Pleasing Mr. Pepys

Women of Pepys's Diary #1

by Deborah Swift

From acclaimed historical novelist Deborah Swift, Pleasing Mr Pepys is the story of diarist Samuel Pepys' London, vibrantly told through the eyes of his maid.

Deb Willet is desperate to escape her domineering aunt and takes a position as companion to Elisabeth Pepys, Samuel's wife. Deb believes it will give her the respectability and freedom she craves - but it proves far more complicated than she could ever have imagined.

London is still in ruins from the Great Fire. Although Charles II has been restored to the throne, there is the prospect of war with the Dutch - the world's great sea power of the era. In the midst of this tumult strides Samuel Pepys, diarist and man of note.

Pepys' influence in Restoration London means that the Dutch are keen to get their hands on his secrets - even if that means murder, espionage and blackmail to get them. Deb is soon caught up in a web of deception and double-dealing. And with Mr Pepys' attentions turned towards her, there's a lot more than treason at stake...

Selling other people's secrets is a dangerous game

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, 17th Century, British Literature, London

405 pages, Paperback

First published September 11, 2017

About the author

I am a novelist living in the Lake District in England. I write historical fiction but read widely - contemporary and classic fiction. I choose my books carefully, so I don't read many duds. If I do, they are not reviewed here, as a gesture of respect to other writers.

I blog at my website
www.deborahswift.com

Reviews

[The Lit Bitch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been fortunate enough to read a few of Deborah Swift’s books, though not as often as I would like because when they are released I am almost always in the middle of another book and then by the time I am done I’ve forgotten about her latest release.

Luckily, I had some time for reviews in early Oct which coordinated with the book tour for Pleasing Mr Pepys hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. So naturally I had to hop on this one!
Personally, I am not a huge fan of historical fiction set in the 1600s. It’s just not my era but I try not to say no to reviews of books set in that time simply based on my personal preferences. Swift tends to favor that period and I have been a fan of the books she’s written. They are always, historically well researched and this latest book met the same expectation.

I literally knew nothing about Samuel Pepys. I had no idea who he was or why he was historically important nor did I frankly care. When I started the novel, I basically had no historical premise for the main character but I quickly found myself wanting to know more about him. Everyone knows who the big name Kings and Queens are with a few Prime Ministers, but rarely are figures such as Samuel Pepys.

I think that Swift was conscious of that fact and helped familiarize her audience accordingly. I was curious enough about the characters to do research on my own, but if I hadn’t been so inclined then Swift did an excellent job at providing information to readers so that they had enough historical reference to appreciate the characters.

This novel is based on a real life person about whom not much is known–Deb Willet. Not much is known about Deb besides what Pepys writes in his diary. But in this book we get a fictionalized account of her life but yet it is rooted in fact.

I loved the love story between the two main characters and there was plenty of espionage and intrigue to move the story along at a fast pace. I found Pepys to be a charming, romantic interest but he had quirks and flaws just like any other man, but yet I found him irresistible, flaws and all.

If you are looking for a book that’s a little off the beaten path and isn’t about a historical figure who is perpetually written about, then consider picking up this novel. Swift’s historical research is marvelous and the quality of her writing is top shelf!

I will say though, the cover isn’t doing anything for me. It’s band and has nothing to distinguish itself. Swift’s covers are typically well designed and eye catching so I was surprised to see it so poorly executed. Others might like it but for me it left me wanting.

See my full review here

[Cryssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been trying to think about how to adequately describe my reading experience. To say that the story took me by surprise implies incorrectly that I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it. I certainly was and very much so! Anyone interested in 17th century history is very well acquainted with Pepys and his diary, and a story that revolves around people who are mentioned in the diary piqued my interest immediately. I was particularly intrigued by learning more about Mistress Pepys lady’s maid, Deb Willet, and the controversy associated with her time in the Pepys’s household. Deborah Swift’s talent is in recreating the past, including those exquisite details of how people lived and worked, so I was expecting a domestic drama revolving around Deb while being completely immersed in Restoration London. I certainly got that and more! Like many of the unexpected twists and turns in the story, the author has sent us on a dark and thrilling tale of spying and espionage! And what a tale! Deb Willet is at first a naïve and innocent bystander who is manipulated and drawn into a darker web where no one gets out once they are caught. The net tightened around Deb so securely that I could not fathom how she was going to escape from all this and I dreaded where the story was likely to lead. The subplots were expertly connected and I worried over Jem and the others as well. I loved Pleasing Mr. Pepys from start to nail-biting finish. The author zigged when I thought she was going to zag and kept me guessing until the very end. An expertly constructed story and one that I would very heartily recommend to anyone who enjoys an intelligent historical spy thriller.

[Kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Too late to get my money refunded, but I find this writing to be designed for perhaps a young adult. I believed it would be of interest due to Mr. Pepys, but I don't have the patience to read the book to completion.

[Thebooktrail · Rating 4 out of 5]

See the literary locations in this story

I always admire authors who can mix fact and fiction and then add the magi of what could have happened... Deborah does this very well and i spent ages with this book in the world of Samuel Pepys. Very vividly drawn and wonderfully imagined, I would recommend this for some clever evocation of Pepys world and some cinematic scenes of wonder.

[Andrea Zuvich · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Pleasing Mr Pepys" by Deborah Swift brought Deb Willet, the Pepyses, and the London of the 1660s to life. I found this to be a really enjoyable story, perfect not only for seventeenth-century aficionados but anyone who enjoys a good book. This novel had a sympathetic heroine, Deb, who was very much a real-life person whom we know today from the diary of Samuel Pepys, for she was employed as a companion for his wife, Elisabeth. Not much is known about her life, and I think the fictitious storyline Swift created for the gaps was entertaining and detracts nothing from the little that we do know of Willet's life. Pepys is, well, Pepys (I found him lovably annoying, just as when I read his Diary - which, by the way, I would suggest people read before reading this because that makes the experience more rewarding). The plot included a love story I rooted for, complex villains, espionage, Anglo-Dutch rivalry, everyday living in the 1660s, social unrest, political intrigues, and a glimpse into two very different social spheres. I didn't want to put it down, and found myself thinking about the story when I went about my day - a testament to Swift's talent as one of the great historical fiction writers out there today. Possibly one of Swift's best books yet...and that's saying something.

4.5/5

[Colleen Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something I love most about historical fiction is the fact that there are just so many stories to be told, from such a variety of perspectives. As many stories as I've read centered around some point of English history, I can't think of another novel I've read that's set against the rebuilding of London after the great fire. How I've missed this I don't know, but Deborah Swift does an excellent job of setting our characters within this topsy turvy world of upheaval and growth and showing just how dangerous this world can be if you take a wrong step.

Right off the bat the novel pulls the reader in with a whip-quick murder, one that had me wondering just what other thrills the novel would have in store for me. The story soon moves to Deb Willet as we see her leaving her domineering and cruel aunt's home for a post with the Pepys's and I began to wonder...how will this sweet and intelligent girl end up embroiled in the violent action that the story opened with? I've read a number of novels that deal with historical spy rings and the dangers and benefits that can come from being pulled into this exciting yet vicious world, however I was particularly drawn to this aspect within Pleasing Mr. Pepys mainly due to the fact that Deb Willet seemed so unlike the typical person ensnared into this sort of environment. She comes from a well-to-do family, is well-educated, and seems so innocent at first, wanting simply to do well in her new circumstances and to make a better world for her and her sister. If she's able to find her mother, who abandoned her and her siblings and who, she believes, ran off to London, more's the better. Watching Abigail, so adept at intrigue and deception, pull Deb into this sinful hidden domain, against everything Deb wanted for her life, was gripping and entertaining.

Something else I very much enjoyed was seeing London from two distinct perspectives. We get to see the opulent theatres and homes of people like the Pepys, but we also get to see the dank, dirty, and dangerous back alleys of the city, where people turn to sin to feed their families and plot intrigue against a King that refuses to pay them for work done to protect his throne. It's this aspect that really excited me as the double dealing and intrigue was absolutely fascinating. Seeing people brought as low as nearly possible and then watching some of them try to right the wrongs they've committed made this a redemption story as well, and I always enjoy stories where characters scrabble back onto the right path.

Pleasing Mr. Pepys is scintillating and exciting historical fiction, all the more so since many of the character were actual people living and breathing this story. Like with all my favorite historical fiction, Swift includes historical notes at the end to flesh out fact from fiction. Having turned the last page on Deb, Abigail, the Pepys', and all the rest I now want to read more about their lives and the world they lived within. This is always a sign for me that the author did a great job of bringing their history back to life and I think historical fiction lovers will find much to enjoy in this story.

[Elizabeth John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Walking into Deb Willet's fascinating world is a gradual, glorious immersion into the sight, sounds and emotions of 17th century London, and as the novel progresses, this world becomes more and more real, until the characters move in and take over. I loved the smooth blending of detailed research and well-written fiction; it is apparent that Ms. Swift is a talented historian with a gift for making the past come alive. For those of us who know something of this time, it was delightful to relive such contemporary events as the Whores' Petition to Lady Castlemaine; while for readers who are not familiar with this period, the highly accessible characters and engaging language welcomes even those new to Historical Fiction. I loved the character of Deb - she always tried to find the best in some very difficult situations, dealing with conniving Dutch spies, lecherous Mr Pepys and the quicksand of her relationship with Mrs. Pepys. A novel of difficult quests and lost opportunities, I found it a real page-turner, anchored by Deb's adventures. She fell in love, lost her love, and yes...there is a very satisfying ending. Highly highly recommend. This is one for my keeper shelf, and I know I shall return again to Deb Willet and her world.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pleasing Mr Pepys is the newest release by Deborah Swift. I thought it was a pretty good read. It is set during one of my favorite historical eras - 1600s in London. I believe this author definitely did her research for this time period. I found the characters to be intriguing and compelling. Samuel Pepys is a quite an interesting man.
I would give Pleasing Mr Pepys 4 stars and recommend it to those who love historical fiction.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Terry Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in 17th century London, the two main character points of view in this excellent novel are Deborah Willet, a young girl who goes to work as a lady's companion for the wife of Samuel Pepys, and Abigail Williams, an actress and mistress of a lord, who has a tragic past and a dangerous present, working as a spy for the Dutch. Deb unwittingly gets more involved with Abigail than she intends, and before long finds herself a part of a terrifyingly dark world.

It is clear, all the way through, that Ms Swift's knowledge of 17th Century London is extensive; I particularly enjoyed this rare look at how life was for Londoners, post plague, Civil War and, of course, the Great Fire. The depiction of the dark alleyways, filthy lodgings, women of the night and the poor, unpaid sailors was so good I could see it all. Abigail Williams, though a 'baddie', is written in such a way that I liked and felt sympathy for her, and, indeed, for all the women, simply because of the social restrictions of the time.

The plot itself is cleverly executed, building up pace gradually; by half way through the book I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, so eager was I to find out what happened. This novel works well on so many levels: as a thrilling tale of espionage, as a peep into the world of 350 years ago, as an historical education and also a love story, that of Deb Willet and the delightful curate, Jeremiah Wells.

The Author's Notes at the end of the book were quite a revelation, as I discovered I'd been reading more of a true story that I'd thought; I deliberately left them to the end. Pleasing Mr Pepys is one of those pieces of historical fact/fiction that makes you want to find out even more. :)

[David Ebsworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful, wonderful book. Deborah Swift's writing and storytelling are a joy. Brings Samuel Pepys to life and "fills the gaps" in the historical archives with some superbly inventive fiction. Really looking forward to reading Part Two and Part Three.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been a fan of Deborah Swift's since reading The Lady's Slipper and The Gilded Lily. She has that great ability to transport this reader back in time and become fully immersed in her books.

Reading in the 1600's is not a time I visit that often, being unfamiliar with the history and events it is always a treat to learn more especially at the hands of an author who has definitely done the research. To be honest I really couldn't even have told you who the King was at the time let alone heard of Samuel Pepy, and it's learning about these unknown (to me anyways) figures that I thoroughly enjoy. Even Deb Willet is from the pages of history, though not much is known and the author does a great job creating her story.

Deborah Swift did not disappoint, her research shines through here. Told from different POV's I was able to get into the heads of different characters which balanced out the story nicely. England is still recovering after the Great Fire, it's created dire situations for a vast majority of it's citizens as well as political tension with the Dutch, life isn't easy. With vivid descriptions it wasn't hard to feel the conditions and despair.

Definitely a book I highly recommend and my thanks to HFVBT for the invite to be part of this tour.

[Elizabeth Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a spine-chilling first chapter of this Restoration drama, we encounter Abigail Williams, aging actress, spy and mistress to Lord Brunkner. But on this occasion, she has murderous intent. In contrast the following chapter introduces 17-year-old Deb Willet, setting out for London a year after the Great Fire, to be a Lady’s maid and companion to Elisabeth, wife of Mr. Samuel Pepys. Her Aunt Beth, glad to be rid of her, tells Deb that she must, “Please Mr Pepys,” but she soon finds this applies in more ways than one.

An educated girl, Deborah is determined to work hard to make a future for herself and to finance an education for her sister, Hester. However, Elisabeth Pepys doesn’t seem to warm to her and soon her thoughts wander to her mother who went missing many years ago and may well be in London too. She seeks help from Abigail Williams, who has sought her out, but she soon finds herself entangled in a web of lies and subterfuge from which there seems to be no escape.

This is an era, of which I know little, but Deborah Swift’s knowledge and research have brought the murky streets of London, struggling to recover from the destruction of the fire, to life again. The suffering of the sailors, unpaid by the crown and their inevitable decision to rebel, is realistically described and I could not help liking Jeremiah Wells, the young curate, who wanted the best for everyone while struggling with his conscience. All this against the background of a Dutch spy ring and the incorrigible Samuel Pepys, who cannot resist a pretty face or an attractive ankle.

Although instantly appealing to anyone interested in English history, it is also a book for those who enjoy tension and thrilling scenes, especially as the main characters are women of courage. Highly recommended.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

PLEASING MR PEPYS is a fabulous portrayal of Restoration London. In the historical notes at the end Deborah Swift tells us that she was very much inspired by Samuel Pepys' own diaries, and most of the characters she has created have stepped right out of his pages with Swift using them to paint a picture of what might have been. Filled with intrigue, deception and double-dealings Swift successfully creates the claustrophobic, and sometimes sinister world of the Restoration. Deb Willet, the heroine, finds her self trapped or coerced into more than one situation which she needs to wriggle her way out of. With a mystery in her family, and a younger sister to care for financially, Deb, an educated young woman, is forced to take up a servile position in Mr Pepys' household. But she is soon coerced into something much more dangerous. Pepys, though foolish and slightly repulsive is portrayed more sympathetically here than in many other works about him, and it is great that Swift has done some work on the network of secret agents - particularly female ones - that was prevalent during this tumultuous time in our history.

[Jemahl Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have spent an incredible amount of time on trains in the last few weeks, and one thing that makes the tedium of travel bearable is a good book on my kindle. Deborah Swift kindly sent me an ARC Pleasing Mr Pepys in return for an honest review which I am delighted to give. My time on trains flew by with this to focus on.

Set in Restoration London, Deb Willet is a bright intelligent and educated young woman who takes on the position of companion to Elizabeth Pepys (the wife of the famous diarist) to get away from her rather horrid aunt. But, this is England in the 1660s when rivalry with the Dutch Republic was at its height, and Deb is in the home of the Secretary to the Admiralty. She becomes embroiled with the actress and Dutch spy Abigail Williams. What could be wrong with that? Well it’s spying, it’s treason, and it’s going to lead to trouble. What unfolds is a thriller par excellence set against the backdrop of Charles II’s London, and the second Anglo-Dutch War. The plotting is clever (worthy of John Le Carre) and it kept me guessing. Expect twists and reveals that will shock you, and keep you gripped right to the end of the book.

The spot on portrayals of real historical characters and Restoration London are wonderful. Pepys is delightfully pompous, intelligent, bumbling and pervy, and seeing him from the point of view of the women in the household is brilliantly done. Swift lets you inhabit her world with the effortless immersion in detail and daily lives of the Seventeenth Century. She has taken dusty, little known, figures from history and really breathed life into them. On top of this is a plot that twists and turns and rattles along at a good pace. It’s a spy thriller wrapped in historical detail that I cannot recommend highly enough. Deborah is one of my favourite writers and this is the best book I have read by her so far (See my review for Divided Inheritance).

Highly recommended.

[Tom Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah Swift has produced a remarkable work of historical fiction.

Samuel Pepys’ diaries provide an enormously detailed insight into the world of Restoration England and the personal life of a quite remarkable man. Swift has taken these diaries and woven them into a work of fiction that is part romance, part spy story, but most of all an evocation of life in what is technically Early Modern England.

The lovely thing about the world of the mid 17th century is that much of it is recognisable today. Much, though, has changed. We do not fear illness in the way that people naturally did in the days when surgery was performed without anaesthetic and antibiotics were unknown. Syphilis was common and sufferers were offered mercury treatment. I have never known the details of mercury treatment but, having read this book, I do. I rather wish I didn’t.

We see London through the eyes of Deb Willet, who has come up from Bromley – then a rural idyll – to be taken on as a lady’s maid by Elisabeth Pepys. “London,” her aunt informs her, “is quite different from Bromley or Bow” and Deb’s first sight of the place takes us directly into the noise and bustle of a city rebuilding after the horrendous fire.

Swift’s ability to pull us directly into Pepys’ London is, for me, the best thing about the book. This is not, though, a history book and a plot is called for. Here Swift has undertaken a tricky task because Deb (like most of the major characters in the story) was a real person who often featured in Pepys’ diary and Swift has set herself the task of telling a story that fits all the recorded facts. And what a story it is! Spies, murder, stolen secret plans and an explosion in the Royal Dockyards. And, of course, a romance.

I felt myself shifting between genres. Surely Lord Bruncker, President of the Royal Society, didn’t have a mistress who was a spy for the Dutch? Wikipedia assures me that he might well have, in which case I suppose she might have done the odd bit of assassination on the side. It brought me out of the quaint world of Deb’s London with a start, but it could have happened and it certainly kept me turning the pages.

Deb finds a young man. There is a whole science in Hollywood devoted to the business of arranging for heroine and beau to meet: Swift has Jem save Deb twice – once from attack by a dog and once when she is caught in the crush of a street riot. It’s smoothly done and the budding relationship is nicely, if predictably, handled. And then, suddenly, it’s not predictable at all as the two are separated by their attitudes to the Civil War. Jem supported the Parliamentarians, while Deb’s family were all Royalists. We get a glimpse of the way that the war had split society and how fragile the peace still was.

Swift spins an excellent tale. The characters, too are just fabulous and utterly believable. Pepys is particularly interesting, part avuncular employer, part satyr. In these days of #metoo, Swift walks a very fine line between suggesting that Pepys is basically a decent man and making it clear that his attitude to women, whilst perhaps more acceptable then than now, was amoral and deeply damaging to many of them (including his wife whose misery – well-recoded in the diaries – is sympathetically drawn).

Overall, this was a wonderful book and one which, thanks in part to the constant twists and turns of the plot, is likely to draw in even people who have no previous interest in the period.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deb Willet's aunt has found employment for Deb as a companion to Mrs. Pepys. As the companion to the wife of Samuel Pepys, administrator to the navy of England and Member of Parliament, Deb is placed among society's finest. However, Deb quickly learns that Mrs. Pepys is insecure in her placement and Mr. Pepys has roaming hands. One of the Pepys' favored pastimes is going to the theatre. Through their theatre outings, Deb is introduced to Abigail Williams, the mistress of Lord Bruncker, President of the Royal Society. Needing a friend, Deb takes up Abigail's invitation. However, being a friend to Abigail is much more complicated than simple outing. Soon, Abigail is having Deb bring her things from Mr. Pepys office and having Deb copy letters of Lord Bruncker. Before she knows it, Deb has become a spy for the Dutch, just like Abigail.

Intricate and historically detailed, Pleasing Mr. Pepys brought me into the spy world of the 17th Century. I really didn't know much about Samuel Pepys or what was happening around London in the late 1600's except for some notorious doings of Charles II and his mistresses. I felt for Deb's character while at the same time being intrigued. I felt like she continually received the short end of the stick throughout her life; her mother left, she was thrust into the care of an aunt who saw her and her sister as a nuisance, was then sold off as a companion to Mrs. Pepys only to be taken advantage of by Mr. Pepys and cajoled into being a spy for Abigail Williams. Throughout all of this however, Deb manages to find strength and carry on. At one point she states "Very well, if she was a whore and a traitor, she would be one that survived." I found myself continually pulled into the writing by different elements, the mystery of Deb's mother, the blossoming romance between Deb and Jem and the continual danger of the spy games. Through Deb and Abagail, I was pulled into the world of a spymistress and given a different look into a woman's life in 1600's London.
I was pleased to find out that Deb Willet was a real character in the life of Samuel Pepys and written about in his diary. While Deb's true role in his life might not be fully known, Deborah Swift's creation is an exciting possibility.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set during the Restoration Era in London, the late 1660s, after the Great Fire, this novel is both a story of personal and political upheaval. It is a coming of age novel, about discovering how to survive as a woman in a man's world, and doing whatever is necessary to survive.

Abigail Williams is an actress, both on and off the stage. While not old by any current measures, she is mature and past her prime for her period of time. Although she is a Dutch spy, she has fallen into a comfortable position and cares for her mark, Lord B. She knows her position is a precarious one, her life in imminent danger.

Deb Willet, the main protagonist, begins as an innocent young woman, not much more than a girl, dependent upon her Aunt's kindness for the survival of herself and her younger sister, Hester. When placed as a companion with the difficult to please Elisabeth Pepys, who is actually a character for whom I felt sympathy, not a strong woman and very much a victim of her time and circumstances, Deb has her first realization that she is responsible for her own life. Some things are out of her hands but she must take control when and where possible. Difficult choices must be made and consequences dealt with. In all, the women of this story are well written and quite remarkable, whether you admire or dislike them.

Mr. Pepys is the center of the complications. His position, his deeds and connections, as well as his discreet writings, tie everything together. He is the most well known of the historical figures presented. The author does a masterful job of building a believeable backstory and filling in the gaps of life based on his known writings.

Espionage, social upheaval, a clear portrait of the times, often ignored by those living in them, and a tale about learning to accept what life offers or throws at one. Between the deception and survival efforts, this is also a romance with many obstacles. For lovers of historical fiction that reads like fact this is a book not to be overlooked.

[Lauralee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasing Mr. Pepys is a retelling of The Diary of Samuel Pepys told from the maid Deb Willet. Deb Willet wishes to escape the clutches of her aunt. She is hired to be the maid of Elizabeth, Samuel Pepys’s wife. She hopes that this employment will help support her sister and give her the freedom she deserves. However, she soon attracts the jealousy of Elizabeth and the attention of Samuel. Deb also finds herself caught up in the midst of political intrigue. Will Deb be able to keep herself out of danger and find happiness?

Before I read this book, I did not know anything about Deb Willet or Samuel Pepys. However, this by no means deterred my reading. Deb was a very likable and sympathetic character. When we are first introduced to her, she comes off as hopeful, naive, and eager to please. Little does she know that what seems to be a simple job would be more than she could chew. Thus, I was enthralled with how she dealt with the circumstances that she did not expect. Eventually, she matures into a strong and smart heroine to root for.

Overall, this book is full of adventure, drama, and political intrigue. I did not really care for the secondary characters that much. I disliked Samuel Pepys and Elizabeth got on my nerves. At first, I didn’t like Abigail. However, once I knew more about her I gradually liked her. I also did not like the alternating viewpoints of various characters. The straightforward writing style did not appeal to me. I usually prefer more imagery and description when reading historical fiction. However, I did like how the author portrayed 17th century England. While it took at least halfway for me to be interested in the plot, I found myself glued to the story. Thus, it was a page-turner that made for fun reading. I recommend Pleasing Mr. Pepys for fans of Twain’s End, Call Me Zelda, and The Spy Mistress.
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book as part of a blog tour.)

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Abandoned to live with her Aunt, Deb Willet is educated but nothing else. Her aunt arranges for her to become companion/lady's maid to Elisabeth Pepys, wife of a civil servant in London. It is not long after the restoration of the monarchy and the great fire but London is an exciting place for a girl like Deb. However as time goes on she realises that friendships have their costs and reputations are easily lost.
The premise of this novel is a clever one, hidden in the pages of Pepys' diaries are references to various women that he chased and Deb Willet is one of the em. Little remains of her story but Swift has chosen to embroider a tale around it linking social unrest and espionage to the life of a maid. There's lots to really like about this book, the setting, the knowledge of London in the late 1660s etc. However I felt it dragged in places and the credibility of the plot was definitely stretched in places.

[Kristen McDermott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cleverly done -- Swift has woven a plausible narrative in and around the details of Pepys' recorded interactions with his wife's companion, Deb Willet. Her depiction of life in Restoration London is full of real-life details, and offers fascinating glimpses into the choices (such as they are) for women surviving without the protection of male family. I also admired the fact that this is a rare Restoration novel that concerns itself not at all with the glamour of court figures, and instead mentions the Merry Monarch and his exploits only insofar as they interest the working people of London. An intelligent, well-researched novel, but also quite suspenseful and emotionally believable at the end.

[JT CAREY · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author brings to life a period of time in London where little is known (due to the great fire) outside of what Mr. Pepys provided in his diaries. What's interesting and what adds a bit of a thrill is that this is a spy thriller (with lots of twists and turns).....and the main characters are women spies! That's a premise I don't often see in historical novels. As usual Deborah's writing is easy-reading with well-developed characters and realistic dialogue and a lot of twists and turns. Definitely a book to cuddle up to (with a nice cuppa tea) on a couch when you have a couple of 'me' hours to relax and immerse yourself in a good read. It's well worth it!

[Ruth · Rating 1 out of 5]

c2017 (14) FWFTB: companion, London, Dutch, dangerous, spies. Sadly for me, the characters, the setting and the plot just did not gel for me. I am also going to blame the narrator of the audio book for my failure to enjoy this book. I am sure that it was meticulously researched but sometimes that does not automatically mean that the plot and characterisations will be as well thought out. Unfortunately, unable to recommend to the normal crew at this time. "She hoped no-one who knew the Pepyses would be there. It was most irregular for her to be out at night without her mistress.

[J.G. Harlond · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very skilful, compelling read. A little slow to get started as the author draws out the heroine's innocence and why she believes she must obey her superiors in all matters, but then the pace quickens and we see how Deb Willet, companion to the silly Mrs Pepys, gets drawn into espionage and how this ultimately threatens to destroy her life. There were times I when struggled to put the book down, it's a deceptively simple story yet full of action and deals with topics that are relevant even today. Highly recommended.

[Ginni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was going to give this book 3 stars initially; I couldn’t really feel involved with Deb Willett in the first part of the book, when she was resident in the Pepys household. I felt she was being very naive and I couldn’t believe in her character. However, the plot picked up speed and became much more exciting once Deb had moved out and become more involved with the underworld of spies and rebellion. The first book by this author that I’ve read, but I’m not sure that I will read more - there are other historical novelists I enjoy more.

[Sophie Karlsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is historical fiction at its best. It stays true to the original Pepy's diary, but shifts the perspective to the women in it. There is tension from the first scene, which then continues throughout the novel. I could not put it down. I felt for Deb through all of it; she is such a realistic protagonist and I was gripped by her fate. The writing flows easily and engages you on every page. A marvelous book.

[Lesley Durose · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts

Throughout the book the writer keeps the suspense going from Deb's first days as a lady's maid to her involvement as a spy for the Dutch . The twists and turns of the plot and the clever charactis

[Helen Hollick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Walking into Deb Willet's fascinating world is a gradual, glorious immersion into the sight, sounds and emotions of 17th century London..."

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deborah Swift is a gifted novelist. I have read and enjoyed all of her fiction. Highly recommended.

[Steph Macdonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and got a good feel for the times. I have also ready the second in the series and will try to work my way through.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh