A very good historical novel. Lots of detail but compelling characters. I liked the matter-of-fact and highly competent Jayne, as well as her mum and Lady Stickland. All of them just went ahead and did what they felt was right in the turmoil of the English Civil War. This was a big book but the story moved at a good pace, with the right mix of drama and quieter scenes. And as far as I know, it’s a stand-alone novel, making it a satisfying one-time read for those with too many series on the go. ( )

The Swift and the Harrier by Minette Walters was such a joy to read. Expertly researched and wonderfully written, the book opens in Dorset in 1642 and finishes there seven years later in 1649. Those who know their history will recognise this period as the English Civil War that raged in England from 1642 - 1651 between the Royalists (who were for the King having absolute rule) and the Parliamentarians.

Jayne Swift of the title is an unmarried woman who uses her many skills as a physician to provide medical treatment to the wounded on both sides of the conflict. Remaining neutral throughout, despite coming from a seemingly Royalist family, it's impossible not to love Jayne. Her skill in providing medical treatment for all kinds of maladies, including battlefield surgery was remarkable.

In fact, Jayne reminded me of Lady Anne of Develish from The Last Hours by Minette Walters. I can't believe I read that almost 5 years ago in November 2017! Notwithstanding, that was set 300 years earlier and The Swift and the Harrier is a stand alone novel.

The Harrier referred to in the title is a person who crosses paths with Jayne a number of times over the years, but don't worry, this isn't a romance driven novel. There are other characters I warmed to throughout the book and I was rooting for their safety amongst the ever changing politics surrounding the civil war.

A personal reading highlight I'll take with me after reading The Swift and the Harrier by Minette Walters was the absolute pleasure in seeing praise from Theresa Smith (Theresa Smith Writes) and Ashleigh Meikle (The Book Muse) featured in the first few pages. They're both fantastic Australian book bloggers and I know how much of a thrill it is, so I hope they're both proud to be included in this fine book.

The Swift and the Harrier by Minette Walters is highly recommended for fans of Philippa Gregory, Kate Mosse, C.J. Sansom or Ken Follett and you can read the first 19 pages for free on the publisher's website.

* Copy courtesy of Allen & Unwin * ( )

Jayne Swift is an unusual woman, born into local nobility she is unmarried and allowed to ply a trade as a physician. As Civil war starts Jayne finds herself in a besieged Lyme running a local hospital where her skills make her an asset to both sides. Jayne is neutral though, only wanting to help. As war grows ever more close and violent, can she stay neutral or will her feelings for the enigmatic Harrier cause further heartache.
Walters has successfully moved from writing quite dark thrillers to a series of historical novels set in her beloved West Country. here the time period has moved to the mid-17th century and the civil war. the book is quite romantic in tone and those feels more accessible and 'lighter' that its predecessors but the same attention to detail is there. In this case medical treatment and also the legalities of family inheritance and marriage. It's a very entertaining read ( )

Minette Walters knows how to write a great historical fiction novel, no matter the time period or setting. I’m generally wary of anything before the 1800s (Australian history isn’t that long) but I’ve been truly invested in the story told in The Swift and the Harrier.

Opening in 1642, the story has England on the brink of civil war between the Royalists supporting the king and the Parliamentarians, who support the parliament. In modern Australia, I don’t think you could get anyone interested enough to start a fight based on that, let alone a war. But back then, it divided the country on which groups should be bestowed what level of power. As it often does, it all came back to religion. The Puritans supported the parliament, while the Royalists were made up of Catholics and some Protestants. Main character Jayne Swift isn’t interested in taking sides. She’s a physician (but not allowed to call herself that because she’s a woman in the 1600s) and she will treat anyone, regardless of faith or allegiance. The story opens as Jayne is on her way to treat her cousin’s child, risking the wrath of the boy’s Puritan father. Fortunately, he’s watching Catholic priests being executed in a bloody, brutal scene reminiscent of Walters’ crime novels. Jayne is swept up in the crowd and takes shelter in the doorway of Lady Alice Strickland’s house. She’s brought inside by the fascinating older lady and makes the acquaintance of someone she is going to meet a lot over the course of the war – William Harrier. William is a footman – or is he? As Jayne utilises her physician skills during sieges and closer to home, William appears in many different guises – and on different sides of the war.

Jayne’s story is intertwined with the war, blending medicine with the dangers for women during the period. Jayne is forever having to prove herself and her methods, as well as hide her true self in order to move about safely. Even though her parents are very liberal for the time period, her father questions why she is determined to have a profession (not to mention why she comes to the aid of Parliamentarians, when he’s a staunch Royalist). But Jayne’s family becomes divided over allegiances as the war progresses until its obvious to all that fighting is futile and a waste of resources. In the background, there is a meeting of minds between Jayne and William, a very soft romance which is certainly not the focus of the novel. It’s a welcome relief to the bloody war scenes. I did find some of the movements and tactics of the armies a bit overlong, but those who are more interested in war may find them fascinating.

Walters always writes strongly and with a purpose. There is no filler here. The historical details are clearly well researched but she doesn’t overload the reader with needless details. Similarly, the characters of Jayne, William and Lady Alice are all comprehensive, fleshed out characters. Lady Alice was a personal favourite of mine for daring to go beyond convention multiple times through her life. She’s more rebellious than Jayne and adds some light relief with her previous exploits. Overall, it’s a novel that is rich in history combined with memorable characters.

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