by Kathleen Baldwin, loosely based on Alfred Noyes’ poem
The Highwayman
, albeit with a happy ending.
I really like Ms. Baldwin’s humorous historicals, and I was eager to read this story because even though I am not a big fan of poetry, Megan Follows’ portrayal of Anne Shirley reciting The Highwayman has always stayed with me.
4 ½ stars
The Heroine
Lady Elizabeth Claegburn, on the shelf at 25, and several of her female relatives (Nana Rose, Aunt Bertie, Aunt Lavinnia, and Lavinnia’s twin daughters Bonnie and Blythe) live at the dower house on Lord Mulvern’s estate. They don’t have much money, and are really scraping by. Her twin cousins are due to have their come-out, and there doesn’t seem to be much hope of them having a season in London.
The Hero
Lord Mulvern’s stepson Trace, Elizabeth’s childhood sweetheart, returns from the Napoleonic wars after selling his commission to investigate a series of robberies in Claegburn Woods by the highwayman known as “The Frenchman.” Elizabeth wrote only one letter to Trace while he was in the military for four years. What Trace does not know is that she felt that “it would hurt too much if [he] never came back. Because dashed hopes are worse than no hope.” This brings to mind Anne Elliot in Jane Austen’s Persuasion , even though the reason for the separation is different.
What I liked:
*Each chapter is titled from a portion of The Highwayman.
Prologue: The Moon Was a Ghostly Galleon
Chapter One: She Whistled a Tune in the Window
Chapter Two: He Loved the Landlord’s Daughter
*I appreciated The Highwayman being included at the end of the novella. I don’t remember whether I previously read the poem in its entirety, but if so, I’d forgotten how tragic it is.
*The ending was unexpected. Ms. Baldwin definitely surprised me!
What I didn’t like:
*As far as I can see, Trace doesn’t have a last name.
*I found the characters a little bit difficult to follow and had to puzzle out just how some of the characters were related. Elizabeth’s father was formerly Lord Mulvern, and the current Lord Mulvern is Elizabeth’s uncle - her father’s brother. Presumably Aunt Livinnia was married to another brother of Lord Mulvern. And Aunt Bertie is Lord Mulvern’s sister. The clues were there, but I think this book may have benefited from a list of characters at the beginning.
*********************************************
I will be certainly be reading more of Kathryn Baldwin’s works. I think Diary of a Teenage Fairy Godmother (2013), will be next in line. I’m sure I’ll be trying the YA Stranje House series next.
I would highly recommend The Highwayman Comes Waltzing to fans of humorous Regency romances, and of course to fans of The Highwayman!
I really like Ms. Baldwin’s humorous historicals, and I was eager to read this story because even though I am not a big fan of poetry, Megan Follows’ portrayal of Anne Shirley reciting The Highwayman has always stayed with me.
4 ½ stars
The Heroine
Lady Elizabeth Claegburn, on the shelf at 25, and several of her female relatives (Nana Rose, Aunt Bertie, Aunt Lavinnia, and Lavinnia’s twin daughters Bonnie and Blythe) live at the dower house on Lord Mulvern’s estate. They don’t have much money, and are really scraping by. Her twin cousins are due to have their come-out, and there doesn’t seem to be much hope of them having a season in London.
The Hero
Lord Mulvern’s stepson Trace, Elizabeth’s childhood sweetheart, returns from the Napoleonic wars after selling his commission to investigate a series of robberies in Claegburn Woods by the highwayman known as “The Frenchman.” Elizabeth wrote only one letter to Trace while he was in the military for four years. What Trace does not know is that she felt that “it would hurt too much if [he] never came back. Because dashed hopes are worse than no hope.” This brings to mind Anne Elliot in Jane Austen’s Persuasion , even though the reason for the separation is different.
What I liked:
*Each chapter is titled from a portion of The Highwayman.
Prologue: The Moon Was a Ghostly Galleon
Chapter One: She Whistled a Tune in the Window
Chapter Two: He Loved the Landlord’s Daughter
*I appreciated The Highwayman being included at the end of the novella. I don’t remember whether I previously read the poem in its entirety, but if so, I’d forgotten how tragic it is.
*The ending was unexpected. Ms. Baldwin definitely surprised me!
What I didn’t like:
*As far as I can see, Trace doesn’t have a last name.
*I found the characters a little bit difficult to follow and had to puzzle out just how some of the characters were related. Elizabeth’s father was formerly Lord Mulvern, and the current Lord Mulvern is Elizabeth’s uncle - her father’s brother. Presumably Aunt Livinnia was married to another brother of Lord Mulvern. And Aunt Bertie is Lord Mulvern’s sister. The clues were there, but I think this book may have benefited from a list of characters at the beginning.
*********************************************
I will be certainly be reading more of Kathryn Baldwin’s works. I think Diary of a Teenage Fairy Godmother (2013), will be next in line. I’m sure I’ll be trying the YA Stranje House series next.
I would highly recommend The Highwayman Comes Waltzing to fans of humorous Regency romances, and of course to fans of The Highwayman!
February 7, 2021
I have loved the poem ‘The Highwayman Came Riding” from when I first read it during high school and I think part of the reason I like this novella so much is probably because of the way the writing mimics the lyrical feel of that poem.
I also like the mystery behind The Frenchman (the highwayman of the title) and the reasons for him taking up his role.
But what is the story about? Essentially we have two childhood sweethearts separated by the war who find each other again but must work past the heroine’s dark secret to reach their happy ever after.
There’s some lovely secondary characters, particularly Nana Rose and the way they arrange the resolution for Lizzy and Trace is gorgeous. Completely unbelievable but gorgeous nonetheless.
Or as the author herself says:
This improbable tale is written solely for your delight and enjoyment. Should you happen to crave more information about the highly romanticized, sometimes brutal truths behind the real highwaymen of myth and legend, please visit Kathleen’s website.
Until then, take a deep breath; close your eyes to harsh realities, and stroll into Claegburn Woods where the moon rides high and the owls are hunting on silent wing, there we will enter the lives of a rather unusual band of Robinhoodlums.
Highly recommended for an afternoon by the beach or wrapped up in blankets with a cup of hot chocolate – perfect no matter the weather!
(Check out my personal blog for more Traditional Regency Romance reviews)
I also like the mystery behind The Frenchman (the highwayman of the title) and the reasons for him taking up his role.
But what is the story about? Essentially we have two childhood sweethearts separated by the war who find each other again but must work past the heroine’s dark secret to reach their happy ever after.
There’s some lovely secondary characters, particularly Nana Rose and the way they arrange the resolution for Lizzy and Trace is gorgeous. Completely unbelievable but gorgeous nonetheless.
Or as the author herself says:
This improbable tale is written solely for your delight and enjoyment. Should you happen to crave more information about the highly romanticized, sometimes brutal truths behind the real highwaymen of myth and legend, please visit Kathleen’s website.
Until then, take a deep breath; close your eyes to harsh realities, and stroll into Claegburn Woods where the moon rides high and the owls are hunting on silent wing, there we will enter the lives of a rather unusual band of Robinhoodlums.
Highly recommended for an afternoon by the beach or wrapped up in blankets with a cup of hot chocolate – perfect no matter the weather!
(Check out my personal blog for more Traditional Regency Romance reviews)
March 20, 2015
The best so far!
First, let me say that "The Highwayman" is one of my favorite poems. This story is an homage to that poem. It is about Elizabeth and Trace, one of whom is the highwayman and the other who is in "hot pursuit" of the highwayman. They have been in love for years, but Lizzy feared he would not return from the Napoleonic wars. She considers herself an old maid. He feels responsible. Let the games begin.
I loved that each chapter heading was a line from the poem. Well done!
First, let me say that "The Highwayman" is one of my favorite poems. This story is an homage to that poem. It is about Elizabeth and Trace, one of whom is the highwayman and the other who is in "hot pursuit" of the highwayman. They have been in love for years, but Lizzy feared he would not return from the Napoleonic wars. She considers herself an old maid. He feels responsible. Let the games begin.
I loved that each chapter heading was a line from the poem. Well done!
October 23, 2015
Crazy matriarchs
The story is a common love story, but the characters are entertaining. This is the second work I've read from this author and I have enjoyed both. This one being short, it resolves nice and quickly, without needlessly dragging out the feelings of unworthiness of the love interests. The author seems to know her history well. The vocabulary and descriptions of the mores appear to be authentic.
The story is a common love story, but the characters are entertaining. This is the second work I've read from this author and I have enjoyed both. This one being short, it resolves nice and quickly, without needlessly dragging out the feelings of unworthiness of the love interests. The author seems to know her history well. The vocabulary and descriptions of the mores appear to be authentic.
March 13, 2015
Oh, I did like this book. Although it was a short story, it was a very good one. The story is based on Alfred Noyes's poem, "The Highwayman," which is, of course, the basis of many stories, but this one has a happier ending.
Yes, yes, yes, I recommend this book to anyone.
Yes, yes, yes, I recommend this book to anyone.
January 5, 2015
This was a very cute short story. I enjoyed reading it. I like that the author included the old poem that was her inspiration for this book.
June 1, 2015
A rare find
There are very few books I re-read. Kathleen Baldwin's cleverly entertaining Notorious Aunt series is one of my favorite finds! Highly recommend!
There are very few books I re-read. Kathleen Baldwin's cleverly entertaining Notorious Aunt series is one of my favorite finds! Highly recommend!
March 15, 2017
Entertaining and held a surprising amount of heart. Held back by its length.
September 20, 2016
A lovely novella. Enjoyed it heaps. I was also very moved by Alfred Noyes poem "The Highwayman".
4****
4****
April 6, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this short entertaining story. I must say for me it started out a little confusing but just keep reading it gets so much better. I really didn't want it to end. Thanks
March 17, 2020
Very enjoyable novella
June 18, 2024
This story is a retelling inspired by a poem called "The HighWayMan" by Alfred Noyes. Mrs.Baldwin created her own unique spin on a classic poem by creating a romance story that has a dash of humor in it,and also has a clever group of characters.
Read this charming novella if you are a fan of:
1.Strong,and clever female main characters.
2. Unique retelling with a twist on a classic poem.
3. Old fashioned Regency romance with a dash of humor.
I loved the plot twist throughout the story especially since the band of thieves were actually clever,and resourceful young women who helped those less fortunate than themselves,and never asked for anything in return.
The romance between Elizabeth the elusive Frenchman,and Trace a soldier with strong observational skills,and a very strict stickler for rules was a slow burn with honest flirting.
The author Mrs.Baldwin shares the original "HighWayMan" poem by Alfred Noyes at the end of this story,and also includes her inspiration,and reasons for writing this story in the very beginning of this book. Please be sure to visit Mrs.Baldwin's website because there's all kinds of informative resources,and fun extras as well as a full list of all her books.
Read this charming novella if you are a fan of:
1.Strong,and clever female main characters.
2. Unique retelling with a twist on a classic poem.
3. Old fashioned Regency romance with a dash of humor.
I loved the plot twist throughout the story especially since the band of thieves were actually clever,and resourceful young women who helped those less fortunate than themselves,and never asked for anything in return.
The romance between Elizabeth the elusive Frenchman,and Trace a soldier with strong observational skills,and a very strict stickler for rules was a slow burn with honest flirting.
The author Mrs.Baldwin shares the original "HighWayMan" poem by Alfred Noyes at the end of this story,and also includes her inspiration,and reasons for writing this story in the very beginning of this book. Please be sure to visit Mrs.Baldwin's website because there's all kinds of informative resources,and fun extras as well as a full list of all her books.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2016
Wonderful Stories
I have read four of Kathleen Baldwin's stories and eagerly await any scrap of material she writes. She engages you in the life of her characters to the point I was really reluctant to have to put the book down to do other things.
In "Mistaken Kiss", I literally laughed until I had tears in my eyes.
In "The Highwayman Came Waltzing", she did not disappoint in presenting an intriguing story to read.
Surely Trace will not send the women who comprise the band of thieves to the gallows, but he is a soldier and war hero after all. Lizzy, who is actually "The Frenchman", bears the responsibility for all the robberies that have occurred over the past four years. The money that was not necessary for their bare survival, was given to the tenants to help improve their meager existence.
How did Trace resolve the deceit and treachery of Lizzie, whom he had loved all his life, and her relatives?
Kathleen weaves her story to a satisfactory end, after all.
I have read four of Kathleen Baldwin's stories and eagerly await any scrap of material she writes. She engages you in the life of her characters to the point I was really reluctant to have to put the book down to do other things.
In "Mistaken Kiss", I literally laughed until I had tears in my eyes.
In "The Highwayman Came Waltzing", she did not disappoint in presenting an intriguing story to read.
Surely Trace will not send the women who comprise the band of thieves to the gallows, but he is a soldier and war hero after all. Lizzy, who is actually "The Frenchman", bears the responsibility for all the robberies that have occurred over the past four years. The money that was not necessary for their bare survival, was given to the tenants to help improve their meager existence.
How did Trace resolve the deceit and treachery of Lizzie, whom he had loved all his life, and her relatives?
Kathleen weaves her story to a satisfactory end, after all.
May 15, 2017
“Highwayman…” is a little novella that took just a little time to read. Author Kathleen Baldwin based it on Alfred Noyes poem, “The Highwayman”. By intertwining the premise of the poem with an unusual Regency twist, it was delightfully fun! (I was only vaguely familiar with the poem; admittedly I am not a poetry fan.)
I don’t want to give much away, but these highwaymen are not who you think they are. Late one evening a wealthy baron and his wife are accosted and robbed by the highwaymen, and eerie group lead by a Frenchman. Lord Mulvern and his stepson, Trace, are determined to catch the robbers that terrorized the woods and bring them to justice.
A beautiful cover enhances the intrigue of this book, but inside every right-side page tells us its “Cut From the Same Cloth”. Uhhh…the cover and story are clearly “Highwayman…” so who didn’t catch such a glaring error?
Anyway, I still enjoyed it and will keep it in my personal library. (I even read the complete poem at the end – I liked the story better!)
I don’t want to give much away, but these highwaymen are not who you think they are. Late one evening a wealthy baron and his wife are accosted and robbed by the highwaymen, and eerie group lead by a Frenchman. Lord Mulvern and his stepson, Trace, are determined to catch the robbers that terrorized the woods and bring them to justice.
A beautiful cover enhances the intrigue of this book, but inside every right-side page tells us its “Cut From the Same Cloth”. Uhhh…the cover and story are clearly “Highwayman…” so who didn’t catch such a glaring error?
Anyway, I still enjoyed it and will keep it in my personal library. (I even read the complete poem at the end – I liked the story better!)
September 11, 2019
A sweet confection
This is one of those stories that requires you to suspend belief and go with a good swashbuckling tale. The whole concept of the plot is so ridiculous, but the story is so well written that you don't mind giving in to fantasy. As the title suggests, the story is about a Robin Hood-like thief, and a merry band of fellow thieves. The crisis is what will happen when the thief is caught by someone beloved.
The author uses beautiful, poetic descriptions, and beautifully worded prose. The editing is outstanding, not a mistake to be found. The characters are lovely and all people who we care about. There is a hint of humor in the portrayals of the widely varying characters, which is always nice. It's a quick read, but a good dramatic tale , as well as a heartwarming one. I recommend it highly.
This is one of those stories that requires you to suspend belief and go with a good swashbuckling tale. The whole concept of the plot is so ridiculous, but the story is so well written that you don't mind giving in to fantasy. As the title suggests, the story is about a Robin Hood-like thief, and a merry band of fellow thieves. The crisis is what will happen when the thief is caught by someone beloved.
The author uses beautiful, poetic descriptions, and beautifully worded prose. The editing is outstanding, not a mistake to be found. The characters are lovely and all people who we care about. There is a hint of humor in the portrayals of the widely varying characters, which is always nice. It's a quick read, but a good dramatic tale , as well as a heartwarming one. I recommend it highly.
May 8, 2023
“The Highwayman Came Waltzing” A Traditional Regency Romance Novella by Kathleen Baldwin
A Light Easy Read
I enjoyed the change of pace read. An adventuresome family of females taking care of themselves and their neighbors, too. Not all fun, but some serious consequences, too. If you need a change a pace in your historical romance reads, put this title on your TBR table. Happy Reading ! !
Note: this review expresses my honest opinion.
I do not remember when or where I acquired this title.
A Light Easy Read
I enjoyed the change of pace read. An adventuresome family of females taking care of themselves and their neighbors, too. Not all fun, but some serious consequences, too. If you need a change a pace in your historical romance reads, put this title on your TBR table. Happy Reading ! !
Note: this review expresses my honest opinion.
I do not remember when or where I acquired this title.
November 21, 2023
Kathleen Baldwin's "The Highwayman Came Waltzing" is a delightful romp through a whimsical world that begs you to check reality at the door. This short and sweet tale is like a dessert – a guilty pleasure that you'll savor in one sitting. The characters dance through the pages with a lively flair, and while logic may be on vacation, the entertainment is on a full-time gig. So, buckle up, let go of the need for plausibility, and let this highwayman waltz you into a world where fun takes the driver's seat. It's a ride worth enjoying!
June 28, 2017
This is a great, clean, Historical Romance! I have KU and read this book, I am amazed, at the depth of Characters, the emotional rollercoaster is incredible. I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
carolintallahassee 👒
carolintallahassee 👒
February 20, 2018
The Highwayman Came Waltzing - PG
Violence: robbery
Language: <5
Sex: no sex, a kiss
Pay close to the characters because they come quickly and their relationships are important. This is a clever story loosely based on a poem. The h and H are interesting and I so wish there were more story!
Violence: robbery
Language: <5
Sex: no sex, a kiss
Pay close to the characters because they come quickly and their relationships are important. This is a clever story loosely based on a poem. The h and H are interesting and I so wish there were more story!
September 29, 2021
4.5 rounded up to 5. I loved the story and the romance. My only problem was figuring out the relationships of the women of the Dower house, how they were related to each other.
Many thanks to the author for the free read. It is a short story, but highly recommended.
Many thanks to the author for the free read. It is a short story, but highly recommended.
February 21, 2022
Very cute story
This was a very cute novella, with adorable characters! I really liked the twist on basing it on the poem the highwayman and what would happen with a band of women thieves.
This was a very cute novella, with adorable characters! I really liked the twist on basing it on the poem the highwayman and what would happen with a band of women thieves.
June 10, 2019
A delightful novella. Humorous in how the ladies of the dower house cope. Sad, in why the ladies have need to cope. Nicely written with no loose ends.
September 28, 2019
Short read, but good book!
May 4, 2021
A short novella that reads quite quickly! The poem that inspired it is one that has always made me sad. This story isn't, though.
May 5, 2025
Fluff but fun.
February 9, 2016
I think if this had been made into a novel, rather than just a novella I would have liked it better. It was a fun, interesting read, but I felt like there were important pieces missing.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews