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The Proposition
They met on the eve of a battle. One enlisted to avoid prison, the other enlisted to avoid the money lenders. On the bloodied fields of France, Harry Connelly collapses beside the corpse of Andrew Conroy. It’s a risk, a hanging offence, it’s his only hope for a future. Harry swaps identity discs.
Now known as Andrew, he is just another face in post war London until a letter arrives with a proposition. Accepting will plunge him into a nightmare of murder, family jealousy and greed.
To survive he must live this lie without a mistake, until he falls in love with Lacey. To keep her he must tell the truth and face the consequences.
Now known as Andrew, he is just another face in post war London until a letter arrives with a proposition. Accepting will plunge him into a nightmare of murder, family jealousy and greed.
To survive he must live this lie without a mistake, until he falls in love with Lacey. To keep her he must tell the truth and face the consequences.
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Published June 15, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 7, 2018
When once you once you practice to deceive, what a tangled web you weave is applicable to Ms Selbourne’s novel, which begins in France 1918.
While Harry Connelly lit a cigarette, a Canadian division was marching towards Ypres. Tomorrow, at dawn a co-ordinated attack would be launched on the Germans, tanks, infantry, artillery, cavalry and the newly-formed Royal Air force. Everyone, including Harry and his friend Andrew Conway, are scared.
Neither Harry or Andrew know who their fathers were. Harry’s mum “didn’t have it easy She had to live on charity for a while and put up with back-handed comments about women on their own.” Andrew’s mother pretended she was a widow.
At the front an eruption of scorching earth reared up and threw them to the ground. The wound in Harry’s leg will cripple him. Andrew is dead. To escape his past Harry joined the army, now he steals Andrew’s identity disc. If he goes through with his plan he will risk being hanged.
.
In London in 1919 Harry, receives a pension from the military after he receives his Protection Certificate and Certificate of Identity in the name of Andrew Haines Conway born 1892.
When Andrew died, he didn’t know he had a half-brother, Elliot Haines. A letter addressed to Andrew arrives. Andrew and Elliot’s father is dead, When Harry meets Elliot offers Harry a shocking proposition that Harry refuses.
Murder and mayhem, missing letters that are incriminating, romance, an abduction, a traumatised orphan, attempts on Harry’s life and that of the woman he protects ensue.
The Proposition held my attention from the first page to the last when the plot unravelled.
I congratulate Ms Selbourne on writing this enthralling novel with believable larger than life characters.
July 2, 2018
Awesome book!
The Proposition was excellent! I read her other two books ( Perilous Love and Behind the Clouds) and couldn't wait for book number three! I'd recommend these books to everyone!
The Proposition was excellent! I read her other two books ( Perilous Love and Behind the Clouds) and couldn't wait for book number three! I'd recommend these books to everyone!
February 23, 2019
“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!”
Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field, by Sir Walter Scott.
It had seemed like a good idea at the time, isn’t that what they all say? It would be an adventure to fight for your country. A chance to see the world. And anyway, it would all be over by Christmas. However, Harry Connelly had not enlisted because he was particularly patriotic, or because he wanted to travel to new places and have an adventure. Oh, no, that was not the reason at all. And yet, here he was in France, waiting for the bullet with his name on it to end his life. He was just another piece of useless fodder for the enemy’s artillery fire.
If, by some miracle, he managed to dodge the bullets, what then? Harry couldn’t go home. He was a wanted man, and besides, he didn’t have a home, not anymore. Harry could see no way out of the situation he found himself in — that was until he met Andrew Conroy on the eve of a battle that would change the course of Harry’s life forever. For Andrew, this bloody battle was to be his last, but for Harry, this was the opportunity he had not known he had been waiting for. All he had to do was swap his identity discs for Andrew’s. If he had the courage, then Harry Connelly could die here, today, on this battlefield, with a thousand other poor souls. If he had the courage, he could start again, with a new name, a new identity, and a new life. If, he had the courage…
However, Andrew had enlisted because of a substantial gambling debt. Those he owed had run out of patience. They wanted their money, and they wanted it now. Also unbeknownst to Harry, Andrew was also the illegitimate son of the successful and influential, Lester Haines. By taking on Andrew’s identity, Harry finds himself drawn into a world of money, greed, and murder. If he is to survive, then he must keep his wits, for Andrew’s family will do anything and everything to keep their secrets from the police and, more importantly, from the papers.
From the horrors of the Western Front to a barrister’s office in Arisaig, Scotland — The Proposition, by Jan Selbourne is a gripping murder mystery thriller with a hint of romance, set in the backdrop of post-war Britain.
Selbourne has crafted a vastly entertaining story that has enough subplots and twists to keep even the most hardened historical murder mystery fan enchanted. The story follows Harry Connelly as he tries desperately to forge a new life with someone else’s identity. It is said that what goes around comes around and therefore it could be said that Harry got what he deserved when he swapped Andrew Conroy’s identity discs with his own. Instead of a chance to start again, Harry is plunged into a world of intrigue and danger. Andrew’s aristocratic family certainly have more than their share of skeletons in their closets, and Harry finds himself drawn into this dysfunctional family who will do absolutely anything to stop the truth from getting out. A scandal would ruin them all.
Despite his lies and subterfuges, Harry is a likeable character. The story of why he took Andrews identity is not explained straight away, so I must admit, I did find his motives a little confusing, and initially, I didn’t take to him because of this. However, when Harry eventually explains why he did what he did, I could appreciate his situation and his reasoning, although I did not agree so much with his methods! Nevertheless, his story is an intriguing one and as he became more entangled with the very troubled Haines family, I found myself sympathising with him.
I adored the characterisation of Lacey Haines. Lacey is from the disowned and impoverished, side of the family. However, out of all the Haines, she is the only one who has a scrap of integrity and decency. Lacey is a strong and courageous woman, who nevertheless comes to breaking point on several occasions, which made her character incredibly believable. I thought her relationship with her late sister’s four-year-old daughter was wonderful to behold. Lacey is the true hero of this story.
As with all good murder mysteries, I found myself trying to figure out who the murderer was, but it turns out my detective skills are not very good. It pains me to admit that who I thought was the murderer, wasn’t!
If you are looking for your next historical murder mystery, then The Proposition is the book for you.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
Marmion: A Tale of Flodden Field, by Sir Walter Scott.
It had seemed like a good idea at the time, isn’t that what they all say? It would be an adventure to fight for your country. A chance to see the world. And anyway, it would all be over by Christmas. However, Harry Connelly had not enlisted because he was particularly patriotic, or because he wanted to travel to new places and have an adventure. Oh, no, that was not the reason at all. And yet, here he was in France, waiting for the bullet with his name on it to end his life. He was just another piece of useless fodder for the enemy’s artillery fire.
If, by some miracle, he managed to dodge the bullets, what then? Harry couldn’t go home. He was a wanted man, and besides, he didn’t have a home, not anymore. Harry could see no way out of the situation he found himself in — that was until he met Andrew Conroy on the eve of a battle that would change the course of Harry’s life forever. For Andrew, this bloody battle was to be his last, but for Harry, this was the opportunity he had not known he had been waiting for. All he had to do was swap his identity discs for Andrew’s. If he had the courage, then Harry Connelly could die here, today, on this battlefield, with a thousand other poor souls. If he had the courage, he could start again, with a new name, a new identity, and a new life. If, he had the courage…
However, Andrew had enlisted because of a substantial gambling debt. Those he owed had run out of patience. They wanted their money, and they wanted it now. Also unbeknownst to Harry, Andrew was also the illegitimate son of the successful and influential, Lester Haines. By taking on Andrew’s identity, Harry finds himself drawn into a world of money, greed, and murder. If he is to survive, then he must keep his wits, for Andrew’s family will do anything and everything to keep their secrets from the police and, more importantly, from the papers.
From the horrors of the Western Front to a barrister’s office in Arisaig, Scotland — The Proposition, by Jan Selbourne is a gripping murder mystery thriller with a hint of romance, set in the backdrop of post-war Britain.
Selbourne has crafted a vastly entertaining story that has enough subplots and twists to keep even the most hardened historical murder mystery fan enchanted. The story follows Harry Connelly as he tries desperately to forge a new life with someone else’s identity. It is said that what goes around comes around and therefore it could be said that Harry got what he deserved when he swapped Andrew Conroy’s identity discs with his own. Instead of a chance to start again, Harry is plunged into a world of intrigue and danger. Andrew’s aristocratic family certainly have more than their share of skeletons in their closets, and Harry finds himself drawn into this dysfunctional family who will do absolutely anything to stop the truth from getting out. A scandal would ruin them all.
Despite his lies and subterfuges, Harry is a likeable character. The story of why he took Andrews identity is not explained straight away, so I must admit, I did find his motives a little confusing, and initially, I didn’t take to him because of this. However, when Harry eventually explains why he did what he did, I could appreciate his situation and his reasoning, although I did not agree so much with his methods! Nevertheless, his story is an intriguing one and as he became more entangled with the very troubled Haines family, I found myself sympathising with him.
I adored the characterisation of Lacey Haines. Lacey is from the disowned and impoverished, side of the family. However, out of all the Haines, she is the only one who has a scrap of integrity and decency. Lacey is a strong and courageous woman, who nevertheless comes to breaking point on several occasions, which made her character incredibly believable. I thought her relationship with her late sister’s four-year-old daughter was wonderful to behold. Lacey is the true hero of this story.
As with all good murder mysteries, I found myself trying to figure out who the murderer was, but it turns out my detective skills are not very good. It pains me to admit that who I thought was the murderer, wasn’t!
If you are looking for your next historical murder mystery, then The Proposition is the book for you.
I Highly Recommend.
Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.
July 8, 2018
On the bloody field of battle in World War I, Harry Connelly seeks a way out of his troubles, both domestic and professional. He switches identity with a dead soldier. The soldier is free. Harry, now Andrew, is not. He struggles with his leg wound and unemployment in London until a letter arrives with a proposition. It seems Andew’s life was in even worse shape. Murder, family jealousy and greed now dominates his double’s life. Good thing the new Andrew used to be a cop. And it’s a good thing he has Lacey, a wartime nurse who is embroiled in the murders, and with plenty of secrets of her own.
Oh what webs we weave! A top notch thriller! I enjoyed the gritty atmosphere, and wonderful characterizations. The intricate plot and these two good people trying to find their second chance against all odds kept me reading deep into the night. I was rooting for them all the way.
Oh what webs we weave! A top notch thriller! I enjoyed the gritty atmosphere, and wonderful characterizations. The intricate plot and these two good people trying to find their second chance against all odds kept me reading deep into the night. I was rooting for them all the way.
September 16, 2018
This book had me gripped from beginning to end. It's a murder mystery and a thriller, with a big romantic heart. The author captures perfectly the world of those years just after World War I, a world of station tea rooms and steam trains, full of maimed men and tired women trying to rebuild their lives. The story gallops along, with murder, intrigue and family feuds thrown in, until the denouement which left me breathless. Then comes an ending that warmed my heart. The author has a really good ear for dialogue too, it never feels like you're reading about modern characters in a period setting. Highly recommended.
March 19, 2023
After enjoying a Jan Selbourne Regency novel, I chose a different era from her library to test whether she could write it equally well. She can! And she did in this historical thriller. I highly recommend The Proposition and all the books this outstanding author gives us. Jan Selbourne has a new fan! Peggy Lovelace Ellis, The Heart Divided, Book One of the Heart Series.
December 2, 2020
Loved the mystery
Enjoyed the book. Loved the characters. The mystery was the best part. I kept guessing. I highly recommend this book
Enjoyed the book. Loved the characters. The mystery was the best part. I kept guessing. I highly recommend this book
July 13, 2022
This novel is set in post-WWI England and mingles a mystery and a love story quite well. You really root for Andrew and Lacey and hope they come out of the mystery in one piece.
June 19, 2018
Jan Selbourne continues with another stellar historical!
In Perilous Love Ms. Selbourne gave us a love story surrounded by the beginnings of a world war. In Lies of Gold she had her characters find love amidst spies and the worst kind of human trafficking. In The Proposition, Andrew Haines and his cousin Lacey Haines find each other in a post-World War I murder mystery.
Harry Connelly, a former policeman who could face charges himself escapes from that situation and a cheating wife by enlisting in the army and going off to fight in France. There he meets lookalike Andrew Haines, on the night before one of the worst battles of the war. The next day, wounded, Harry finds Andrew's corpse. Rather than getting patched up and sent home to face the consequences he'd first run away from, he switches IDs and returns home as Andrew Haines. Little does he know, but he's jumped from the proverbial frying pan into the flames. Not only is Andrew running himself—from huge gambling debts—but his family is the most dysfunctional imaginable. In fact, someone seems to want to kill them.
In walks Lacey Haines, the best of the familial lot by far. Andrew's policeman's heart kicks in and he wants nothing more than to protect Lacey from whatever is wrong in her family. To do so puts himself at risk, too. Discovering the murderer, the skeletons hidden well within the family closets, and how Andrew and Lacey survive it all is a book well worth reading. Thanks for another great story, Ms. Selbourne!
In Perilous Love Ms. Selbourne gave us a love story surrounded by the beginnings of a world war. In Lies of Gold she had her characters find love amidst spies and the worst kind of human trafficking. In The Proposition, Andrew Haines and his cousin Lacey Haines find each other in a post-World War I murder mystery.
Harry Connelly, a former policeman who could face charges himself escapes from that situation and a cheating wife by enlisting in the army and going off to fight in France. There he meets lookalike Andrew Haines, on the night before one of the worst battles of the war. The next day, wounded, Harry finds Andrew's corpse. Rather than getting patched up and sent home to face the consequences he'd first run away from, he switches IDs and returns home as Andrew Haines. Little does he know, but he's jumped from the proverbial frying pan into the flames. Not only is Andrew running himself—from huge gambling debts—but his family is the most dysfunctional imaginable. In fact, someone seems to want to kill them.
In walks Lacey Haines, the best of the familial lot by far. Andrew's policeman's heart kicks in and he wants nothing more than to protect Lacey from whatever is wrong in her family. To do so puts himself at risk, too. Discovering the murderer, the skeletons hidden well within the family closets, and how Andrew and Lacey survive it all is a book well worth reading. Thanks for another great story, Ms. Selbourne!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews