Review of The Secrets of Crestwell Hall by Alexandra Walsh
Review of ‘The Secrets of Crestwell Hall’ by Alexandra Walsh
Release date: January 24th, 2024
Publisher: Boldwood Books
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What the novel is about:
1605
Bess Throckmorton is well used to cunning plots and intrigues. With her husband Sir Walter Raleigh imprisoned in the Tower of London, and she and her family in a constant battle to outwit Robert Cecil, the most powerful man in the country who is determined to ruin her, Bess decides to retreat to her beloved home, Crestwell Hall. But there she is shocked to hear talk of a new plot to murder the king. So, unbeknownst to their menfolk, the wives of the plotters begin to work together to try to stop the impending disaster.
Present Day
Isabella Lacey and her daughter, Emily, are excited to be starting a new life at her aunt’s home, Crestwell Hall in Wiltshire. During renovations, Isabella discovers an ancient bible that once belonged to Bess Throckmorton, and to her astonishment finds that it doubled as a diary. As Isabella reads Bess’s story, a new version of the Gunpowder Plot begins to emerge - told by the women.
When Emily’s life is suddenly in terrible danger, Isabella understands the relentless fear felt by Bess, hundreds of years ago. And as the fateful date of 5th November draws ever closer, Bess and the plotters’ wives beg their husbands to stop before a chain of events is set into action that can only end one way…
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REVIEW
This is a story of mammoth proportions. I say this because it would have required a massive amount of research and a heaping dose of imagination. Hats off to Alexandra Walsh for succeeding in delivering such a fascinating and memorable novel!
The Secrets of Crestwell Hall is presented in two distinct timelines showcasing two radical groups side by side. (There are other great parallels in the two storylines and characters, as well.) The premise of the historical thread (1605) is that of the famous Gunpowder Plot—a failed attempt to assassinate King James I of England during the Opening of Parliament. Guy Fawkes is discovered while he is preparing to detonate explosives. The plan was organised by Robert Catesby, a devout Catholic who hoped to kill the Protestant King and establish Catholic rule in England. The modern timeline is also intriguing as another radical group tries to take over a modern day version of the historical event.
The Secrets of Crestwell Hall opens with the first few lines of an English Folk Verse ‘Remember, remember the fifth of November / Gunpowder, treason and plot.’ It is a great way to remember the date and details. If you look up one of the many versions available, you will see the whole story presented in verse. (An additional bonus feature is found at the back of the novel in the author's historical notes which are highly beneficial in learning more about The Gunpowder Plot). Poet John Milton also composed a poem years after the event. His piece written in 1626 'Quintum Novembris' celebrates the anniversary of this failed attempt. His retelling surely made headlines in his day, too, during a year of witch trials and an influenza epidemic.
There are many things about this novel to admire— especially some brilliant lines. It’s a story about consequences particularly of men who are ‘craving the glory of power.’ But it also features the ‘silent army’ of women who ‘exist on the edges’ and learn to survive and ‘navigate the shadows’: those who work invisibly to keep everything running smoothly.
Bess Throckmorton, wife of Walter Raleigh, is an intriguing character and we learn a lot from her movements—the terror and tribulations she and others faced. The Gunpowder Plot has been skilfully delivered, with lots of action and reaction. The only difficulty I ran into was keeping track of the number of characters at times. But Alexandra does prepare us with a list at the front. It just might slow you down on occasion while referring back to it in digital format. A paperback version would likely remedy this.
Crestwell Hall itself is an impressive structure but I see it as a true character that houses, protects and breathes history. It is a mesmerising place that harbours centuries-old secrets. Hidden stories begin to explode when modern day Isabella digs into its past (while tending to its restoration). She has the enviable task of unearthing some very old treasures. I was quite taken with her journey and that of her daughter’s. She is divorced and dealing with the shock of unexpected change. Her ex-husband’s personality alterations after his war injury, what that leads to and his eventual realisation of his actions, are well played out. I cannot say I ‘liked’ him and the danger he courts. There are some very tense moments but the ending sees justice served and repentance a reality.
There’s romance, mystery, danger, discovery, history, second chances and retribution to name a few. For those who love stories with very old houses, dual timelines and twisty rollicking adventures— get this novel! 4.5 Stars for this intriguing story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Thanks to Boldwood and Netgalley for the review copy.
