First Impressions
The Victorian era holds a special place in my heart, so Eliza Mace was a book I was eager to dive into. While it started off at a leisurely pace, the authors’ writing flowed beautifully, making it an enjoyable read. I found myself quickly immersed in Eliza’s world, despite the initial slow burn.
Plot Summary
Set in the Welsh borders during the 1870s, Eliza Mace is a young woman trapped in a decaying manor, burdened by familial expectations and strict societal rules. When her father mysteriously disappears and is later found dead, Eliza takes it upon herself to solve the mystery surrounding his demise. Teaming up with the newly appointed police constable, Dafydd Pritchard, she delves into her father’s enemies, debts, and secrets, unraveling a tangled web of deception that threatens everything she holds dear.
Themes
Burton and Poster weave a compelling narrative filled with themes of independence, societal expectations, and resilience. Eliza’s determination to uncover the truth, despite the barriers imposed by her gender and age, is inspiring. The novel also explores power dynamics between men and women, particularly in Victorian society, where young women’s intelligence was often dismissed or underestimated. Additionally, family dysfunction and duty play a significant role in shaping Eliza’s character and actions.
What Worked
What WorkedEliza herself is a fascinating protagonist—her tenacity and intelligence make her easy to root for. I appreciated how she navigated the complexities of her family’s expectations while pursuing justice. Her partnership with Dafydd was intriguing, adding a compelling dynamic to the story. Constable Pritchard’s respect for Eliza was refreshing, as he acknowledged her keen investigative instincts rather than dismissing her contributions.
Another standout element was the Welsh setting, which was a delightful change from the typical Victorian London backdrop. The novel brought the landscape and atmosphere to life, adding a rich historical depth to the narrative.
What Could Have Been Stronger
While I expected a weightier historical crime novel akin to the works of Laura Purcell, Eliza Mace leans more toward a young-adult mystery with historical elements rather than a dark, gothic thriller. Some details didn’t feel entirely accurate to the time period, but if you don’t dwell too much on historical precision, it remains an engaging read. The pacing was slow initially, with significant background setup before the real mystery unfolds, which might deter readers looking for immediate action. Moreover, the resolution felt a bit rushed, making the payoff less impactful after such a gradual build-up.
Who Might Enjoy This Book?
Who Might Enjoy This Book?- Fans of young-adult historical mysteries
- Readers who enjoy coming-of-age stories with strong female leads
- Those who appreciate a richly atmospheric setting, particularly outside of Victorian London
- People who like lighter mystery novels rather than heavy historical crime fiction
Conclusion
While Eliza Mace may not be the gritty historical crime novel I initially expected, it was still an enjoyable mystery with an engaging heroine. The Welsh setting, the budding investigative partnership, and Eliza’s journey towards independence made it a worthwhile read. I’ll be curious to see where her story goes in future books.
Thank you to Jonathan Ball Publishers for the opportunity to read this book.
About the Authors
Co-Writing a Novel: Eliza Mace by Sarah Burton and Jem Poster – Writing.ie
