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Lord Byron Mystery #1
Claire's Last Secret
It’s 1873 in Florence, Italy, and Claire Clairmont—the last survivor of the “haunted summer” Byron/Shelley circle is living out her final years in genteel poverty, with only the memories of her lost youth. Just at her moment of greatest despair, the appearance of British tourist, William Michael Rossetti, brings hope that she may be able to sell some of her memorabilia to earn enough cash to support her and her niece/companion, Paula.
But Rossetti’s presence in Florence seems to begin a cycle of events that links with the summer of 1816 when Claire conceived an ill-fated child with George Gordon, Lord Byron, when Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, and when four tempestuous lives came together around a tragic death. As Claire begins to unravel the truth, she has to go back to that summer of passion and lost dreams to discover the identity of her ancient enemy.
But Rossetti’s presence in Florence seems to begin a cycle of events that links with the summer of 1816 when Claire conceived an ill-fated child with George Gordon, Lord Byron, when Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, and when four tempestuous lives came together around a tragic death. As Claire begins to unravel the truth, she has to go back to that summer of passion and lost dreams to discover the identity of her ancient enemy.
Hardcover
First published December 1, 2008
About the author
Marty Ambrose-McLaughlin
8 books38 followersMarty Ambrose-McLaughlin is the author of the Claire Clairmont Historical Mysteries, which has earned starred reviews in Publisher's Weekly, as well as a gold medal in the Florida Writers Association's Literary Palm Awards. Her work has been featured internationally in blogs, journals, and websites.
Marty completed her M.Phil. at the University of York (England) and teaches nineteenth-century British literature, composition, and fiction writing at Florida Southwestern State College. She has also given numerous workshops in the U.S. and abroad on all aspects of creating/publishing a novel.
She has edited the FSW literary journal, served on student scholarship boards, and is a member of The Byron Society, Historical Novel Society, and Women's Fiction Writers Association.
Her new stand-alone historical mystery with women’s fiction elements, The Lost Dresses of Italy, will be published by Alcove Press in February, 2024. Marty is represented by Nicole Resciniti at The Seymour Agency.
Marty completed her M.Phil. at the University of York (England) and teaches nineteenth-century British literature, composition, and fiction writing at Florida Southwestern State College. She has also given numerous workshops in the U.S. and abroad on all aspects of creating/publishing a novel.
She has edited the FSW literary journal, served on student scholarship boards, and is a member of The Byron Society, Historical Novel Society, and Women's Fiction Writers Association.
Her new stand-alone historical mystery with women’s fiction elements, The Lost Dresses of Italy, will be published by Alcove Press in February, 2024. Marty is represented by Nicole Resciniti at The Seymour Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 20, 2020
It took me a little while to get into this novel, the time shifts I think. Once there I really enjoyed the look at the circle of people around Byron, Shelley and Mary and Shelly's half sister Claire Claremont.
Claire has been Byron's lover and carries his child. The central part of the story is set around the weekend that Mary wrote Frankenstein. We seesaw between the then and now. In the now Claire is entertains selling letters to an interested party. Her attention is grabbed when a note is left telling her that Allegra her daughter lived. As far as Claire had known, Allegra had died in a convent as a young child from typhus. So the mystery begins.
Claire has been Byron's lover and carries his child. The central part of the story is set around the weekend that Mary wrote Frankenstein. We seesaw between the then and now. In the now Claire is entertains selling letters to an interested party. Her attention is grabbed when a note is left telling her that Allegra her daughter lived. As far as Claire had known, Allegra had died in a convent as a young child from typhus. So the mystery begins.
December 28, 2018
I do like historical novels when they're based on real life people and as I only know bits about Byron and Shelley and nothing of Claire Claremont this one really appealed to me.
It's definitely a richly detailed book and you can tell a lot of research went into it. I found myself really enjoying the characters and I liked the way the book moved from 1873 to 1817 throughout.
Other reviews have said there will be a second book and if so I can't wait to read it
It's definitely a richly detailed book and you can tell a lot of research went into it. I found myself really enjoying the characters and I liked the way the book moved from 1873 to 1817 throughout.
Other reviews have said there will be a second book and if so I can't wait to read it
October 7, 2018
When publicist Mary Glenn McCombs asked me if I wanted to read Marty Ambrose's first historical mystery, Claire's Last Secret, for review I jumped at the chance because I hadn't read a novel from the perspective of Claire Claremont. I was generously supplied with free review copies in both digital and print formats via Mary Glenn McCombs.
Claire's Last Secret is a dual period novel that contains sections taking place during Claire's youth in 1816 and Claire's old age in 1873. There are mysterious events in both these periods, but only the 1873 murder appeared to be fully resolved. I saw a review here on Goodreads that said that this novel ended with a cliffhanger. In my view, the protagonist needs to be in actual jeopardy in order to describe the ending as a cliffhanger. There are some dangling plot strands, but I didn't believe that Claire was in any danger when I finished reading the final scene in this book. So I would definitely disagree with that criticism.
This book's greatest strength was Marty Ambrose's solid research which made her characters so convincing. I would definitely read another historical mystery by this author.
For my complete review see http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...
Claire's Last Secret is a dual period novel that contains sections taking place during Claire's youth in 1816 and Claire's old age in 1873. There are mysterious events in both these periods, but only the 1873 murder appeared to be fully resolved. I saw a review here on Goodreads that said that this novel ended with a cliffhanger. In my view, the protagonist needs to be in actual jeopardy in order to describe the ending as a cliffhanger. There are some dangling plot strands, but I didn't believe that Claire was in any danger when I finished reading the final scene in this book. So I would definitely disagree with that criticism.
This book's greatest strength was Marty Ambrose's solid research which made her characters so convincing. I would definitely read another historical mystery by this author.
For my complete review see http://shomeretmasked.blogspot.com/20...
May 27, 2019
I enjoy historical fiction, especially when it seems to be well researched, as this seemed to be. It was a short and easy read, but it would have made a better short story. There was too much padding, a lot of it in the form of angst. The ship captain's log had very little to do with the rest of the story.
I probably would have given it 3, or possibly even 4 stars, except for all the loose ends, and extremely unsatisfying ending.
Note: POSSIBLE SPOILER FOLLOWS!!!!
As Elmore Leonard said, endings are hard. Sometimes they're too contrived, or otherwise flawed, but the book still deserves a good rating. However, I will never give a good rating to a stay tuned ending. I realize that authors and their publishers want you to buy their next book. The way to ensure that is to write a good, standalone book. That's what brings readers back.
One reviewer said this was the beginning of a trilogy. Nothing in the book or jacket that I have indicates that it is part of a trilogy. Even if it is, good writers come through with a plausible conclusion for each book. Don't make it a soap opera in print.
I probably would have given it 3, or possibly even 4 stars, except for all the loose ends, and extremely unsatisfying ending.
Note: POSSIBLE SPOILER FOLLOWS!!!!
As Elmore Leonard said, endings are hard. Sometimes they're too contrived, or otherwise flawed, but the book still deserves a good rating. However, I will never give a good rating to a stay tuned ending. I realize that authors and their publishers want you to buy their next book. The way to ensure that is to write a good, standalone book. That's what brings readers back.
One reviewer said this was the beginning of a trilogy. Nothing in the book or jacket that I have indicates that it is part of a trilogy. Even if it is, good writers come through with a plausible conclusion for each book. Don't make it a soap opera in print.
May 30, 2019
Although this is a historical mystery, it also reads like historical fiction as it traces the relationship of Lord Byron and one of his mistresses, Claire Clairmont, stepsister to Mary Shelley. We experience the relationship with Bryon through Claire's eyes, as well as her relationship with her sister and brother-in-law, Percy Bysshe Shelley. The story is beautifully told against the backdrop of Lake Geneva, and although these relationships are often frustrating, they realistically depict the attitudes and the fate of women of the times. Very thought-provoking, with wonderful imagery.
January 7, 2020
Enjoyed this historical mystery for the most part. It was obviously well-researched and well-written but the unsatisfying ending was not appreciated by this reader. Not a cliffhanger in the traditional sense and yet the biggest mystery of the story left unresolved.
September 6, 2018
Based upon the true story of the conception and infamous writing weekend of Mary Shelly’s famous Gothic ghost story, Frankenstein, this historical mystery intertwines delicious bits of true history with a tantalizing tale of lost love and murder.
Set in 1873, the stepsister of Mary Shelley, Claire Cairmont is the only survivor of that fateful summer in 1816. Now Claire is forced to remember those days – as if she could ever forget.
As a young woman, in love with a married man and expecting his child, her future was uncertain. Claire was and is a free spirit, living life as she chose, not as was expected of her. She was on holiday with Mary, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (Mary’s husband) and Lord Byron. It was during this holiday that Frankenstein was born and Claire’s life changed forever.
Claire now lives with her beloved niece and grandniece, but they are hardly living in luxury. Their basic needs are barely met, but it is doubtful they will be able to make it much longer without some income. Surprisingly, a man contacts them requesting an audience with Claire. He wants to purchase personal letters and memorabilia from the time spent in 1816 with Byron and Shelley. By selling them, she and her niece would be able to live comfortably, but does this benefactor bring salvation or death to her door?
The tangled relationships of 1816 have come back to haunt Claire as she is in the twilight of her life. Must she live through the agony of losing Lord Byron and the fateful events surrounding the best and worst time of her life.
Ambrose’s work of literary historical fiction is interesting and intriguing. She alternates the story between 1816 and 1873, filling in interesting background and events that led up to the mystery man and his reason for entering her life.
Claire’s Secret is the first book of a planned trilogy. Ms. Ambrose is a gifted writer, with several books to her credit. The most popular is her modern day Mango Bay Mystery series starring Mallie Monroe. Claire’s Secret is the first book I’ve read by this author, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The literary prose in an easy to read format was refreshing and entertaining. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review. Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman
Set in 1873, the stepsister of Mary Shelley, Claire Cairmont is the only survivor of that fateful summer in 1816. Now Claire is forced to remember those days – as if she could ever forget.
As a young woman, in love with a married man and expecting his child, her future was uncertain. Claire was and is a free spirit, living life as she chose, not as was expected of her. She was on holiday with Mary, poet Percy Bysshe Shelley (Mary’s husband) and Lord Byron. It was during this holiday that Frankenstein was born and Claire’s life changed forever.
Claire now lives with her beloved niece and grandniece, but they are hardly living in luxury. Their basic needs are barely met, but it is doubtful they will be able to make it much longer without some income. Surprisingly, a man contacts them requesting an audience with Claire. He wants to purchase personal letters and memorabilia from the time spent in 1816 with Byron and Shelley. By selling them, she and her niece would be able to live comfortably, but does this benefactor bring salvation or death to her door?
The tangled relationships of 1816 have come back to haunt Claire as she is in the twilight of her life. Must she live through the agony of losing Lord Byron and the fateful events surrounding the best and worst time of her life.
Ambrose’s work of literary historical fiction is interesting and intriguing. She alternates the story between 1816 and 1873, filling in interesting background and events that led up to the mystery man and his reason for entering her life.
Claire’s Secret is the first book of a planned trilogy. Ms. Ambrose is a gifted writer, with several books to her credit. The most popular is her modern day Mango Bay Mystery series starring Mallie Monroe. Claire’s Secret is the first book I’ve read by this author, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The literary prose in an easy to read format was refreshing and entertaining. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review. Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman
May 4, 2021
This is a kind of mystery book with a unique and interesting storyline. I am sure once you start reading this book, you won't be able to put down. A great combination of mystery and suspense that keeps the reader guessing right to the end. I am really impressed with the title and the cover of the book. The synopsis was so interesting and then I was just pulled in even further by the actual story. This one was full of suspense and I found myself feeling desperate to get back to it.
Claire’s Last Secret" is a novel based on the true story of Claire Clairmont, the step-sister of Mary Shelley. Claire Clairmont is the last survivor of the ‘haunted summer of 1816. The book is narrated into two different timelines - present-day 1873 and the fateful summer of 1816. I enjoyed getting to know Claire in her youth and maturity and her relationship with other characters. Later, I read about her love life and her feelings towards Lord Byron, he was her everything and he was the father of her daughter, Allegra. The story slowly starts concerning about the mystery of Claire’s daughter. As Claire begins to unravel the truth, she must go back to that summer of passion to discover the identity of her old enemy. Full of twists and turns, this delightful story is so amazing. I found the ending bit strange but as it's the first part of the series, the cliffhanger ending makes sense.
Really enjoyed reading this book. I do not read much of the mystery books but this book really made my day, I couldn't put it down. I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next and even if try to assume, I always failed because Marty Ambrose is so good with creating unique and engaging stories. I highly recommend this exciting mystery book to everyone. I enjoyed the mysterious plot and the characters. The writing style is good and easy to understand. The premise is extraordinarily interesting and meticulously developed. It didn't take long for me to get hooked on the story and there wasn't a moment of slowness in it for me. I loved this book and have added it to my list of All Time Favorite novels.
Claire’s Last Secret" is a novel based on the true story of Claire Clairmont, the step-sister of Mary Shelley. Claire Clairmont is the last survivor of the ‘haunted summer of 1816. The book is narrated into two different timelines - present-day 1873 and the fateful summer of 1816. I enjoyed getting to know Claire in her youth and maturity and her relationship with other characters. Later, I read about her love life and her feelings towards Lord Byron, he was her everything and he was the father of her daughter, Allegra. The story slowly starts concerning about the mystery of Claire’s daughter. As Claire begins to unravel the truth, she must go back to that summer of passion to discover the identity of her old enemy. Full of twists and turns, this delightful story is so amazing. I found the ending bit strange but as it's the first part of the series, the cliffhanger ending makes sense.
Really enjoyed reading this book. I do not read much of the mystery books but this book really made my day, I couldn't put it down. I kept wanting to know what was going to happen next and even if try to assume, I always failed because Marty Ambrose is so good with creating unique and engaging stories. I highly recommend this exciting mystery book to everyone. I enjoyed the mysterious plot and the characters. The writing style is good and easy to understand. The premise is extraordinarily interesting and meticulously developed. It didn't take long for me to get hooked on the story and there wasn't a moment of slowness in it for me. I loved this book and have added it to my list of All Time Favorite novels.
August 27, 2018
I received a free ebook copy of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This review was originally posted on my blog, Paradise Found.
Claire's Last Secret is the first book in a trilogy that unrolls a mystery involving Claire's long lost daughter, Allegra. Claire Clairmont, Mary Shelley's half sister usually doesn't get much recognition when the creative group that spent the 'haunted summer' in Geneva is mentioned. It's little wonder actually, given that she was the only member of the party that didn't turn her experiences of that summer into a literary success.
However, in her novel Marty Ambrose wants to show us that despite the fact that she didn't produce anything lasting from a literary point of view, Claire was still as important part of the circle as any other member. According to the author she deserves to be remembered in a favourable light, as someone who inspired Byron and the Shelleys with her love and friendship.
I'll confess it was hard for me to think with the writer's head in the beginning, because I had my own picture of Claire, which wasn't exactly flattering. I've read several biographies of the Shelleys, and Claire has always come across as a pushy, somewhat annoying individual, who always wanted to be the centre of attention. It is rumoured she had an affair with Shelley as well, and if it's true, it was an awful betrayal towards Mary.
In Claire's Last Secret we meet a very different Claire though. In the book she is an old lady who remembers her youth and sees her youthful foolishness in a very reasonable light. She doesn't regret anything and she wouldn't change anything in her past. She accepts herself as she is; someone who is chiefly driven by her emotions. I think it's a pretty romantic notion that the heart leads a person's actions, not the head and this simple twist on the character of Claire made her foolish decisions a lot more acceptable for me.
The book is written in a lovely manner, it was a joy to read. It's always great to revisit the events in The Villa Diodati during 'the year without summer', but it's even better if the writing is exquisite. To take a boat trip with Byron and Shelley, to be there when Mary Shelley reads from Frankenstein for the first time.... ahh to be there...
If you like the second generation of romantics, or know nothing of them, either way, this can be a fun read. I'll definitely pick up the second book.
This review was originally posted on my blog, Paradise Found.
Claire's Last Secret is the first book in a trilogy that unrolls a mystery involving Claire's long lost daughter, Allegra. Claire Clairmont, Mary Shelley's half sister usually doesn't get much recognition when the creative group that spent the 'haunted summer' in Geneva is mentioned. It's little wonder actually, given that she was the only member of the party that didn't turn her experiences of that summer into a literary success.
However, in her novel Marty Ambrose wants to show us that despite the fact that she didn't produce anything lasting from a literary point of view, Claire was still as important part of the circle as any other member. According to the author she deserves to be remembered in a favourable light, as someone who inspired Byron and the Shelleys with her love and friendship.
I'll confess it was hard for me to think with the writer's head in the beginning, because I had my own picture of Claire, which wasn't exactly flattering. I've read several biographies of the Shelleys, and Claire has always come across as a pushy, somewhat annoying individual, who always wanted to be the centre of attention. It is rumoured she had an affair with Shelley as well, and if it's true, it was an awful betrayal towards Mary.
In Claire's Last Secret we meet a very different Claire though. In the book she is an old lady who remembers her youth and sees her youthful foolishness in a very reasonable light. She doesn't regret anything and she wouldn't change anything in her past. She accepts herself as she is; someone who is chiefly driven by her emotions. I think it's a pretty romantic notion that the heart leads a person's actions, not the head and this simple twist on the character of Claire made her foolish decisions a lot more acceptable for me.
The book is written in a lovely manner, it was a joy to read. It's always great to revisit the events in The Villa Diodati during 'the year without summer', but it's even better if the writing is exquisite. To take a boat trip with Byron and Shelley, to be there when Mary Shelley reads from Frankenstein for the first time.... ahh to be there...
If you like the second generation of romantics, or know nothing of them, either way, this can be a fun read. I'll definitely pick up the second book.
April 12, 2021
With the story set in 80's Europe " Claire's Last Secret" is ought to give you the best dose of that Old Love Bit.
The story begins with Claire's narration. She is now quite old and keeos reminiscing her past memories. All the memories of her youth where she experienced the thrills of being in love. More specifically being in a forbidden love. The memories of being with a man so out if her league but all that matters to her is that the one she loves would reciprocate her feelings and stay with her forever. Coming back to reality now the only people that are left in her life are her neice and her neice's daughter. One day she gets a message from her friend informing the interest of a young man wanting to purchase her letters, the only physical form of her precious memories left. After his visit she is revealed a secret that would cause her to revisit and find the truth in the past.
After so many years this secret has caused a big jumble in her mind as well as her life. She has never lived a life of lavish and luxury but the only happiness that she had was a cause of great trouble in someone else's life. Situations changed and she lost a great deal.Not only in love but wealth as well.
"Claire's Last Secret" is an amazing story in many aspects. The theme of the old love is very appealing. The book will have you deeply indulged in the plot. It has mystery,emotional,excitement and romance. So get ready to be involved in the train of emotions. If you are one those individuals who prefers a good classic romance novel you might wanna give this one a go.Highly recommend.
The story begins with Claire's narration. She is now quite old and keeos reminiscing her past memories. All the memories of her youth where she experienced the thrills of being in love. More specifically being in a forbidden love. The memories of being with a man so out if her league but all that matters to her is that the one she loves would reciprocate her feelings and stay with her forever. Coming back to reality now the only people that are left in her life are her neice and her neice's daughter. One day she gets a message from her friend informing the interest of a young man wanting to purchase her letters, the only physical form of her precious memories left. After his visit she is revealed a secret that would cause her to revisit and find the truth in the past.
After so many years this secret has caused a big jumble in her mind as well as her life. She has never lived a life of lavish and luxury but the only happiness that she had was a cause of great trouble in someone else's life. Situations changed and she lost a great deal.Not only in love but wealth as well.
"Claire's Last Secret" is an amazing story in many aspects. The theme of the old love is very appealing. The book will have you deeply indulged in the plot. It has mystery,emotional,excitement and romance. So get ready to be involved in the train of emotions. If you are one those individuals who prefers a good classic romance novel you might wanna give this one a go.Highly recommend.
February 25, 2020
This is a story of a woman in love with Lord Byron and is having a scandalous affair with him. She is living with her step-sister Mary Shelley, of Frankenstein fame, and Mary's great love, the poet Shelley. Claire has a secret that has put her in dangerfrom an unknown assailaint who is determined to do her harm. Years later as an elderly woman, Claire finally begins to piece together the mysteries of her past.
The thing I dislike about this book is that it did not come to any conclusion and everything was left up in the air. This is the reason I only gave the book a 3 rating. It does leave it open for a future volume and a continuation of the story but the ending was badly done in my opinion, especially if there are no more books after this one.
The thing I dislike about this book is that it did not come to any conclusion and everything was left up in the air. This is the reason I only gave the book a 3 rating. It does leave it open for a future volume and a continuation of the story but the ending was badly done in my opinion, especially if there are no more books after this one.
October 17, 2018
Claire’s Last Secret is a beautifully written historical mystery told by Claire Clairmont, the last survivor of the Byron/Shelley circle who must relive her memories of the haunted summer of 1816 to find the killer of a beloved friend Full of twists and turns, this delightful story kept me entranced by Claire’s poetic voice, and racing to the end to discover the identity of the murderer. Highly recommend!
July 22, 2018
The book is exquisitely written.
Most people know of Lord Byron and the Shelleys, but few know about Mary's stepsister, Claire Clairmont. This book shows an insightful look into the thoughts and ideals of an uninhibited young woman and where her actions led her; and, also, into the everyday lives of Byron, Mary and Percy Shelley.
I look forward to the next "secret."
Most people know of Lord Byron and the Shelleys, but few know about Mary's stepsister, Claire Clairmont. This book shows an insightful look into the thoughts and ideals of an uninhibited young woman and where her actions led her; and, also, into the everyday lives of Byron, Mary and Percy Shelley.
I look forward to the next "secret."
July 24, 2021
I love historical stories that hew closely to actual events and the people who were involved in them, and this novel does exactly that. If you are fascinated by 19th century romanticism and the Byronic hero, this book is for you!
February 9, 2025
A great lord byron mystery novel with all the elements and language of the time made real with these giants of literature...The Shelley's...Byron,and even Polidori is lurking in the story...looking forward to part 2..
July 20, 2021
Claire's Last Secret is riveting! Also offers great insight n the Byron-Shelley Circle. Looking forerd to reading the next in this series!
June 10, 2023
Finished. Don't even know what Claire's last secret was 🤣
August 2, 2018
*I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
This is an historical fiction based on the life of Claire Clairmont and follows two different timelines, the first being 1873 Florence where Claire is struggling with whether she should sell her memorabilia in order to support her and her niece. The second is the Summer of 1816 that Claire spent in Geneva with Lord Byron, Mary and Percy Shelley. This was a really interesting story and as a massive fan of Frankenstein I loved learning more about Byron/Shelly circle and the summer that led to Mary writing the novel. I enjoyed the way that both timelines were woven together and I gave it 3 out of 5 stars.
This is an historical fiction based on the life of Claire Clairmont and follows two different timelines, the first being 1873 Florence where Claire is struggling with whether she should sell her memorabilia in order to support her and her niece. The second is the Summer of 1816 that Claire spent in Geneva with Lord Byron, Mary and Percy Shelley. This was a really interesting story and as a massive fan of Frankenstein I loved learning more about Byron/Shelly circle and the summer that led to Mary writing the novel. I enjoyed the way that both timelines were woven together and I gave it 3 out of 5 stars.
October 11, 2018
"Claire’s Last Secret" is a novel based on the true story of Claire Clairmont, the step-sister of Mary Shelley (author of Frankenstein). Within this novel, we read about love; a love that is pure and lustful and free. An equal amount of pure and lustful love is shown by Claire towards Lord Byron, her “summer fling” according to some. To her, though, he was her everything. He was the father of her daughter, Allegra, who she would end up losing at a young age.
The chapters split between present-day 1873, where Claire lives with her niece, Paulina, and the fateful summer of 1816 with Mary, Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, and Byron’s doctor, John Polidori. The seventy-five-year-old Claire in 1873 is given an anonymous note with a life-changing message about Allegra when a man comes inquiring about purchasing letters from Claire which were written by Shelley and Byron. This new information will cause her to reexamine her life currently, and what she thought she knew from the past.
The writing in this novel is excellent, and it made for a quick read. Those whose interests lie in young adult as well as advanced reading will enjoy!
The chapters split between present-day 1873, where Claire lives with her niece, Paulina, and the fateful summer of 1816 with Mary, Percy Shelley, Lord Byron, and Byron’s doctor, John Polidori. The seventy-five-year-old Claire in 1873 is given an anonymous note with a life-changing message about Allegra when a man comes inquiring about purchasing letters from Claire which were written by Shelley and Byron. This new information will cause her to reexamine her life currently, and what she thought she knew from the past.
The writing in this novel is excellent, and it made for a quick read. Those whose interests lie in young adult as well as advanced reading will enjoy!
March 5, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this one. It's the first book I've read by this author, but I hope there will be others featuring Claire. I finished this one more quickly than I usually manage - partly because of an unusual amount of time spent in waiting rooms but also because it was a wonderful story.
Edited to add: See entry titled 'The Literary Pilgrimage at Castle Chillon' here - https://www.martyambrose.com/didyouknow. Author does state this is book one of a proposed trilogy.
Edited to add: See entry titled 'The Literary Pilgrimage at Castle Chillon' here - https://www.martyambrose.com/didyouknow. Author does state this is book one of a proposed trilogy.
June 3, 2018
Anytime Lord Byron or Mary Shelley mentioned it is a given I Will be reading . . This is a mystery with the central Claire Claremont ,Mary Shelley’s stepsister. She is last survivor of haunted summer where Shelley wrote her infamous Frankenstein .. Living out her days in poverty with her niece she is approached to sell her letters from the famous poet . When she receives a note about her daughter she conceived With Byron it sets events in motion . Told in alternate timelines this is riveting story .
July 12, 2018
An interesting concept reasonably well executed. I found Claire to fairly likeable; Byron and Shelley a good deal less so. But it was the ending of the book that really lost me. While I realize that this is the first of a trilogy, the cliffhanger ending was so abrupt it felt like slamming into a wall. I’m not sure my interest in the story is strong enough to survive the wait for book two.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC ebook in exchange for a review.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC ebook in exchange for a review.
August 9, 2018
A historical fiction book revolving around the great historical figures of Byron and Shelley, Claire's Last Secret was a very interesting read. It was well constructed, well-researched as far as he era was concerned, and had the reader guessing about the dark secrets that the heroine keeps hidden away.
All in all a very good story that is the first in a series, Claire's Last Secret is highly recommended for people who love historical fiction.
All in all a very good story that is the first in a series, Claire's Last Secret is highly recommended for people who love historical fiction.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews