Blackmail, Sex and Lies is a story of deception, scandal, and fractured traditional Victorian social values. It is the tale of a naïve, young woman caught up in a whirlwind romance with a much older man. However, both have personality flaws that result in poor choices, and ultimately lead to a tragic end.
For 160 years, people have believed Madeleine Smith to have been guilty of murder. But was she? Could she have been innocent after all?
This Victorian murder mystery, based on a true story, takes place in Glasgow, Scotland, 1857. It explores the disastrous romance between the vivacious socialite, Madeleine Hamilton Smith, and her working class lover, Pierre Emile L’Angelier.
After a two-year torrid, and forbidden relationship with L’Angelier, that takes place against her parents' wishes, the situation changes dramatically when William Minnoch enters the scene. This new man in Madeleine’s life is handsome, rich, and of her social class. He is also a man of whom her family approve.
Sadly, insane jealous rages, and threats of blackmail, are suddenly silenced by an untimely death.
Blackmail, Sex and Lies by Kathryn McMaster was published earlier this year and is available to buy from Amazon UK and also Amazon US - my thanks to the author who sent my copy for review, and to Rachel from Rachel's Random Resources who invited me to take part in this tour.
Recently, I've read quite a few novels based on real events, and Blackmail, Sex and Lies by Kathryn McMaster is another fictionalised story based on true facts that I've enjoyed very much. I was actually surprised by how much I liked this book, as historical fiction is rarely my first choice.
Set in the nineteenth century in Glasgow the story details the love affair and murder trail featuring Madeleine Hamilton Smith and Pierre Emile L'Angelier. Theirs was an affair that was doomed from the very start. Madeleine; a rich girl from a high-class family and working-class Pierre could never have been accepted in society as a couple.
Using real letters, Kathryn McMaster has cleverly created the story of this scandal. Young Madeleine; stubborn and determined to have what she wants, and Pierre; desperate to climb the social ladder with seduction and flattery as his tools.
When, finally, Madeleine realises that their affair is doomed, she breaks it off. She also has a new beau. However, Pierre remains determined to gain back her affections and continues to harass and pester her. It is a known fact that Pierre regularly takes arsenic, for medicinal reasons and the reader finds out that Madeleine has purchased the poison on many occasions. When Pierre is found dead, it is Madeleine who is the main suspect.
The use of the real letters allows the reader a fascinating insight into the minds of the main characters. And what incredibly colourful characters they are!
Blackmail, Sex and Lies is very well written, the characters are lively and very well created and the plot is tense and intriguing.
A very enjoyable and thought provoking story. Fans of both historical fiction and true crime will enjoy this.
Kathryn McMaster is a writer, entrepreneur, wife, mother, and champion of good indie authors. She co-owns the book promotion company One Stop Fiction (www.onestopfiction.com), where readers can sign up to receive news of free and discounted 4 and 5 star reviewed books. She is also a bestselling author of historical murder mysteries set in the Victorian and Edwardian eras.
Her debut novel, "Who Killed Little Johnny Gill?" was well received.
All her novels are based on true stories, and she melds fact with fiction, writing in the creative nonfiction style.
She lives on her 30 acre farm in the beautiful Casentino Valley, Italy for 6 months of the year, and during the other half of the year, on the small island of Gozo, Malta.
Find out more at www.kathrynmcmaster.com
Follow her on Twitter @TrueCrimeNovels
Find her Author page on Facebook
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