The Secrets of Crestwell Hall is a dual timeline novel by Alexandra, published in 2024.
Set against the backdrop of the Gunpowder Plot, this book offers a fresh twist on a well-known historical event. This story imagines the events through the perspective of the wives of the plotters as they work together to try to stop the impending disaster.
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Blurb
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…
The Secrets of Crestwell Hall Review
The Secrets of Crestwell Hall is the first novel I’ve read about the Gunpowder Plot and I was just so gripped by it. I loved seeing the events through the eyes of the wives, even if much of it is imagined.
I enjoy reading about historical events from a personal point of view and that’s what made this book so interesting. It’s so often the case in history that the women are forgotten or overlooked but not in this story. Alexandra Walsh shines a light on the untold stories of the wives who may have known more than history credits them for. I really appreciated how she gives the women a voice in a narrative that’s usually centred around the men.
I found Bess Throckmorton to be a great leading character. She was tenacious and bold, but also empathetic. Her position as a woman navigating the dangerous political world of 1605, with so many of her relatives involved in the Gunpowder Plot, was fascinating.
As Walter Raleigh’s wife, Bess was used to having to live with the decisions made by the men around her. Her struggle to shield her family while fending off threats from figures like Robert Cecil made her journey incredibly gripping.
At times, the number of characters in the 1605 storyline was a bit overwhelming. Everyone seemed to be a cousin! Thankfully the glossary at the front of the book helped keep track of them all.
I didn’t love every aspect of the modern timeline, though. One event toward the end felt a bit melodramatic and far-fetched. The romance also felt contrived and wasn’t really necessary. However, I did appreciate the parallels drawn between the 17th-century and modern storylines.
Overall I really enjoyed The Secrets of Crestwell Hall and will definitely read more by Alexandra Walsh.
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