The Palace of Lost Virtue

by Anthea Hodgson

The bush keeps its secrets and its gold...

In 1898, Marigold Harrington arrives on the goldfields of Western Australia with conviction in her heart. The daughter of a prospector and a proud member of the Christian Women’s Temperance Union, she dreams of rescuing women the gold rush has forgotten, those trapped in the shadows of brothels and bars.

Across town, Pansy Arlington presides over the Palace of Pleasure, her own small empire built from ruin. When Marigold arrives at her door, offering God’s forgiveness, Pansy surprises her with unexpected kindness.

The two women spark an unlikely friendship, but in a rough, lawless town built on greed and desire, their bond will be tested by betrayal, violence and a crime that will echo through the years.

Inspired by true events and the real women of the gold rush, The Palace of Lost Virtue dares to rewrite history books, giving voice to the lives of the formidable women who lived and died in the goldfields.

By the bestselling author of The War Nurses, this is a lively and colourful tale about loyalty, forgiveness and freedom.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Australia

419 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

Reviews

[Karren Sandercock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kalgoorlie, Western, Australia. Marigold Harrington leaves Melbourne with her mother Evelyn and they arrive in the wild town looking for their father and husband Herbert.

They have not heard from him in months, Marigold is a member of Christian Women’s Temperance Union, the gold rush has left many women stranded, the only place they can find work is in brothels and hotels and she wants to help them and maybe find some information about her dad along the way.

Pansy Arlington is a madam and she runs the Palace of Pleasure, when Marigold knocks at her door, she surprises Pansy and the other ladies by her kindness and friendship. The women are very different, but unlike others Marigold doesn’t judge Pansy and her girls, life for ladies at the time wasn’t easy and many find themselves in situations they have no control over.

I really liked both Marigold and Pansy’s characters, their relationship was an interesting one and most of what Pansy said made me laugh out loud and so did her attitude.

The narrative has a dual timeline and set in 1898 and 1926 and is easy to follow.

Violence, crime and corruption is rife in gold mining towns, when two men are murdered, Marigold and her neighbour Gert discuss it over the fence or at the kitchen table with a cup of tea.

Inspired by true events and the real women of the gold rush, a rollicking tale about greed, violence, disregard for the law, loss, and overcoming hardship at a time when women were expect to follow society’s rules and expectations.

I received a copy of The Palace of Lost Virtue from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. I really enjoyed Anthea Hodgson’s previous book The War Nurses and her latest is just as impressive.

I was engrossed in this novel from start to finish, five stars from me and I highly recommend.

[Brenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading and absolutely loving The War Nurses, I was very much looking forward to this one. A completely different approach, The Palace of Lost Virtue by Aussie author Anthea Hodgson looks at lives back in Australia's vast outback, in Kalgoorlie at the gold mines of 1898, with the prostitutes working hard to keep the miners happy; Pansy Arlington ran one particular brothel - The Palace of Pleasure - and with Marigold Harrington and her mother working to help the fallen women, Marigold became well known in the district. She and Pansy became unlikely friends; Marigold's mother left to go back to Melbourne and Marigold took a room at the brothel. But not to be "one of Pansy's girls".

When Marigold married Robert, her life changed remarkably. She wasn't allowed to return to Hay Street at all in the more than twenty years she was married to Robert, but tragedy ripped Marigold's life apart. She stayed strong, as well as loyal; her neighbour Gert was a good friend. What would be the future for Marigold, now in 1926, with lawlessness still an issue in the West?

With thanks to NetGalley & Penguin AU for my digital ARC to read and review.

[Gloria (Ms. G's Bookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️4.5 Stars⭐️
I loved The War Nurses so I was super excited for Anthea Hodgson’s new book The Palace of Lost Virtue. I was swept up into the story so much I lost track of time, the author paints a vivid and engaging world combining gold prospecting, brothels, crime and women during the times of the gold rush in Australia. Told in two timelines of 1898 and 1926.

Marigold Harrington is a likeable character and accompanied by her mother they arrive in Kalgoorlie from Melbourne looking for her father now a gold prospector who went to seek a fortune but they haven’t heard from him in months. They’re both respectable women and members of the Christian Women’s Temperance Union and while they’re here they also want to help the fallen women in town.

Pansy Arlington is a strong willed and formidable character, she’s a madam who runs the Palace of Pleasure on Hay Street but she also has a good heart. I enjoyed her character and banter as a heavy drinking American with a no filter attitude.

The two very different women form an unlikely friendship as they deal with their challenges, I also liked Rowan’s character. I enjoyed the murder mystery and the outcome immensely although predictable.

A entertaining, empowering and well written novel inspired by true events, I can’t wait for the next novel Anthea writes.

Publication Date 02 June 2026
Publisher Imprint Penguin

Thank you so much Penguin Books Australia for a copy of the book.

[Craig and Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to Penguin for sending us a copy to read and review.
An extraordinary historical fiction story that mixes fact with fiction oozes out of beloved author Anthea Hodgson.
The Palace Of Lost Virtue is a stunning, fresh and unique tale.
Let’s go back to the outback in Western Australia and the year is 1898.
Marigold Harrington has arrived in the goldfields with her mother.
On a journey to spread gods words she has also come to find her missing father.
On the other side of town there’s Pansy Arlington.
The madam of the Palace of Pleasure runs the establishment with her girls.
Building it up from the ground, it’s a controversy among the community.
These two very different women form a friendship and reword history and deal with everyday challenges.
Captivating, candid, momentous, significant, funny, mysterious and fascinating.
A wealth of detail, well crafted and executed, fastidiously researched and brilliantly imagined.
This is a story of greatness, a story of devotion, a story that’s powerful and a story that everyone should read.
Be dazzled as we follow our leading ladies lives in a bygone era.

[Shelleyrae at Book'd Out · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by true events, The Palace of Lost Virtue is an engaging historical novel of friendship, courage, heartbreak, and revenge from Anthea Hodgson.

Set among the goldfields of Western Australia, it begins in 1898, unfolding from the perspectives of two women; new arrival Marigold, a respectable young lady in the company of her mother, who is searching for her father; and Pansy, the hard drinking American expat madam of Pansy Arlington’s Palace of Pleasure. It’s Marigold’s involvement with the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union that introduces her to Pansy, and the two women form an unlikely friendship.

The contrast of the pair’s personalities works well for the story, Marigold’s quiet curiosity and naivety is a great foil for Pansy’s brash and bawdy cynicism, and I enjoyed the development of the relationship between them. Marigold shows Pansy simple kindness and respect, and when she experiences a financial, and then personal, crisis it’s Pansy who provides her with a lifeline.

There’s a touch of romance and glimpses of humour in The Palace of Lost Virtue, but also a lot of tragedy. Hodgson explores themes such as class, sexism, charity, hypocrisy, grief, and alcoholism, among others.

Early on Hodgson also introduces a second narrative set in 1926 from Marigold which sees her involve herself in an investigation into the fate of two missing gold detectives. It takes some time for the relevance of this mystery to become clear, but it’s satisfying when it does.

Rich in historical detail with appealing characters and an absorbing plot, The Palace of Lost Virtue is an entertaining and poignant exploration of friendship and resilience.

[Susan Mackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the dual narrative within this book, well-researched and cleverly written. Marigold played the long game, which engrossed me. Attitudes to women, the shame of prostitution and unmarried mothers, were largely unchanged in the thirty-year timeline. Both shocking and sad. Highly recommend.

[Deborah Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Better Reading and Penguin Books Australia for my ARC of The Palace of Lost Virtue by Anthea Hodgson. The setting of Kalgoorlie a place I know well as a born and bred West Australian, Anthea portrayed Kalgoorlie and its people in a time setting of 1898 the gold rush, so well! After reading maybe 50 pages I turned back to the beautiful cover realising that both ladies story’s Marigold and Pansy names came from the wonderful flowers on her front cover. Inspired by true events, this historical story comes out of an unlikely friendship, women and survival often not heard about in a story of the gold rush time period. A beautiful tale told by a great writer…Thanks Anthea.

[Karina Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!

Another amazing unputdownable book!

Absolutely fabulous!

[Diana March · Rating 5 out of 5]

I began this book two days ago, its a new release and I only happened to attend the pre-launch party in lieu of my friends' husband being ill (down with a case of footy-fever LOL) I was not expecting to engage with the material, I'm not much of a reader, and I've never done a historical, but after listening to the apparently acclaimed Anthea Hodgson- I found myself not only charmed into the purchase of one of her books, but also devouring it in a record two days! I have not been known to be swept up into a story, in fact, footy-fever has nipped at me in the past, but Anthea's unique, expressive, and utterly honest approach to this fantastical story had me wanting more, more, more!!
her characters and their relationships were unexpected, but inevitable and completely made sense within their context. I was frustrated by their struggles and in my mind we all laughed and cried together.
Without wanting to give away too much, but still hoping to insight as many others as i can to give this book a go- it should be noted AGAIN that I'm really not a reader, I didn't even have a good reads account before this. I start maybe three books a year and of those I finish one or two. This year I intend to buy and read the three other Hodgson books I have subsequently looked up.
this author is a veritable local treasure, and whilst I'm reveling in having discovered this hidden gem, I'm more excited for her to shine!!

[Emily (the_bookdragons_den) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspired by true events, The Palace of Lost Virtue is an atmospheric novel about loyalty, grief and unlikely friendships in Kalgoorlie’s goldrush era.



⛏️ This was my first book by Anthea Hodgson and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The historical setting of a town I used to live in made for an engrossing read.

While it starts off slow, it sets the scene and the unfurling relationship between Marigold and Pansy well. I really liked their friendship and the found family of women working at the Palace of Pleasure. The dual timeline keeps you wondering as the narrative evolves, it covers a shocking crime and investigation, and it makes for an eye opening conclusion to the story.

Overall, a beautifully written novel about strong, formidable women living in a harsh town ruled by gold.

Thank you to @penguinbooksaus for a copy to review.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Palace of Lost Virtue by Anthea Hodgson is a fantasic new read by this outstanding Australian author.

It's a story set in 1898 in Kalgoorlie on the goldfields of Western Australia with Marigold Harrington and Pansy Arlington being the main characters.

Two unlikely characters interwine and become friends; Marigold is daughter of a gold prospector and member of the Christian Women's Temperance Union and Pansy Arlington resides in the Palace of Pleasure.

Their bond is tested by betrayal, violence and crime to echo throughout the years.

Inspired by true events and the real women of the goldrush ~ this is a story of forgiveness and friendship; darkness and light; sea shanties intertwined and the disappearance of two gold detection officers.

Find out why Marigold asks Pansy why she would never forgive the Atlantic Ocean and the significance of these words.

What happens at the end you'll have to find out for yourself.

Read The Palace of Lost Virtue to find out set in the heart of Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.

[Marles Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Palace of Lost Virtue is an evocative and engaging historical novel that offers a satisfying reading experience, even if some elements didn’t entirely meet my expectations. Set in 1898 Kalgoorlie, the story vividly captures the heat, dust and restless energy of the goldfields during a time when thousands of prospectors were pouring into Western Australia. The goldfields were harsh, unpredictable and often unforgiving, and the novel conveys this atmosphere with clarity. Kalgoorlie’s rapid transformation from remote outpost to booming frontier town adds richness to the narrative and grounds the characters’ struggles in a believable world.
At the heart of the novel is the unlikely friendship between Marigold Harrington, a member of the Christian Women’s Temperance Union, and Pansy Arlington, the strong willed brothel owner on Hay Street. Their relationship is the emotional anchor of the book, offering moments of loyalty, compassion and resilience. The contrast between their backgrounds creates an engaging dynamic, and the descriptive writing brings both women and their environment to life.
Some characterisation felt slightly uneven. Marigold’s convictions and choices occasionally seemed at odds, though this also made her feel human and conflicted. Pansy is vibrant and memorable, even if she sometimes leans toward familiar archetypes. The supporting cast, particularly the men, serve their purpose but don’t always stand out.
The dual timeline, shifting to 1926, adds an intriguing and more sombre layer. This narrative thread is anchored by the infamous trial of the men accused of murdering Inspector John Walsh and Sergeant Alexander Pitman. These chapters give Marigold new challenges to face as an older woman, and they ultimately provide resolution to the overarching mystery. The 1926 storyline also shows how the echoes of the women’s 1898 experiences continue to shape their lives decades later.

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Marigold Harrington and Patsy Arlington couldn’t be more different. Marigold and her mother have come to the rough goldfields town of Kalgoorlie in 1898 in a desperate hunt for her father who had left Melbourne to seek his fortune but has disappeared.

Marigold is an avowed Christian, intent on doing good works while Patsy is a prostitute from Kentucky who runs a pleasure palace catering to the hordes of men who have flooded the region in the elusive hunt for gold. When Marigold runs into financial and personal difficulties it is Patsy who comes to her rescue and the two women form an odd but strong friendship.

There’s a second narrative that takes place in 1926 and features a murder trial with links to the past of both women that provides a stunning final twist.

In spite of its colourful narrative and energetic dialogue, this story has its dark side with observations about how men control women’s lives and the choices they are forced to take. As the forthright Patsy ironically observes: “… God doesn’t care for the suffering of women – it’s men he’s chosen to bless. So we must help each other and leave God to his cigars.”

The infamous history of Hay Street, Kalgoorlie, is well-researched and gives the novel a good foundation but most of the characters are unappealing. There’s a bland predictability about the weak and scheming men. Marigold’s behaviour varies between soft and hard and is often at odds with her espoused Christian values. Pansy is the stereotypical tough bad girl with a good heart. The seedy side of prostitution is camouflaged with banter. The result - a somewhat depressing read.

(Thanks to Better Reading and Penguin for the ARC.)

[Julie MacKay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia, amid the gold rush times, this historical fiction novel focuses on two very different women in a dual POV format. Pansy is a prostitute, while Marigold is prim and proper. The novel also moves between 1898 and 1926, where we follow Marigold later in life. The 1926 chapters also are a bit of a murder mystery.

Love and loss are big themes throughout this book, which is a bit of a slow burn. I found the story to be interesting and an enjoyable read, but it didn’t really grab me. Perhaps the 1926 chapters were there to add a bit of excitement to the book, but I did not really feel that those chapters made me more involved in the book.

Although there were some sad events in this book, I never really felt emotionally engaged with it, but that is okay as I don’t really like getting emotional either!

The novel was well written and I enjoyed learning a bit more about life in the gold field town of Kalgoorlie in 1898. For me, it was good, but not brilliant. It will likely appeal to readers of historical fiction who don’t mind a slow read with not a lot of suspense.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Australia and NetGalley for providing this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Heather Goldsmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading and enjoying The War Nurses by the same author I was looking forward to this ARC. The author gives terrific insight to the plight and lives of the fallen women involved in the brothels of Kalgoorlie, but I felt the Christian viewpoint lacked a similar depth. We are taken into the lives of the madam of The Palace of Pleasure and the found family she has gathered. These characters were alive on the page, but the Christian viewpoint was shown in a somewhat poor light. All of these characters came across as snooty and patronising to the women they claimed to be wanting to help. Marigold, as the other main character was a disappointment. Her convictions and actions lacked depth and were hardly convincing. I think the blurb on the back of the book gave me a false expectation of her motives, so perhaps I was expecting her to have stronger agency.

Hodgson can certainly tell a highly readable tale. I enjoyed this book, in particular the unfolding mystery, though I had anticipated the outcome earlier than I would have liked. I suppose I wanted a better representation of faith, which this sadly lacked.

[Janet Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently received an ARC copy of The palace of lost virtue by Anthea Hodgson thanks to @betterreadingau #BRPreview and Penguin Random house Australia for an honest review. Another book inspired by true events by the author of War nurse's which I also loved, it's a tale of unlikely friendship in the harsh environment of the Western Australian Goldfields.Pansy a life hardened owner of the brothel The palace of Pleasure and Marigold the innocent and naive member of the Christian women's Temperance union and daughter of a missing prospector are brought together to form the most unlikely friendship from mutual respect and loyalty despite nobody expecting them to have anything in common. They have each other's backs when many around them betray and use violence when blinded by greed. An amazing look into the lives of women in the 1890's Goldfields and their determination not only to survive but thrive. A very emotional and empowering book. I truelly loved it and can't wait to see what Anthea will create next.

[Vivien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in Western Australia’s Kalgoorlie during the gold rush era of 1898 and the infamous Hay Street, the red-light district of the time, The Palace of Lost Virtue is about an unlikely friendship between two women. Marigold, a devout Christian who sets out from Melbourne with her mother to find her father who went to seek his fortune, and Pansy, a sharp-tongued brothel madam and prostitute herself from Kentucky.

I loved the vivid, well researched setting, as well as the contrast between the two women’s social divisions and values. Pansy was a breath of fresh air, with no filter, back when women were expected to be demure and compliant. She was looked down upon by society for her trade, when nothing is said of the men, often husbands and figures of authority who frequent the brothels.

I’m not sure if I liked the middle part of Marigold’s life and her decision-making, I couldn’t. It makes me mad that women had to rely on men so much during that era, which makes the novel’s portrayal of their resilience even more powerful.

[Molly Ogden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anthea Hodgson's new novel 'The Palace of Lost Virtue' was a stunning piece of literature, with engaging characters and thrilling plot lines.

I particularly loved the characterisation of Marigold and Pansy. I felt the characters provided exactly what was needed to make the novel flow. The faults and growths of Marigold was so refreshing to read. I love to see protagonists that make mistakes or aren't perfect, loveable people, who feel no shame reclaiming power when deserved.

The Palace of Lost Virtue made me laugh and cry, the plot line was enthralling, and shocked me as I cuddled up in a comfy window seat in a cosy airbnb in Albany. The perfect environment to read such a uniquely Australian story, with a perfect balance of an often under shadowed historical perspective and engaging fiction.

An easy 5 star read, and I was extremely privileged to have an advanced copy, which I had stolen out of Anthea's office myself. Would highly recommend.

[Sandra Merlo · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1898, Marigold Harrington and her mother arrive on the goldfields of Kalgoorlie to be reunited with their prospecting father/husband. Marigold and Pansy, who runs the local brothel become friends. Hypocrisy is the norm when ladies try to save the prostitutes from their terrible fate (even there is not other work for them to do) but refuse to lend a book to Pansy. The book alternates between 1898, Marigold and Pansy's view and 1926, when the bodies of two murdered police officers are found. I found the first part of 1926 out of context and only later in the book it becomes clear what this is all about and its relevance. I liked the descriptions of the way people lived in those times, the hardship they faced but I could not warm to Marigold. It is a tale of friendship, betrayal and revenge

[Michelle Verplak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Pansy and Marigold. An interesting friendship between ladies from the opposite sides of the track so to speak.
Marigold and her mother Evelyn come to Kalgoorlie in search of Marigold’s father who left Melbourne for Western Australia’s Goldfields in search of gold and fortunes. They are members of the Christian women’s temperance and believe their job is to save the poor women of Kalgoorlie.
Pansy runs one of many brothels in town and is a very interesting character. I enjoyed reading her story.
I also enjoyed the dual timeline and how Anthea was able through poetic license to tell the story of not only Pansy and Marigold, but also that of the murders of two gold detectives in 1926.
No Spoliers, but I will say I loved the ending and how things turned out. 😁

[Fiona Mummery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received my ARC from Better Reading. This novel is inspired by true events and I think i will have to find out what is truth and what is fiction. It has left me wanting more. Pansy and Marigold could not be more different but find themselves relying on each other for more than friendship. The tribulations of these two women, mainly in 1898, make for very interesting reading. The story also includes the story of Marigold in 1926, which at first I found out of context, but all led to the surprising outcome. Surprising mainly in that I guessed what was happening whilst simultaneously thinking that cant possibly be happening. I happily recommend this story to anyone who enjoys Australian history, mixed with a little mystery.

[Rebecca Macklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A big thank you to Penguin for the ARC opportunity to read this book!

This is my first book by this author and what a great introduction.

A historical fiction set in the goldrush era of Western Australia. The author really made this period of time come alive. I could literally picture the hussle and bussel in the streets and daily life.

The FMC Harriet - what a force of nature she was. Moving across country to find her father who got lost (physically and mentally) on the gold fields, experiencing heartbreak and loss, before being beaten down (physically and emotionally) by an undeserving man.

I really liked that Harriet found her voice, her vengeance and took control of her life in the end.

A really great book and well recommended by me.

[Melanie Cook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks for the Better Reading Preview.
I couldn’t wait to read this book after I fell in love with The War Nurses at my local book club. Such a beautiful book and this did not disappoint.
A wonderful book based in Western Australia gold mines. A historical setting I was not familiar with. The book follows Marigold arriving with her family and the challenges she finds herself in. She meets Pansy a brothel owner with many demons and befriends her. They navigate the world of men and greed together. The book also weaves through a terrible local crime decades later that Marigold follows with great interest.
This book has everything - history, romance, grief, sadness, crime and greed. It is an enjoyable read, not as good as The War Nurses, but I thoroughly enjoyed this historical fiction - the setting and also the twists and turns.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was grateful to receive an ARC copy of this book.

After reading The War Nurses, & appreciating the detail & research that Anthea Hodgson puts into her historical novels, I knew I’d love this book & I wasn’t disappointed.

The well developed characters that have made their home in Kalgoorlie during the gold rush, & in particular Marigold & Pansy will stay with me for a while.

I’m a West Australian, & loved being reminded of the history of that era (& learning a few new snippets). This book made me at times laugh out loud, & at others shed a few tears.

A brilliant read, highly recommended

[Maree Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read The War Nurses by Anthea Hodgson and absolutely loved it, so I was very excited to see she had a new book coming out.

Anthea has created such wonderful, real characters in Pansy and Marigold. I came to care deeply for these incredible women, laughing and crying along with them through the good times and bad.

The descriptions of the conditions in Kalgoorlie circa 1898, the heat and dust, were so vivid that I could almost feel them.

Another brilliant offering from Anthea and I can't wait to see what she creates for us next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Australia for the digital ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Palace of Lost Virtue is a beautiful story about the unlikely friendship that blossoms between Marigold Harrington, a member of the Christian Women's Temperance Union, and Pansy Arlington, the owner of the local brothel, in 1898 Kalgoorlie during the gold rush. These two women who seem so different on the surface, have so much in common, especially how they deal with adversity. I really enjoyed seeing how both women grew and pushed each other.

This was my first Anthea Hodgson novel, but I will definitely be reading her earlier works.

[Mon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rollicking tale ( or tales) of life living in the rough goldmining town of Kalgoorlie in the 1800s. The town is built on gold and its people are run by gold.
The story of Marigold who tries to help those in need and Pansy the madam who also helps those in need but in a different way. It all charges when Marigold finds herself in need.
Not an always happy book but a great read over the years!
In the end what goes around comes around. Much like what happens in real life.

[Maggie Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a brilliant book - lively, colourful and compelling, with great characters who win your heart. Anthea Hodgson has such a great a way of bringing to life the stories of remarkable Australian women from history, all wrapped up in a rollicking good read.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and the dual timeline. Although it took me a while to get into the story. It began to be a love story about page 200 and i became more invested in the characters.
I really enjoyed it by the end, and it brought me to tears on a few occasions.

[Pat Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an entertaining read! Well, listen! I had the audio version and was thoroughly delighted by the antics of Pansy and Marigold in the goldfields of Kalgoorlie. The narrators brought the story to life. Would I recommend it? I have already!