LOVE & LIES IN 17TH CENTURY LONDON “Rich, resonant & relevant” What price justice?London 1678.Titus Oates, an unknown preacher, creates panic with wild stories of a Catholic uprising against Charles II. The murder of a prominent Protestant magistrate appears to confirm that the Popish Plot is real.Only Nathaniel Thompson, writer and Licenser of the Presses, instinctively doubts Oates’s … Presses, instinctively doubts Oates’s revelations. Even his young wife, Anne, is not so sure. And neither know that their friend William Smith has personal history with Titus Oates.
When Nathaniel takes a public stand, questioning the plot and Oates’s integrity, the consequences threaten them all.
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The best feeling in the world for me is when I find a new author that I absolutely adore, and I have found a new favorite in Kate Braithwaite!
Braithwaite has written a story filled with intrigue, danger, drama, and mystery. We are taken to 17th century London and introduced to a man named Titus Oates, the key instigator in the “Popish Plot”. Now I had heard of Titus and the Popish Plot but never knew the details. Thankfully we have Braithwaite to help us out and she does it wonderfully. I pratically flew through the pages!
The main characters – Nathaniel and Anne – are wonderful protagonists, the setting descriptions are brilliantly written, the history is intriguing, and the dialogue is clever and witty.
Case in point….“Might I pick myself out of the gutter?” Nat asks. “Literally you may. I can’t speak for metaphorically.”
I don’t want to go too much into the plot because if you’re like me, you like to go in fresh and the synopsis above is a perfect starting point. I will say that The Road to Newgate is stellar historical fiction. I absolutely loved every minnute I spent reading this book, and I’ve already ordered Braithwaite’s other novel, Charlatan, which I can’t wait to devour as well.
There is also a helpful Author’s Note at the end of the book, which is also a bonus with historical fiction books.
Kudos to Kate and thank you for the excellent read!
Fabulous and accurate historical novel. Hooked me in immediately and kept me turning pages until I’d finished the book. Great characters, and beautifully written.
If a writer needs an example of a book well-researched, The Road to Newgate is the one to read. Not only that but it was also a thoroughly interesting and enjoyable read.
Corruption does not only belong in this century, it lives and flourishes throughout time as exemplified by the 17th century scandal of Titus Oates and the Popish Plot. The horror of the machinations of justice at that time are well documented and I sympathised with those who were caught unfairly in its grip.
This is a page-turner, beautifully written, with characters to root for. What more can you want?
Based on real events, The Road to Newgate is a well-researched novel about the Popish Plot, a fictitious conspiracy invented by Titus Oates. Set in 17th century London, the climate is filled with scandal and manipulation, lies and treason. The descriptions are vivid and the characters, both the fictional and the real, are quite believable. This interesting look into the past does not disappoint. Well done, Ms. Braithwaite.
Ultimately the story is a mystery. It starts with finding of the body of missing magistrate, Sir Edmund Godfrey, and how events escalated after this which resulted in a major persecution of the Jesuits. Combined with this historical weave is the very real setting of life in London 1678 and the dismal coffee houses. It’s a cruel, often bleak world. Fascinating.
The Road to Newgate introduces me to the talent of Kate Braithwaite. I thought this historical was a great read. The vivid details and descriptions sent me back in time to 17th century London. The plot is intriguing with a few twists and turns that I did not expect. That kept me wanting to keep turning the pages. It was so hard to put down.
The Road to Newgate is one book I am happy to give five out of five stars. I highly recommend it to other readers who enjoy historical fiction that involves English history.
I received this book from the author. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.