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Saving Grace: A Victorian Mystery
Based on a true story and written by Hannah Howe, author of the Amazon #1 Sam Smith Mystery Series, Saving Grace, "the courtroom drama of the year."
The Western Mail
2 August 1876
Sensation in the Charles Petrie Case!
Readers may recall that a young banker, by name Mr Charles Petrie, with every opportunity of succeeding in his profession, and commanding a not illiberal income, returned home after riding his horse to dine with his wife, Grace, and her companion, Mrs Quinn. During and after dinner he had nothing to excite him save the receipt of a letter which somewhat annoyed him, and that his wife consumed rather more wine than he considered to be good for her health. Immediately after retiring to his room he was seized with symptoms of irritant poisoning, and despite every effort made on his behalf, he succumbed to its effects. An inquest was held, which vexed the minds of the Coroner’s jury to a degree without precedent in Coroners’ Inquest Law, and an open verdict was returned. However, the matter will not rest there, for after questions in Parliament, a second inquest has been called under suspicion that Mr Charles Petrie was murdered.
* * *
Who poisoned Charles Petrie? Dr James Collymore, a man familiar with poisons, a man harbouring a dark secret that, if exposed, would ruin his career; Florrie, the maid who supplied Charles with his bedtime drink; Bert Kemp, a disgruntled groom, who used poisons in his work, who four months previously had predicted Charles’ dying day; Mrs Jennet Quinn, a lady’s companion with a deep knowledge of poisons, and a deep fear of dismissal; or Grace Petrie, Charles’ wife of four months, a woman with a scandalous past, a woman shunned by polite society.
With crowds flocking to the courtroom and the shadow of suspicion falling upon Grace in the shape of the hangman’s noose, could dashing young advocate, Daniel Morgan, save her?
The Western Mail
2 August 1876
Sensation in the Charles Petrie Case!
Readers may recall that a young banker, by name Mr Charles Petrie, with every opportunity of succeeding in his profession, and commanding a not illiberal income, returned home after riding his horse to dine with his wife, Grace, and her companion, Mrs Quinn. During and after dinner he had nothing to excite him save the receipt of a letter which somewhat annoyed him, and that his wife consumed rather more wine than he considered to be good for her health. Immediately after retiring to his room he was seized with symptoms of irritant poisoning, and despite every effort made on his behalf, he succumbed to its effects. An inquest was held, which vexed the minds of the Coroner’s jury to a degree without precedent in Coroners’ Inquest Law, and an open verdict was returned. However, the matter will not rest there, for after questions in Parliament, a second inquest has been called under suspicion that Mr Charles Petrie was murdered.
* * *
Who poisoned Charles Petrie? Dr James Collymore, a man familiar with poisons, a man harbouring a dark secret that, if exposed, would ruin his career; Florrie, the maid who supplied Charles with his bedtime drink; Bert Kemp, a disgruntled groom, who used poisons in his work, who four months previously had predicted Charles’ dying day; Mrs Jennet Quinn, a lady’s companion with a deep knowledge of poisons, and a deep fear of dismissal; or Grace Petrie, Charles’ wife of four months, a woman with a scandalous past, a woman shunned by polite society.
With crowds flocking to the courtroom and the shadow of suspicion falling upon Grace in the shape of the hangman’s noose, could dashing young advocate, Daniel Morgan, save her?
268 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2018
66 people are currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 30 reviews
July 17, 2018
Kudos to the author for bringing this compelling mystery to life! The fact that it’s based on a true story makes it even more interesting. The upper class Victorian tone of the narration and dialog transported me back to 1876 England.
I liked the “advocate” and his assistant who represented Grace Petrie during a coroner’s inquest into her husband’s poisoning death. I found Grace’s troubled history wholly believable, considering the constraints on women of that era. And the courtroom scenes were well done. Loved it!
And reading the author’s notes at the end of the book about the real case she researched for her novel was fascinating.
I liked the “advocate” and his assistant who represented Grace Petrie during a coroner’s inquest into her husband’s poisoning death. I found Grace’s troubled history wholly believable, considering the constraints on women of that era. And the courtroom scenes were well done. Loved it!
And reading the author’s notes at the end of the book about the real case she researched for her novel was fascinating.
August 22, 2018
Compelling murder mystery
This is a Victorian murder mystery that peers into the life of Grace, a woman facing a murder charge in a male dominated justice system where restraint and prejudice against women was the norm. The author has done an excellent job, building intrigue, mystery and suspense into the plot. The situations and the characters are well drawn to shine a light on Victorian society and culture with all its frailties and peculiarities so far removed from today. The pace is steady rather than fast, but then to get the full flavour of Victorian times it's necessary to paint the picture. However, the final courtroom drama is compelling and well worth the wait. Based on the true story of the Balham Poisoning in 1876. Highly recommended.
This is a Victorian murder mystery that peers into the life of Grace, a woman facing a murder charge in a male dominated justice system where restraint and prejudice against women was the norm. The author has done an excellent job, building intrigue, mystery and suspense into the plot. The situations and the characters are well drawn to shine a light on Victorian society and culture with all its frailties and peculiarities so far removed from today. The pace is steady rather than fast, but then to get the full flavour of Victorian times it's necessary to paint the picture. However, the final courtroom drama is compelling and well worth the wait. Based on the true story of the Balham Poisoning in 1876. Highly recommended.
July 27, 2018
A Woman Accused of Murder. Innocent Until Proven Guilty!
Based on true events from 1876, this Victorian-English mystery follows the trial of a recently widowed sherry addict, Grace Petrie, who is thought to have murdered her own husband.
With multiple motives being thrown into the mix, a private investigator steps in, delving into the troubled widow's past, to uncover the truth.
From the first page, I found myself hooked. I loved Daniel's (the investigator) personality- his definitive sense of right and wrong.
'He preferred the cut and thrust of criminal cases; a fencer by inclination, he relished the challenge; a competitor by nature, he sided with the underdog.'
Daniel often gives others a chance to explain themselves, where others do not. He does not immediately follow the opinion of the crowd in regards to his personal views and instead explores every possible explanation for mysterious circumstances such as the death of Grace's husband, Charles.
I quickly came to admire Daniel's character and have great respect for his crucial role in the story. In contrast, I struggled to identify with Grace. Although I liked her character, being a strong and complex young woman who had suffered many tragedies, I just couldn't find common ground with her.
Above all else, this book explored themes of greed, love, loss, tragedy, and (most importantly) hope. While society will always believe what it wants, its thoughts coloured by the media and its corrupt peers, there are always those who are willing to delve deeper, beyond the swill of rumour, to uncover the truth.
Saving Grace held a steady pace throughout and explored a good vs evil sub-theme during its many court scenes. At moments, I was actually left speechless as I battled with several versions of the truth, which were presented to me. It felt as though I were actually sitting in, as a member of the jury. The anxiety racing through me had me turning the pages like crazy.
I'd like to leave you with a few relatable and rather profound truths that I uncovered whilst reading.
'We are the public person, the private person, and the person lost in his own thoughts.'
'Through hurt, I have discovered who I am- I understand myself- it does not matter if people do not understand me- when you are true to yourself, harsh words, cruel stares, and unfriendly gestures no longer matter. All that matters is your will to walk on.'
Both of these quotes are great life lessons that I found particularly refreshing. I think the youth of today would greatly benefit from such wisdom and I'm grateful to Hannah Howe for including them in her latest masterpiece.
Thank you, H. Howe, for yet another incredible read. I love your plots, your characters, and your overall style.
My rating: 5 Galaxy Cupcakes.
Recommended to lovers of thrillers, mysteries, the Victorian Era, and those who just love a good thrill.
Based on true events from 1876, this Victorian-English mystery follows the trial of a recently widowed sherry addict, Grace Petrie, who is thought to have murdered her own husband.
With multiple motives being thrown into the mix, a private investigator steps in, delving into the troubled widow's past, to uncover the truth.
From the first page, I found myself hooked. I loved Daniel's (the investigator) personality- his definitive sense of right and wrong.
'He preferred the cut and thrust of criminal cases; a fencer by inclination, he relished the challenge; a competitor by nature, he sided with the underdog.'
Daniel often gives others a chance to explain themselves, where others do not. He does not immediately follow the opinion of the crowd in regards to his personal views and instead explores every possible explanation for mysterious circumstances such as the death of Grace's husband, Charles.
I quickly came to admire Daniel's character and have great respect for his crucial role in the story. In contrast, I struggled to identify with Grace. Although I liked her character, being a strong and complex young woman who had suffered many tragedies, I just couldn't find common ground with her.
Above all else, this book explored themes of greed, love, loss, tragedy, and (most importantly) hope. While society will always believe what it wants, its thoughts coloured by the media and its corrupt peers, there are always those who are willing to delve deeper, beyond the swill of rumour, to uncover the truth.
Saving Grace held a steady pace throughout and explored a good vs evil sub-theme during its many court scenes. At moments, I was actually left speechless as I battled with several versions of the truth, which were presented to me. It felt as though I were actually sitting in, as a member of the jury. The anxiety racing through me had me turning the pages like crazy.
I'd like to leave you with a few relatable and rather profound truths that I uncovered whilst reading.
'We are the public person, the private person, and the person lost in his own thoughts.'
'Through hurt, I have discovered who I am- I understand myself- it does not matter if people do not understand me- when you are true to yourself, harsh words, cruel stares, and unfriendly gestures no longer matter. All that matters is your will to walk on.'
Both of these quotes are great life lessons that I found particularly refreshing. I think the youth of today would greatly benefit from such wisdom and I'm grateful to Hannah Howe for including them in her latest masterpiece.
Thank you, H. Howe, for yet another incredible read. I love your plots, your characters, and your overall style.
My rating: 5 Galaxy Cupcakes.
Recommended to lovers of thrillers, mysteries, the Victorian Era, and those who just love a good thrill.
January 10, 2019
Based on the true story of a woman accused of murdering her husband in Victorian England, the author has brilliantly captured the era. This gripping read is hard to put down. Ms. Howe gives a brief history of the actual account after the last chapter. The setting, the era, the mores and values are captured beautifully. I highly recommend this book.
July 20, 2018
Excellent Victorian whodunnit based on a true case...
Daniel Morgan, a Victorian advocate based in Cardiff, Wales, is approached by a woman who wants him to defend a friend of hers who is accused of murder. Grace Petrie is refusing to have representation because she says that she is innocent and therefore doesn’t need one. Carys Beaumond believes her friend’s protestations of innocence, but fears that Grace isn’t strong enough to stand up to the bullying prosecution lawyers on her own.
Hannah Howe strikes a skilful balance between using accessible modern language and elegant Victorian turns of phrase to set the events firmly within their era without awkwardly interrupting the flow. (Apart from a couple of missteps when she inserts inappropriate 21st-century commentary such as a disapproving observation and explanation that people often saved their bathwater to use again in the morning. A true Victorian wouldn’t need to stop and comment on that – they wouldn’t think it worthy of note). The text is also full of a wealth of small details of costume and surroundings which also serves to ground us in the society of the time.
This is very much a drawing room, court room, cerebral investigation sort of drama, which leaves you tensely guessing right up to the end whether or not the woman is innocent.
Personally, I think the author has just found herself a very worthy hero to start a whole new series of Victorian crime investigations, but I am aware that she had to put a lot of research into uncovering the details of this true case, so she would either have to dig around to find a lot more un-written about cold cases, or start making some up! I’d be up for reading a series based around the admirable Daniel Morgan and his side-kick Mr Robeson...
Daniel Morgan, a Victorian advocate based in Cardiff, Wales, is approached by a woman who wants him to defend a friend of hers who is accused of murder. Grace Petrie is refusing to have representation because she says that she is innocent and therefore doesn’t need one. Carys Beaumond believes her friend’s protestations of innocence, but fears that Grace isn’t strong enough to stand up to the bullying prosecution lawyers on her own.
Hannah Howe strikes a skilful balance between using accessible modern language and elegant Victorian turns of phrase to set the events firmly within their era without awkwardly interrupting the flow. (Apart from a couple of missteps when she inserts inappropriate 21st-century commentary such as a disapproving observation and explanation that people often saved their bathwater to use again in the morning. A true Victorian wouldn’t need to stop and comment on that – they wouldn’t think it worthy of note). The text is also full of a wealth of small details of costume and surroundings which also serves to ground us in the society of the time.
This is very much a drawing room, court room, cerebral investigation sort of drama, which leaves you tensely guessing right up to the end whether or not the woman is innocent.
Personally, I think the author has just found herself a very worthy hero to start a whole new series of Victorian crime investigations, but I am aware that she had to put a lot of research into uncovering the details of this true case, so she would either have to dig around to find a lot more un-written about cold cases, or start making some up! I’d be up for reading a series based around the admirable Daniel Morgan and his side-kick Mr Robeson...
September 5, 2018
A delightful read
This novella by Hannah Howe rings true to the Victorian period. I always enjoy the the contradictory public outrage and the private glee at another's perceived sin. I think it is how they feel better about themselves. It is how each of them can justify their own misdeeds as trivial compared to whatever poor soul is being publicly vilified by the courts and media of the time.
Little has changed in the interval between now and then except the magnitude of the media. The newsagencies are always seeking the sensational be it natural disasters, politics, or anything else that excites the sensations of their audience. What does that say about us their audience? Other than our lack of evolution regarding sensationalism and growth in humanity, very little I fear.
Hannah Howe deliberately or inadvertently was able to shine a light on this foible of mankind. It is much easier to recognize it in our predecessors than to see it in ourselves or our current social core.
Congratulations Ms Howe, your twelve years of research and sense of place resulted in a well tuned tale. I look forward to reading more of your work.
This novella by Hannah Howe rings true to the Victorian period. I always enjoy the the contradictory public outrage and the private glee at another's perceived sin. I think it is how they feel better about themselves. It is how each of them can justify their own misdeeds as trivial compared to whatever poor soul is being publicly vilified by the courts and media of the time.
Little has changed in the interval between now and then except the magnitude of the media. The newsagencies are always seeking the sensational be it natural disasters, politics, or anything else that excites the sensations of their audience. What does that say about us their audience? Other than our lack of evolution regarding sensationalism and growth in humanity, very little I fear.
Hannah Howe deliberately or inadvertently was able to shine a light on this foible of mankind. It is much easier to recognize it in our predecessors than to see it in ourselves or our current social core.
Congratulations Ms Howe, your twelve years of research and sense of place resulted in a well tuned tale. I look forward to reading more of your work.
December 4, 2019
This is an ebook. It's a book that needed an editor. It has serious problems with the narration, jumping from one person's thoughts to another's; swamps the reader with details (maybe to show she's done research? Irving Stone was famous for doing that.), so many details that the plot stops dead; characters see what can't be seen, the makers mark on the bottom of a piece of china, though the object is sitting on its bottom; the author has people smiling or grinning at the same time they're speaking (an example, not Howe's -- "This is excellent tea," he smiled).
There are also dubious actions and statements: Grace has a decanter with a fracture serious enough that she doesn't wash it, but she keeps sherry in it and pours from it for guests and then she says she's just keeping it for an "ornament." The mansion she's in is supposedly among sand dunes, which are not a place where lush gardens, which need 3 gardeners to maintain it, can grow, most especially roses. Sand dunes are largely bare of vegetation for a reason. One of the characters has hair Combed to for a widow's peak; a widow's peak is a hair-growth pattern. And so on.
There are also dubious actions and statements: Grace has a decanter with a fracture serious enough that she doesn't wash it, but she keeps sherry in it and pours from it for guests and then she says she's just keeping it for an "ornament." The mansion she's in is supposedly among sand dunes, which are not a place where lush gardens, which need 3 gardeners to maintain it, can grow, most especially roses. Sand dunes are largely bare of vegetation for a reason. One of the characters has hair Combed to for a widow's peak; a widow's peak is a hair-growth pattern. And so on.
July 3, 2018
"Saving Grace" was a fast-moving, courtroom drama that is set in a bygone era. With shades of the "Scarlet Letter," the author explores how arbitrary morality and social stigma are used to vilify a woman. While a murder inquisition over a man's death provides the arena for this drama to unfold, one gets the impression that the real offense being negotiated is moral turpitude.
Among the characters, their relationships, their secrets revealed, and agendas at play, the reader is kept guessing until the end as to who killed Grace's husband. On this level, it was a suspenseful and enjoyable read. On another level, I was impressed with the author's seeming ease at breathing life into the victorian era, both in language, description, and culture.
I think anyone who enjoys a good courtroom drama will enjoy this book. The fact that it was based on a true story which was explained in detail at the end was a definite plus for me.
Among the characters, their relationships, their secrets revealed, and agendas at play, the reader is kept guessing until the end as to who killed Grace's husband. On this level, it was a suspenseful and enjoyable read. On another level, I was impressed with the author's seeming ease at breathing life into the victorian era, both in language, description, and culture.
I think anyone who enjoys a good courtroom drama will enjoy this book. The fact that it was based on a true story which was explained in detail at the end was a definite plus for me.
July 7, 2018
Hannah Howe does it again! Having loved her Sam Smith Mystery series as well as her Ann's War Mystery series, I was delighted to get my hands on her new novel, Saving Grace. Saving Grace is set in Victorian era Wales. A prominent man is killed by apparent poisoning, and society quickly assigns blame to his new wife, Grace. Grace's good friend Carys hires a young but promising attorney, Daniel, to help assure Grace a fair trial. I have to say, I absolutely loved this book! Ms. Howe has a knack for drawing the reader immediately into her setting. The clothing, mannerisms, and social norms were all so perfectly Victorian. The characters were so well drawn I felt I knew them. The pace of the novel and the beautiful writing make it impossible to put down--I read Saving Grace in one day. Don't miss this delightful mystery!
August 23, 2018
Wow! Incredible!
Get a cup of tea and settle in for a treat. An utterly gripping murder mystery set in Wales in 1876 – there was nothing NOT to love about this book. The writing was phenomenally good. I had to look up quite a few words due to the time period, but that didn’t put a damper on the tale for me; it added to its authentic feel, which was appropriate considering this was based on a true story. And it showed how thoroughly and well the author did her research. The trial felt so real and vivid. I was trying to figure out what to believe, dithering back and forth. It was heart-pounding! Also, Daniel and Carys are great characters and I loved seeing things develop between them. Did Carys’ friend Grace truly murder her husband, or does the jury find another cause of his death? You’ll have to read it to see. Five stars all the way.
Get a cup of tea and settle in for a treat. An utterly gripping murder mystery set in Wales in 1876 – there was nothing NOT to love about this book. The writing was phenomenally good. I had to look up quite a few words due to the time period, but that didn’t put a damper on the tale for me; it added to its authentic feel, which was appropriate considering this was based on a true story. And it showed how thoroughly and well the author did her research. The trial felt so real and vivid. I was trying to figure out what to believe, dithering back and forth. It was heart-pounding! Also, Daniel and Carys are great characters and I loved seeing things develop between them. Did Carys’ friend Grace truly murder her husband, or does the jury find another cause of his death? You’ll have to read it to see. Five stars all the way.
September 3, 2018
Finished reading this in 24 hours
I could not put this book down, as evidenced by my writing this review at 2am, less than a day after starting it.
Based on a true story, Ms Howe has written an engaging story. Reputation meant a lot to a Victorian lady. Whilst the Married Women’s Property Act gave some freedom, it also meant that a husband was very publicly beholden to his wife, unless he had his own income. I liked the character Mr Robeson, even though he didn’t say much. What he said was a turning point. I really disliked Murdoch. Were there shades of a future newspaper tycoon? As the author said, one must form one’s own opinion over why the perpetrator acted as they did. Considering I have read a handful, if that of this genre, the author’s ability to keep me enthralled said much. An excellent read.
I could not put this book down, as evidenced by my writing this review at 2am, less than a day after starting it.
Based on a true story, Ms Howe has written an engaging story. Reputation meant a lot to a Victorian lady. Whilst the Married Women’s Property Act gave some freedom, it also meant that a husband was very publicly beholden to his wife, unless he had his own income. I liked the character Mr Robeson, even though he didn’t say much. What he said was a turning point. I really disliked Murdoch. Were there shades of a future newspaper tycoon? As the author said, one must form one’s own opinion over why the perpetrator acted as they did. Considering I have read a handful, if that of this genre, the author’s ability to keep me enthralled said much. An excellent read.
January 16, 2019
Another use for Antimony: Shades of Sherlock
Loved this ‘Sherlock Holmes’-type mystery based on a true story. Author Hannah Howe weaves an authentic tale set in the late 1800s. Was banker Charles Petrie murdered at all? If so, who is the true villain? Is Carys Beaumond totally mislead in her endeavour to find the truth and save her beloved friend, Grace?
This is a marvelous tale steeped in the chequered history of south Wales. Advocate Daniel Morgan sets out to crack the case and in doing so changes his life. Can Grace, gentle with large eyes, be a murderer? There are questions to be answered in this story, none of them straightforward.
All of which leads to the courtroom drama. Well put together and maybe not too distant from contemporary trials. Great dialogue and questions hanging in the air.
An excellent mystery read. Highly recommended.
Loved this ‘Sherlock Holmes’-type mystery based on a true story. Author Hannah Howe weaves an authentic tale set in the late 1800s. Was banker Charles Petrie murdered at all? If so, who is the true villain? Is Carys Beaumond totally mislead in her endeavour to find the truth and save her beloved friend, Grace?
This is a marvelous tale steeped in the chequered history of south Wales. Advocate Daniel Morgan sets out to crack the case and in doing so changes his life. Can Grace, gentle with large eyes, be a murderer? There are questions to be answered in this story, none of them straightforward.
All of which leads to the courtroom drama. Well put together and maybe not too distant from contemporary trials. Great dialogue and questions hanging in the air.
An excellent mystery read. Highly recommended.
July 4, 2018
I read this book in one sitting. I had to know if Grace was innocent or guilty. Based on a true case the author did a brilliant job at putting the flesh on the bones of each character. Also, the pace and detail put you right there within the investigation. When her colourful backstory unravelled, I wondered if Grace was duping everyone.
Some aspects of the trial were quite shocking and shone a light on how society at that time viewed women and the strict constraints placed on them from all directions. I’m glad I didn’t live during that period of history. Whilst I was hoping for a good outcome, I could have never guessed the ending. I need to now go and read some more books by this author.
Some aspects of the trial were quite shocking and shone a light on how society at that time viewed women and the strict constraints placed on them from all directions. I’m glad I didn’t live during that period of history. Whilst I was hoping for a good outcome, I could have never guessed the ending. I need to now go and read some more books by this author.
July 9, 2018
The book, “Saving Grace” by Hannah Howe sparked my interest when the author started posting notes and pictures about her forthcoming publication concerning Banker Charles Petrie who was mysteriously poisoned.
Suspicion fell upon his wife and several others in the Grange household.
I looked forward to reading this story.
The book was well written and the sensational story was filled with suspense.
Based on a true story the courtroom drama set in Victorian times did not disappoint.
Author Hannah Howe never ceases to amaze me with her Detective stories and ‘Saving Grace’ did not fall short of her high standards of writing.
Readers, if you are looking for amazing mystery reads, check out books by Hannah Howe author of the No. 1 Sam Smith mystery series.
Highly recommended.
Suspicion fell upon his wife and several others in the Grange household.
I looked forward to reading this story.
The book was well written and the sensational story was filled with suspense.
Based on a true story the courtroom drama set in Victorian times did not disappoint.
Author Hannah Howe never ceases to amaze me with her Detective stories and ‘Saving Grace’ did not fall short of her high standards of writing.
Readers, if you are looking for amazing mystery reads, check out books by Hannah Howe author of the No. 1 Sam Smith mystery series.
Highly recommended.
January 8, 2019
Who murdered Charles Petrie? Murder? Misadventure? Suicide? Based on a true story of a gripping case that scandalized Victorian England. For reasons the author will explain in the book the story takes place in Glamorgan. Saving Grace is much more than a murder mystery; it depicts the unsavory of character assassination on the quest for the truth. I found the mystery engrossing, sad, fascinating historically, and legally and regionally interested. The characters are well fleshed out and compelling. I am usually able to solve a mystery quickly. But, Hannah Howe craft’s a riveting mystery that has you guessing until the astonishing end. I will not spoil it for you! I was not able to put this book down. Well done!
July 7, 2018
I am a fan of this author and love the Sam Smith series, so when I saw this new Victorian mystery, I knew it would be good.
The writing style suits the story well, and though different from the more modern books, it was still easy to read and compelling.
This is a story based on a true event - with an author's license for drama and twists. It was extremely well done. It had a wonderful sense of place and era. The characters fit perfectly and Daniel was a particular favourite - intelligent and honourable.
Overall, an excellent mystery and highly recommended.
The writing style suits the story well, and though different from the more modern books, it was still easy to read and compelling.
This is a story based on a true event - with an author's license for drama and twists. It was extremely well done. It had a wonderful sense of place and era. The characters fit perfectly and Daniel was a particular favourite - intelligent and honourable.
Overall, an excellent mystery and highly recommended.
July 3, 2018
For anyone into a courtroom drama of ‘who done it’ well this is the book for you. Another one of Hannah’s book I’d read straight through. The fact that this was based on a true story and the way Hannah told it just made it more exciting. There are times you think ‘ah yeah I know’ but be prepared to be at edge of your seat right till the end. This is a book that all lovers of a good read will enjoy.
July 7, 2019
I'm giving Saving Grace three stars as I did like it up to a point. Most of the action takes place at the inquiry into the death of Grace's husband, so although based on a real event, didn't really contain much substance. It was easy reading, but I thought it unnecessary to be told constantly which hand was holding something or which shoulder was shrugged or touched. It became a little annoying after a while.
I will recommend this for anyone who enjoys a crime mystery.
I will recommend this for anyone who enjoys a crime mystery.
September 25, 2018
A must read
This is not my first novel by Hannah Howe and will not be the last. She has a knack for writing mystery novels and setting the scene! I love how she intertwines the story together and leaves you guessing until the end. I was never one to read mysteries, but thanks to Hannah, I will keep that door open and look forward to reading more of her work!
Well done!
This is not my first novel by Hannah Howe and will not be the last. She has a knack for writing mystery novels and setting the scene! I love how she intertwines the story together and leaves you guessing until the end. I was never one to read mysteries, but thanks to Hannah, I will keep that door open and look forward to reading more of her work!
Well done!
September 15, 2018
I loved Saving Grace. It was an intriguing story, beautifully written with a satisfying ending. The language perfectly captured the mood and behaviours of the period. The characters were delicately drawn and I made a mental note of how I could model this in my own writing. Well done Hannah Howe.
January 22, 2019
This is the first Hannah Howe novel I have read and I really enjoyed it. It has the perfect combination of historical drama, intrigue, a little bit of romance and a nice twist at the end. The fact that it's based on a true event makes it even more compelling
February 7, 2019
A wonderful historical, Victorian mystery...
I have always enjoyed historical fiction. Saving Grace was based on a true story but reads like a novel. Interesting murder case which also gives you an idea of what women and minorities were subjected too in that time period.
I have always enjoyed historical fiction. Saving Grace was based on a true story but reads like a novel. Interesting murder case which also gives you an idea of what women and minorities were subjected too in that time period.
September 27, 2018
Worth reading because it's a true story but it sticks to the facts. No getting to know the characters here.
October 22, 2018
Victorian mystery
A man dies of poisoning and his wife is suspected. It is based loosely on a true story. I didn't really like the story or the characters.
A man dies of poisoning and his wife is suspected. It is based loosely on a true story. I didn't really like the story or the characters.
January 26, 2019
Coutroom drama
Well written anf of interest to lawyers and courtroom drama readers. Not great depth in the characters. Also of interest to histotians.
Well written anf of interest to lawyers and courtroom drama readers. Not great depth in the characters. Also of interest to histotians.
May 29, 2019
Surprisingly light read, in spite of the subject matter. Maybe because it’s not gory. Amazing how some things haven’t changed since that time.
July 1, 2018
Based on a true story this murder mystery starts off with the fundamental question of who murdered a man named Charles Petrie? Fallen victim to poison and a rapid death, the theme is set, the plot is laid out, and the action begins. Who are the suspects? The protagonist, Grace, the relatively new wife to the murdered victim has many strikes against her, not small of which are the moral values placed on women in the Victorian era. That coupled with a suspicious past and a society that snubs her lends to her becoming the prime suspect. Attempts at revealing who poisoned Petrie leads to a series of scenes that take the reader into the courtroom and brings the title alive, Saving Grace. Did she do it? No spoilers here. Suffice it to say, the author beautifully takes the reader in and out of clues and red herrings, never giving enough to see where this is heading, which heightens the mystery. I was guessing right to the last of the plot, which kept the read extremely entertaining. The best of the writing are the scenes and how the writer, Howe, brings the action alive with just enough drama to resonate authentic. I couldn’t put this one down, wanting to know who committed the crime, and what would be revealed in this well-scripted male dominated courtroom. Smartly written, tight dialogue, crisp believable characters, and intelligently designed scenes made this a really great read.
July 3, 2018
I've waited months for this book to come out, and I'm glad to finally get a chance to read this touching story. I love all of Hannah Howe's books, but this one goes beyond exceptional. It shows you the disgrace (pun intended) Grace Petrie had to endure while testifying about how her husband died. Set in Victorian times, Grace was humiliated by her lifestyle that, today, people wouldn't blink at. In those days, all a woman would be was a dutiful wife. Then, as now, the media and lawyers out for fame, played a role in swaying the opinion of the public. "The newspapers of the time reported every nuance, every detail of her private life.," and they had "no regard for the human being at the centre of the story."
Well done. Bravo, I say to the author. I look forward to more books of this quality from the author.
Well done. Bravo, I say to the author. I look forward to more books of this quality from the author.
July 1, 2018
I like reading mysteries and guessing who did it as I read. I’m usually pretty good at predicting the killer but this one is really unexpected. The many possible suspects make it a challenging case from the beginning, and the author is very good at keeping the suspense until the end. Aside from the crime solving, the author also does a good job at dramatizing the courtroom scenes and characterization. Grace Petrie’s story reflects women’s plight at large in the Victorian era. While a man could openly keep a mistress, a woman was considered scandalous simply for being divorced. The other cultural settings and the romance between two of the characters are also enjoyable.
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