REVIEWS
AN APPETITE FOR VIOLETS
'Martine Bailey writes with such easy, compelling grace, and in a fascinating new genre – best described as Culinary Gothic. I was hooked and enraptured.' (Fay Weldon, author of LONG LIVE THE KING)
'I adored this novel: a delicious addictive mix of confectionery, skulduggery and crime, sprinkled with dark secrets and sauced with piquant comedy.' (Maria McCann, bestselling author of AS MEAT LOVES SALT and THE WILDING)
'An absolutely delicious novel; I savoured every page.' (Imogen Robertson, author of INSTRUMENTS OF DARKNESS)
'It's not often that I read a book as voraciously as this. The last was THE GOLDFINCH by DonnaTartt, so Martine is in excellent company. I just had to know how this story of deception, intrigue and passion ended.' (S D Sykes, author of PLAGUE LAND)
'A hugely evocative novel that transported me right back to 18th Century Europe. AN APPETITE FOR VIOLETS is filled with sensuous food writing and Biddy has such a distinctive voice.' (Sarah Vaughan, author of ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL)
'AN APPETITE FOR VIOLETS is a feast of unique characters, suspense, passion and delicious storytelling. Martine Bailey has served up a beautifully rendered, haunting tale told by an unforgettable heroine. A novel to devour yet savor.' (Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author of THE QUEEN'S GOVERNESS)
'I adored this novel: a delicious addictive mix of confectionery, skulduggery and crime, sprinkled with dark secrets and sauced with piquant comedy.' (Maria McCann, bestselling author of AS MEAT LOVES SALT and THE WILDING)
'An absolutely delicious novel; I savoured every page.' (Imogen Robertson, author of INSTRUMENTS OF DARKNESS)
'It's not often that I read a book as voraciously as this. The last was THE GOLDFINCH by DonnaTartt, so Martine is in excellent company. I just had to know how this story of deception, intrigue and passion ended.' (S D Sykes, author of PLAGUE LAND)
'A hugely evocative novel that transported me right back to 18th Century Europe. AN APPETITE FOR VIOLETS is filled with sensuous food writing and Biddy has such a distinctive voice.' (Sarah Vaughan, author of ANATOMY OF A SCANDAL)
'AN APPETITE FOR VIOLETS is a feast of unique characters, suspense, passion and delicious storytelling. Martine Bailey has served up a beautifully rendered, haunting tale told by an unforgettable heroine. A novel to devour yet savor.' (Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author of THE QUEEN'S GOVERNESS)
THE ALMANACK
'What a thoroughly enjoyable and absorbing read! I was enthralled by the riddles and puzzles and missteps that the author wrong-footed us with, leading us through many twists and surprises to a satisfying conclusion.' - Paula Brackston, New York Times bestselling author of The Witch's Daughter.
"Martine Bailey has done it again: impeccable research, compelling riddles and a highly intelligent narrative. Another gem of a book from this wonderful author. As clever and beautiful as a tapestry." - Rebecca Mascull, author of The Daughters of Ironbridge and The Visitors.
“Memorable characters, a compelling mystery, authentic riddles - The Almanack totally drew me into its gripping world.” – Alison Layland, author of Riverflow
“Fabulous! Ingeniously plotted, hauntingly atmospheric murder mystery that satisfied on multiple levels and left me begging for more. Deborah Swift, author of A Divided Inheritance and the Pepys’ Women trilogy
“I fell into the world completely. The level of detail, the authenticity, is utterly compelling, yet this knowledge is used with such a deft hand that it's only when you emerge at the other end that you stop to wonder how she does it. Gorgeous!” – Sarah Louise Jasmon, author of The Summer of Secrets
“An intricately plotted thriller with incredibly well drawn characters and fascinating historical facts, The Almanack also examines the nature of time and destiny, the conflict of science and superstition in eighteenth century England. A murderously dark and delightful 5 star read.” Melissa Bailey, author of Beyond the Sea
"Martine Bailey has done it again: impeccable research, compelling riddles and a highly intelligent narrative. Another gem of a book from this wonderful author. As clever and beautiful as a tapestry." - Rebecca Mascull, author of The Daughters of Ironbridge and The Visitors.
“Memorable characters, a compelling mystery, authentic riddles - The Almanack totally drew me into its gripping world.” – Alison Layland, author of Riverflow
“Fabulous! Ingeniously plotted, hauntingly atmospheric murder mystery that satisfied on multiple levels and left me begging for more. Deborah Swift, author of A Divided Inheritance and the Pepys’ Women trilogy
“I fell into the world completely. The level of detail, the authenticity, is utterly compelling, yet this knowledge is used with such a deft hand that it's only when you emerge at the other end that you stop to wonder how she does it. Gorgeous!” – Sarah Louise Jasmon, author of The Summer of Secrets
“An intricately plotted thriller with incredibly well drawn characters and fascinating historical facts, The Almanack also examines the nature of time and destiny, the conflict of science and superstition in eighteenth century England. A murderously dark and delightful 5 star read.” Melissa Bailey, author of Beyond the Sea
THE PENNY HEART (A TASTE FOR NIGHTSHADE)
'Intelligent and engrossing. An ingenious exercise... this is a richly rewarding read.'
(The Sunday Times)
'An exciting novel in the Gothic tradition.' (The Lady Magazine)
'It all comes down to a thrilling battle of wits and nerve - I literally could not put the book down for the last quarter. -Laura Purcell, author of The Silent Companions
'Martine Bailey has invented her own niche - gothic horror meeting culinary thriller - and THE PENNY HEART is her second helping... Bailey's prose sparkles.' (The Times)
'A multiple course reading feast! Following an excellent debut must be tough - but Bailey made it look easy with this polished, sophisticated work.' (The Bookbag)
'I really can't recommend this novel highly enough. I loved it from start to finish. (S D Sykes, author of Plague Land)
Bailey has created such vivid and believable characters that I felt entirely gripped by every strand of the story. (Juliet West, author of Before the Fall
Following an excellent debut must be tough - but Bailey has made it look easy with this polished, sophisticated work. From the first page, I sensed this novel was going to be even better than her first and my confidence was not misplaced. (The Bookbag)
(The Sunday Times)
'An exciting novel in the Gothic tradition.' (The Lady Magazine)
'It all comes down to a thrilling battle of wits and nerve - I literally could not put the book down for the last quarter. -Laura Purcell, author of The Silent Companions
'Martine Bailey has invented her own niche - gothic horror meeting culinary thriller - and THE PENNY HEART is her second helping... Bailey's prose sparkles.' (The Times)
'A multiple course reading feast! Following an excellent debut must be tough - but Bailey made it look easy with this polished, sophisticated work.' (The Bookbag)
'I really can't recommend this novel highly enough. I loved it from start to finish. (S D Sykes, author of Plague Land)
Bailey has created such vivid and believable characters that I felt entirely gripped by every strand of the story. (Juliet West, author of Before the Fall
Following an excellent debut must be tough - but Bailey has made it look easy with this polished, sophisticated work. From the first page, I sensed this novel was going to be even better than her first and my confidence was not misplaced. (The Bookbag)
