The Harlot’s Tale is the second in the Midwife Mysteries series written by Sam Thomas. The first was The Midwife’s Tale which I thoroughly enjoyed. Needless to say I was looking forward to reading this one and will as soon as I get back to my reading. My apologies to the author for not having a review ready but as most who read my blog know my pup Sammy is sick and I’ve been focusing all my energies on him for now. As a side note he is still eating, not as much as before, but eating and playing a bit. For that I am grateful.
In the meantime though, check over at Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the other tour stops on Sam Thomas’s tour for other reviews, interviews, guest posts, and giveaways. For how I’m going to share with you what the book is about, a bit about the author, and a giveaway at the end of the post. I can speak from the experience of reading Sam’s first book that he is a fabulous writer and is able to draw you fully into the story he writes and keep you there. If you enjoy historical fiction his books are a must!
THE HARLOT’S TALE
It is August, 1645, one year since York fell into Puritan hands. As the city suffers through a brutal summer heat, Bridget Hodgson and Martha Hawkins are drawn into a murder investigation more frightening than their last. In order to appease God’s wrath—and end the heat-wave—the city’s overlords have launched a brutal campaign to whip the city’s sinners into godliness. But for someone in York, whipping is not enough. First a prostitute and her client are found stabbed to death, then a pair of adulterers are beaten and strangled. York’s sinners have been targeted for execution.
Bridget and Martha—assisted once again by Will, Bridget’s good-hearted nephew—race to find the killer even as he adds more bodies to his tally. The list of suspects is long: Hezekiah Ward, a fire and brimstone preacher new to York; Ward’s son, Praise-God, whose intensity mirrors his father’s; John Stubb, one of Ward’s fanatic followers, whose taste for blood may not have been sated by his time in Parliament’s armies. Or could the killer be closer to home? Will’s brother Joseph is no stranger to death, and he shares the Wards’ dreams of driving sin from the city.
To find the killer, Bridget, Martha, and Will must uncover the city’s most secret sins, and hope against hope that the killer does not turn his attention in their direction.
Other Tour Stops at Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
Buy at: Amazon US, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK, Barnes and Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound, iTunes, Powell’s
SAM THOMAS
Sam Thomas is an assistant professor of history at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. He has received research grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Newberry Library, and the British Academy. He has published articles on topics ranging from early modern Britain to colonial Africa. Thomas lives in Alabama with his wife and two children.
Sam’s website, blog, Facebook, and Twitter
GIVEAWAY DETAILS (US/Canada)
I have one paperback copy of The Harlot’s Tale by Sam Thomas to share with my readers. To enter…
- Leave a comment for 1 entry to the giveaway.
- Tweet, share on Facebook, or blog for 2 extra entries.
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian residents (no PO boxes) and I will draw for the winner on February 4/14. Good luck!
Historical fiction and a mystery too? What could be better?
Tweeted: https://mobile.twitter.com/lag32583/status/425257355979145216?screen_name=lag32583
I’ve been away for a few weeks and am sorry to hear that Sammy is sick… sure hope he’s feeling better soon!
I read the Midwives’s Tale and loved it! Please enter my name in this giveaway.
I really really want to read this one. Thanks for the giveaway!
campbellamyd at gmail dot com
https://twitter.com/AmyBooksy/status/425302705888698368
campbellamyd at gmail dot com
Sounds like an interesting series.
Oh, this sounds really good. I love books set in a time period I don’t know much about.
Would love to read this series. I tweeted https://twitter.com/readsalways/status/425315469751353344
Sounds perfect for me.will tweet@rhondareads
A combo of historical fiction and mystery? Count me in please! I tweeted at https://twitter.com/kate_ivan/status/425318068881870848 Thank you! kateivan (at) aol (dot) com
This one sounds interesting! Thanks for sharing!
Sounds fascinating. Thanks for this giveaway.
I just updated my blog to share this one.
http://mytime2read.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_17.html
First of all, I’m sending you and Sammy big hugs. Tell him that he has so many “Mommies” out there who are rooting for him to get better soon.
Oh my gosh, this sounds like a book that is filled with lots of intrigue. Looking forward to reading it.
Will tweet and share on FB.
Connie Fischer
conniecape@aol.com
Thanks for the chance to win Sam Thomas’ latest. I’m sure it’s just as good as The Midwife’s Tale. Glad to hear Sammy’s holding his own, having a sick pup is no fun at all. All my best to both of you.
I tweeted a link to this post: https://twitter.com/carlrscott/status/425327594683121666
Thanks for this intriguing novel giveaway.
I so do love historical fiction. Would love this one.
Thank you for the giveaway.
Have tweeted
Thanks for the giveaway!
I shared on twitterhttps://mobile.twitter.com/kcree0916/status/425344486378438656?screen_name=kcree0916
I love historical fiction. Hope I win.
The Harlot’s Tale by Sam Thomas – Spotlight & Giveaway (US/Can) I tweeted
I can’t wait to read the second in this series. I understand there is a third coming out this year to get all excited about again.
Give some extra pets to Sammy from me and I wish him a fast and full recovery.
The Midwife’s Tale is one of my favorite books. I am so happy that he has written another!!!!
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/Carolee888/status/425352923183185920#
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
Sounds like a great series. I will have to track down the first book and give it a try.
I haven’t read this author before, but this series sounds fascinating. Thanks for this giveaway.
Thank you for the giveaway. I tweeted 7:15 PM – 20 Jan 2014 and shared on Facebook.
6:13 PM – 3 Feb 2014 retweeted
I loved the first book and can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for hosting a giveaway.
Hope your puppy is feeling better.
Am also sharing this on my group facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/justonemorechapterplease
I am intrigued by this one. Thank you for the opportunity to be a winner.
melback at cebridge dot net
HF mysteries are the best!!! Thank you for the chance to win!
lafra86 at gmail dot com
I would love to win this book! He’s first book was great and I am sure this one is even better!
This sounds like an interesting series.
How’s your little guy doing?
Would love to win, read, review and share. Sounds interesting