The Swift and the Harrier

by Minette Walters

Dorset, 1642. When bloody civil war breaks out between the King and Parliament, families and communities across England are riven by different allegiances.

A rare few choose neutrality.

One such is Jayne Swift, a Dorset physician from a Royalist family, who offers her services to both sides in the conflict. Through her dedication to treating the sick and wounded, regardless of belief, Jayne becomes a witness to the brutality of war and the devastation it wreaks. Yet her recurring companion at every event is a man she should despise because he embraces civil war as the means to an end. She knows him as William Harrier, but is ignorant about every other aspect of his life. His past is a mystery and his future uncertain.

The Swift and the Harrier is a sweeping tale of adventure and loss, sacrifice and love, with a unique and unforgettable heroine at its heart.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Romance, Audiobook, Adult, British Literature

485 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 4, 2021

About the author

Minette Walters (born 26 September 1949) is a British mystery writer. After studying at Trevelyan College, University of Durham, she began writing in 1987 with The Ice House, which was published in 1992. She followed this with The Sculptress (1993), which received the 1994 Edgar Award for Best Novel. She has been published in 35 countries and won many awards.

The Sculptress has been adapted for television in a BBC series starring Pauline Quirke. Her novels The Ice House, The Echo, The Dark Room, and The Scold's Bridle have also been adapted by the BBC.

Reviews

[Ellie Spencer (catching up from hiatus) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rounded up from around 4.5 stars ⭐️

The Swift and the Harrier follows the lives of Jayne Swift, a female doctor defying societal expectations, and William Harrier, a man determined to prove himself. Their lives are forced to intertwine throughout the civil war.

I admit, I have studied the civil war a little in school, and watched movies or tv shows about it. But until now I didn’t really understand what was actually going on. This book has taught me so much about English history and I am extremely grateful for that. I also thought it was beautifully written. I found myself laughing some times, and with tears in my eyes at other times. The story Minette crafted was so vivid, I felt like I was living the lives alongside the characters.

I absolutely loved the characters in this story. Swift and Harrier both have such strength and kindness, I fell in love with both of them. My only complaint is that at times I struggled to follow who some of the characters were. I think a family tree at the start of the book might have helped me to follow this easier, as there did seem to be a large number of characters. That being said I loved what this book teaches. It does not just teach us about history. It teaches us about the importance of kindness, strength, empathy, respect and the ability to be yourself no matter what others think.

I would recommend this to any historical fiction fans! I want to thank Readers First, Allen & Unwin publishers and Minette Walters for allowing me to read this book and give my personal thoughts.

[Ceecee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s 19th August 1642 and physician Jayne Swift tries to negotiate a path through the crowds gathered in Dorchester to watch the execution of Catholic priests as the city has enthusiastically embraced Puritanism. She wants to get to her cousin Ruth’s house as her son is gravely ill. She waits in a doorway that proves to be owned by Lady Alice Strickland and there the Swift meets the Harrier - William Harrier..... who appears to be acting as Alice’s footman. This is the start of a gripping novel which seamlessly weaves fact with fiction with the civil war raging throughout the kingdom and at the centre a developing and fascinating love story.

The English Civil War + strong women + medicine is a match made in heaven for me!!! Jayne Swift absolutely captivates, she’s a central protagonist that keeps you intrigued throughout. Jayne’s vow of neutrality, her desire to use her extensive medical knowledge for the good of all, her intelligence, quick wittedness, kindness and straight honest talking makes you admire her more and more. As for William Harrier, what an enigma, a real chameleon, he’s a mystery in as far as who or what exactly is he??? This conundrum unfolds really well and he is also a colourful and excellently portrayed character. I think it’s fair to say that the large cast of characters are all deftly conveyed so you can picture them in your minds eye, in particular Lady Alice.

This historical novel is meticulously researched, the developing civil war, the conspiracies, backstabbing, reprisals, religious and political divisions that split families including Jaynes, the brutality of war, the war weariness and deprivation and the dramatic conclusion in January 1649 are entwined in the life of Jayne and Will. It’s well plotted and paced, there’s a great ending, it’s beautifully written in a lively and colourful way. In places it’s gritty as Jayne assists in helping the injured and surgery at this time is not pretty. I really enjoy the medical side of the storytelling with Jayne having been trained by Dr Richard Theale who is ‘modern’ in his approach versus the magical, weird and not so wonderful of other physicians.

Overall, this is historical fiction at its best with strong women at the centre of the storytelling. This fits with the times as the civil war allowed ‘warrior women’ such as Lady Brilliana Hardy to make their mark. The writing is peppered with humour and scenes so lively they spring off the pages. I’ve been an admirer of Minette Walters for years and continue to do so. If you like Historical Fiction and especially the civil war then I highly recommend this one.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Atlantic Books, Allen and Unwin for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is historical fiction at its best! Well researched facts woven into to an intelligent and interesting tale of two singular people, as they each live their lives the way they want in the midst of the English civil wars (1642-1649).

Jayne Swift, daughter of landed gentry, has eschewed marriage and instead trained in medicine, a most unusual area for a woman at the time. At the opening of the book it is 1642 and Jayne has been summoned by Lady Alice Strickland on behalf of Jayne's cousin Ruth to treat her desperately ill child. It is at Lady Alice's that she first meets William Harrier who she takes to be Lady Alice's footman, but he will later appear to her in many other guises.

With England divided between the Royalists supporting the King Charles I and his right to absolute rule and the Parliamentarians who believe Parliament has the right to represent the people, Jayne will find herself thrust into the middle of a siege running a hospital and treating men and women of horrendous wounds.

The novel avoids long passages describing specific battles by concentrating on the general course of the war and instead focusing on the men who are fighting, often as unpaid volunteers who nothing more than to go home, as well those living on the land trying to protect their crops and livestock from looters. Jayne and William's relationship is a gentle, bantering one of sporadic meetings over the years, allowing them to develop both friendship and respect for one another. The novel is well paced and totally absorbing. Recommended for all lovers of historical fiction.

With many thanks to Allen & Unwin for a copy to read

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

England, 1642. The story is set during a time when King Charles I wants to have absolute power and the Parliament is asking for shared power.

Jayne Swift, whose father is Royalist, was trained to be a physician by a doctor, who made no distinction between political or religious belief. Her pledge is to treat the sick to the best of her ability regardless of any circumstances.

At the beginning of the story, we are briefly introduced to Jayne and William Harrier. From the beginning, she is attracted to him, but doesn’t know his standing. She is neutral and he remains a mystery.

The scenes are pretty descriptive and what I was missing during those long scenes was character development. There is quite a lot of repetition. The same thing being repeated twice or three times within the same scene.

When it comes to the character of Jayne, I love strong female characters, but the way she demands respect for women is questionable if it’s realistic for the time period. Also, the knowledge she has of the medicine, it seems as she obtained it in the 21st century.

The setting is very interesting and that’s what interested me into this story. I think it comes down to the style of writing. If you’re not picky about character-development and enjoy descriptive writing, then it might be a book for you.

Source: ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Janelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyable historical fiction set in Dorset during the English Civil War. The main character Jayne Swift is a physician and William Harrier is a bit of a mystery man. When Jayne first meets him he is acting as a footman for Lady Alice Stickland. The setting and time period is interesting to me and while I’m sure the female characters were unrepresentative of the realities of the times (independent, free thinking, strong etc) it was a definite pleasure to read.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautifully written story, filled with history and so well told by the author, this time in England was hard where family pitted against family and friend against friend as the people fought for the Royalists or the Parliamentarians and we meet Mistress Jayne Swift, physician and Sir William Harrier in a tale not to be missed.

Jayne is the daughter of gentry in Dorset and England is on the cusp of civil war, Jayne has her opinions and is neutral, being a physician her opinion is to help people not hurt although many do not think of her as a doctor she is honoured by many especially when war breaks out and Jayne is there to save them

Jayne first meets William when she arrives at Lady Alice’s home, who is a parliamentarian and he is her footman, as the story unfolds William is often in different disguise and Jayne is not sure whose side he is on but she does come to know that he is there to protect her whenever he can and their friendship grows as does the war and the injured people, men woman and children are hurt and starving and Jayne works tirelessly to do what she can.

As the war rages Jayne continues to work with the injured getting caught up in the siege at Lyme where she runs the hospital she continues to stay neutral and is stubborn to a fault and stands her ground she shows such strength and courage and the respect grows for the woman physician who can’t be called a doctor.

I read this one slowly, I savoured every word, yes it is brutal, harsh and cruel at times but sadly that is war, but the author has done it so well, so very well I loved this story, I loved learning the history and I loved seeing Jayne and William find happiness together even though it takes many years for the war to end. I would highly recommend this story, really it is not to be missed.

My thanks to Allen & Unwin for my copy to read and review

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having very much enjoyed Minette Walters first historical fiction The Last Hours set in the time of the Black Death I was excited to see that this novel set in one of my favourite time periods – the English Civil War
The beginning starts straight into the action, with our main protagonist Jayne Swift surrounded by a seething mob on their way to an execution.

Jayne is a physician who, though highly skilled in her vocation, is not allowed to call herself a doctor due to being a woman.
She is struggling through the crowd in order to attend her cousin’s son who is very ill.
Although they are unknown to her, she is assisted in this endeavor by Lady Stickland and the mysterious William and it is not immediately clear why they are so eager to help her.
Jayne reaches her destination and in treating her cousin’s son displays her skill, demonstrating the power of scientific method and highlighting the danger of superstitious religious fanaticism.

The description of the execution is shockingly realistic but should not be unfamiliar to anyone with knowledge of the religious conflicts of the era and the orgy of cruel violence perpetrated by the cousin’s husband at the execution is in stark contrast to the bleak severity of the oppressive Puritan regime imposed on the women of the household.

The main part of the story concerns the Royalist siege on the Parliamentary supporters at Lyme where Jayne sets up a hospital to treat the wounded. Although they are dealing with the results of a violent siege, the horror of war is portrayed through its effect on characters. The narrative occupies itself with treatments for wounds and interpersonal relationships not returning to the shocking gore of the execution.
A stunning amount of research must have been required for these scenes but the author has a light touch and the information is conveyed to the reader as an integral part of the story.

Despite the repetitive nature of the siege, the pace never slows, the story is interesting and exciting.
However, the story does have some pacing problems later on.
Once the siege is over the narrative resorts to exposition with a lot of the intervening story told in an epistolary fashion. This is followed by some more lively action scenes and the story comes to a natural ending.
Unfortunately, the story is based on history and the war did not end at this point. Thus, the narrative is required to continue a little longer and I felt this section was more suited to an epilogue.

I was also a little surprised that the main theme of this story was a romance though there was little romantic interaction between the characters and it felt a little ‘bare’ to me.

On a more historical level, although Jayne claims to be neutral, the author seemed to be less so.
Though the narrative starts with the horrific execution carried out by Puritans by the last half of the story most of the characters seemed to be leaning towards the Parliamentarians and are favourably influenced by General Cromwell’s behaviour, conveniently ignoring the fact that much of the support for Cromwell and the Parliamentarians comes from the same Puritans who were so eager to execute a priest.
Cromwell may have behaved graciously in genteel company but was enough of a Puritan to cancel the celebration of Christmas while in power and was considered enough of a tyrant that after his death the monarchy was reinstated.
They also seemed impressed by the discipline and efficiency of Cromwell’s New Model Army. I am sure the Irish were as ‘impressed’ with the cruel efficiency with which Cromwell’s New Model Army put down the Irish Rebellion.

Despite my above reservations I do realise this is historical fiction and that a certain poetic license is to be expected.
I found this book very enjoyable and written with the author’s clear, pleasant style. I would definitely recommend it. A solid 4 stars.

I received this book from Net Galley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always associated Minette Walters with crime novels. I didn’t realise she wrote historical novels as well. This one is set in the Civil War between 1642 and 1649. It is set in Dorset, which was in an awkward position between Royalist Cornwall and Parliamentarian London. Quite a lot happened in Dorset in these years, but Walters focuses on West Dorset and in particular the siege of Lyme Regis in 1644. As well as a historical novel it’s also billed as a love story. Thankfully there isn’t a great deal of that as the two main protagonists spend most of their time apart.
Jayne Swift is a physician, a rare occurrence at this time, who over the period of the novel develops her skills. She is part of the siege of Lyme Regis and so there are plenty of medical descriptions. The other part of the equation, William Harrier is on the Parliamentarian side doing a variety of jobs, some of them secret. Jayne’s family is split between both sides. Walters explores these tensions.
As it happens I am also reading another book about the Civil War, Hill’s The World Turned Upside Down. That is an analysis of all the different groups and beliefs that the war threw up. These groups were countrywide and very common, although they don’t show up here. The Clubmen do though. Towards the end of the war minor landowners and gentry often grouped together to protect themselves from marauding soldiers of both sides.
One of the reasons Walters picked this period was the fallout from the Brexit Referendum which divided the country, as the Civil War did in the 1640s.
This is all fairly anodyne stuff and trundles along fairly easily. It didn’t really make me feel strongly one way or the other.

[Kylie H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really did not know what to expect when I received this book and was delightfully surprised.
Set in the 1640's during a long civil war in England, this tells the tale of Jayne Swift, a young woman well ahead of her time. Jayne is a trained physician, determined to remain neutral through the war she is drawn into the town of Lyme Regis during a siege where she sets up and runs a successful hospital for wounded soldiers and civilians.
Headstrong, Jayne dodges all attempts by her parents to find her a suitor who will not expect her to sit and sew and be the perfect housewife. Meanwhile her path keeps crossing with the mysterious William Harrier who appears to be more than a footman to Lady Alice Stickland. Rumours indicate he has had a somewhat notorious upbringing and Jayne is intrigued to find out more.
This is not a gentle Jane Austen style novel, there is a very brutal torture at the outset and the tales of wounds and war injuries, as well as their treatments are quite graphic in their description.
Thank you Allen & Unwin for the uncorrected proof that I won. I can highly recommend this book 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5★

If I'm reading into the dedication correctly, Minette Walters spent her 2020 lockdown about 1000% more productively than many of us, producing this, her 3rd historical fiction novel, and proving that the Black Death novels were not a fluke but the clarion call of a masterful change in direction for this bestselling writer. In this genre, Walters has become a favourite author.

*Note that the only connections between this novel and the Black Death novels are the genre and the Dorset location.*

It is 1642 and civil war is just beginning when we are introduced to our main characters, Jayne Swift and William Harrier, in a chaotically crowded Dorchester street. Jayne is a woman ahead of her time. In her late twenties she is unmarried and is gaining a reputation across the county as a highly effective physician, although she may not claim the title of Doctor, as women at that time are still excluded from the qualification. William is...an enigma. Introduced to Jayne as a footman to Lady Alice Strickland, he is a man who clearly has his own accomplishments and wields more influence in the household than might be expected of any other footman. The two work together to successfully resolve a volatile domestic situation in a nearby home, and from that point begin a kind of admiring friendship and partnership of mutual support under the patronage of Lady Alice.

The civil war continues. The neutral Swift and the Parliamentarian Harrier are brought together a number of times to protect the people of Dorset. Jayne's reputation grows, while William's persona changes and evolves - footman, captain, lord, colonel, Royalist, Parliamentarian - he is whatever he needs to be. Jayne doesn't know, nor does she really ask. All she needs to know is that she can trust him and rely upon him to do the right thing.

This was a fabulous read, and I took my time over it, enjoying my return to 1640s Dorset each day. The civil war is a period of British history that wasn't familiar to me, so Wikipedia got a bit of a workout along the way, too. Walters creates a vivid picture of Dorset in this era, and brings in the well-known historical figures to add extra shade as needed. The two main characters are wonderful, but even the supporting characters are carefully drawn and many are likely to be highly memorable. There is a lot of history, plenty of drama and a bit of humour, too, plus a dusting of romance. The only reason I knocked off half a star is because I felt the siege of Lyme Regis dragged ever so slightly.

Highly recommended to both lovers of historical fiction and those who simply enjoy a good tale.

Thanks to Allen&Unwin for an uncorrected proof to read and review.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an ok read, set in Dorset during the English Civil War, and featuring Jayne Swift, an interesting character, the daughter of a wealthy landowner, who isn’t interested in marriage, or any of the normal female interests of her time.
She has trained as a physician, and as you would expect in those times, she struggles to be accepted, and to be taken seriously.

A nice enough read, well very written but just a little too predictable, and Jayne is just a little too good to be true....
All the expected things happen, she’s involved in battles, sieges, and often saves the day.
There’s a romance....family conflicts, reconciliations.......some decent characters, but.......

I think that for me, this story suffered from my comparing it to The King's General by Daphne du Maurier, which was probably unfair, but in my humble opinion, it just wasn’t in the same class.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book to end this year of reading with! Minette Walters has been a favorite author through the years, but I wasn't that satisfied with her historical fiction of late. Now having read this book that satisfies all my criteria for "a perfect book" I will just have to revisit the recent plague books to give them another chance? Maybe. Whatever I decide about that, this book is going to be read again when I am at a loss and wishing for a perfect historical book to read. This is one.
Considering the timeframe of the action in this book, King Charles I is only in the shadows. The action is focused on how the king's actions generated coalitions of factions within the kingdom, splitting families, towns and countries. Narrowed down to some very interesting, attractive characters at the center of the action during the English Civil War, the reader comes to understand the competing loyalties for all sectors of the population.
The Swift and Harrier in this tale are the two main characters, one a dedicated female physician and one a dedicated military man, both with very interesting family backgrounds. No spoilers.
Great Read!

[Em__Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lively adventure THE SWIFT AND THE HARRIER by Minette Walters turned out to be! This story takes place during the English Civil War (mid 17th century). It’s the first book I’ve read about this time in English history and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Walters give us two heroic characters in Jayne Swift and William Harrier. Jayne is a well respected and in-demand physician, even though being a woman means her training will never be formally recognised. She tends as diligently to the poor as she does the wealthy, and when civil war battles take place in her part of the world, she helps the injured of both sides. Jayne meets William, a footman, and as the war progresses, their paths cross multiple times. Jayne realises William is not just a footman – if he ever was one. He has only ever been helpful to Jayne, and he is lauded by his colleagues, but his chameleon appearances and disguises have Jayne wondering who he really is. More importantly is he friend or a foe?

Walters covers many topics in this book, and we readers get a front row seat for the journey. We witness the barbarity people invoke in the name of their beliefs. We’re observers during major battles. We watch people banding together to help one another, as well as seeing the liberties others take to gain their spoils of war.

Beyond the battles and the political machinations, I was really interested in Jayne’s work as a physician. As a keen learner and forward thinker, Jayne was still hampered by the overall lack of scientific knowledge in the entire profession at that time in history. Interestingly, some modern medical practices have reverted to ‘old-fashioned’ remedies that Jayne uses in this book.

The language flowed nicely and I found the book easy to read. I’ll admit I am fickle about language. I don’t want 21st century dialogue in an historical tale, but neither do I want to read the kind of spoken English I will erroneously describe as ‘Shakespearean-like’ that I struggle to understand and find difficult to read effortlessly. The introductory notes about the English Civil War and the couple of maps helped in staging the setting so I didn’t feel lost.

Walters skilfully weaves together fact and fiction into the overall plot, giving reading a chance to experience and witness that period of time. Fans of historical fiction should definitely consider giving this book a go.


Review copy courtesy of Allen & Unwin

[Jennifer Litchfield · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Swift and the Harrier is one of those nice books that’s not only a jolly good tale, but at the end you realise that you’ve painlessly and enjoyably learned quite a bit of history too.

In this case the history relates to the seventeenth century English Civil War and (fictional) protagonist Jayne Swift’s non-partisan work as a female physician in a male-dominated world. The chapters relating to the siege of Lyme Regis are brilliantly written and give a real insight into the fear combined with keep-calm-and-carry-on attitude shown by everyday residents of an everyday town. War really does have no winners: everyone loses regardless of allegiance.

Something that may irritate readers is the too-good-to-be-true characteristics of both the main characters, but William in particular. But this is a fairly minor quibble, and will likely only detract from the enjoyment of the story if you’re setting about reading whilst in an antagonistic mood.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

1642: England is divided, on the cusp of civil war. The Royalist Papists are parrying the Puritan Parliamentarians, who want King Charles I to grant certain powers to his people through their elected representatives in parliament. Towns and families are in dispute, schisms everywhere.
Religion and politics are a perilous mix but Jayne Swift is determined to remain impartial, defying convention by plying her trade as a physician in Dorset at a time when women cannot be granted license to practice. Jayne’s cousin Ruth calls for her skills to minister to her toddler whose health is failing due to quackery and dubious remedies imposed by her bullying husband Samuel Morecott. He’s denying the household the living allowance provided by Ruth’s father, instead using the funds to buy influence with the Parliamentarians. Ruth has timed the visit when Samuel is absent attending the hanging of priests, a vivid display of the heated and divisive attitudes of the day, and at which his cruelty becomes apparent . Whilst Jayne attempts to make her way though the frenzied crowd she is fortuitously assisted by Lady Alice Stickland and her footman William. Jayne enlists their aid to extricate Ruth and the child from their perilous situation, making a stand against Samuel and earning his rancour. Jayne comes to appreciate the unconventional Lady Alice and the dissimulation by her faithful, valorous William.
War inevitably arrives, with press-ganged youths who’d rather desert than fight and German mercenaries intent on theft and pillaging. Furtively summoned to Puritan Alice’s home to secretly treat a heavily guarded Royalist soldier Jayne’s unusual but successful methods ensure his survival. She is offered, but declines, the bestowing by Royal Prerogative the title of Doctor. She would prefer to treat all who need her regardless of their beliefs or allegiances, than be coerced as the private physician of a royal and his entourage. Fluent in German, William overhears the identity of the soldier and the circumstances surrounding his wounding – information detrimental to the Royalist cause but dangerous to expose.
Jayne’s path crosses with all three men again at the siege of Lyme Regis where she manages a disused hospital, her competence and methods gaining her the respect of the troops, commanders and previously unimpressed local male physicians. And the support and devotion of the local women who she trains as nurses and admires for their courage in defending their homes. Samuel has risen the ranks of Parliamentarians and accuses her as being a Royalist sympathiser and spy. The wounded Royalist has become the besieger and questions Jayne’s neutrality. Her future is precarious at the hands of both sides of the war. William, on familiar terms with the Admiral of the Fleet and the garrison’s commander arrives when all seems lost, playing a central role in the town’s resurgence to repel a Royalist rout. Who is this enigmatic footman, seemingly a man of many guises and abilities? Their meetings are fleeting, with so much left unsaid ... infuriating, intriguing, and a little titillating. Will Mistress Swift outdistance the birds of prey threatening her and what is the Harrier hunting? When Oliver Cromwell’s New Model Army is tasked with decisively ending the war what role will William Harrier play. And how will he factor into the life of this strong, principled woman?
Fans of ‘The Last Hours’ and ‘The Turn of Midnight’ will definitely enjoy this latest historical novel by Minette Walters. Likeable characters, strong protagonists, attention to detail at it’s finest.

With thanks to Allen & Unwin for an advanced reading copy.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5★s
The Swift and The Harrier is a stand-alone novel by best-selling award-winning British author, Minette Walters. It’s 1642 and Britain is divided: the Royalists support the King’s divine right to rule; the Parliamentarians believe the people deserve a say in their fates. Physician Jayne Swift, like her mentor, chooses to remain neutral, ready to treat the ill and injured of either persuasion.

She first encounters William Harrier when on a mercy mission to Dorchester, to treat the gravely ill baby son of her cousin Ruth. A footman for Lady Alice Stickland, she is told, but from his behaviour she quickly concludes there is more to the man. But he does prove instrumental in helping Ruth Morecott and her son escape from a cruel and negligent husband.

A year later, she’s responding to a request from Lady Alice, who is apparently held captive in her own house by Royalist dragoons demanding she summon her physician. William poses as Jayne’s brother to ensure her safety while treating a petulant prince posing as a common soldier. She understands William is for the Parliamentarians, but by this time, she has concluded he is very likely a spy.

Jayne’s work takes her all over Dorset, and she is in Lyme Regis when the Royalists put it under siege. She finds herself running the hospital and treating the battle injuries of townspeople and prisoners with radical remedies, and gaining the respect of the town and even the male physicians. During another brief encounter William, it becomes apparent there might be feelings there, but war is still raging….

The choice of a female physician as a protagonist is a clever one, because in that profession Jayne Swift can access almost all areas, and certainly many which would be closed to less qualified women in the seventeenth Century. It also gives her some unusual weapons in her armoury. Jayne is an intelligent woman, spirited and of independent mind, vocal in her opinions, a very likeable character.

With this story, Walters demonstrates the effects of a long-running civil war on the common people, where unpaid armies encourage plunder as payment, where food is taken leaving populations starving, where conscripts would rather be home, where the fatigue of such long years lead to farmers banding together to resist appropriation of their crops and stock. And where loyalties are divided, even amongst families. Quite a different perspective.

While readers might tend not to choose seventeenth Century British history, when Minette Walters is writing it, it shouldn’t be automatically rejected. Never dry or boring, this is history with interesting characters and thousands of fascinating tidbits woven in, with witty and amusing dialogue, with action, drama and even a bit of romance: who can resist!! Enthralling historical fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by Allen & Unwin.

[Ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Swift and the Harrier is set over the 10 years of the first English Civil War.

Jayne (Swift) is a physician who treats rich and poor, royalist or parliamentarian equally. But as someone who refuses to take a side, she runs the risk of being mistrusted by both sides.

She first meets William (Harrier) when jostled by a turbulent crowd excited over the execution of a catholic priest she seeks shelter in the home of Lacy Alice, a puritan woman. William, Lacy Alice's footman is enlisted to escort her to the home of her patient.

And from that first meeting, every time she meets William, he is someone different. Sometimes a royalist, sometimes a parliamentarian, sometimes a merchant.

The Swift and the Harrier is very much Historical Fiction with a touch of romance. It places Jayne and William in real events of the Civil War but takes license in service to the story. A lot of license. It dragged out the ending a little more than it needed to but overall it was an entertaining story.

[aliri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I honestly read till 40%, but after that point I got so bored (more precisely, boredom accumulated and reached the limit) and started skipping all the exhausting war summaries. I expected some kind of plot alongside the author’s retelling of a historical event, but the whole plot was that same historical retelling and Jayne healing people. Sometimes she met with William and they had conversations with no meaning, from which we learned nothing important or interesting about them. Probably because there wasn’t much to learn about these two. Jayne is who she stated to be: a good doctor, and nothing more. William is just William: a mysterious gentleman with the same flavorless character as Jayne. No one caught my attention; I couldn’t build any emotional connection with them because we just didn’t spend enough time in their heads. Nothing moves the plot, except for the historical event, but even it doesn’t feel like the “plot”, more like a background.

There’s no chemistry between Jayne and William. Yes, they meet several times, they’re interested in each other, but this interest is not enough: it doesn’t convince me as a reader that it leads them to romantic feelings, so their relationship felt flat. And in the end, the most important events for them (like their marriage or family life, even if it could’ve been in between William’s absence) weren’t shown, just skimmed over.

I thought it would be a story about a cool female doctor in old times, but it seemed like the author was afraid of taking a closer look on the topic of “women deserve more” or letting Jayne speak or even think about it more. Yes, people are skeptical about Jayne all the time because she’s a female doctor, and Jayne gives them all the right answers to their distrust and whatever, but it’s not enough because the author only shows us how Jayne deals with sexism but not what she thinks about it. It’d be great if there were more discussions of it, even between women if not with men; there were some short conversations, but it’s just not enough, and with such a story theme (a female doctor in old times at war who struggles with people’s distrust solely because she’s a woman) it felt (to me) like there should’ve been more. Of course, the author is the one who decides what should go into their book and what shouldn’t, so I’m just saying what would’ve helped me to like the story more than I did.

TLDR: this book is more about bland historical retelling and some info about medicine than anything else. There’s no message. The main characters are dry, though they had potential. The plot is very weak; I wish the author spent more time on the characters rather than writing a summary about the war.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first chapter of this book, opening with a bang, sets the scene for an enthralling story set in the English Civil War. You need a strong stomach for the first barbaric incident related here. The battles are wonderfully depicted. You can almost hear the screams as men are blasted with old fashioned weaponry.
Jayne Swift, the central character of this novel, is exceptional for the fact she's a female doctor in a time when this was not the norm. She remains neutral as to her allegiances and vows to help the wounded on both sides but it's her character that shines through and makes you interested in the outcome of her story.
William Harrier, her love interest, is a chameleon. A man of many disguises, we're never sure who he really is. The love story is understated but fits perfectly into the novel.
The fact and fiction parts of the book blend seamlessly. I've always been interested in this part of history and learned a lot here.
This is my first book by this author and I've already purchased another on the strength of this one.
I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a good, solid story with fantastically drawn characters. The historical element is an added bonus.

Grateful thanks to Netgalley and Atlantic Books, Allen & Unwin for an early copy of this book to read and review.

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Swift and the Harrier makes delightful reading. Set in the English Civil War period, we follow the story of Jayne Swift, an independent-minded physician, whose neutrality oath took neither the side of the Catholic Royalists nor the Puritan Parliamentarians when offering her medical service. The book didn’t focus as much on the warfare itself but used it as the background to set the motion of Jayne’s subsequent career as a renowned physician and escapade during the civil war. I think Minette Walters has the gift of concocting good historical fiction. Every chapter is full of intrigues and trickery, lessons and redemption. This book is hardly boring and very entertaining. I even enjoy reading the various healing methods and medicines that were prescribed by Jayne Swift.

The other protagonist, William Harrier, is quite a mysterious character but in a good way. William was resourceful, observant, well-informed, and charming. Often seen with different identities in different places but always protective and respectful of Jayne Swift, even at a distance. All the principal characters in this story, including the antagonists, were written very well with a thought-provoking past background. It made you think and ponder that the past could well have haunted these characters and shaped their personality but did not define the choice that they make.

The main champion in this book is the political intrigue among all the characters participating in the civil war. As I previously mentioned, the author didn’t focus heavily so much on the warfare but replaced it with the battle of wits between all the characters, sometimes it can be quite bloody too just like what happened in the early chapters when a particular fortune-hunter named Samuel Morecott decided to brutally murder a condemned Catholic priest after a failed public execution.

Imagining Samuel Morecott rousing the Puritan crowds to hurl insult at the Catholic priest shortly before the priest’s execution and his subsequent savage murder by Morecott. Original picture is the drawing of Richard Challoner and Nathaniel Tomkins execution in 1643, at the Holborn end of Fetter Lane, for their part in Waller’s Plot, a Royalist conspiracy against the Puritan forces in London. One of the two is shown making a speech from the ladder, prior to their hanging. Drawn by J.M.L.R. and John Quartley.

Unfortunately, the Siege of Lyme Regis arc was very slow in its storytelling pace. Whereas other events in Jayne’s life were told at a considerably quicker pace including the ending which I think could be elaborated further because I felt a little bit anticlimactic after all their journey through the English Civil War. Nonetheless, the Swift and the Harrier is still an entertaining book. Highly recommended!

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5★s
The Swift and The Harrier is a stand-alone novel by best-selling award-winning British author, Minette Walters. The audio version is narrated by Emma Gregory. It’s 1642 and Britain is divided: the Royalists support the King’s divine right to rule; the Parliamentarians believe the people deserve a say in their fates. Physician Jayne Swift, like her mentor, chooses to remain neutral, ready to treat the ill and injured of either persuasion.

She first encounters William Harrier when on a mercy mission to Dorchester, to treat the gravely ill baby son of her cousin Ruth. A footman for Lady Alice Stickland, she is told, but from his behaviour she quickly concludes there is more to the man. But he does prove instrumental in helping Ruth Morecott and her son escape from a cruel and negligent husband.

A year later, she’s responding to a request from Lady Alice, who is apparently held captive in her own house by Royalist dragoons demanding she summon her physician. William poses as Jayne’s brother to ensure her safety while treating a petulant prince posing as a common soldier. She understands William is for the Parliamentarians, but by this time, she has concluded he is very likely a spy.

Jayne’s work takes her all over Dorset, and she is in Lyme Regis when the Royalists put it under siege. She finds herself running the hospital and treating the battle injuries of townspeople and prisoners with radical remedies, and gaining the respect of the town and even the male physicians. During another brief encounter William, it becomes apparent there might be feelings there, but war is still raging….

The choice of a female physician as a protagonist is a clever one, because in that profession Jayne Swift can access almost all areas, and certainly many which would be closed to less qualified women in the seventeenth Century. It also gives her some unusual weapons in her armoury. Jayne is an intelligent woman, spirited and of independent mind, vocal in her opinions, a very likeable character.

With this story, Walters demonstrates the effects of a long-running civil war on the common people, where unpaid armies encourage plunder as payment, where food is taken leaving populations starving, where conscripts would rather be home, where the fatigue of such long years lead to farmers banding together to resist appropriation of their crops and stock. And where loyalties are divided, even amongst families. Quite a different perspective.

While readers might tend not to choose seventeenth Century British history, when Minette Walters is writing it, it shouldn’t be automatically rejected. Never dry or boring, this is history with interesting characters and thousands of fascinating tidbits woven in, with witty and amusing dialogue, with action, drama and even a bit of romance: who can resist!! Enthralling historical fiction.

[Theresa Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Minette Walters has given us an historical fiction to rival no other. In her latest release, she takes us back in time to Dorset, 1642, the English Civil War, and while you might be forgiven for thinking that an historical novel about war will be heavy going, it’s a true testament to Minette’s skill as a writer that she has again suffused the story with such a richly authentic atmosphere, brimming with historical detail, right down to the battles, whilst still maintaining an accessibility that would rival a contemporary novel. The characterisation is superb, the drama intense, and the historical retelling fascinating.

I loved Jayne Swift, right from the start. She was so fiercely intelligent, loyal to her own true path and to those she loved no matter their allegiance within the war. She was never arrogant or insufferable, but rather, a testimony to the strength of women, a key theme that is recurrent in Minette’s historical novels. I liked the easy relationship she formed with William Harrier, one that was above all else imbued with respect. Each of their encounters was entertaining and heart-warming and I particularly enjoyed witnessing their unravelling of the web of lies that had been woven about William’s identity. The early practices of medicine and surgery, particularly within a war environment, were of particular interest to me.

I knew next to nothing about this English Civil War going in, so I thoroughly enjoyed Minette’s retelling, which was richly detailed, yet completely easy to keep track of. I found her representation of the divide between family, friends, and households gripping, as some favoured one side over the other, and this was belief based, not geographical. This was both a religious and a political war, another aspect that I found interesting to read about and contemplate. I also have more historical context now as to who Oliver Cromwell was.

I look forward to the next historical fiction by Minette Walters, which I am sure will be as brilliant as the three she has written so far. She is firmly one of my favourite authors now and it was an honour to have a cover quote from my review of The Turn of Midnight inside the Australian edition of The Swift and The Harrier.

Thanks to the publisher for the review copy.

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

“As long as the message is signed “Harrier”, I shall know it comes from you.
swift never forgets a meeting with a hawk.”

My thanks to Atlantic Books Allen & Unwin for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Swift and the Harrier’ by Minette Walters in exchange for an honest review.

1642, Dorset. Civil war has broken out between the King and Parliament. Families and communities across the land are divided by different allegiances. Only a rare few choose neutrality.

Jayne Swift has trained as a physician and though unable to be formally recognised she has gained the respect of many in the county. While from a Royalist family, Jayne offers her medical skills to both sides in the conflict. Through her perspective we witness the brutality of the war and the devastation left in its wake.

At the opening of the novel Jayne is in Dorchester to attend Lady Alice Strickland. She meets William Harrier, introduced as Lady Alice’s footman. However, as their paths continue to cross it becomes clear that there is much more to the enigmatic William than Jayne first realised.

In recent years Minette Walters has successfully moved from writing crime thrillers to these sweeping historical epics. I found this a solidly plotted work of historical fiction with a romantic element that wasn’t overly soppy but rather developed organically.

I found Jayne Swift a brilliant lead character. She clearly was dedicated to her role as a physician while being realistic that it would remain an unofficial one. She is rebellious in some ways, like wearing britches under her dresses in order to comfortably ride astride, yet remains respectful of her family’s place in society.

I appreciated Walters depiction of the civil war in the South of England as well as the interactions between its various well realised characters.

While not an avid reader of romance, I also appreciated the way in which Walters wove it into the narrative. As such, I was reminded of the works of Jane Austen even though in ‘The Swift and the Harrier’ the realities of the civil war took precedence over balls.

Overall, I found this a highly engaging read that strongly evoked its setting and period. I was pleased that Walters had included a note about the English civil war at the beginning including facsimile maps as it provided the historical context for the story that followed.

On a side note I liked the symbolism of the swift and harrier, including its use on the stunning cover art.

[Heidi (MinxyD14) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not being able to find the physical book in my travels the last few months, I have been anxiously awaiting the US release of this book in Audible and Kindle formats. It was honestly worth every moment of the wait.

The writing is polished, and the storytelling truly exceeded my expectations in conveying how divided, and uncertain people were during the English Civil Wars. The passion of the time and dialogue are equally balanced with the clever character development and symbolism. William and Jayne were compelling MCs from the very beginning. It starts with some intense scenes surrounding the execution of Catholic priests and manages to maintain the pace of suspense throughout with just enough detail of unpleasant medical procedures to make it believable without being ghastly.

As in all good historical fiction, the crafting of the fictional characters and believable storylines of real-life characters are skillfully woven together with a detailed account of historical events. The description of the Siege of Lyme Regis (1644) is particularly engrossing from Jayne's perspective as a neutral party, a woman and a physician.

This is my first experience with the author but I was intrigued by my GR friend Teresa's review of the ARC and wanted the book the minute it was available. I recommend this to fellow fans of Stella Riley and her Roundheads and Cavaliers Series.

[Anthony R Cowburn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have always enjoyed Minnette Walters books... I've read many if not most of them. So I had no hesitation in buying this new book. Sadly I thought it was rather poor. Some useful information on the English Civil War (that I found interesting), and a rather obvious love affair that took the whole book to develop. But in reality the story was rather tedious, and although I did finish it, it seemed hard going in the last few pages, with not even any surprising turn of events to brighten it up. I feel bad rating this as 2* as all her other books are outstanding, but this one didn't cut the mustard for me.

[theliterateleprechaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author Minette Walters is to be commended on her ability to place me in the middle of the English Civil War with her spectacular sense of place. Relying on her crime writing background has enabled Walters to pen a truly authentic experience at the gallows. Thankfully, it was as ‘raw’ as it gets.

Walters allows readers a glimpse into the budding relationship between Jayne Swift and William Harrier as it blossomed during the duration of the Civil War. I love that the author chose to make Jayne’s career her singular focus, rather than be sidelined by a romantic interest. Jayne, the daughter of Sir Henry and Lady Margaret Swift of Swyre, is not only nobility but also a physician in a field dominated by males. Choosing neutrality is a choice not many can afford to make as allegiances are drawn as the bloody Civil War continues, but Jayne services sides in the conflict, even as she deals with chauvinistic treatment from others in her field. She defies societal norms and treads a thin line in bringing medical attention to the Catholic Royalists as well as the Puritan Parliamentarians. The novel opens with the outbreak of war in 1642 and ends when King Charles I was executed for treason.

I appreciated the glimpse into what it must have been like to maintain a relationship in the 17th century, the wartime injuries and the class differences in England at this time. I also enjoyed the inclusion of Oliver Cromwell and the energy he brought to the prose. Walters deftly explores what it must have been like when alliances split apart families and friendships and loyalty were continually questioned. The background information provided by the author enriched my reading experience.

I was hoping for more character development and fewer descriptive scenes, but this didn't detract from my enjoyment.

I was gifted this advance copy by Minette Walters, Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[The Cats’ Mother · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Swift and the Harrier is a standalone historical fiction novel by British author Minette Walters, who is better known for her crime fiction. I found it in a holiday park book exchange and gleefully grabbed it as I’ve enjoyed her previous books and was in the mood for something different. Published in 2022, this is about a fictional female physician in the time of the English civil war - which I knew very little about, despite growing up in England (in my defence I went to a French school, but I also hated history as a kid - whereas now I find it fascinating!) I absolutely loved it - the characters, the medical aspects and the real-life events and figures that were skilfully blended into the story.

Jayne Swift is an unmarried young woman from a wealthy Dorset family who has defied convention and trained as a physician under a respected teacher - but is not allowed to call herself a doctor because of her sex. Fiercely independent, she’s happy to treat rich and poor alike, and those on both sides of the nascent war between the forces of Charles I and the parliamentarians led by Oliver Cromwell - but when drawn deeper into the conflict, ultimately Jayne must pick a side.

This had it all - action, adventure, a slow burn romance with an appealing hero, rich historical detail and atmospheric battle scenes, and plenty of well researched medical minutiae - leeches anyone?
I adored Jayne who is intelligent, kind and appropriately bolshy when required, and Lady Alice her elderly friend and occasional saviour. I feel like I learned a lot, and will be looking out for more of Walters’ HF - an easy 5 stars.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Minette Walter's writing and characterisation whatever the genre and I love that she has turned her attention to the English Civil War, one of my favourite periods of history. A substantial chunk is set during the siege of Lyme Regis and I was enthralled. Jayne Swift, a physician determined to stay neutral in the war, perhaps because her family is so divided, is fascinating while William Harrier, a man of many guises, remains mysterious. My favourite characters, though, were Lady Alice, Jayne's father and the Duke. I think the effects of the conflict on the older generations are especially interesting. I would have liked more of some bits and there is a certain inevitability about how it develops but this is a fine novel. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights. 4.5 stars rounded up.

[Amanda Hupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Yet, in view of her dislike of war, she found it ironic that it was conflict that had allowed her skills to be appreciated. In peace, women were considered inferior, under siege, they were granted the same status and authority as men.”

THE SWIFT AND THE HARRIER
Thank you, NetGalley, Minette Walters, and Blackstone Publishing for the opportunity to read this book! It will release on July 12th, 2022.

I have had Minette Walter’s books on my shelf for a long time. I have her Black Death duology: The Last Hours, and The Turn of Midnight. In fact, they are on my Summer Reading List and I had intended to read them before jumping into The Swift and the Harrier. But, time is limited and so The Swift and the Harrier is my first Minette Walters book, but it will not be my last!

The book begins in England, in 1642. The Parliamentarians and Royalists are rising against each other in what would be known as the English Civil War. This civil war was mainly due to differences in governance and religious freedoms. At this time the Catholics were under attack in the never-ending rivalry between Protestants and Catholics. Jane Swift has refused all the suitors thrown her way and has been trained by a physician and has chosen the position of neutrality in the war. It doesn’t take long for her to make a name for herself and has come to the assistance of Lady Alice a staunch Parliamentarian but quite a force. This is how Jayne meets the footman, William Harrier. It is a dangerous time to choose a side and many families are split by their political views. Jayne is determined to stay neutral, but her heart is not.

This is such an immersive historical fiction! The book goes from the beginning of the English Civil War to the execution of the king. Since it goes through so much history, there are some moments that may feel repetitive or feel too long, but I actually enjoyed reading about the back-and-forth strategy and how it affected the people of England with the pillaging and battles. There are quite a few real historical figures that come into play in this book as well which always adds to the realism of the story.

It was fascinating to see Jayne in an unusual position for a lady at the time. Many women would sell home remedies to become midwives, but few, if any were actually trained. But Jayne’s knowledge becomes the centerpiece of this novel. For those looking for a love epic, that is more of a background plot. The true plot is Jayne using her knowledge whenever she can to help those around her even though she is deemed inferior. But throughout this novel, many men will come to see her value and worth.

[Catsbooksandcoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mursejleren og rørhøgen er historisk fiktion, når det er bedst. På flot vis skildres krigens rædsel gennem dens indvirkning på karakterer. I en rigtig flot sammenvævning af fakta og fiktion, formår Walters at give sine læsere chancen for at opleve den historiske periode fra forreste række. Resultatet er en intelligent og medrivende fortælling om to enestående mennesker – der hver især insisterer på at leve deres liv som de vil, selv midt i krigen.

Bogen dækker mange emner. Vi er vidne til det barbari folk kan påberåbe sig i religionens navn. Vi er observatører under de store kampe. Vi ser folk, der har fokus på at hjælpe hinanden, og vi ser folk, der vil gå langt for at få del i krigsbyttet. Men bogen lærer os også om vigtigheden af venlighed, styrke og empati – og evnen til at være tro mod dig selv, uanset hvad andre tænker.

Handlingen er bl.a. fokuseret på, hvordan kongens handlinger skabte fraktioner i kongeriget, der splittede familier. Indsnævret til nogle meget interessante, attraktive karakterer i centrum af handlingen, kommer læseren til at forstå de konkurrerende loyaliteter for alle sektorer af befolkningen.

Religion og politik er en farlig blanding, men Jayne Swift er fast besluttet på at forblive upartisk og trodse konventioner ved at udøve sit fag som læge. I denne proces møder hun William Harrier – manden, hvis kamæleon-forklædninger får Jayne til at overveje, om han reelt er ven eller fjende. De to hovedpersoner er fantastisk tegnet, men også bipersonerne fremstår levende og realistiske.

Sproget er fantastisk, og hele vejen flyder det levende. Nogle scener fremstår så fulde af liv, at de næsten springer ud fra siderne. Plottet, og udgangspunktet i virkelige historiske begivenheder, er rigtigt godt udtænkt. Enkelte steder kommer tempoet dog til at halte, specielt da historien overgår til at blive fortalt i brevform.

Scenerne er meget beskrivende, men bogen undgår at falde i fælden med lange passager om specifikke kampe. I stedet fokuseres på krigens generelle forløb, og de mænd der kæmper. Nogle steder er det grimt, eks. når der opereres, men sådan var det jo reelt i denne tid. Beskrivelsen af en henrettelse fremstår chokerende realistisk, og står i skarp kontrast til puritanerens dystre strenghed.

Mursejleren og rørhøgen anbefales til alle læsere af historisk fiktion.