Alexandra Walsh – författare

Two women, a hundred years apart, discover the tale of Ariadne in the Labyrinth, and a story lost to time. For all the readers who fell in love with retellings from Madeline Miller and Natalie Haynes...

London 1900

Alice Webster has made the worst decision of her life. When her Aunt Agatha offers her the chance to go on a Grand Tour she jumps at the opportunity to get away from the glare of scandal. Heading off to see the world as the century turns, Alice begins to believe her broken heart can be healed, and a chance encounter on a train bound for Paris changes everything. When their journey takes them to a Cretan house thick with history, and the world-famous dig at Knossos, stories from the past begin to echo through Alice’s life.

London Present Day

Eloise De’Ath is meant to be a grieving widow. But if people knew the truth about her late husband, they’d understand why she can’t even pretend. Needing to escape, Eloise heads to Crete and the house her father-in-law Quinn left her, and slowly Quinn’s home begins to reveal its mysteries. In his office Eloise discovers his life’s work: the study of the Victorian excavation to find the Minotaur’s labyrinth. Fascinated by the diaries of a young woman from the dig, Eloise is drawn into Alice’s tale of lost love and her growing obsession with Ariadne, the princess of the labyrinth.

Two women divided by time but connected by the long-hidden secrets of the past. As their stories join in a golden thread, a terrible injustice might finally be undone…

This unforgettable timeslip novel is perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Elena Collins and Diana Gabaldon.

Praise for Alexandra Walsh:

''Scintillating, skilful and spellbinding, beautifully written and researched. Alexandra Walsh weaves a perfectly crafted dual timeline tale that will enthral and delight the reader from the first words until the very last sparkling moment'' Elena Collins

''I absolutely loved this beautifully written and characterful novel which intrigued me as it moves seamlessly between 1900 and the present with a throwback to Theseus and The Minotaur of ancient Crete’ Carol McGrath

''Alexandra Walsh is a master storyteller and does historical time hops so well. The mystery, the intrigue and beautiful storytelling is ever present in The Forgotten Palace, as it is in all Alex’s novels. The plot, mixed with the Greek mythology, and characters make her latest fiction another masterpiece and one that stays with you a long time after you turn the last page’ Michelle Rawlins

''If you love timeslip stories with an intricate and intriguing historical thread, then this is for you. A fascinating page-turner'' Sarah Bennett

''Alexandra Walsh’s best book yet, with strong echoes between the historical and present day timelines. The history is impeccably researched'' Eva Glyn

An unforgettable historical novel perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine.

‘A king adorns the throne… He has no subtlety, no grace but he does not deserve to die in the way that has been planned and this is why we shall stop them, our men, our kin and save us all’

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…

This unforgettable timeslip novel is perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Elena Collins and Diana Gabaldon.

Readers LOVE Alexandra Walsh:

''There is a genuine ''well, I wasn''t expecting that!'' twist in the final chapter, which brings together several stands that kept me guessing. I highly recommend The Secrets of Crestwell Hall, which I''m happy to award five stars.''

''From start to finish I did not want to put this book down.''

''I had to keep reading, way past my bedtime. Loved every bit of this story, didn''t want it to end.''

''This book is really easy to read, the writer’s style approachable and engaging and will delight fans of historical fiction. I absolutely loved it, probably more than the last one, and have no hesitation in recommending it to anyone who enjoys this genre.''

Praise for Alexandra Walsh:

''If you love timeslip stories with an intricate and intriguing historical thread, then this is for you. If you think you know everything about the Gun Powder plot, then think again! Alexandra Walsh has a completely fresh take on one of the most notorious episodes in English history. A fascinating page-turner'' Sarah Bennett

''Alexandra Walsh’s best book yet, with strong echoes between the historical and present day timelines. The history is impeccably researched, bringing an entirely new angle to The Gunpowder Plot, and how it might have played out for the women behind the scenes'' Eva Glyn

''Alexandra Walsh weaves a perfectly crafted dual timeline tale that will enthral and delight the reader from the first words until the very last sparkling moment'' Elena Collins

''I absolutely loved this beautifully written and characterful novel which intrigued me as it moves seamlessly between 1900 and the present with a throwback to Theseus and The Minotaur of ancient Crete’ Carol McGrath

''Alexandra Walsh is a master storyteller and does historical time hops so well. The mystery, the intrigue and beautiful storytelling is ever present in* The Forgotten Palace*, as it is in all Alex’s novels. The plot, mixed with the Greek mythology, and characters make her latest fiction another masterpiece and one that stays with you a long time after you turn the last page’ Michelle Rawlins

The BRAND NEW novel - let bestseller Alexandra Walsh magic you into the Tudor Court. Perfect for all fans of Barbara Erskine, Rachel Burton and Philippa Gregory.

''A superb novel, tightly crafted and beautifully written. Highly recommended.'' Carol McGrath

Hampton Court Palace 1530s

‘The Brandon blood is dark with lies and treachery and as it flows through my heart, my vow is this: they will all pay.’

Anne Brandon has always understood the power of a king’s patronage and, though the court of Henry VIII is a dangerous place for women, as the daughter of the king’s best friend, Anne feels safer than most. But Anne’s husband Lord Powis is tiring of her childlessness and when Henry VIII begins plotting to rid himself of a queen in his quest for an heir, suddenly Anne’s life is in danger. And as whispers of the name of her friend Anne Boleyn get ever louder, there is peril in every loose word, every forbidden conversation.

Pembrokshire Present Day

Caroline Harvey has spent years helping her grandfather, the reclusive bestselling novelist Dexter Blake, hide from his legions of fans in his home on the Pembrokshire coast. After his death, the vultures begin to circle Dexter’s fortune. When Caroline’s ownership of the house she has inherited is called into question, her research into its history reveals it was once owned by Anne Brandon who had sought refuge there. Intrigued, Caroline is determined to discover why Anne fled the court of Henry VIII.

Two women divided by centuries but joined by secrets and courage. And when a twist in their histories threatens them both with the same fate – losing the man they love – their revenge will be the same too. Because there’s no one mightier than a woman underestimated or more powerful than the need to save those they love.

Bestseller Alexandra Walsh is back with a compelling, captivating insight into the Tudor court through the eyes of a woman who had only her guile to keep her alive. Perfect for all fans of Barbara Erskine, Philippa Gregory, Anne O’Brien and Elena Collins.

Readers love Alexandra Walsh:

‘I had to keep reading, way past my bedtime. Loved every bit of this story, didn''t want it to end.’

‘From start to finish I did not want to put this book down. The history in it was a brilliant story of love lost and new beginnings.’

‘Absolutely loved reading this, following all the twists and turns both in the past and present. Anyone who loves Tudor history will thoroughly enjoy this.’

‘This book is really easy to read, the writer’s style approachable and engaging and will delight fans of historical fiction. I absolutely loved it.’

‘All of Alexandra Walsh’s books are wonderful. This one was no exception. I enjoyed all the bits of history and can’t wait for the next book.’

Praise for Alexandra Walsh:

''Walsh weaves a fabulously intricate tapestry of a story, rich in historical detail.'' Eva Glyn

''Alexandra Walsh weaves a perfectly crafted dual timeline tale that will enthral and delight the reader from the first words until the very last sparkling moment.'' Elena Collins

''Alexandra Walsh is a master storyteller and does historical time hops so well... The plot, mixed with the Greek mythology, and characters make her latest fiction another masterpiece and one that stays with you a long time after you turn the last page.’ Michelle Rawlins