What do you think?
Rate this book
The Second Mrs Thistlewood
Regency England. A land of oppression and social discontent.
Arthur Thistlewood is fighting for a revolution. Susan Thistlewood is fighting for freedom. From Arthur.
Battered and bruised by her violent husband, Susan finds comfort in food and books. As Arthur’s legal property, leaving the marriage seems an impossible dream — until a chance encounter with a charismatic Bow Street Runner. In the sanctuary of an inconspicuous London bookshop, the Runner’s easy manner and unexpected generosity compel Susan to pursue a life without her husband.
But will the Bow Street officer provide a key to Susan’s freedom? Or will he place her in the greatest danger of all?
Inspired by true events from the Cato Street Conspiracy of 1820, this is a tale of courage, determination, and love.
Arthur Thistlewood is fighting for a revolution. Susan Thistlewood is fighting for freedom. From Arthur.
Battered and bruised by her violent husband, Susan finds comfort in food and books. As Arthur’s legal property, leaving the marriage seems an impossible dream — until a chance encounter with a charismatic Bow Street Runner. In the sanctuary of an inconspicuous London bookshop, the Runner’s easy manner and unexpected generosity compel Susan to pursue a life without her husband.
But will the Bow Street officer provide a key to Susan’s freedom? Or will he place her in the greatest danger of all?
Inspired by true events from the Cato Street Conspiracy of 1820, this is a tale of courage, determination, and love.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 14, 2020
60 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Dionne Haynes
9 books41 followersDionne Haynes is the author of the Mayflower Collection novels, a series of books that has proven popular with descendants of the Mayflower passengers and fans of historical fiction. She parted ways with her medical career after 20 years as a doctor when the time had come to fulfil her dream of becoming a full-time author. She lives with her husband in Plymouth, England where they enjoy walking coastal paths and exploring historic houses.
You can get a FREE novella – visit dionnehaynes.com for details.
Connect on social media on Facebook (@DionneHaynesUK) and Instagram (@dionnehaynes.author).
You can get a FREE novella – visit dionnehaynes.com for details.
Connect on social media on Facebook (@DionneHaynesUK) and Instagram (@dionnehaynes.author).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
September 26, 2020
I’m a fan of 19th century history and literature, so I looked forward to reading this book. It does have plenty of historical detail, so it won’t disappoint the history lovers. Using many real people and events, this is a fast-paced tale set in regency England. It has clearly been well researched and unlike many historical novels, it doesn’t try to romanticise the past.
The story follows Susan, Arthur Thistlewood’s second wife and also stepmother to his son Julian, as she tries to run her home and deal with Arthur’s political ambitions. Arthur is a dangerous revolutionary and a violent husband and, be warned, there are quite a few violent scenes in the book. You feel for Susan in her daily torment and struggles, as her situation in life deteriorates because of her husband’s behaviour. Food is a big distraction for Susan throughout, and sweet treats are her comfort - as are her books and her few good friends. But this story is also a romance and Susan turns to another man for comfort, once she has no love for her husband left as a result of his abuse.
There’s a good cast of characters, all with their own clear personality and backstory and they are all necessary to the plot. And there are a lot of twists and turns in the plot too. Even to the last chapters, I didn’t know quite how this would turn out. Real history dictates some of the outcomes, but the fictional narrative is nicely woven in with the facts. (Note: Although the real Arthur Thistlewood was a violent man, I can’t find any record online of him being a violent husband, so bear in mind this is historical fiction).
All in all, ‘The Second Mrs Thistlewood’ is a good page turner with plenty of energy and a strong set of characters. I would add a trigger warning to my review for the domestic violence, but Susan’s treatment at the hands of her husband does explain her behaviour and this in turn drives the plot. Recommended. x
The story follows Susan, Arthur Thistlewood’s second wife and also stepmother to his son Julian, as she tries to run her home and deal with Arthur’s political ambitions. Arthur is a dangerous revolutionary and a violent husband and, be warned, there are quite a few violent scenes in the book. You feel for Susan in her daily torment and struggles, as her situation in life deteriorates because of her husband’s behaviour. Food is a big distraction for Susan throughout, and sweet treats are her comfort - as are her books and her few good friends. But this story is also a romance and Susan turns to another man for comfort, once she has no love for her husband left as a result of his abuse.
There’s a good cast of characters, all with their own clear personality and backstory and they are all necessary to the plot. And there are a lot of twists and turns in the plot too. Even to the last chapters, I didn’t know quite how this would turn out. Real history dictates some of the outcomes, but the fictional narrative is nicely woven in with the facts. (Note: Although the real Arthur Thistlewood was a violent man, I can’t find any record online of him being a violent husband, so bear in mind this is historical fiction).
All in all, ‘The Second Mrs Thistlewood’ is a good page turner with plenty of energy and a strong set of characters. I would add a trigger warning to my review for the domestic violence, but Susan’s treatment at the hands of her husband does explain her behaviour and this in turn drives the plot. Recommended. x
May 9, 2021
I’m very uncomfortable reading about abusive relationships which undermined my enjoyment of the book.
August 30, 2020
"Dionne Haynes" out did herself on this exciting true to life historical fiction . It's told from the eyes of Arthur's wife ,Susan Thistlewood. This story takes you on a journey in the late 1800's, of their married lives together with Arthur's son. The journey is not so happy,it has its good times and bad In any marriage, but nothing like their is! In this story you go through the abuse,physically and mentally on Susan. Susan can't take anymore,how is she going to get out of this marriage,ALIVE? In the 1800's you were married "til death you do part "or you could prove adultery !.A woman's body was not her own,it belonged to her husband. Police didn't even intervene, a woman was a man's property, like slavery, what happens between a man and woman in the marriage,that was their business unless he ended up killing you. Women have come so far from where they were in the 1800's..Arthur finds his self in trouble with the law off and on where Arthur believes he is the only one to save England from the rich people,the government and men of authority who he believes keeps the common man in poverty. What happens to Arthur in his last planning with his partners in crime, is a true crime that really happened, trying to drag Susan with him but Susan sees it as a way out of her marriage.The list of characters that Arthur involves his self with are very colorful people,not like Susan,she has very special friends who try to help her as much as they can to cope with this destructive husband. To know these characters,you start to see them as real people, Miss Dionne has a way with having you there watching as this life, these crimes unfold.. In this fantastic story you have mystery,crime,hate,revenge lust,love and friendship, a great combination of actions and emotions to make this story a exciting "MUST READ ". You will not be disappointed in "The Second Mrs. T" as I call it, especially when you know that the crime that Arthur commits is a "True to Life Crime".. Read for yourself ,you Will Not be disappointed! Looking forward to another exciting read from this spectacular author!
August 20, 2020
The Second Mrs Thistlewood by Dionne Haynes is historical fiction set in Regency England based on real history. Dionne Haynes latest book has romance, suspense, and plenty of twists to make you wonder what will happen next. I was drawn into Susan’s story because of her strength, naïveté and very simple expectations of life and marriage. Susan perseveres even when everything isn’t what she expected and she has no recourse or little hope. Susan and some characters in this story have a great love for others and show exceptional strength of character while others are the exact opposite with few redeeming qualities. Every scene, person and their feelings come alive with vivid portrayals. I could almost feel, see and or smell certain places and things. The descriptions of the food were quite imaginative and humorous at times, especially the eels.
I also enjoyed the prequel to this book The Butcher’s Daughter as well as her other book Running with the Wind and look forward to more of her adventurous stories.
5 Stars
I also enjoyed the prequel to this book The Butcher’s Daughter as well as her other book Running with the Wind and look forward to more of her adventurous stories.
5 Stars
August 12, 2020
This is a book that hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. It is well written and Susan's story will keep you turning the pages to see what happens next. This is an emotional read and has drama, suspense and romance. I don't want to let a spoiler slip out, so all I'm going to say is if you like historical fiction you will love this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 18, 2020
You can also read this review on my blog!
4.5 Stars
We all know I’m a sucker for anything Historical Fiction, and The Second Mrs Thistlewood is no exception. This is an inspired and fantastically thought out novel.
Our protagonist is Susan – unwilling wife to Arthur Thistlewood and loving step-mother to Julian. Arthur is a revolutionary, constantly scheming to target the government in an all manner of ill-thought-out plots. He makes for a despicable character, especially when we see his interactions with Susan. She, on the other hand, longs for her independence from her notorious husband.
The biggest strength of this novel is without a doubt the prose. Haynes’ style can only be described as delicious in tone and vocabulary. Descriptions of food are important in this novel, with lines such as ‘The aroma of baked apples fills the room. It reminds me of carefree autumn days…’ and ‘Spices tickle my lips while liquid chocolate coats my tongue in a veil of velvety luxury.’ Haynes really succeeds in bringing the 19th century alive to the reader.
The plot is also exceedingly intriguing. Although it does take a long time to get started, once it does it is definitely worth it. In fact, I loved the amount of time Haynes takes to set up her characters, dropping hints of their motives and foreshadowing their demise in small tidbits of information. The Second Mrs Thistlewood is thought out so well, which I can appreciate as a reader. What’s even cooler about this novel – after doing a bit of a google search, it turns out Arthur Thistlewood was a real person! Although I’m a History Nerd™, I’m more of a Medieval to Early Modern specialist, so an opportunity to learn about the Cato Street Conspiracy was more than welcome!
All in all, this is a fantastic novel. I’d recommend it to both Historical Fiction lovers and general readers alike.
4.5 Stars
We all know I’m a sucker for anything Historical Fiction, and The Second Mrs Thistlewood is no exception. This is an inspired and fantastically thought out novel.
Our protagonist is Susan – unwilling wife to Arthur Thistlewood and loving step-mother to Julian. Arthur is a revolutionary, constantly scheming to target the government in an all manner of ill-thought-out plots. He makes for a despicable character, especially when we see his interactions with Susan. She, on the other hand, longs for her independence from her notorious husband.
The biggest strength of this novel is without a doubt the prose. Haynes’ style can only be described as delicious in tone and vocabulary. Descriptions of food are important in this novel, with lines such as ‘The aroma of baked apples fills the room. It reminds me of carefree autumn days…’ and ‘Spices tickle my lips while liquid chocolate coats my tongue in a veil of velvety luxury.’ Haynes really succeeds in bringing the 19th century alive to the reader.
The plot is also exceedingly intriguing. Although it does take a long time to get started, once it does it is definitely worth it. In fact, I loved the amount of time Haynes takes to set up her characters, dropping hints of their motives and foreshadowing their demise in small tidbits of information. The Second Mrs Thistlewood is thought out so well, which I can appreciate as a reader. What’s even cooler about this novel – after doing a bit of a google search, it turns out Arthur Thistlewood was a real person! Although I’m a History Nerd™, I’m more of a Medieval to Early Modern specialist, so an opportunity to learn about the Cato Street Conspiracy was more than welcome!
All in all, this is a fantastic novel. I’d recommend it to both Historical Fiction lovers and general readers alike.
November 7, 2020
I Love A Happy Ending
I enjoyed this first person narrative very much, The main character is a woman living in an abusive marriage in England during a time where women had no rights. It became clear as the book progressed that her unsinkable optimism goodness and ability to find happiness in small things would help her to overcome her sometimes desperate circumstances. I enjoyed it because it accurately reports the cycle of domestic violence. I find much in common with the heroine.
I enjoyed this first person narrative very much, The main character is a woman living in an abusive marriage in England during a time where women had no rights. It became clear as the book progressed that her unsinkable optimism goodness and ability to find happiness in small things would help her to overcome her sometimes desperate circumstances. I enjoyed it because it accurately reports the cycle of domestic violence. I find much in common with the heroine.
January 8, 2021
This is book is an interesting work of fiction based on a real person, Arthur Thistlewood and the Cato Street conspiracy.
Set in a time when women were still considered to be second class citizens, Arthur’s wife, Susan is trying to escape her violent marriage. Her husband is an abuser and a philander.
The story itself is captivating but the author’s writer really makes it come alive. Her description of scenes and senses are superb.
Highly recommended.
Set in a time when women were still considered to be second class citizens, Arthur’s wife, Susan is trying to escape her violent marriage. Her husband is an abuser and a philander.
The story itself is captivating but the author’s writer really makes it come alive. Her description of scenes and senses are superb.
Highly recommended.
January 29, 2021
Excellent
I am also a second Mrs Thistlewood, but my husband is not at all like Arthur, so thought we must in some way be related.
Drawing on the history of the Cato Street conspiracy, but embellishing it with personal details, this is a great read.
I am also a second Mrs Thistlewood, but my husband is not at all like Arthur, so thought we must in some way be related.
Drawing on the history of the Cato Street conspiracy, but embellishing it with personal details, this is a great read.
March 12, 2021
Great Read
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great characters and I loved the storyline. Highly recommend, a good few hours of escaping and enjoying.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Great characters and I loved the storyline. Highly recommend, a good few hours of escaping and enjoying.
August 27, 2020
I will start by saying that this is not an easy read. Arthur is a vile man he is scheming against the establishment, he gambles and he beats his wife and son. The way that Arthur treats Susan is hideous and shocking and some of the scenes were hard to read. However, you feel from the outset that Susan is a strong woman who wants more in life. Her mother recognises that she is unhappy and she knows that she must do something.
Her Stepson, Julian also feels the brunt of his father’s violence and when Arthur sends him away to school, Susan sees her chance to escape.
Arthur employs a maid and when new neighbours move in encourages Susan to introduce herself to them. She forms a friendship with Beckey who is a Doctor’s wife and really brings out another side of Susan. Unfortunately there are still sad times ahead for her when she loses another baby. Beckey introduces Susan to a side of London she is not familiar with and a chance encounter in a bookshop changes Susan’s life.
I was desperate for Susan to get away and when she decides to give him another chance and to go away, I was really anxious for her and really hoped that something would change for her. I did not know anything about this historical period and found it really interesting. I also loved the bookshop connection to the story. A tense but tender read of a woman who is trapped in a violent marriage in a time when escape is almost impossible.
Her Stepson, Julian also feels the brunt of his father’s violence and when Arthur sends him away to school, Susan sees her chance to escape.
Arthur employs a maid and when new neighbours move in encourages Susan to introduce herself to them. She forms a friendship with Beckey who is a Doctor’s wife and really brings out another side of Susan. Unfortunately there are still sad times ahead for her when she loses another baby. Beckey introduces Susan to a side of London she is not familiar with and a chance encounter in a bookshop changes Susan’s life.
I was desperate for Susan to get away and when she decides to give him another chance and to go away, I was really anxious for her and really hoped that something would change for her. I did not know anything about this historical period and found it really interesting. I also loved the bookshop connection to the story. A tense but tender read of a woman who is trapped in a violent marriage in a time when escape is almost impossible.
August 25, 2020
The story takes place in England during the Regency Period and has some similarity in structure to the Jane Austen novels of the time. Unlike the Jane Austen novels, though, this book deals not with the etiquette of country village life with its emphasis on fortunes, inheritance, and making a good marriage but with the difficult life of London's poor, especially war widows, dealing with unemployment, rising food prices, and poor housing.
The plot revolves around the Cato Street Conspiracy to murder members of the cabinet and overthrow the government, a little known historical event. (At least I knew nothing about it.) The main character is the wife of the leader of the conspiracy, Arthur Thistlewood, who not only engages in political violence but brutal domestic violence.
As Jane Austen's novels reveal the extent to which women of the time depended on the generosity of male relatives this book reveals how powerless women were to protect themselves from abusive men.
The plot revolves around the Cato Street Conspiracy to murder members of the cabinet and overthrow the government, a little known historical event. (At least I knew nothing about it.) The main character is the wife of the leader of the conspiracy, Arthur Thistlewood, who not only engages in political violence but brutal domestic violence.
As Jane Austen's novels reveal the extent to which women of the time depended on the generosity of male relatives this book reveals how powerless women were to protect themselves from abusive men.
September 30, 2020
Fighting for your own freedom.
Susan Thistlewood is in an unhappy marriage. And being in an unhappy marriage in Regency England isn’t as easy as in the present. You cannot just divorce from your husband when he is making you unhappy. There are strict conditions when a woman can apply for divorce.
So while her husband Artur is fighting for a revolution, Susan has to find a way to escape and chase her own happiness. When in a London bookshop, she meets a charismatic Bow Street Runner, is he going to help her for her freedom? Or is he putting her in a greater danger?
From the very start, I pitied Susan… she dreams of a happy marriage, while she is stuck with Arthur. He has been married before, but his wife died earlier. The way he treats Susan and his son (from his first wife), I found it despicable. Also the violent streaks he has, both towards Susan, his son, but also the plans he is plotting to start a revolution, made me dislike him immediately.
So I understood Susan’s desire to find a way out. But it’s not an easy task… I admired Susan for not just giving up, trying to find a way to be set free of an awful husband. Despite the hard times she has to endure, she finds joy in places she would least expect it. Also she finds friends who truly care about her, and those feelings are reciprocated.
When she meets that Bow Street Runner, she finds herself in a position to achieve her dream, and even if that means to put herself in danger, she is tired of living in fear of what her husband will do next to her.
Through the whole story, Susan’s courage is visible. She is not one to just sit down and wait for luck to pass by. She wants to grab her own luck, and will not be condemned in a life of unhappiness. Even if sometimes Susan may seem a bit naïve, especially in the beginning, her character evolves to a strong woman. She puts her priorities right and is not afraid to speak up. This story shows that strong women are always fighting for their happiness, in the past and even in the present. Susan is a beautiful example of it, as she does not just give up.
This story is about a courageous woman in difficult times, with a streak of historical facts. I found it hard to put it away as I wanted to see what more twists were awaiting. And I wanted to know how and if Susan would manage to achieve her one true desire, find happiness.
Susan Thistlewood is in an unhappy marriage. And being in an unhappy marriage in Regency England isn’t as easy as in the present. You cannot just divorce from your husband when he is making you unhappy. There are strict conditions when a woman can apply for divorce.
So while her husband Artur is fighting for a revolution, Susan has to find a way to escape and chase her own happiness. When in a London bookshop, she meets a charismatic Bow Street Runner, is he going to help her for her freedom? Or is he putting her in a greater danger?
From the very start, I pitied Susan… she dreams of a happy marriage, while she is stuck with Arthur. He has been married before, but his wife died earlier. The way he treats Susan and his son (from his first wife), I found it despicable. Also the violent streaks he has, both towards Susan, his son, but also the plans he is plotting to start a revolution, made me dislike him immediately.
So I understood Susan’s desire to find a way out. But it’s not an easy task… I admired Susan for not just giving up, trying to find a way to be set free of an awful husband. Despite the hard times she has to endure, she finds joy in places she would least expect it. Also she finds friends who truly care about her, and those feelings are reciprocated.
When she meets that Bow Street Runner, she finds herself in a position to achieve her dream, and even if that means to put herself in danger, she is tired of living in fear of what her husband will do next to her.
Through the whole story, Susan’s courage is visible. She is not one to just sit down and wait for luck to pass by. She wants to grab her own luck, and will not be condemned in a life of unhappiness. Even if sometimes Susan may seem a bit naïve, especially in the beginning, her character evolves to a strong woman. She puts her priorities right and is not afraid to speak up. This story shows that strong women are always fighting for their happiness, in the past and even in the present. Susan is a beautiful example of it, as she does not just give up.
This story is about a courageous woman in difficult times, with a streak of historical facts. I found it hard to put it away as I wanted to see what more twists were awaiting. And I wanted to know how and if Susan would manage to achieve her one true desire, find happiness.
August 14, 2020
This is a very beautiful book of the struggles of one woman in a trying time in London. Mrs. Thistlewood finds her life to not be quite what she thought it would be after her marriage. As we meet members of Mrs. Thistlewood 's life we grow very attached to her and the wonderful people she meets. Behind it all though Mrs. Thistlewood has many secrets that she hides from the world. I truly felt myself being pulled into her life. To the circumstances that surround her and the terrible burdens she carries, I wanted nothing more than for her to be released. This is a remarkable tale of romance and suspense that will keep you reading as you too become engaged with her life.
I received a free download of this book. This review is totally my own honest opinion of a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
I received a free download of this book. This review is totally my own honest opinion of a book I thoroughly enjoyed.
Read
March 18, 2021A darker tale set in the Regency era.
This is not escapist Regency romance, but a story about a woman desperate to end her loveless marriage and find the happiness she deserves.
Susan and Arthur Thistlewood are real characters from the past. Arthur was a militant man, determined to bring down the government and improve the plight of the poor. He had a reputation for violence and it seems to me that his thirst for a revolution overtook his initial aims to bring about political change for the greater good.
Susan is his second wife. In the novel, Arthur's mean behaviour and violent tendencies spill over into his home life and Susan is eager to be free of him. In the Regency era, divorce was rare, expensive and difficult to achieve, therefore Susan must find another way to free herself from Arthur.
Although the story is darker than most tales set in this era, Susan is able to find pleasure from the company of her friends, books and food. In fact, food, drink or sweet treats from the era feature in every chapter and add a sensory dimension to the story.
And then there is William Westcott, the Bow Street officer, who charms Susan from the moment they meet. Will he help Susan rid herself of Arthur, or will he place her in the greatest danger of all?
This is not escapist Regency romance, but a story about a woman desperate to end her loveless marriage and find the happiness she deserves.
Susan and Arthur Thistlewood are real characters from the past. Arthur was a militant man, determined to bring down the government and improve the plight of the poor. He had a reputation for violence and it seems to me that his thirst for a revolution overtook his initial aims to bring about political change for the greater good.
Susan is his second wife. In the novel, Arthur's mean behaviour and violent tendencies spill over into his home life and Susan is eager to be free of him. In the Regency era, divorce was rare, expensive and difficult to achieve, therefore Susan must find another way to free herself from Arthur.
Although the story is darker than most tales set in this era, Susan is able to find pleasure from the company of her friends, books and food. In fact, food, drink or sweet treats from the era feature in every chapter and add a sensory dimension to the story.
And then there is William Westcott, the Bow Street officer, who charms Susan from the moment they meet. Will he help Susan rid herself of Arthur, or will he place her in the greatest danger of all?
October 10, 2023
What a wonderful story
I loved this story, although harrowing at times, Susan had to endure an awful live with her abusive husband but persevered and was rewarded in the end. Highly recommended.
I loved this story, although harrowing at times, Susan had to endure an awful live with her abusive husband but persevered and was rewarded in the end. Highly recommended.
October 22, 2021
This is one I downloaded from Kindle Unlimited. It was OK. Early 1800s married couple in London. Husband is a revolutionist, violent and abuses his wife. The story is told from her perspective only, which made it rather one-dimensional.
The writing was bland, repetitive and there was a lot of telling rather than showing.
I know I'll forget I've ever read it in a week.
The writing was bland, repetitive and there was a lot of telling rather than showing.
I know I'll forget I've ever read it in a week.
July 22, 2022
A sad, maudlin and dispassionate tale
Sad to say I read the prequel and should have known how this would go...predictable ending and predictable events during the course of the tale. Some well written passages but overall a book to skip. The prequel and this book cover a subject we all need to know about, acknowledge, and stop. Spousal abuse, as our population continues to grow and our world seems led by abusive leaders not only continues to plague us here and all over the world but grows as a problem every day. If one wishes to read about issue this book will give you graphic details of this horrific problem but not lead you to any sense of how the people then or how we can now solve the problem. Mostly quite depressing with a quick, easy, wrap it up ending.
Sad to say I read the prequel and should have known how this would go...predictable ending and predictable events during the course of the tale. Some well written passages but overall a book to skip. The prequel and this book cover a subject we all need to know about, acknowledge, and stop. Spousal abuse, as our population continues to grow and our world seems led by abusive leaders not only continues to plague us here and all over the world but grows as a problem every day. If one wishes to read about issue this book will give you graphic details of this horrific problem but not lead you to any sense of how the people then or how we can now solve the problem. Mostly quite depressing with a quick, easy, wrap it up ending.
February 2, 2021
Interesting
Not sure how much of this is based on fact but I really enjoyed it. Interesting background to the Cato Street Conspiracy.
Not sure how much of this is based on fact but I really enjoyed it. Interesting background to the Cato Street Conspiracy.
April 21, 2021
Well written, but wraps up rather quickly.
May 31, 2021
An easy read with shallow characters and events a bit too predictable for me.
December 19, 2025
One dimensional characters, predictable storyline, the main character is unimaginative. DNF at 52%... I couldn't drag myself through.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews