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The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries #1
Drama and Danger
A thrilling middle grade mystery series, perfect for fans of Robin Steven’s Murder Most Unladylike. Set in eighteenth-century London, with all the fun and zest of Hamilton, Bridgerton fashion and inspired by real Black British historical figures.
Twelve-year-olds Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle are from different worlds – Lizzie lives in Westminster in her dad’s tea shop, while Belle is an heiress being brought up by her aunt and uncle at grand Kenwood House – but they both share a love of solving mysteries.
And when their eyes meet in the audience of the Drury Lane theatre one night, both girls are sure they’ve seen something suspicious on stage.
Lizzie and Belle soon find themselves on the trail of a mystery – and becoming best friends. But can they work out what’s going on in time to prevent a murder?
Twelve-year-olds Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle are from different worlds – Lizzie lives in Westminster in her dad’s tea shop, while Belle is an heiress being brought up by her aunt and uncle at grand Kenwood House – but they both share a love of solving mysteries.
And when their eyes meet in the audience of the Drury Lane theatre one night, both girls are sure they’ve seen something suspicious on stage.
Lizzie and Belle soon find themselves on the trail of a mystery – and becoming best friends. But can they work out what’s going on in time to prevent a murder?
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2022
20 people are currently reading
367 people want to read
About the author
J.T. Williams
36 books23 followersLibrarian Note: There are multiple authors by this name in the Goodreads database.
See also: Fantasy author J.T. Williams
See also: Fantasy author J.T. Williams
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 15, 2025
I received an advance reader copy of this book to listen to in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger is the first book in a new historical fiction series for children set in London and features real (mostly female) black, British historical figures.
Lizzie Sancho lives with her family above their family tea-shop in Westminster. Her father, Ignatius, has been cast as Othello in the theatre production of Shakespeares famous play, and everyone is excited because this will be the first time in history that a black actor has played the part. Even though the character was written as black, only white males have been given the role until now. When Ignatius is almost killed on opening night, only Lizzie and a girl she notices in the audience seem to have seen someone try to kill her father. The other girl is Dido Bell and the pair become firm friends after the incident and launch an investigation of their own to find out which, what, and why someone would want to harm Lizzies beloved father.
The audio was fantastic to listen to, and the narrator did the book a huge justice with her vocal range of character voices and really brought the characters to life. The book sheds light on the times the story is set in, racism, resentment, how people were treated, and much much more. I can't wait to get book 2 (on audio) to see what adventure/investigation the girls will embark on next.
***AUDIO BOOK VERSION***
The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger is the first book in a new historical fiction series for children set in London and features real (mostly female) black, British historical figures.
Lizzie Sancho lives with her family above their family tea-shop in Westminster. Her father, Ignatius, has been cast as Othello in the theatre production of Shakespeares famous play, and everyone is excited because this will be the first time in history that a black actor has played the part. Even though the character was written as black, only white males have been given the role until now. When Ignatius is almost killed on opening night, only Lizzie and a girl she notices in the audience seem to have seen someone try to kill her father. The other girl is Dido Bell and the pair become firm friends after the incident and launch an investigation of their own to find out which, what, and why someone would want to harm Lizzies beloved father.
The audio was fantastic to listen to, and the narrator did the book a huge justice with her vocal range of character voices and really brought the characters to life. The book sheds light on the times the story is set in, racism, resentment, how people were treated, and much much more. I can't wait to get book 2 (on audio) to see what adventure/investigation the girls will embark on next.
June 26, 2022
I am begging you: if you don’t find the life of your key character fundamentally interesting, go and find someone else to write about!
I’ve rarely been so disappointed in a book. I’ve been looking forward to this for ages, and ordered it the second I saw the description. Conceit: A daughter of Ignatius Sancho and the niece of Lord Mansfield, Dido Belle, team up to fight crime!
It’s a fascinating period. As Sancho’s daughter the connections with the great and the good are wide. There is just so much. Ignatius Sancho was a truly fascinating person: he rose from slavery to be a butler and a grocer (and not the owner of a tea room as is described here). We don’t know a huge amount about him, but one of the few things we do know is that he wasn’t the first African (not “African heritage” as described in the book) to play Othello (that was Ira Aldridge in 1825). I could have forgiven the author if the end result in the book was that the play was closed, but they give Sancho a 15 week run. That’s not “imagination” that’s alternative history. But then, there isn’t really much evidence that the author cares about getting things right.
I do like the anti-slavery plot. I just wish the book wasn’t such a mess.
I don’t really know where to start:
(And please don't tell me kids won't care: every historical fiction writer I know has received letters from kids telling them what they got wrong.)
People didn’t own many clothes, no one has a room full of them unless they are hugely wealthy
Clothes were hugely expensive and no one who isn’t wealthy is putting a 12 year old in satin
Women didn’t really wear dresses as we think of them now, they wore layers and pieces tied together
Women’s clothes weren’t really designed to be put on by yourself because no one was ever really on their own. But then there are no servants at all in this household despite it being a relatively prosperous household. A look at Charles Booth’s map of London is illuminating in this regard.
Space was at a premium. Believe me, neither Lizzie nor Tom the stage hand is going to have a room to themselves. Tom is ,likely to be renting a bed, or even a share in a bed, and that’s if he’s doing well.
Mercury is not Kofi’s nickname because he’s swift, it’s the tag his owner will have given him because slaves got the same names white men gave their dogs and there was a fashion for Greek and Roman names.
a 12 year old girl in trousers would be regarded as a harlot looking for trade (the age of consent was 12 and meant the age at which she could be sold by her father not the age at which she could consent).
Not curtsying wasn’t a choice: it means Lizzie is abominably rude.
“Double Letters”: this isn’t a school! With a timetable!
Why does Lizzie have so much spare time? She’s essentially of working age even for the lower middle classes.
If she isn’t working she’d be sewing. Close to all but top coats and mantuas were made at home by the women of the family (and the bit when she admires something because it’s hand sewn really sent my eyebrows up — what else would it be? Welded? She might notice it’s beautifully sewn.) All the children have far too much time.
No child of 12 can afford an already embroidered handkerchief. It’s much more likely anyway that she’d have bought a hanky and embroidered it herself, because that’s what women did. Most better off women learned to sew at the same time as they learned their letters and were highly skilled)
The author has no idea about either the press or the theatre of the period: no one is going around Interviewing actresses for magazines.
I’ll stop there: the anachronisms drove me mad. These aren’t minor, they go on and on.
The author has clearly attempted to emulate Murder Most Unladylike in 1770s England (you can work out the date if you correlate when some of the characters died). This is I think deliberate. The author has published a short story with Robin Stevens, and the books are being marketed with this tagline, and we have the same case book summaries. Maybe it would have worked if any attempt had been made to think 18th century, but this is so shallow an attempt to create the period (compare to Hester Burton who wrote a lot of 18th century books for children, including anti slavery ones) that it felt entirely like cosplay.
The illustrations:
They are just awful. The coffee shop looks like Lyon’s Tea room and the costumes are mostly wrong ( I worked out from various bits of info that this is somewhere between 1773 and 1775)
Edit: there seems to be some confusion around the author. Fantastic Fictions lists a JT Williams who is a fantasy writer and accredits this book to him. People who have the paperback will see an author picture of a Black woman. I've written to the publishers to alert them of the incorrect attribution on the FF website.
I’ve rarely been so disappointed in a book. I’ve been looking forward to this for ages, and ordered it the second I saw the description. Conceit: A daughter of Ignatius Sancho and the niece of Lord Mansfield, Dido Belle, team up to fight crime!
It’s a fascinating period. As Sancho’s daughter the connections with the great and the good are wide. There is just so much. Ignatius Sancho was a truly fascinating person: he rose from slavery to be a butler and a grocer (and not the owner of a tea room as is described here). We don’t know a huge amount about him, but one of the few things we do know is that he wasn’t the first African (not “African heritage” as described in the book) to play Othello (that was Ira Aldridge in 1825). I could have forgiven the author if the end result in the book was that the play was closed, but they give Sancho a 15 week run. That’s not “imagination” that’s alternative history. But then, there isn’t really much evidence that the author cares about getting things right.
I do like the anti-slavery plot. I just wish the book wasn’t such a mess.
I don’t really know where to start:
(And please don't tell me kids won't care: every historical fiction writer I know has received letters from kids telling them what they got wrong.)
People didn’t own many clothes, no one has a room full of them unless they are hugely wealthy
Clothes were hugely expensive and no one who isn’t wealthy is putting a 12 year old in satin
Women didn’t really wear dresses as we think of them now, they wore layers and pieces tied together
Women’s clothes weren’t really designed to be put on by yourself because no one was ever really on their own. But then there are no servants at all in this household despite it being a relatively prosperous household. A look at Charles Booth’s map of London is illuminating in this regard.
Space was at a premium. Believe me, neither Lizzie nor Tom the stage hand is going to have a room to themselves. Tom is ,likely to be renting a bed, or even a share in a bed, and that’s if he’s doing well.
Mercury is not Kofi’s nickname because he’s swift, it’s the tag his owner will have given him because slaves got the same names white men gave their dogs and there was a fashion for Greek and Roman names.
a 12 year old girl in trousers would be regarded as a harlot looking for trade (the age of consent was 12 and meant the age at which she could be sold by her father not the age at which she could consent).
Not curtsying wasn’t a choice: it means Lizzie is abominably rude.
“Double Letters”: this isn’t a school! With a timetable!
Why does Lizzie have so much spare time? She’s essentially of working age even for the lower middle classes.
If she isn’t working she’d be sewing. Close to all but top coats and mantuas were made at home by the women of the family (and the bit when she admires something because it’s hand sewn really sent my eyebrows up — what else would it be? Welded? She might notice it’s beautifully sewn.) All the children have far too much time.
No child of 12 can afford an already embroidered handkerchief. It’s much more likely anyway that she’d have bought a hanky and embroidered it herself, because that’s what women did. Most better off women learned to sew at the same time as they learned their letters and were highly skilled)
The author has no idea about either the press or the theatre of the period: no one is going around Interviewing actresses for magazines.
I’ll stop there: the anachronisms drove me mad. These aren’t minor, they go on and on.
The author has clearly attempted to emulate Murder Most Unladylike in 1770s England (you can work out the date if you correlate when some of the characters died). This is I think deliberate. The author has published a short story with Robin Stevens, and the books are being marketed with this tagline, and we have the same case book summaries. Maybe it would have worked if any attempt had been made to think 18th century, but this is so shallow an attempt to create the period (compare to Hester Burton who wrote a lot of 18th century books for children, including anti slavery ones) that it felt entirely like cosplay.
The illustrations:
They are just awful. The coffee shop looks like Lyon’s Tea room and the costumes are mostly wrong ( I worked out from various bits of info that this is somewhere between 1773 and 1775)
Edit: there seems to be some confusion around the author. Fantastic Fictions lists a JT Williams who is a fantasy writer and accredits this book to him. People who have the paperback will see an author picture of a Black woman. I've written to the publishers to alert them of the incorrect attribution on the FF website.
July 23, 2024
A really interesting middle grade mystery – great setting, characterisation and themes.
July 10, 2022
4.5* A brilliantly written, action packed and exciting 1700's detective adventure story told through a perspective and voice rarely explored in fiction during this time, let alone children's fiction, two young Black girls. Perfect for fans of the Murder Most Unladylike series, Drama and Danger is a gripping riveting mystery that will have its readers hooked and desperate for more from its courageous and gutsy young protagonists. This is the start of what I anticipate will be a fabulous new middle grade mystery series. Not only are Lizzie, Belle and Lizzie's family endearing, determined and lovable but the historical aspect of the book brilliantly introduces its readers to Black British history, specifically in this case the British slave trade. J.T. Williams discussed her reasoning behind taking a few artistic liberties with the historical figures featured in her authors note, which I urge readers to take a look at.
Overall, this was a charming, engrossing and educational start to a new series I can't wait to keep reading.
Overall, this was a charming, engrossing and educational start to a new series I can't wait to keep reading.
August 13, 2022
I buddy read this with my lovely friend Rachael, as we are both huge fans of Robin Stevens and Katherine Woodfine, both authors this has been compared to, so we were sure it would be a hit for us and thrillingly, we both loved it equally. I read the introductory short story in the Very Merry Murder Club and adored it, and this first full length book brought me the most immense joy because it is exactly what I needed to fill the Murder Most Unladylike shaped hole in my life. It follows two Black girls who live in Georgian London, Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle, who lock eyes one night at the theatre where Lizzie’s father Ignatius is almost killed when he takes to the stage as Othello. They set about investigating, and the way their friendship blossoms is so beautiful and perfect, and there is a quote around the time Belle meets Lizzie’s family that made me cry because it just so perfectly encapsulates the feeling of what friendship should be. The secondary characters were all super interesting too, with my particular favourites being Meg and Lizzie’s parents. The exploration of Black history and in particular slavery/the abolitionist movement was weaved into the book so expertly, and it was both incredibly interesting to read about and utterly enraging that it ever happened at all.
March 23, 2023
When a chandelier falls on the stage at her dad, Lizzie is afraid it wasn't just an accident. Lizzie and her friend Belle decide to follow the trails and solve this mystery to clear away her doubts. The more they seek, the darker sides of the story emerge. And now they are so entangled that the murderer might just come in and pick them up like a spider treat.
A cute but informative representation of Black lives in the 19th century, that highlights their struggles for survival and representation. It was a great book for a one-time read. But I am not sure if I will reach back for it again. A statement however that has stuck in me is "he is not one of us" - how do we as humans get so deluded to forget the other person in front of us is also a human, irrespective of their caste, religion or race?
Genre: #middlegrade #cozymystery
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️
Thankyou @netgalley @harpercollinsuk for the Digital ARC
#TheLizzieandBelleMysteriesDramaandDanger #NetGalley
A cute but informative representation of Black lives in the 19th century, that highlights their struggles for survival and representation. It was a great book for a one-time read. But I am not sure if I will reach back for it again. A statement however that has stuck in me is "he is not one of us" - how do we as humans get so deluded to forget the other person in front of us is also a human, irrespective of their caste, religion or race?
Genre: #middlegrade #cozymystery
Rating: 3/5 ⭐️
Thankyou @netgalley @harpercollinsuk for the Digital ARC
#TheLizzieandBelleMysteriesDramaandDanger #NetGalley
August 5, 2024
I really enjoyed this middle grade mystery! I especially liked the theatre setting and that the book is set in London. The story deals with some really important themes.
March 22, 2023
I’m all for a book set throughout past history (in a time where when if you weren’t a white man, you were probably oppressed and in the minority) and focusing on said oppressed minority and seeing them thrive.
Here we have two kickass young girls, fab role models and a great story to boot. It made for very easy reading and was entertaining too if you don’t take things too seriously!
I also love that it included and shed some light on Othello, a Shakespeare tragedy that Lizzie’s father had a starring role in. It didn’t just briefly mention as you’d maybe expect in most stories, but they worked it into the plot. Explaining the play and making my Shakespeare admiring heart very happy. It was a great addition to introduce this great playwright to a younger audience, all wrapped up in a fun way in this book.
Lizzie and Belle are such great characters and I loved following their adventures- Trying to get to the bottom of a mystery centred around a potentially fatal mishap at the theatre. I can already tell it’s going to be a great series for younger readers in the future!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this audiobook on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
Here we have two kickass young girls, fab role models and a great story to boot. It made for very easy reading and was entertaining too if you don’t take things too seriously!
I also love that it included and shed some light on Othello, a Shakespeare tragedy that Lizzie’s father had a starring role in. It didn’t just briefly mention as you’d maybe expect in most stories, but they worked it into the plot. Explaining the play and making my Shakespeare admiring heart very happy. It was a great addition to introduce this great playwright to a younger audience, all wrapped up in a fun way in this book.
Lizzie and Belle are such great characters and I loved following their adventures- Trying to get to the bottom of a mystery centred around a potentially fatal mishap at the theatre. I can already tell it’s going to be a great series for younger readers in the future!
Thank you to the author and publisher for this audiobook on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
September 29, 2022
Hmm. I bought this primarily for my sister and I still think she will enjoy it, so not a complete fail (yet), but it didn’t totally do it for me.
This is the kind of historical fiction that’s trying so hard to be relatable to a modern audience that it loses almost all historical verisimilitude. The parts discussing racism and anti-slavery themes were excellent, but I just couldn’t get past the extreme ‘modern-ness’ of the whole thing.
Also, I loved Belle but found Lizzie incredibly frustrating, so the fact that the whole thing was in first person from the latter’s perspective didn’t help! (Neither did the fact that the first chapter explicitly contains the sentence, ’I am definitely not your typical eighteenth-century girl.’) It does sound like (/I’m hoping!) that the next book will be from Belle’s POV though, so I probably will still give that a go.
CW: racism; microaggressions; kidnapping; attempted murder; references to slavery
This is the kind of historical fiction that’s trying so hard to be relatable to a modern audience that it loses almost all historical verisimilitude. The parts discussing racism and anti-slavery themes were excellent, but I just couldn’t get past the extreme ‘modern-ness’ of the whole thing.
Also, I loved Belle but found Lizzie incredibly frustrating, so the fact that the whole thing was in first person from the latter’s perspective didn’t help! (Neither did the fact that the first chapter explicitly contains the sentence, ’I am definitely not your typical eighteenth-century girl.’) It does sound like (/I’m hoping!) that the next book will be from Belle’s POV though, so I probably will still give that a go.
CW: racism; microaggressions; kidnapping; attempted murder; references to slavery
October 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this middle grade, historical, mystery audiobook.
The characters, even ones we don't see often, felt well rounded and the mystery was engaging. I appreciated the truthfulness to the time - our characters being inspired by real people and (no spoilers) things that really happened in that time playing a part.
I think this book would be a great launching pad for discussion for kids, especially in the classroom.
Personally, I'd have liked just a little more of the finding clues but overall, it was a really great story and I'm now heading to another tab to read about the real Dido Belle!
The characters, even ones we don't see often, felt well rounded and the mystery was engaging. I appreciated the truthfulness to the time - our characters being inspired by real people and (no spoilers) things that really happened in that time playing a part.
I think this book would be a great launching pad for discussion for kids, especially in the classroom.
Personally, I'd have liked just a little more of the finding clues but overall, it was a really great story and I'm now heading to another tab to read about the real Dido Belle!
October 29, 2025
Everything about the premise of this seemed pretty great to me. Both protagonists having been real Black British girls in the late 18th century and I this series they meet and solve crimes? I'm in. Honestly though, I ended up enjoying it far more than I expected to. The characters feel very vivid and real, and the London that they populate feels rooted in reality more than so many other historical works that ignore the diversity of historical London. The mystery is very juicy and sometimes even quite dark, which made for very entertaining reading. It really got me in my emotions too.
I'm very excited to read the second book after this one ends on an opener for that (while still providing closure on nearly everything that happens in the novel). I would definitely recommend checking this out.
I'm very excited to read the second book after this one ends on an opener for that (while still providing closure on nearly everything that happens in the novel). I would definitely recommend checking this out.
June 24, 2022
3.5 stars
The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger is a children’s story suitable for 8 -12 years of age and above. The setting is London in the late 1700s and mixes a stage production of Shakespeare’s Othello with the fight to abolish the African slave trade.
The main protagonists are two young girls (Lizzie is twelve) who become detectives and try to solve the mystery behind an attack on Lizzie’s father at the theatre. The book also centres around the themes and rights of Africans and how the laws of equality were being fought.
The author has done a good job of adding historical facts within the storyline without it feeling like a history lesson. Lizzie and Belle are both sensible, likable characters and the secondary characters are all believable.
I liked the book layout which had plenty of excellent black and white illustrations, copies of letters and case notes and decorated chapter headings. The chapters, themselves are quite short which all make this easily readable for its intended age group. I did wonder if it is realistic that 12-year-olds in 18th Century London would have even known about the slave trade, but understand the purpose of the book.
The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries: Drama and Danger is a children’s story suitable for 8 -12 years of age and above. The setting is London in the late 1700s and mixes a stage production of Shakespeare’s Othello with the fight to abolish the African slave trade.
The main protagonists are two young girls (Lizzie is twelve) who become detectives and try to solve the mystery behind an attack on Lizzie’s father at the theatre. The book also centres around the themes and rights of Africans and how the laws of equality were being fought.
The author has done a good job of adding historical facts within the storyline without it feeling like a history lesson. Lizzie and Belle are both sensible, likable characters and the secondary characters are all believable.
I liked the book layout which had plenty of excellent black and white illustrations, copies of letters and case notes and decorated chapter headings. The chapters, themselves are quite short which all make this easily readable for its intended age group. I did wonder if it is realistic that 12-year-olds in 18th Century London would have even known about the slave trade, but understand the purpose of the book.
June 9, 2023
The story follows a 12 years old girl, Elizabeth Sancho, who spends most of her time helping out with the family business. Lizzie’s father Ignatius Sancho, is an actor at Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
On 11 April 1777, Ignatius Sancho while performing in Shakespeare’s play Othello got injured by the fall of a Chandelier. This seems like an accident at first, but both Lizzie and another girl at the theater Dido Belle saw a mysterious man on the balcony. This leads them to the idea that this is not an accidental fall after all but a huge conspiracy is behind this incident.
This novel is really amazing in many aspects. First of all, I liked the 18th century setting along with mystery and rich suspense. Plus we got to see the 18th century style Showbiz industry.
The mystery of this novel is surely going to keep you on your toes. I liked how the secrets unravel one by one, and I enjoyed this thing a lot. Both Belle and Lizzie are superb detectives despite their very young age.
The illustrations of the novel are what let me enjoy this story more. I could picture the scenes and characters more easily in my mind. Shout out to Simone Douglas for these gorgeous illustrations.
This novel is a work of fiction but, it also showcases an important historical aspect about the presence of Black lives in 18th century London and the difficulties they faced there. I love this side of the novel.
Thank you so much author for the historical note at the end. It was really helpful and informative.
In the end, I’ll recommend this novel to those who love
Historical fiction
Hamilton
Bridgerton fashion
Mystery
Thriller
Family relationships
On 11 April 1777, Ignatius Sancho while performing in Shakespeare’s play Othello got injured by the fall of a Chandelier. This seems like an accident at first, but both Lizzie and another girl at the theater Dido Belle saw a mysterious man on the balcony. This leads them to the idea that this is not an accidental fall after all but a huge conspiracy is behind this incident.
This novel is really amazing in many aspects. First of all, I liked the 18th century setting along with mystery and rich suspense. Plus we got to see the 18th century style Showbiz industry.
The mystery of this novel is surely going to keep you on your toes. I liked how the secrets unravel one by one, and I enjoyed this thing a lot. Both Belle and Lizzie are superb detectives despite their very young age.
The illustrations of the novel are what let me enjoy this story more. I could picture the scenes and characters more easily in my mind. Shout out to Simone Douglas for these gorgeous illustrations.
This novel is a work of fiction but, it also showcases an important historical aspect about the presence of Black lives in 18th century London and the difficulties they faced there. I love this side of the novel.
Thank you so much author for the historical note at the end. It was really helpful and informative.
In the end, I’ll recommend this novel to those who love
Historical fiction
Hamilton
Bridgerton fashion
Mystery
Thriller
Family relationships
February 27, 2023
Fast paced and thrilling Georgian mystery novel featuring real life historical figures Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle. This fantastically written novel balances perfectly between engaging mystery prose and historical examination, delving into issues such as slavery and the criminal underbelly of Georgian London. The start of a series, there is so much potential for where this can go next.
November 25, 2023
I loved this book 📚 it was all about history but also it was a made up story as well.
January 26, 2024
A really endearing read. Would never have picked this myself, was given it as a gift. Although primarily a children’s book was really interesting to read about Black lives in 1700 London. Characters were also quite charming.
May 30, 2022
J. T. Williams is new to me, but I love children’s crime stories, and the cover looked like a lot of fun, so I leapt right in.
I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. I loved the two main characters, Lizzie and Belle, and the friendship that springs up between them. They are resilient, persistent, and kind. I love that they are based on real people. I also loved the Sancho family dynamics, it was so much fun to read about all Lizzie’s siblings.
The plot was excellent too, the girls gradually unravel the mystery, as they find out more and more about what is going on in the world around them. I was kept interested on every page.
The setting of London in 1777 comes across very clearly, and made me feel like I was really there. The illustrations by Simone Douglas are lovely, and really bring the story (even more) to life.
Overall, this was a wonderful adventure, in a world that feels very real. I highly recommend it, to children and adults alike. I’m so looking forward to the new Lizzie & Belle mystery (Portraits and Poisoning)!
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
I enjoyed every minute of reading this book. I loved the two main characters, Lizzie and Belle, and the friendship that springs up between them. They are resilient, persistent, and kind. I love that they are based on real people. I also loved the Sancho family dynamics, it was so much fun to read about all Lizzie’s siblings.
The plot was excellent too, the girls gradually unravel the mystery, as they find out more and more about what is going on in the world around them. I was kept interested on every page.
The setting of London in 1777 comes across very clearly, and made me feel like I was really there. The illustrations by Simone Douglas are lovely, and really bring the story (even more) to life.
Overall, this was a wonderful adventure, in a world that feels very real. I highly recommend it, to children and adults alike. I’m so looking forward to the new Lizzie & Belle mystery (Portraits and Poisoning)!
I was given a free copy of this book, my opinions are my own.
June 6, 2022
Fun and mysterious this new middle grade novel has the feeling of the ever classic ‘the famous five’ series mixed in with historical characters you might recognise and a vibe of our favourite game Cluedo. The writing although a bit Jolty at first slowly got into the rhythm of the mystery and bounced along the page following our intriguing and richly developed main characters through the maze that is the theatre and London. The contrast between the two characters draws you in making you want to know that little bit more about them with their history and background as well as their own characteristics and little quirks.
Not only does this little book have such a vibe in connection with one of my childhood classics ‘the famous five’ , but it also brings across to young readers the important message about friendship, and highlights the struggles committed against people of colour at that time in a way in which the child reader can understand in a safe environment.
Although I did find the book a little disjointed at the beginning and the flow was not quite there from beginning to end, it was a fun little mystery to read and with an ending like that I am intrigued to read the next one in the series.
A massive thank you to far sure and Net gallery for sending me an e-book and physical early proof of this beautiful little mystery.
Not only does this little book have such a vibe in connection with one of my childhood classics ‘the famous five’ , but it also brings across to young readers the important message about friendship, and highlights the struggles committed against people of colour at that time in a way in which the child reader can understand in a safe environment.
Although I did find the book a little disjointed at the beginning and the flow was not quite there from beginning to end, it was a fun little mystery to read and with an ending like that I am intrigued to read the next one in the series.
A massive thank you to far sure and Net gallery for sending me an e-book and physical early proof of this beautiful little mystery.
April 9, 2023
Drama and Danger (The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries)" by J.T. Williams is an excellent middle-grade mystery book that is sure to captivate young readers with its intriguing plot, lovable characters, and fascinating historical setting.
The book is set in 18th-century London and follows the story of two twelve-year-old girls from very different backgrounds, Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle. Lizzie lives in Westminster and helps her father run his tea shop, while Belle is an heiress being raised by her aunt and uncle in the grand Kenwood House. Despite their different upbringings, the girls share a love for solving mysteries and quickly become best friends.
One night, while attending a performance at the Drury Lane theatre, Lizzie and Belle notice something suspicious happening on stage. They decide to investigate, which sets them off on a thrilling adventure full of danger and drama. The mystery is fast-paced and suspenseful, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
One of the best things about this book is the friendship between Lizzie and Belle. The girls' bond is heart-warming and genuine, and the author does an excellent job of developing their characters throughout the story. Lizzie is curious, brave, and determined, while Belle is intelligent, compassionate, and resourceful. The dynamic between the two girls is realistic and relatable, and their relationship will likely inspire young readers to value the importance of true friendship.
The historical setting of 18th-century London is also a highlight of the book. The author has done an excellent job of bringing the period to life, with rich and vivid descriptions of the city, its people, and its culture. The book includes a diverse cast of characters, including real historical figures such as Dido Elizabeth Belle, who was a mixed-race heiress and lived in Kenwood House in the 1700s. The book's historical accuracy and attention to detail are impressive and will likely spark an interest in history for young readers.
The only criticism of the book is that some parts of the story feel a bit rushed and underdeveloped. There are times when the plot feels a bit too convenient, and some of the character development could have been more nuanced. Nonetheless, these issues do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book.
In conclusion, #TheLizzieandBelleMysteriesDramaandDanger by J.T. Williams is a highly entertaining and informative middle-grade mystery book that is perfect for young readers who enjoy historical fiction and detective stories. The book's engaging plot, lovable characters, and fascinating historical setting make it an excellent choice for parents and educators who are looking for inspiring and educational literature for children. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery story with a historical twist. I give it a solid 4/5 star rating.
I would like to thank HarperCollins Audio UK and #NetGalley for sending me an advanced copy # TheLizzieandBelleMysteriesDramaandDanger in exchange for my own honest review. This book was due for release on June 09, 2022.
The book is set in 18th-century London and follows the story of two twelve-year-old girls from very different backgrounds, Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle. Lizzie lives in Westminster and helps her father run his tea shop, while Belle is an heiress being raised by her aunt and uncle in the grand Kenwood House. Despite their different upbringings, the girls share a love for solving mysteries and quickly become best friends.
One night, while attending a performance at the Drury Lane theatre, Lizzie and Belle notice something suspicious happening on stage. They decide to investigate, which sets them off on a thrilling adventure full of danger and drama. The mystery is fast-paced and suspenseful, with plenty of twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
One of the best things about this book is the friendship between Lizzie and Belle. The girls' bond is heart-warming and genuine, and the author does an excellent job of developing their characters throughout the story. Lizzie is curious, brave, and determined, while Belle is intelligent, compassionate, and resourceful. The dynamic between the two girls is realistic and relatable, and their relationship will likely inspire young readers to value the importance of true friendship.
The historical setting of 18th-century London is also a highlight of the book. The author has done an excellent job of bringing the period to life, with rich and vivid descriptions of the city, its people, and its culture. The book includes a diverse cast of characters, including real historical figures such as Dido Elizabeth Belle, who was a mixed-race heiress and lived in Kenwood House in the 1700s. The book's historical accuracy and attention to detail are impressive and will likely spark an interest in history for young readers.
The only criticism of the book is that some parts of the story feel a bit rushed and underdeveloped. There are times when the plot feels a bit too convenient, and some of the character development could have been more nuanced. Nonetheless, these issues do not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the book.
In conclusion, #TheLizzieandBelleMysteriesDramaandDanger by J.T. Williams is a highly entertaining and informative middle-grade mystery book that is perfect for young readers who enjoy historical fiction and detective stories. The book's engaging plot, lovable characters, and fascinating historical setting make it an excellent choice for parents and educators who are looking for inspiring and educational literature for children. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery story with a historical twist. I give it a solid 4/5 star rating.
I would like to thank HarperCollins Audio UK and #NetGalley for sending me an advanced copy # TheLizzieandBelleMysteriesDramaandDanger in exchange for my own honest review. This book was due for release on June 09, 2022.
June 23, 2022
A super fun read. This children 's book manages the extraordinary feat of combining political critique of enslavement with an exciting mystery story and a light touch. Two twelve-year-old Black girls in 1770s London turn sleuth and, in the process, freedom activists and abolitionists. Two main characters are based on historical persons, as explained in an afterword: daughter of a white military man and an enslaved West Indian woman, Belle: Dido Elizabeth Belle (featuring in the excellent film Belle, directed by Amma Asante and in the 1770s double portrait by David Martin at Scone Palace in Scotland) and man of letters, abolitionist and composer Ignatius Sancho (featuring in the 18th-C. painting by Allan Ramsay in the Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, formerly thought to depict Olaudah Equiano).
I thought the interweaving of historical fact with imaginative fiction worked brilliantly. We are asked to suspend our disbelief on a number of matters: girls running around unchaperoned, one girl wearing breeches without censure -- but other aspects which at first seem to be part of fiction are historical fact, e.g. Ignatius Sancho voting. But I loved and applaud the abolitionist arguments throughout and the commitment to recreating what is historical fact (Black people and people of colour in London) but has seemed historical fiction simply due to having been underrepresented in the past.
The two main girls are delightful. The story is pacy and the prose style snappy. There is gentleness here with a backbone of steel.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and promise of a sequel! Fab!
Format: the usual stiff-spined, cheap-papered affair I am used to from English publishing houses. My edition is the paperback of June 2022 by Farshore. What is really splendid is the incorporation of illustration and different typescripts in the letters being sent back and forth. The illustrator is Simone Douglas, and she is credited with a photo and bio at the back (alongside the author), so kudos to Farshore for that. The author is J.T. Williams, nom de plume of Joanna Brown, assisted by Jasmine Richards from Storymix Limited. Storymix's website proclaims them to be 'the inclusive fiction studio', producing stories that centre kids of colour much like movie producers produce movies. Nice bronze-shiny laminates on the cover.
I thought the interweaving of historical fact with imaginative fiction worked brilliantly. We are asked to suspend our disbelief on a number of matters: girls running around unchaperoned, one girl wearing breeches without censure -- but other aspects which at first seem to be part of fiction are historical fact, e.g. Ignatius Sancho voting. But I loved and applaud the abolitionist arguments throughout and the commitment to recreating what is historical fact (Black people and people of colour in London) but has seemed historical fiction simply due to having been underrepresented in the past.
The two main girls are delightful. The story is pacy and the prose style snappy. There is gentleness here with a backbone of steel.
The story ends on a cliffhanger and promise of a sequel! Fab!
Format: the usual stiff-spined, cheap-papered affair I am used to from English publishing houses. My edition is the paperback of June 2022 by Farshore. What is really splendid is the incorporation of illustration and different typescripts in the letters being sent back and forth. The illustrator is Simone Douglas, and she is credited with a photo and bio at the back (alongside the author), so kudos to Farshore for that. The author is J.T. Williams, nom de plume of Joanna Brown, assisted by Jasmine Richards from Storymix Limited. Storymix's website proclaims them to be 'the inclusive fiction studio', producing stories that centre kids of colour much like movie producers produce movies. Nice bronze-shiny laminates on the cover.
June 3, 2022
Thank you so much to Farshore and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.
Lizzie’s dad is to be the first African to lead Othello but a shadowy figure is spotted by only two girls as the chandelier falls down attempting to crush Lizzie’s father. Together the girls Lizzie and Belle want to figure out who he was, why he did what he did and ensure it is safe for her dad to resume his role. Their investigation takes them down a darker path than they expected.
What an amazing historical mystery, it is so thrilling and really entertaining. I’m learning so much but also finding it such an unusual and fascinating mystery. It keeps unravelling but no answers are solved throughout most of the story, it takes a long time to be able to start piecing it together and solving it all. I was unable to piece it all together myself for most of it, you’d think one thing and then another thing is brought to light.
The characters are all really interesting, I love the contrast of lives between Belle and Lizzie, it makes them work in such an interesting way. Belle being brought up by an incredibly rich family who gets everyone’s attention, but is incredibly lonely. Then we have Lizzie a girl from a bigger family that are deep into education and helping one an other, she’s a girl with an Inquisitive mind and doesn’t rest until she gets her answers.
It’s a really interesting mystery and I loved the way it was written, I loved the adventure it took Lizzie on, though at times I was scared for her. It wasn’t a safe world and she did a lot of things without considering the consequences or dangers to it all. This story had my heart racing and it got quite scary and tense, I didn’t see any of it coming and it was scary. These girls were powerful though an incredibly brave, they solved everything even after knowing all the dangers that lurked around them.
It’s a mystery you quickly and easily get sunk into it but aren’t really able to solve everything quickly. I really enjoyed the friendship within the story too, they formed such a strong connection and they learnt to trust each other more and more as time went on. You’ll go through so many emotions reading it but it was thrilling and enjoyable and such a fun story to unfold. I’m looking forward to the second one in the series.
Lizzie’s dad is to be the first African to lead Othello but a shadowy figure is spotted by only two girls as the chandelier falls down attempting to crush Lizzie’s father. Together the girls Lizzie and Belle want to figure out who he was, why he did what he did and ensure it is safe for her dad to resume his role. Their investigation takes them down a darker path than they expected.
What an amazing historical mystery, it is so thrilling and really entertaining. I’m learning so much but also finding it such an unusual and fascinating mystery. It keeps unravelling but no answers are solved throughout most of the story, it takes a long time to be able to start piecing it together and solving it all. I was unable to piece it all together myself for most of it, you’d think one thing and then another thing is brought to light.
The characters are all really interesting, I love the contrast of lives between Belle and Lizzie, it makes them work in such an interesting way. Belle being brought up by an incredibly rich family who gets everyone’s attention, but is incredibly lonely. Then we have Lizzie a girl from a bigger family that are deep into education and helping one an other, she’s a girl with an Inquisitive mind and doesn’t rest until she gets her answers.
It’s a really interesting mystery and I loved the way it was written, I loved the adventure it took Lizzie on, though at times I was scared for her. It wasn’t a safe world and she did a lot of things without considering the consequences or dangers to it all. This story had my heart racing and it got quite scary and tense, I didn’t see any of it coming and it was scary. These girls were powerful though an incredibly brave, they solved everything even after knowing all the dangers that lurked around them.
It’s a mystery you quickly and easily get sunk into it but aren’t really able to solve everything quickly. I really enjoyed the friendship within the story too, they formed such a strong connection and they learnt to trust each other more and more as time went on. You’ll go through so many emotions reading it but it was thrilling and enjoyable and such a fun story to unfold. I’m looking forward to the second one in the series.
March 21, 2023
I received a review copy of the audiobook from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
DRAMA AND DANGER is a great historical mystery set in Georgian London, following two Black girls as they try to keep their loved ones safe - and find themselves caught in dark schemes to strip people of their liberty.
This book contains lots of real people, weaving them together. Lizzie Sancho, Ignatius Sancho, and Dido Belle are just three of the real people found within the pages. I loved that. While the story itself is fiction, it explores real events and problems, bringing historical lives not often explored (particularly that of Black working class women) to vivid life.
The narrator, Amanda Bright, was very good. The book has a variety of accents (including American, Jamaican, and Cockney.) It is also adapting a book with "mixed media" elements, including letter exchanges and newspaper clippings. It's all brought together smoothly without a hitch as the book switches between narration and other media.
The print copy is also illustrated with is another way in which the world is richly brought to life. There are lots of little details, from stage makeup of the day to street names, which show off the depth of research brought into this book. They've been carefully selected to bring sights and sounds and smells to life on the page.
There is a second book out soon, and the final chapter gives a big hint as to the mystery that Lizzie and Bell are going to solve!
DRAMA AND DANGER is a great historical mystery set in Georgian London, following two Black girls as they try to keep their loved ones safe - and find themselves caught in dark schemes to strip people of their liberty.
This book contains lots of real people, weaving them together. Lizzie Sancho, Ignatius Sancho, and Dido Belle are just three of the real people found within the pages. I loved that. While the story itself is fiction, it explores real events and problems, bringing historical lives not often explored (particularly that of Black working class women) to vivid life.
The narrator, Amanda Bright, was very good. The book has a variety of accents (including American, Jamaican, and Cockney.) It is also adapting a book with "mixed media" elements, including letter exchanges and newspaper clippings. It's all brought together smoothly without a hitch as the book switches between narration and other media.
The print copy is also illustrated with is another way in which the world is richly brought to life. There are lots of little details, from stage makeup of the day to street names, which show off the depth of research brought into this book. They've been carefully selected to bring sights and sounds and smells to life on the page.
There is a second book out soon, and the final chapter gives a big hint as to the mystery that Lizzie and Bell are going to solve!
March 31, 2023
I was granted access to the audio book of this work by Netgalley free of charge in return for an honest review. Growing up I was a big fan of the american girls serries. It was a look at history through the eyes of young ladies who were close to my own age and thus grew my love of historical fiction.
However as I got into highschool most historical fiction i found was centered around boys and young men. This dampened my joy. Later in life Iwould come into contact with more authors in the genre that portrayed ladies as main characters. But that still left me wondering what else was there for a pre teen or teen after we aged out of American girls .
The answer comes in form of this amazing mystery. Set in eighteenth-century London, with all the fun and zest of Hamilton, Bridgerton fashion and inspired by real Black British historical figures.
In this story we meet Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle are from different worlds – Lizzie lives in Westminster in her dad’s tea shop, while Belle is an heiress being brought up by her aunt and uncle at grand Kenwood House .
They meet at The Theatre Royal on Dury Lane. During the opening night of Shakespeare's Othello. Something terrible happens ! Lizzie's father is almost killed by a falling piece of scenery ! Was it an accident? Or could it be attempted murder?
Lizzie and Belle team up to find out and soon become fast friends.
It's a wonderful story and I loved every moment. I can't wait to see what mystery Lizzie and Belle solve next!
However as I got into highschool most historical fiction i found was centered around boys and young men. This dampened my joy. Later in life Iwould come into contact with more authors in the genre that portrayed ladies as main characters. But that still left me wondering what else was there for a pre teen or teen after we aged out of American girls .
The answer comes in form of this amazing mystery. Set in eighteenth-century London, with all the fun and zest of Hamilton, Bridgerton fashion and inspired by real Black British historical figures.
In this story we meet Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle are from different worlds – Lizzie lives in Westminster in her dad’s tea shop, while Belle is an heiress being brought up by her aunt and uncle at grand Kenwood House .
They meet at The Theatre Royal on Dury Lane. During the opening night of Shakespeare's Othello. Something terrible happens ! Lizzie's father is almost killed by a falling piece of scenery ! Was it an accident? Or could it be attempted murder?
Lizzie and Belle team up to find out and soon become fast friends.
It's a wonderful story and I loved every moment. I can't wait to see what mystery Lizzie and Belle solve next!
April 7, 2023
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.*
This was a really enjoyable middle-grade detective adventure that was both cute and had exceptional representation of Black lives in the late 1700s.
The two main protagonists, Belle and Lizzie, become detectives and try to solve the mystery behind the attack of Lizzie’s father. The author does a fantastic job at writing a historical fiction that appeals to a younger audience. She adds historical facts without the story feeling like a history lesson. I love historical fiction and am thrilled to find a book that makes the genre accessible to a younger audience; I would have adored this book at school.
I loved the characters and enjoyed their relationship dynamic. They were both resilient, strong and kind. The plot was also fantastic, as the girls gradually unravel the mystery it gets darker and became full of suspense.
Overall, I thought this was a fantastic children’s crime story which managed to combine a political critique of slavery with an exciting mystery story that is accessible and enjoyable for young children.
#TheLizzieandBelleMysteriesDramaandDanger #NetGalley
This was a really enjoyable middle-grade detective adventure that was both cute and had exceptional representation of Black lives in the late 1700s.
The two main protagonists, Belle and Lizzie, become detectives and try to solve the mystery behind the attack of Lizzie’s father. The author does a fantastic job at writing a historical fiction that appeals to a younger audience. She adds historical facts without the story feeling like a history lesson. I love historical fiction and am thrilled to find a book that makes the genre accessible to a younger audience; I would have adored this book at school.
I loved the characters and enjoyed their relationship dynamic. They were both resilient, strong and kind. The plot was also fantastic, as the girls gradually unravel the mystery it gets darker and became full of suspense.
Overall, I thought this was a fantastic children’s crime story which managed to combine a political critique of slavery with an exciting mystery story that is accessible and enjoyable for young children.
#TheLizzieandBelleMysteriesDramaandDanger #NetGalley
July 11, 2023
I absolutely loved this thrilling, fast-paced and fun adventure story. It has all the components if a good adventure and mystery story. It follows two strong-willed and vivid characters - Lizzie Sancho and Dido Belle who try to investigate after a chandelier is dropped on Lizzie’s father. This book tells of Lizzie and Belle’s adventures in the elegant yet dangerous city of London during the Georgian era.
There is so much more to this extraordinary tale than just a good detective story. Firstly, it teaches us about friendship and loyalty. Belle and Lizzie’s unwavering support of one another even in times of crisis is heartwarming and poignant. Secondly, it strikes out powerfully against racism. It reveals the atrocious, abominable and horrific acts of bigotry and discrimination against black people in 18th century England. This wonderful book calls on young people to stand up for what is right, as Lizzie and Belle did. To add to that, this novel shows that YOU can make a difference. You can and should stand up in defense of what is right, no matter your age, gender, race or religion. People should speak up and speak out!
In other words, this is a wonderful, inspiring story about friendship, adventure and equality. I strongly recommend it.
There is so much more to this extraordinary tale than just a good detective story. Firstly, it teaches us about friendship and loyalty. Belle and Lizzie’s unwavering support of one another even in times of crisis is heartwarming and poignant. Secondly, it strikes out powerfully against racism. It reveals the atrocious, abominable and horrific acts of bigotry and discrimination against black people in 18th century England. This wonderful book calls on young people to stand up for what is right, as Lizzie and Belle did. To add to that, this novel shows that YOU can make a difference. You can and should stand up in defense of what is right, no matter your age, gender, race or religion. People should speak up and speak out!
In other words, this is a wonderful, inspiring story about friendship, adventure and equality. I strongly recommend it.
May 31, 2022
Set in London in the 1700s, Lizzie and Belle become firm friends and investigate a mystery!
Here we have Lizzie, a shop owners daughter and Belle, being raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle and their investigation in to the goings on at the Theatre Royal.
I don't think I've ever read an historical MG read yet one with so many important messages that highlight the struggles and atrocities committed against black people in this time. It had a fabulous plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
There was friendship, kinship, messages about womens rights and lots of drama and excitement. I was hooked!
More things I loved about this book were the fact it was split into Acts like a play, the letters between Lizzie and Belle, the newspaper articles, the illustrations and drawings, all nice touches!
Me and my son both read this book and we both 100% recommend!
Here we have Lizzie, a shop owners daughter and Belle, being raised by her wealthy aunt and uncle and their investigation in to the goings on at the Theatre Royal.
I don't think I've ever read an historical MG read yet one with so many important messages that highlight the struggles and atrocities committed against black people in this time. It had a fabulous plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
There was friendship, kinship, messages about womens rights and lots of drama and excitement. I was hooked!
More things I loved about this book were the fact it was split into Acts like a play, the letters between Lizzie and Belle, the newspaper articles, the illustrations and drawings, all nice touches!
Me and my son both read this book and we both 100% recommend!
July 26, 2022
A middle grade mystery set in the 1700s theatre scene?! Sign me up.
Lizzie is watching her father perform Othello as the first black actor to do so when she spots a shadowy figure in the gantry and the chandelier fall downwards, she also spots a young girl watching everything unfold and so a friendship begins between Lizzie and Belle.
This was a fun but thought provoking read, covering racism, trafficking and slavery, so it may be one to research prior to your child reading for any questions that may be asked.
I enjoyed the mystery element and how the illustrations really brought everything to life. Lizzie was a great character and I loved how her friendship with Belle blossomed despite their differences, but also had its ups and downs and disagreements.
I will definitely be watching out for anymore in this series.
Lizzie is watching her father perform Othello as the first black actor to do so when she spots a shadowy figure in the gantry and the chandelier fall downwards, she also spots a young girl watching everything unfold and so a friendship begins between Lizzie and Belle.
This was a fun but thought provoking read, covering racism, trafficking and slavery, so it may be one to research prior to your child reading for any questions that may be asked.
I enjoyed the mystery element and how the illustrations really brought everything to life. Lizzie was a great character and I loved how her friendship with Belle blossomed despite their differences, but also had its ups and downs and disagreements.
I will definitely be watching out for anymore in this series.
December 17, 2022
Thank you to the publisher for my readers copy.
London, 1777. Lizzie's father, Ignatius Sancho, is about to become the first black man to play Othello, when a chandelier comes crashing to the stage and nearly kills him. No one except Lizzie, and another black girl in the audience - Belle - spot the sinister shadow running from the scene. The girls decide to team up and investigate.
The adventure is twisty and satisfying. It was a joy to read about the growing friendship between Belle and Lizzie. It made me wish thier friendship actually happened in real life.
I love historical fiction and to read it so well executed was delightful. The historical detail was introduced very smoothly and only afterwards did I realise how much I learned.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series.
London, 1777. Lizzie's father, Ignatius Sancho, is about to become the first black man to play Othello, when a chandelier comes crashing to the stage and nearly kills him. No one except Lizzie, and another black girl in the audience - Belle - spot the sinister shadow running from the scene. The girls decide to team up and investigate.
The adventure is twisty and satisfying. It was a joy to read about the growing friendship between Belle and Lizzie. It made me wish thier friendship actually happened in real life.
I love historical fiction and to read it so well executed was delightful. The historical detail was introduced very smoothly and only afterwards did I realise how much I learned.
I'm really looking forward to the rest of the series.
October 12, 2023
3.75 stars, rounded up to 4.
I'm not too sure on this book... On one hand, it was fun and enjoyable; who doesn't love a mystery? On the other hand, it was pretty clunky at times and there were far too many location transitions. The dialogue was reflective of modern-day colloquialisms e.g. mate. Yet, the gorgeous descriptions were reflective of the 1700s. Quite confusing.
The author was able to discuss themes of slavery and inequality very well and you could really feel Mama and Papa's pride in their heritage. However, there wasn't much sense of danger for the characters, particularly the BIPOC ones, given the time period.
I'm not too sure on this book... On one hand, it was fun and enjoyable; who doesn't love a mystery? On the other hand, it was pretty clunky at times and there were far too many location transitions. The dialogue was reflective of modern-day colloquialisms e.g. mate. Yet, the gorgeous descriptions were reflective of the 1700s. Quite confusing.
The author was able to discuss themes of slavery and inequality very well and you could really feel Mama and Papa's pride in their heritage. However, there wasn't much sense of danger for the characters, particularly the BIPOC ones, given the time period.
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