The Shadow on the Bridge by Claire Marchant #Review

 

Today we have a dual timeline historical novel by Clare Marchant. The Shadow on the Bridge is published today by Boldwood Books. 

‘You must forever watch your back,’ I spoke the words clearly, though he could not hear me. ‘Come what may, I shall avenge my brother’s death.’’

Now: When Sarah’s summoned by her godmother to remote Norfolk, she doesn’t want to go. Crossing the bridges where the two rivers meet, said to be haunted by the ghost of a little boy, a large Tudor house looms in front of her. And Sarah’s instantly reminded her of the summer when she last visited. The summer she would like to forget. Which left her unable to ever move forward… Can a person ever recover from the loss of a sibling?

1571: Anne Howard, newly-made countess of Arundel, has also lost a sibling. And been dragged from the relative safety of her home in remote Norfolk to London, by her overbearing, manipulative, new father-in-law Thomas Howard; the very person she suspects of killing her beloved only brother. The Howards have greater secrets than this though. Secrets that will lead Anne to a tragedy that will echo down the ages…

When Sarah finds a mysterious book of poems in a hidden chamber of her godmother’s house, she is drawn into Anne’s story. Perhaps the mystery will take her mind off her own loss? But – as the flood waters begin to rise under the bridges – is Sarah laying ghosts to rest, or bringing truths to the surface that should stay beneath?

A completely haunting, gripping historical novel, perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir, and Diane Setterfield’s Once Upon a River.

 My Thoughts

This dual timeline story follows the lives of two women connected to an imposing house in two centuries, in Tudor England and in the present century. In the Tudor story thread, you see the effect of society on women who were regarded as a commodity. Ambitious men plotted to increase riches and influence, at others' expense. In this case, the Duke of Norfolk, an important member of Queen Elizabeth's court, is secretly plotting to advance what he  sees as the best for the country and for him. To him, Anne's family is no more than a source of income and he rides roughshod over her wishes. This leaves Anne with a burning sense of anger a need for revenge. Clever and resourceful, she hides her intelligence behind others' assumptions of her capability as a women.

    In the present day, Sarah finds herself summoned back to her godmother's house in remote Norfolk. It is an ordeal for her to return there and you find out why slowly as the story evolves. In her childhood, she lost her sibling, a link she shares with the Elizabethan Anne. Sarah has felt guilt related to this loss ever since and been estranged from her parents. She senses ghostly presences in the house and becomes fascinated with researching the past. What she finds out has a profound effect on her and gives her insight into many matters.

    I found this novel to be engrossing as the similarity between the two women became evident. There are fascinating period details in the Tudor period  and your view of the house helps you to visualise how it ends up centuries later. There are some interesting threads which link the stories, particularly around grief and loss. The Tudor period emerges as a dangerous and deadly time for many, with a strict class system and within the rich and landed, an arrogant tone. 

In short: tudor intrigue and present day sleuthing

     

About the Author

 

Growing up in Surrey, Clare always dreamed of being a writer. Instead, after gaining a degree in history and an MA in women's studies she accidentally fell into a career in IT. After spending many years as a project manager in London, she moved to Norfolk for a quieter life and trained as a professional jeweller. Now, finally writing full-time, she lives with her husband and the youngest two of her six children.

You can follow Clare here:

Facebook: @claremarchantauthor

Twitter: @claremarchant1

Instagram: @claremarchantauthor

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Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/clare-marchant

Book links

Thanks to Clare Marchant, Boldwood Books and Rachel of  Rachel's Random Resources for a copy of the book and a place on the tour.

Check out the rest of the tour!