Meh. Not nearly good enough for a fan of Ariana Franklin, Margaret Frazer and Ellis Peters. ( )

To be clear up front, I’m only giving this three stars because mystery-centric stories aren’t my favorite kinds of books—otherwise it would have been at least a four. So if you like historical mysteries, definitely read this one!

This was another book I picked up at Free Book Day in 2013, only to realize during my first week on the metadata job this year that it had grown into a whole series. So it was well past time to read it!

It was a delight to read historical fiction set in a less-usual time and a less-usual place than enjoyable but overdone Tudor London. Also a special delight was the presence of strong women characters, something I did figure was there given the series’ popularity (most readers in general, and most mystery readers in particular, are women), but I have to admit to some trepidation since the book was written by a man. Thomas delivers, though, with decently-developed women, even if one is a bit improbable. But despite the attention to historical detail, this is ultimately a detective novel, so I’ll grant some leeway for the butt-kicking maid.

This was definitely a fun book, and I think that fans of historical mysteries will love it (I mean, I know they do, I can literally see how many books, editions, and printings there are of this book). It has all the charm of an episode of Inspector Lewis (if more blood), with characters you can root for, characters you can frown at, and—best of all for history nerds like me—historicity has not been totally sacrificed on the altar of plot. Bridget’s case is interrupted every so often by births, so her profession is actually central to the book rather than just an excuse for her to know so many people.

Thomas reveals in a note at the end that the main character was inspired by a real midwife of the time. Though we have next to no information about her, I hope she would be tickled to have inspired such a spirited, independent character.


Quote Roundup

21) Bridget looks in a mirror, but Thomas resists the ghastly urge male writers have to wax poetic about their female protagonists’ beauty. Hurrah! That said, after Bridget hires Martha, her loyal but aging servant, Hannah, all but disappears from the book. Bit odd, that.

89) Points lost for the stereotypical gruff dwarf prison guard. Some points later regained when we find out he’s taken an urchin under his wing.

169) For much of the book, it wasn’t clear to me whether Ester was actually pregnant or not. Her arguments had seemed carefully worded to avoid an actual confirmation. Of course, lying would have ruined her legitimacy, but it was interesting that Thomas did not make clear from the start whether she was telling the truth or not.

192) While Thomas did have an excuse for so many suspects keeping diaries, I thought it a bit of a stretch that every apothecary in the city would use different bottles. It seems like an enormous expense for the time. I don’t know how large York was, but surely several would have used the same source of least-expense glassware?

256) I actually really admired the way Thomas developed Bridget’s feelings about the loss of her daughter. Feeling more happiness than pain here seemed like a realistic move, rather than having her wallowing in misery for the rest of her life—though of course some pain remains.

( )

Meh. Not nearly good enough for a fan of Ariana Franklin, Margaret Frazer and Ellis Peters. ( )

4.5 Stars

Set in the Northern English city of York at the height of its siege by rebel forces during the Civil War, Sam Thomas' debut novel, The Midwife's Tale, is an intriguing mystery that engages the reader right from the outset. At the centre of this novel is Lady Bridget Hogdson, one of York's most trusted midwives. Although York is suffering under the siege, Bridget continues to go about her business delivering babies and comforting new mothers. When one of her friends is convicted of murdering her husband, Bridget, who believes her friend innocent, joins forces with her servant Martha in an effort to find the real killer. But Bridget's quest for the truth puts her into direct conflict with some of York's most powerful citizens, thus putting her own life in danger. Refusing to be intimidated, Bridget and Martha continue their investigation of the murder. Will they solve the mystery before it is too late?

Full of rich historical detail that vividly recreates life in 1644 York, The Midwife's Tale is a must read for fans of not only historical mysteries, but of historical fiction in general. Through Bridget the reader learns of the customs and rules associated with 17th century childbirth, which included the rule that midwives could not deliver babies unless the father was named, and the custom that childbirth was a social occasion, with pregnant women surrounding themselves with their 'gossips' during labour. The novel also showcases the reality of life in a town under siege, as well as highlights the political dynamics of a city where the sympathies of its inhabitants are divided between the rebel and monarchist camps. The mystery itself is enthralling, taking Bridget and Martha all across York as they pursue a number of different leads, and leaving the reader guessing at the final outcome right until the very end. Portrayed as intelligent, strong and independent, Bridget is an ideal heroine, as is the ever resourceful Martha. The supporting characters, whether they be heroes or villains, are also well-developed and intriguing.

Well-written, with fascinating characters, a narrative that creates a strong sense of both time and place, and a plot that keeps the reader turning the pages, The Midwife's Tale is a novel not to be missed.

Note: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. ( )

1466 York England, The town is under siege by rebel forces. While the city is governed by Royalist supporters, a woman is tried for the murder of her Parliamentarian husband. Only Lady Hodgson, a well-respected midwife, believes in her innocence and hunts for the true killer. Lady Hodgson and her resourceful servant Martha look after the townsfolk—both the poor and the privileged. It's nice look at midwifery of the period as well as a satisfying historical mystery. I will definitely be continuing with the more of the series. ( )