These Lost and Broken Things - Helen Fields - BLOG TOUR

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Helen Fields new historic fiction novel - These Lost and Broken Things.  

Let's begin with a little blurb:-

Maiden-Mother-Murderer

How dangerous is a woman with nothing left to lose?

The year is 1905. London is a playground for the rich and a death trap for the poor. When Sofia Logan’s husband dies unexpectedly, leaving her penniless with two young children, she knows she will do anything to keep them from the workhouse. But can she bring herself to murder? Even if she has done it before…

Emmet Vinsant, wealthy industrialist, offers Sofia a job in one of his gaming houses. He knows more about Sofia’s past than he has revealed. Brought up as part of a travelling fair, she’s an expert at counting cards and spotting cheats, and Vinsant puts her talents to good use. His demands on her grow until she finds herself with blood on her hands.

Set against the backdrop of the Suffragette protests, with industry changing the face of the city but disease still rampant, and poverty the greatest threat of all, every decision you make is life or death. Either yours or someone else’s. Read best-selling crime writer Helen Fields’ first explosive historical thriller.

International and Amazon #1 best-selling author, Helen is a former criminal and family law barrister. Every book in the Callanach series claimed an Amazon #1 bestseller flag. Her next book, the sixth in the series, 'Perfect Kill' is due out on 6 February 2020. Helen also writes as HS Chandler, and last year released legal thriller 'Degrees of Guilt'. Her previous audiobook 'Perfect Crime' knocked Michelle Obama off the #1 spot. Translated into 15 languages, and also selling in the USA, Canada & Australasia, Helen's books have won global recognition. Her first historical thriller 'These Lost & Broken Things' comes out in May 2020. A further standalone thriller published by Harper Collins will come soon. She currently commutes between Hampshire, Scotland and California, where she lives with her husband and three children. Helen can be found on Twitter @Helen_Fields for up to date news and information or at www.helenfields.co.uk.

My response to the story.

An engrossing piece of histfic that has perplexed me and posed a conundrum. Main character, Sofia, struggling to survive with two young children after the premature death of her husband. Living in London and offered a job by a wealthy industrialist. You’d think the scene was set for a touching rags to riches story maybe? Oh no. Our Sofia is a feisty, independent woman who will stop at nothing to secure a future for herself and her children. But it’s the nothings that she won’t stop at that give me my dilemma. For as a decent, honest and upright citizen should I be seen to feel any sympathy for this character? Dammit, I like her immensely! But I shouldn’t, should I?! She does dreadful things. And yet I was always rooting for her to get way with it. How come? 

Hmmmm, could it be that the story is extremely well written with a character development cleverly getting the reader ‘on side’ no matter what? I think it could! 

It’s a masterful example of characterisation. Sofia has enough good qualities for the reader to excuse what she does. Or is that just me?! Maybe excuse is too lenient but, read the book, and you’ll know what I mean! 

Although Helen Fields has an impressive body of work this is the first I have read. I’ve a feeling that may change! I am always fascinated by an author who switches genre. I guess there are numerous reasons for it but it’s not always a given that success in one means automatic prowess in another. I think it has to be considered a brave move in an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ kinda  way. But reading this book I would never have guessed that the author wasn’t an experienced historical fiction writer. Turn of the 20th century London is recreated in absorbing detail. The research is impressive, from descriptions of domestic life to functions of the constabulary at that time and some of the darker, seedier aspects of London life. Utterly believable. 

The main thrust of the novel is Sofia’s story told in a dual chronology from her childhood where a crescendo of detail gradually builds up until the final exposition is revealed towards the end of the book, and Sofia’s current situation. Against a backdrop of the Suffragette movement there is a subtle emphasis on women and their place in that contemporary society. I do not wish to divulge the many intricacies of the plot but its many peaks and troughs seldom allow the reader to relax  with any suggestion of a happy ending. And is there a happy ending? Oh no, you don’t get me on that one. Read the book for yourself!

If you enjoy historical fiction with a strong female lead there’s a lot here to appeal to you. I would be interested to know what stalwart fans of Helen Fields previous writings make of this. Will they find it ‘Perfect’? Pun/reference absolutely intended.  It’s good quality, assured writing which I’m sure she produces whatever the genre. And I intend to find out!

My thanks to Kelly at LoveBooksTours for the opportunity to read this book and participate in the blog tour. Please read what my fellow bloggers have to say. 

And thanks to Helen Fields because my book is signed. And I love a signed book. ;)