Book details
The Maidservant and the Murderer
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About This Book
Book Details
From the author of THE MIDWIFE'S TALE comes "The Maidservant and the Murderer," the startling story behind midwife Bridget Hodgson's arch nemesis, the murderous and malignant Rebecca Hooke
On an autumn day in 1620, young Rebecca Hey rode into York in the back of a farmer's wagon and started on the path that would eventually make her one of the most powerful women in the city. Rebecca was an ordinary country girl when she became John and Grace Hooke's maidservant—a little light-fingered, perhaps, but never malicious. In the Hookes' service, however, she finds herself caught between a vicious mistress and a rapacious master, with their quiet but kind son, Richard, the only benevolent face in view.
In Samuel Thomas' e-original short story, Rebecca recounts her escape from this desperate situation, and bears witness to the choices that have turned her from a naïve young woman into the ruthless Rebecca Hooke. The question she would ask the reader is simple, "What else would you have had me do?"
This story contains approximately 10,700 words, along with an extended excerpt for The Harlot's Tale, the second book in the series featuring midwife Bridget Hodgson.
Imprint Publisher
Minotaur Books
ISBN
9781466850439
In The News
“Everything rings true in historian Thomas's superb first mystery. . . . Authentic details of life in 17th-century York complement the whodunit's intelligently concealed clues.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“As pleasurable as his mystery is, the true thrill here is Thomas's lively portrait of 1644 York and his unique heroine.” —Cleveland Plain Dealer
“Thomas's fiction debut is packed with fascinating information about a midwife's skills and life during the English civil war. The ingenious, fast-paced mystery is a bonus.” —Kirkus Reviews