Killing Beauties

by Pete Langman

England, 1655. Following the brutal civil wars the country swelters under a cloud of paranoia, suspicion and the burgeoning threat of rebellion. With the fragile peace being won by Cromwell’s ever-efficient Secretary of State John Thurloe, the exiled king Charles Stuart sends two spies on a dangerous mission to wrest back the initiative. These spies are different, however: they are women. Their task? To turn Parliament’s spymaster into their unwitting accomplice.
Killing Beauties is a dark tale of subterfuge, jealousy and betrayal.

It is sometimes said that women are written out of history, but often they are not yet written in. Killing Beauties is based on the true stories of two female spies from the 1650s and gives them the voice that only fiction can.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Espionage

375 pages, Paperback

First published January 3, 2020

About the author

Pete Langman is an editor, academic, cricketer and sometime rock and roll guitarist who holds a PhD on Francis Bacon (the other one), keeps wicket for the Cricketers' Club of London, and was diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s Disease at 40. His non-fiction encompasses Cricket, Parkinson’s Disease, Music, History of Science, literature and culture, and has appeared in publications ranging from The Guardian to Guitar and Bass Magazine. He lives between Leiden and Brighton with his partner Dr. Nadine Akkerman, award-winning author of Invisible Agents, who supplies him with extra historical expertise and keeps asking if they can have a cat now, please.

Reviews

[Finitha Jose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am not going to tell that this is a literary masterpiece. But this review is a salute to Pete Langman for his efforts to preserve the bravery of two female spies forgotten by history. There are many loose threads and vagueness for sure, but the book has accomplished its intention of bringing into life the efforts of Susan Hyde and Diana Jennings.
As you must have garnered from the abstract, both Susan and Diana are part of a Sisterhood which work for the restoration of Charles Stuart to the throne. Their mission now is to infiltrate the secrets of Crowell's spymaster John Thurloe. Susan, in spite of her inexperience and her position as a lady, volunteers to seduce Thurloe defying the protests of Diana. But things are not that easy, are they? What follows is some nerve-racking and emotionally unsettling events which unfortunately the author fails to take full advantage of.
Yes, the story could have been narrated better. But this is just the beginning of a grand venture. The novel, without a doubt, is an inspiration to future writers to pursue the search for unsung heroes and heroines.

[Frankie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know the old saying says; ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ and usually I don’t jump onto a blog tour or take on a review by the cover alone, but I did instantly love it it’s so darkly gothic I was fascinated. Add an intriguing blurb, a historical tale all about unknown women from history then you have me hooked.
Set in 1655 during the English Civil War where the country is full of spies, danger, back-stabbing, death, and rebellion ready to tear the country apart even more then it is already. Exiled King Charles II wants more than anything to wrestle his country back and for eventual peace, something that looks set to be very difficult with Cromwell’s spy-master; Thurloe lurking bout in the shadows. So Charles sends his own spies into infiltrating Thurloe, but these aren’t just any ordinary spies they are women. Something which not only surprised me as I didn’t know that there were female spies in the period even existed, and now has made me want to learn more.
Anyone who follows me knows that I love reading about seemingly unknown historic women, I had never heard about Susan Hyde or Diana Jennings, in fact, I hadn’t known that King Charles had a league of female spies – a fact that I will definitely be reading more about. Killing Beauties isn’t a hugely taxing book to read and it is very enjoyable getting to know the author’s impersonation of these two fascinating women, there are times when the story sort of feels a little flat or vague at times but I looked past that and enjoyed the journey that the author was taking us on.
I really enjoyed this, it’s dark and gothic, Killing Beauties is based on the true life’s of Susan and Diana, their characters are well defined, they all work well with one another throughout and make the reader instantly like them and wanting them to succeed in their mission, even though this is predominately a work of fiction there is a strong sense of in-depth research that has gone into the story, which only makes the reader discover more about this fascinatingly complex era and the women who staying within the shadows to do a man’s job.
The overall story could have done with a bit of fattening up, there are gaps and moments which did keep me hanging on and wondering only for the story to move past and on to the next part of the story, something which is a real shame, but I liked Langman’s writing and the story did capture my attention.
Overall this is an interesting historical, not the strongest which I have read as it does have its weak moments but certainly, one to read for anyone who loves their women’s history, as there is promise for more.

[Sherry Chiger · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a first draft, this would be pretty good. For a finished novel, though , it's disappointing. Plot lines are dropped like stitches in a knitter's first scarf, characters are inconsistent, and the tone of the books careens wildly from philosophical to arch. I didn't believe the relationships between the characters for a moment, and some of the story was simply difficult to follow. I'm giving it three stars rather than two because the setting was well evoked, it seems well researched, and the premises was intriguing.

Thank you, NetGalley and Unbound, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Melisende · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. Whilst predominately a work of fiction, there is a strong sense of in-depth research that has gone into the story, which only makes the reader want to discover more (which I did).

The two main characters of Susan and Diana were polar opposites. Susan is complex, serious and dedicated to the task ahead, even though she knows it could very well end in her death. Whilst Diana on the other hand, seems reckless, adventurous, daring, and willing to take a gamble and gain a reputation in the meantime. I was pleased to see a mention of Jane Whorwood, an intelligencer for Charles I. The character of Molly did not really do much for me as I felt she was just a page filler whilst Diana was "off screen" so to speak.

Invisible but ever-present: female spies in the 17th century ...I loved the use of actual historical details in the espionage component - letter locking, invisible ink, codes and cyphers, and the use of disguises and some questionable cross-dressing on the part of Diana. The creation of a "Sisterhood" that was the sole domain of the female intelligencers was done quite well - I am sure that there were some in existance which those in key roles (like Diana and Susan) communicating with various other groups (ie: the Sealed Knot).

However, it was the character of John Thurloe that intrigued me the most to the point that it was with him that my empathy sat - he comes across as vulnerable, tortured, even somewhat likeable, an anti-hero if you will. Thurloe is deserving of his own novel I think.

All in all, this was for me a good read and I happily went off discovering more.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

England, 1665: Tension simmers in a country that has been torn apart by the brutal civil wars and the execution of Charles I. His son, Charles Stuart lives in exile with his court, in France, hoping that one day he may return to the country of his birth.

The peace is fragile and Cromwell employs his Secretary of State, John Thurloe, as his spy-master, in order to keep ahead of any possible rebellion by Royalist sympathisers keen to restore the monarchy.

Two spies are sent by Charles Stuart to undetake a dangerous mission to obtain information from under the very nose of John Thurloe himself. But there is something different about these spies, which will hopefully aid them in their task - they are both women, and they will risk everything for king and country.

Based on a true story about England's first female spies, Killing Beauties takes us into a world of intrigue and danger, moves and counter moves, in seventeenth century London. A world which history portrays as one in the hands of men. This is the story of the she-intelligencers.

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Killing Beauties is a new and interesting take on the history of England after the terrible upheaval of the civil wars.

We rarely hear about the women who have had a part in our history, but when we do their stories are incredibly interesting, and this is certainly the case of the amazingly brave women in this book - and their secret sisterhood.

The women in our story - Diana Gennings/Lady Stanley and Lady Susan Hyde - are real and Pete Langman weaves the truth of their existence into a fictional tale that gives us a glimpse into the part they may have played in a London rife with intrigue, betrayal and conspiracy - a world that simmers with tension and glorious historical detail.

Although this is a story primarily concerned with the fate of Susan Hyde and her dangerous mission to make John Thurloe her unwitting accomplice, we see enough of her compatriots to know that the women who are part of this sisterhood are very special indeed. They are courageous, resourceful and as willing as any man to put their lives and reputations on the line, and often have to be much cleverer than a man in the same situation would have to be. I thoroughly enjoyed the way Pete Langman told their tales.

Susan is a complex and rather serious character, dedicated to the task she has been given, even though she knows it will end in her own ruin. It is interesting to follow the development of her character, as she struggles with the practicalities, and mental strain of what she has to do to fulfill her mission - but I must admit that I did find it difficult to warm to her, although she is undoubtedly a formidable character.

My favourite character was actually the gutsy Diana, as her antics were far more fun to read about and I would love to hear more about her adventures in the future. She seems to have a rollicking time wherever she goes, even if her motives are sometimes a little suspect.

There is lots of historical detail in these pages, that tells of the impressive amount of research behind this book, and this successfully immerses you in the time period - you can almost hear, taste and smell the seventeenth century in these pages.

But the text can be a little wordy as a result and the conversations can be somewhat archaic in tone, which means you do have to concentrate quite hard when reading this book. I did find myself a little distracted by the number of times the female characters found it necessary to refer to each other as "sister", as it became a bit irritating after a while, but I understand that Pete Langman was trying to stay true to the time period and reinforce the idea that these women were part of a "sisterhood".

I also think it is much easier to understand the importance of what our women are trying to achieve here if you know a little about the time period in which this book is set. This was a fascinating period history after all!

Killing Beauties is an absorbing read and it is interesting to speculate about how much of this tale could be true. I have no doubt that there were lots of women playing their part behind the scenes of important periods in history and I really enjoy reading about them. I hope you do too.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be a fascinating look into a period of 17th century English history about which I knew something but not much. I enjoyed the fact that some characters were real historical figures, for example, John Thurloe, Cromwell’s spymaster, Diana Gennings female spy, a London apothecary Anthony Hinton who under interrogation gave up names of spies linked to The Sealed Knot and Susan Hyde spy and sister to one of Charles II’s closest advisors.
The novel moves along at a good pace and has some comic and bawdy moments within a plot set in brutal and serious times. There are some intriguing historical details such as the letter locking to keep correspondence secure. I did find that the characters didn’t always grip me but this may have been down to the archaic speech and manners.
I read this with The Pigeonhole online book club and it never failed to keep my interest as it was delivered in ten daily episodes.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killing Beauties is a finely crafted blend of a great story, a cast of well-shaped characters and a finely woven plot of bravery, suspicion and betrayal all infused with a rich and earthy period flavour that drew me into its landscape of Cromwellian skulduggery without screaming LOOK AT MY RESEARCH.

The two 'she-intelligencers' at the centre of the story are a wonderfully odd couple with an enjoyably spiky relationship (though I have to say I much preferred spending time in the company of the sharp and sometimes conflicted Susan to the fast and loudly scandalous Diana). The supporting cast, and their various circumstances and inner worlds were a pleasure to get to know, with the solidly pragmatic fixer Nathaniel a standout for me.

I really liked the descriptions of locations and also some exceptionally written travel scenes - perhaps odd to emphasise but the boat trips, carriage rides and even simple walks were all particularly well done and gave a good sense of time and distance passing.

Overall a well-written, tense and enjoyable historical rom-treason espionage thriller.

[Veronika Jordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ten years from now if someone asks me if I have read this book I may not remember the characters or the plot or who did what but I'll be able to say, 'Oh that's the book where she-intelligencer Diana Jennings pees into an ale mug under her skirts in the inn.' I think it will live with me forever. Of course that was at the beginning. There are more references to urinating in public places, from very un-private privies to alleyways and buckets. For someone of my genteel sensitivities this shocked me more than the beheading of the king. What no Andrex?

But I digress. What a fantastic read. This is a period of history I know a little about but not much and I had never heard of she-intelligencers. I had never heard of John Thurloe either, the Spymaster and Postmaster, the latter meaning that he and his cronies opened everyone's letters looking for secret messages and information. Not to mention torture by burning matches under the fingernails if suspected. Ouch. Basically Thurloe is a supporter of Oliver Cromwell and they are seeking out those who wish to overthrow his government and bring back the exiled Charles Stuart (Charles II) and install him on the throne. No history lesson intended. Thurloe was a real person as were most of the characters so it's no good thinking 'I hope the so-and-so gets his comeuppance at the hands (or daggers) of whoever,' because a bit of research on Google will be full of spoilers as to who does and who doesn't. The three main female protagonists - the aforementioned Diana, Susan Hyde and Molly - are strong women with a just cause (republicans may disagree here). Men's chauvinism and misogyny went in the women's favour because the men just could not believe women capable of such deeds. Little did they know.

There are lots of things to please spy fans - letter locking (Google it - it's fascinating stuff), invisible ink, women dressed as men - very Shakespearean - and such like.

It is at times a bit confusing. There is so much background to absorb that it does get a little convoluted in the middle, but if you love historical fiction - and even if you don't - this is a thrilling ride by anyone's standards.

Congratulations to Peter Langman for giving us such an entertaining read and to the Pigeonhole, Peter and my fellow Pigeons for their wonderful comments and involvement.

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

Muddled plot and a complete lack of a sense of jeopardy for the protagonists.

[Anne-Marie Goyette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing from the first page to last. This book is written so well you transported into it like a movie in your mind
If any book should be made into the movies this one should
It has all treachery, villains and heroine. Step.into another world enjoy the read

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Protectorate isn't an era I have read much about previously, the civil war once or twice and Charles II a few times, but not the Protectorate itself.

Susan Hyde existed and is believed to have been a spy, and I have already picked up one other book (non fiction) to read more about her!

It's an intriguing plot and I needed to know what happened next, even when it made for uncomfortable reading.

I'd certainly be interested in reading more,

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the mid-17th century this fictional tale centres around She-Intelligencers and at its heart are three feisty, fierce, fearless females who belong to the sisterhood of The Sealed knot acting as spies on behalf of the Royalists.
Their task is to extract information from primarily John Thurloe, an arrogant, intelligent, cruel man who holds the position of Postmaster General and Chief Spymaster.
The evocation of the sense of smell runs strongly through this story and there are many amusing scenarios and conversations, but the story wasn’t always easy to follow filled with secret communications, toxic potions, and deceit. 4 Stars.

[Nicola Mackenzie-Smaller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been reading this book with The Pigeonhole. It’s been massively enjoyable. Strong female protagonists, plenty of “baddies” to enjoy and informative to boot.
This book tells the story of female spies during the time of Cromwell. They are working to restore the King to his rightful position and because they are women they are safe from the suspicion of their mortal enemy, Thurloe, a terrible man, inflicted with both misogyny and kidney stones!
This is a good romp, it’s funny and sassy and there’s plenty of historical fact contained within.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It gave a fascinating insight into the world of historical ‘She Intelligencers’. Very strong female leads and other interesting characters. I knew very little about this period in history so I found it extremely interesting Very well written with intrigue and humour. I was lucky enough to read this via the Pigeonhole App, a Stave a a day over ten days. I couldn’t wait for each one to arrive. I can highly recommend this book.

[Christine Rennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book via Pigeonhole over a ten day period, it wasn’t my normal genre but it was a fascinating read. It exuded the history of a bygone era and the storyline of women who were spies or secret agents, at a period of time when women had no rights and would not be thought of as spies by the government of the day, made for an interesting storyline.
Highly recommended

[Ewan · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Forgive me Father, it has been almost a year since my last book review.’ There, confession out of the way, it’s time to tell you about this terrific book. This historical novel negotiates the precarious tightrope over the twin pits of too many archaisms and total anachrony with a deft skill that is a great credit to the author, Pete Langman. Set in the 17th Century during the Protectorate, the author conjures a real flavour of the times and stitches real and fictitious figures into a rich tapestry of a novel. It is no exaggeration to say that this world is as skilfully evoked as that in Mantel’s work on the other Cromwellian Era.

The Killing Beauties of the title are members of a secret society of female spies in the cause of the royalists. Susan Hill, aristocratic and decent and Diana – well let’s just call her Diana AKA as that’s how it is – are very different she-intelligencers. Both are constantly underestimated by the members of the Black Chamber – a sort of Cromwellian Counter Intelligence Unit- and by the leader himself, the villainous, yet human, Thurloe.

The novel gallops along at a cracking pace, whilst creating and maintaining a believable version of a distant past. Easily as good as CJ Sansom, I thoroughly recommend Langman’s book to you.

Published by Unbound Killing Beauties is available at all good bookshops and the one
run by Bezos on-line.

Whilst we’re locked down, why not try and source it from your local independent, if they’re doing deliveries?

Killing Beauties: Pete Langman ISBN 978-1-78965-065-5

[Elle · Rating 4 out of 5]

“We are the invisible agents.
We are the first, the last.
And we are the difference.”

I wouldn’t call myself a fan of historical fiction. I have read a fair handful of them and even list a couple as favorites, but it’s not my usual genre of choice. What attracted me to this book, though, was the title. Following a list of releases that suggested fairytale-inspired stories, I mistakenly thought this was one such book—perhaps a retelling of Beauty and the Beast? I don’t know. I was probably only half-awake when I chose to read this book on The Pigeonhole app. ^^;

But Killing Beauties is not a fairytale. Although, I feel that Beauty and the Beast is also not too far off the mark. This book tells the story of two women: Susan Hyde and Diana Jennings. Strong-willed, smart, and daring female spies for the royalist resistance in 1650s England, preying on the Parliament’s spymaster, John Thurloe, in their quest to restore Charles II to the throne.

I am really not familiar with the historical backdrop of this story, but wow! What a pleasant surprise of a book this was~! The characters' personalities, motivations, confusions and eventual choices were enough to keep me engaged; that and the very vivid unfolding of each scene that transported me back in time, seeing and sometimes even experiencing how life was like back then (1655-1656).

And even though for a while it felt like Susan's efforts were all in vain, that surprising final scene was enough of a promise that the tides were finally turning.

This has been a truly entertaining and learning experience for me and has also inspired an interest to further research on this part of history. This book was my initiation into the fascinating and dangerous lives of she-intelligencers. It will definitely not be my last. ^-^

I read this book via The Pigeonhole's serialization.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 2 out of 5]

Killing Beauties, Pete Langman

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Historical Fiction

I liked the sound of this, fiction but about real people, and in a period that intrigues me, but which I know little of. Sadly the story just wasn't a great fit for me.

I'm not sure why, perhaps its because I failed to really connect with the characters, perhaps its just that events seemed muddled at times. I need to empathise with someone in a story, but though the setting felt real the characters just didn't ,and I wasn't really concerned with what happened to them.
Kudos to Pete for taking on bringing female spies into the public eye, sadly historically women were treated badly, as secondary to men, and even now the word Spy evokes a man, rarely do we think of female spies. They existed, though, did a hard and dangerous job, even more dangerous because women then were really regarded as unimportant, disposable.
I might come back to this another time, its a well written book, and I'm guessing well researched, certain historically it feels accurate. We're in the throes of Covid19 when I'm reading this, and it may well be my issues, the unsettledness we're all feeling that have affected how I felt about this story. Possibly in a different time I'll get more from it?

Stars: Two, a good story for others but I failed to connect with it.

Arc via Netgalley and publishers

[Gwendalyn Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This historical fiction that Is actually based on the astonishing real to life story of one of England’s earliest known documented female spies.

Susan Hyde, the unsuspecting the sister of Edward Hyde, chief advisor to King in exile Charles Stuart. With a daring cast of women the plot centers on Susan’s delicate work as an undercover agent { She-Intelligencer}.

A exceptional meticulous researched book, with vivid incredible atmospheric details,
will transport the reader to 17 century Britain. In a world of dangerous courtly espionage work under the reign of Oliver Cromwell, is treacherous enough for a woman, let alone for a woman. London is weighted down with political drama and there are conspiracies everywhere, no one can be trusted. Betrayal lurks around every corner. The storyline and the character cast engaging. A stunning book that captivating me, the pacing was good, and the authors narration kept reading well past my bedtime.

[Ruth Coulson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not all history is His Story. As history was told in the past, the contribution of women was much overlooked. It is good to hear about some of the women whose actions were important at the time. Thanks to Pete Langman for making this available in a fictionalised version.

Killing Beauties in set in the mid 17th Century in England at the time of Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth. It tells the story of a number of real people: Susan Hyde, Diana Jennings, Edward Hyde, John Thurloe for a start. Susan and Diana are two of the killing beauties of the title. They are dedicated to help restore the monarchy after the beheading of Charles I. At the behest of Charles (later Charles II) who was in Paris, they are setting out to seduce John Thurloe, Cromwell's spymaster.

There are plots, counter plots, betrayals and mayhem of all kinds. If anything, the plot, or plots, can be a little convoluted and difficult to follow at times. Perhaps not the fault of the author, but more of the incidents he is chronicling.

If you like a spy drama with a complex story, then this is the book for you.

This book was provided to me by Voracious Readers and I thank them and the author for the opportunity to read and review.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spies are fascinating, and spies in an historical period unburdened by difficult hi tech are even more involving. In this book the fact that the spies are very much women adds to its attraction, as both Susan and Diana spend the first part of the book using their unique talents to fool those around them. This book is set in the time of Oliver Cromwell’s ascendancy, in 1655. King Charles I is dead, executed by Cromwell and others who believed that it was the only way to end a series of battles, civil wars that had divided the not only the country but also families and friends. This is a book about a brutal time, when Charles who would be in time acknowledged as king Charles II lives in France, partly at the charity of the French king. Susan and others are maintaining not only the hope that this young man will return to his dangerous kingdom, but also making it possible that his supporters who will welcome him survive and thrive. In a state where a security system is being established, where casual brutality is accepted on the streets of London, where women are not valued for their intelligence or abilities, Susan must survive and act. This is an exciting novel,
full of telling detail and vivid descriptions of a dirty and disturbing London, and very memorable characters. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to read and review this excellent and exciting book.

This book begins with a powerful man in Cromwell’s service. John Thurloe is busy with a suspect, torturing him while receiving intelligence of the planned arrival of two further agents of the king’s cause. As Cromwell establishes himself as the effective ruler of the kingdom, two women come together in an inn and receive their orders from Susan Hyde’s brother, the influential Edward Hyde, chief advisor to Charles Stuart in exile. The women, especially Susan, realise that the letter in its intricate packaging contains orders that not only put them at incredible risk, but will also challenge their abilities and reputations. It is soon obvious that Susan is a woman of quick thinking and resource, as they pull off an impressive stunt which makes them “disappear”. There is a certain grim humour that runs throughout the book, as the women carry out small plots and actions that mislead and confuse the men around them. As Susan now has to plan a campaign that will involve a long term deception on a chief official, she obtains supplies and information that will give her access to the trust of her target. The men who work for Thurloe discover the benefits and challenges of pushing the edge of espionage and gathering knowledge of the supporters of exiled Charles.

This is a sometimes shocking, sometimes surprising and always entertaining book. Susan trades on the fact that many women, lower class and working in the inns and back streets of London, were basically invisible and often fair game for men with a small amount of power and or money. Adopting one of the few roles that allowed women to move around London without suspicion, that of healer and midwife, she manages to gain access to men and places. There is a really special impact to this book, full of evident research which does not overwhelm the fiction, giving insight into the life of the most ordinary of people, whether apprentice, female innkeeper or others. This book is a superb picture of a troubled time in Britain’s history, whether spymaster or nearly invisible woman. Exciting, entertaining and always enjoyable, this is a novel which lifts history off the page, and is historical fiction at its best.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book to review, but that has no influence on my review or opinions.

I have always enjoyed historical fiction, and this book was no exception to that. I appreciated learning more about this time in English history because I honestly do not know much about the English Civil War. I truly loved how this story, while fictionalized, gave some information on two real but forgotten women spies. History has not been kind to women, and has often forgotten many of them, so I always love when women get to be the sole spotlight. As for the actual plot, it was generally paced well and made me want to keep reading. There were some times that I got bored when the book slowed down, but it generally always managed to pick back up. I took one star away because some of the relationships in the book seemed forced and unnatural, and also some plot lines just seemed to disappear. However, I still enjoyed the book well enough.

[Gail Cook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as a work of fiction although it is set against a true historical background of the time of Oliver Cromwell and the exiled King Charles Stuart. Some of the characters therefore have the names of historical people but their stories are just that, stories.
It is a story of the times when men ruled and women were considered either skivvies/whores or fragile creatures. The women in this tale use this to their advantage to support the cause of the exiled King.
I did find that the references to Mother and Sister a little confusing at times and was unsure if they were talking of blood ties or the "sisterhood". However on continuing to read on all became clear.
Altogether a good read that I would recommend to anyone who enjoys a well written story that involves a little social history.

[Eilean Rawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through Voracious Readers. This is a book of Historical fiction set in Britain in the Protectorate era. It focuses on a 'sisterhood' who believe in returning Charles II to the English throne. The sisterhood send spies into England from France to encourage sympathisers and try to entrap or get rid of members of Cromwell's inner circle. It's an interesting concept and the era is well presented. There is a convulated plot to ensnare a high official, which almost succeeds. I found the ending a little too 'cute' and also felt the sisterhood invited members in a little more freely that I should have expected. It seems to be part of a series and is worth a read.

[Saskia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first book by this author so i wasn’t sure what to expect.


I love historical romance and strong female characters, so this book was right up my alley. I really wanted to like this book, but sadly it fell short for me.


I enjoyed reading about the cat and mouse game and the way messages where sent, but for me tohe story lacked. it was never made really clear what the mission was and i felt there were a lot of loose ends in the story. it made it hard to read and I had trouble getting into the story.

[Tiffany Rose · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the fact that this is based on a true story about a female spy during the time of the Stuart's. I was really hoping to enjoy this book. However, it was hard to keep the characters straight as many of them were so similar and the actual execution of the book just didn't work for me. If the book were cleaned up a bit and the characters added to a biit more, and maybe a few taken out as there were so many, I think it would be a great story.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest and unbiased opinion of it.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is OK, not great. It's a good premise (particularly since it's based on real people), and it's a little uneven. It doesn't have the polish of a more experienced author (or maybe editor). But I think the author shows promise, and he did some good research.

I really appreciate the review copy!!

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating, although I must admit, rather dense read about female spies in the mid 1600’s. Clearly they existed, but seem to have been excluded in much of the literature that’s been written about this time, which focuses about the shenanigans that the men got up to, chasing chambermaids and plotting behind each other’s backs! So, I’ve read quite a few historical novels about royalty and the many power-struggles for power that went on, but I’ve never come across anything told from this perspective and I found it really interesting. Oh, and I love the eye-catching cover!

The story revolves around Susan Hyde, who actually did live at this time. She was the sister of Edward Hyde, who was the advisor of Charles Stuart – the king who had been forcibly deposed from his throne. She is tasked with a seemingly life-threatening job of extracting as much information as possible from John Thurloe who is Oliver Cromwell’s own spymaster. But using her feminine wiles, there are always ways to gain the information needed to advance one’s cause.

And of course, she doesn’t work alone. She’s assisted by an equally clever and cunning individual: Diana Jennings. They also have the help of Molly who’s an eager pupil in the art of undercover work. I found the term used for these female spies: “she-intelligencers” difficult to come to terms with. It sounded so ‘made up’ and fake, as to undermine the actual work that they did. These women took huge risks for a cause that they strongly believed in and that they supported, and were often not taken seriously purely because they were female. It’s true that they were able to use this to their advantage, but still, it irked me … a lot!

At times I found I was wading through the prose to sift out the story. Langman has (quite rightly so) used the language of the time so that he’s able to remain true to his plot and to keep things real, but it does prove to be difficult to get through at times and tends to weigh things down quite a bit. There’s no doubt at all that having a partner (Nadine Akkerman) who’s written non-fiction about this very subject has assisted the extremely in-depth research that has gone into this book. The detail is immersive and one can easily imagine the life that was lived in the era that’s being described, and the fear that lurked around every corner and behind every doorway. One never knew who to trust and what one could say to whom, or where loyalties lay. I found that at times I was holding my breath!

This isn’t a light read, by any means. The story may sound like it could have lighter elements but with Langman remaining true to his characters, era and plot, it is dark with a dangerous edge. A 4-star read that’s realistic and brilliantly researched.

[Isaac · Rating 4 out of 5]

Killing Beauties is a thrilling story of daring women in the dangerous world of espionage in seventeenth-century London. Both characters and setting are vividly portraited. This story is grounded in thorough and detailed knowledge of this interesting period in history, and above all fun to read!

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review to come.