The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton

 

Jennifer Brown's The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton was just published a few days ago on April 14, 2026. It is a historical fiction account of the life of Elizabeth Barton who lived in the 1500s during the reign of Henry VIII. She claimed to have seen visions of purgatory and hell. The book is a dual timeline murder mystery set in an English country manor, when an ambitious professor discovers the long-lost manuscript of Barton.

The publisher's summary:  

Historian Alison Sage has made a groundbreaking archival discovery—she found a manuscript containing the prophecies of a 16th century nun, Elizabeth Barton. Barton’s prophecy condemning Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn led to her execution and the destruction of all copies of her prophecies—or so the world believed.

With Alison’s discovery, she is catapulted to academic superstardom and scores an invitation to the exclusive Codex Consortium, a week of research among a select handful of fellow historians at a crumbling manor in England, located next to the ruins of the priory where Elizabeth herself once lived.

What begins as a promising conference turns into a nightmare as the eerie house becomes the site of a murder. Suddenly, everyone is a suspect, and it seems that answers lie at the root of a local legend about centuries-old hidden treasure. Alison’s research makes her best-suited to solve the mystery—but when old feelings resurface for a former colleague, and the stakes of the search skyrocket, everyone's motives become murky.

Alison’s cutthroat world of academia is almost as dangerous as Elizabeth Barton’s sixteenth-century England, where heretics are beheaded, visions can kill, and knowing who to trust is a deadly art. The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a thrilling novel, crackling with the voices of the past and propelled by a mystery that will leave readers in suspense until the very last page.

I became hooked in the story from its first chapters. Initially I was more interested in Barton’s perspective but that changed as the story progressed. While the beginning chapters were longer in Barton’s timeline, this changed as Alison’s research became more prominent.

All of the characters in Barton’s timeline were actual historical figures. Barton’s mentor Father Bocking was hanged along with Barton at Tyburn. Oliver Cromwell, Thomas Cranmer, Cardinal Wolsey, and Thomas More all played a fairly prominent role in this timeline. None of them believed the veracity of Barton’s visions but used her to further their political and religious ambitions. Bocking was the liaison between Barton and his superiors. He told Barton what to say when she was being questioned by them and he is the person who wrote down her visions and compiled them into a book. He was aware the visions were false but he embellished them in an effort to keep King Henry in the Catholic Church. He is one of the villains of the story. Another real life character is Bishop John Fisher who is an ancestor of mine. To complete the characters are Prioress Philippa who housed Elizabeth at St. Sepulchre Priory as well as Lady Vale, owner of the manor house in which the present day story took place.

The present day story featured Dr. Alison Sage, a made up character as were all of the characters in this timeline. All seemed to be possible villains except Sage. Their character descriptions were mysterious which I assume is what the author desired. She did well by these interesting characters. While the book has been described as a murder mystery, the murder didn't occur until 70% into the story. None of the earlier storyline affected my enjoyment of the book. The plot was excellent up to this point. In fact, I forgot the book was a murder mystery. Honestly, I  thought the murder victim was going to be Barton. As the police, along with the other characters, investigated the crime more and more information, fictional, about what the Prioress Philippa and Lady Vale did after Barton’s death was clever. 

I learned a few new to me medieval terms. The hellmouth, the transi tomb and the leper's squint were fully described. A hellmouth is a an artistic rendition of the entrance to hell. It was used to scare people from straying from the fairh. The transi tomb depicts the dead person buried there as a decayed body, instead of the usual lifelike representation of the deceased. The leper's squint is basically a tiny hole in a wall used by leper's to hear the mass. The priest hole was better described than in other books I've read and the word "pursuivants" was new to me. It refers to people who were looking for Catholic sympathizers. 

After finishing the book I looked Barton up on Wikipedia. She was a real life person. I noticed that a painting of her done during her lifetime is part of the book cover. It was interesting to note that every detail of her life shown on Wikipedia was also shown in the book. I am amazed that author Jennifer Brown was able to craft a story with all of this information included within its pages. 

What interested me to get the book? It was the book cover. It was intriguing with its color pallette, an oil painting and the crossed out name of Elizabeth Barton. The cover design convinced me to read the book's summary which also intrigued me. 

The Lost Book of Elizabeth Barton is a fascinating portrait of Barton. It may be in my top ten books of 2026! 5 out of 5 stars.

I Am Cleopatra

I was intrigued by the title of this book when I first saw it. However, it was the stunning cover that convinced me to get it and I was not disappointed. The story of Cleopatra is always shrouded in mystery and the writing style of author Natasha Solomons continues in this vein. I Am Cleopatra is a fantastic historical fiction account of this most intriguing woman.

The publisher's summary: 

The favored daughter of the Pharaoh, Egyptian Princess Cleopatra spent her childhood hiding amid the scrolls in the great library of Alexandria, dreaming of one day writing her own story.

When her father dies, naming both Cleopatra and her selfish brother Ptolemy as his successors to the throne, danger arises. While the young Queen sails the Nile to greet her people, her brother plots to eliminate her and rule the empire alone. But while Ptolemy has the power of the kingdom behind him, Cleopatra has her cunning wits. When the great Caesar arrives from Rome, she realizes he could be the key to her salvation—though courting this powerful man could cost her everything.

Can Cleopatra save her life, her throne, and her beloved Egypt and finally write her own history?

Told from the dueling perspectives of Cleopatra and Caesar’s mistress Servilia, I Am Cleopatra is a powerful, addictively readable reimagining of the alluring queen’s life. A modern retelling that goes beyond previous caricatures, I Am Cleopatra is a fascinating portrait of the flesh-and blood-woman behind the great legend. Natasha Solomons’ spellbinding story of female power and fragility, love and loss, fierce friendship and terrible betrayal introduces at last the real Cleopatra in all her glory and vulnerability.

Throughout the book Cleopatra maintained a mysterious persona. Even the narration, almost always from her perspective, was mysterious. After 100 pages or so I wished that she was more relaxed but it never happened. Perhaps it'a because there were many people hoping for her death. That would make anyone standoffish. Toward the midway point in the story we read chapters from the perspective of Servilia. Servilia was also one of Caesar’s mistresses but this relationship lasted for decades. No matter who Caesar had dalliances with, he always returned to Servilia. The mysterious trait of Cleopatra became old after awhile. I did adjust to her narration but it bothered me that she was distant in her relationships.

Cleopatra's slave Charmian was her best friend. Cleopatra and Charmian were paired together from a young age and they grew up together. Charmian was the only person that she accepted advice from. Charmian was 100% devoted to her. Cleopatra's first husband was her stepbrother. They despised each other. Their father, Auletes, arranged the marriage and was pleased to keep the dynasty in the family. After his death Cleopatra's father had already arranged another marriage for her. This time the groom was her three year old brother Ptolemy. Cleopatra and Ptolemy were going to reign as co-pharoahs.  Ptolemy was a child and uninterested in the affairs of state. However, Cleopatra was born to rule. She was a fantastic political strategist who advised her father from an early age. 

The Egyptian setting was glorious. I loved the food descriptions and could feel the usually fresh air on the Nile. If Cleopatra sailed too close to the shore the smell of excrement was overpowering. Cruising the Nile to Memphis and Thebes made Cleopatra relaxed. There were always citizens waving to her. The images from the royal palace were also alluring with its marble floors and unique flora and fauna. The section of the story that took place in Rome described an inferior setting. It was hot but without the cool breezes from the Nile. During winter Cleopatra froze. She hated Rome.

The story covered Cleopatra's life from age thirteen until she left Rome pregnant with her second child from Caesar. History tells us much more about Cleopatra's life but this is where the story ended in I Am Cleopatra. Much of the book concerns threats from her stepbrother Ptolemy as well as her intimate relationship with Caesar. Ptolemy was constantly outmaneuvered but never gave up on his attempts to kill her. He wanted to be the sole Pharoah of Egypt but he also had a misogynistic attitude towards women in general. 

I enjoyed the story but reading the narrative was awkward in some places. I must say, though, that the author showed us the real Cleopatra which basically was her job. She did that well. 4 out of 5 stars.

The Ivory City

I discovered this lovely book from my kindle ad feed. It is a historical mystery and the author is new (to me). Emily Bain Murphy has written several books including YA fantasy and adult historical fiction. The Ivory City was published in November 2025.

The publisher's summary:

The St. Louis World’s Fair, 1904:  A miniature city of palaces and pavilions that becomes a backdrop for romance, betrayal—and murder.

Cousins Grace and Lillie have been best friends since birth, despite Grace’s vastly inferior social status ever since her mother married for love instead of wealth. When Lillie invites Grace to the biggest event of the century—the legendary World’s Fair, also known as “The Ivory City”—Grace hopes her fortunes might be about to change.  

But when a member of their party is brutally killed at the fair, and suspicion falls on Lillie’s brother Oliver, Grace must prove Oliver’s innocence before her beloved cousins’ family is ruined forever.

Along the way, she'll discover that the city’s wealthy elite—including Oliver’s handsome but irritable friend Theodore—aren’t quite who they appear to be. And amidst the glitz, glamor, and magic of the Ivory City lurks a danger that just may claim her life. 

While this novel is a well plotted mystery, it is the characters that bring it to life. Grace Covington, 18, is the main character. She is socially inferior to every other character because her mother married down. Grace is the most moral person in the story though. She has high standards to live by and she actually follows them. Her beloved cousins Lillie and Oliver love being rich, especially Lillie. Lillie, also 18, tends to follow all of high society's rules with the exception of including Grace in all of her activities. She receives alot of throwback from her friends and her mother but loves Grace too much to exclude her. That said, Lillie behaves like the spoiled brat that she is. She lies in order to get her way and frequently sneaks out of the house. Oliver is a happy go lucky twenty year old. He loves going to all of the balls and other high society functions. All of the ladies are trying to catch him because of his family’s extraordinary wealth. 

Aunt Clove is a villain but not the true villain of the book. She hates Grace and wants her out of her kids' lives. She believes Grace is reducing their marriage prospects. The name Clove is interesting. Cloves are a sweet but pungent spice that requires additional spices to make it palatable. Pungent is a good adjective to describe Aunt Clove. Lillie’s friends complete the characters. All of them are rich snobs who lie and cheat in order to advance themselves socially. Lillie unfortunately does not see this. 

The setting is extraordinary. The reader can feel the awe that the fair's exhibits draw from the characters. They see the Chinese emporer living within a replica of one of his palaces. The Japanese exhibit had extravagant detail, and Thomas Edison was present at the Electrical City. He gave lectures on the promise of electricity. The Philippine Villlage was the largest one. It was used so the United States to show off the colonization of this recently acquired territory. Many more exhibits were described in detail. I can imagine how awe inspiring all of the exhibits were to those living in the 1800s. I felt the same wonder as the characters. One part of St. Louis was called the Tunnels. This is where you can find drugs and prostitutes. Addicts and prostitutes not only do business there but also live there. The Tunnels were described as being dangerous enough that you could get killed there. Author Emily Bain Murphy's description of the Tunnels scared me as well as the characters. She did a fantastic job of showing the reader the setting.

The death occurred about 100 pages into this 340 page story. Oliver’s secret girlfriend Harriet died right after he gave her a cocktail to drink. Harriet was despised by the rich because she was an actress. The police arrested Oliver and charged him with Harriet's murder as there was strichnine in the cocktail. Lillie and Grace vow to clear him but it is really Grace who works to identify the actual killer. Lillie is too consumed by society's rebuke of her family following Oliver’s arrest. Grace and her new found friend Theodore Parker made a list of possible killers. As they considered each one, the two of them spoke with several of them to determine whether they should be crossed off the list. There were plenty of red herrings while these two worked their list. The real whodunnit was a surprise though.

The Ivory City was recommended to me by several people. I knew it would be good but I was not prepared for how good it actually is. I absolutely LOVED this historical mystery. 5 out of 5 stars.

Girl in a Red Silk Sari

I love reading Indian fiction so I could not pass up this book when I found it on Amazon. The author, Sharon Maas, is new to me. I am surprised that I have never heard of her before as she writes historical fiction about women and their struggles. Her past settings include France, Germany and India. Girl in a Red Silk Sari was published in April 2025.

The publisher's summary:

Madras, India. Caroline steps off the plane into the searing heat, senseless with worry. So much has changed since her first visit. This time, a piece of her heart is missing. This time, she is here to find her daughter…

Caroline Mitchell has never truly made peace with her past—and the circumstances that led to her separation from her beloved child. And when thirteen-year-old Asha vanishes without a trace, she faces every parent’s worst nightmare.

Desperate to find her, Caroline returns to India determined to do whatever it takes. The search will mean reconnecting with her estranged husband Kamal, and burying the memories of everything that happened between them. It will lead to the darkest corners of Mumbai’s infamous red-light district—a world of shadows, secrets, and unspeakable horrors. There, she discovers her precious daughter has been caught in a trafficking ring that preys on vulnerable children.

As Caroline navigates the labyrinthine streets and corrupt systems of Mumbai, she must find the strength to become the mother she has always wanted to be. Her mission will test her in ways she could never have imagined—but can she reach Asha in time, and save her from a terrifying fate? And if so, will she finally be able to heal the wounds of the past.

This was a captivating story. The first half introduces us to the characters, their lives, loves, personality and family backgrounds. Later the story becomes a mystery as Asha's friends and family search for her. While the pace was always good it speeds up into a frantic pace as the search for Asha continues. 

All of the characters were fascinating. It was interesting that they all had different personalities but got along well. Caroline is the stereotypical New England Brahmin. In her youth she was more adventurous which is why she moved to India with new husband Kamal. Kamal was a quiet man who always followed his family’s honor system. When they arrived in India, Caroline's thesis research required that they split up their living arrangements. She could never have completed her research if she followed Kamal to his place of employment, two hours away from her. Caroline lived with the Pandian family who allowed her to have few responsibilities. After the birth of her daughter Asha she left the care of the baby to the family. It began with nursing struggles. I was surprised that Caroline continually made decisions that separated her from caring for the baby. It’s not something I expected a wealthy woman would do and if she was home in America her mother probably would have helped her bond with the baby. She was selfish to the n'th degree. 

After two years in India Caroline was homesick and went home for a visit. Of course, she left Asha in India. Caroline decided to remain in America, without Asha, and thought that Kamal would follow her back to America. However, Kamal kept getting good engineering jobs in India and stayed there. Both thought the marriage would last though. It didn't because Caroline had an affair.

Asha stayed with the Pandian family eight more years until Mr. and Mrs. Pandian died in an auto accident. Asha was sold by her Pandian brother to a brothel. When her parents realize that she is missing they both gather together in India to find her. There were many twists in the search. My heart felt sorrowful each time they hit a roadblock. I was invested in the lives of this family and felt that I was part of the family too. These were intense feelings.

Girl in a Red Silk Sari is an emotional journey. I absolutely loved it. 5 out of 5 stars.

2026 Cover Lovers Reading Challenge

I just heard about this challenge a few moments ago and signed up. The Blogging About Books blog is hosting this challenge once again in 2026 with 50 new prompts. I am signing up at Level 3 which requires me to read 21 to 30 books with covers that meet the prompts shown below. I think this will be a fun challenge.

Rules: 

1. The challenge will run from January 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026.

2. Since this isn't a competition and we're just playing for fun, not prizes or even acclaim, books of any length count (as long as they fit one of the prompts). All genres and formats are allowed. 

3. Don't overthink or stress out about the prompts. If a book fits-ish a prompt, that's totally fine, but a book should only be used once.

4. 50 prompts can be overwhelming, so let's break it down:

Level One: 1-10 books

Level Two: 11-20 books

Level Three: 21-30 books

Level Four: 31-40 books

Level Five: 41-50 books

You can sign up at any level you'd like and even change levels mid-challenge if you need to.

5. Reviews aren't required, but I always like to get suggestions for prompts and for good reads. Feel free to post links to your reviews throughout the year in the comments on the challenge post.

Here are the prompts... 

Read a book with a cover that includes:

1. a scene you would like to step into for a day

2. the word "house" or "home" in the title

3. your favorite food or drink 

4. a subtitle

5. a chalkboard

6. an animal that is often ridden by humans (horse, mule, camel, etc.)

7. a mythical creature (unicorn, dragon, centaur, etc.)

8. someone holding food or a drink in their hand(s)

9. a compound word in the title or author's name (the compound word needs to be made up of two real words, but the resulting word does not have to be a real word, like buttermore, Shellman, etc.)

10. someone in a uniform of some kind

11. the author's picture on the front cover

12. something a chef might use (apron, toque, spatula, pots and pans, etc.)

13. the name of a flower in the title or author's name

14. an adverb in the title

15. a car's headlights shining in the darkness

16. ice in some form ("ice" in the title, ice cubes, frozen pond/rink, glaciers, etc.)

17. a timepiece

18. a palindrome in the title or author's name

19. the name of a bird in the title

20. a title that does not include the words "and" or "the"

21. a bridge

22. a title word or author's name you don't know how to pronounce correctly

23. a mug or teacup

24. a bell of some kind (doorbell, jingle bells, cowbell, etc.)

25. something you might see in a house of worship (stained glass windows, scriptures, cross, menorah, priest, etc.)

26. something you associate with pirates (Jolly Roger, eyepatch, parrot, etc.)

27. someone with facial hair

28. an adjective that is often used to describe the weather (stormy, sunny, windy, cloudy, etc. in the title or author's name 

29. a watercraft

30. something you might use for a home improvement project (tools, paint, nails, etc.)

31. someone reading 

32. a word from the military alphabet in the title (https://militaryalphabet.net/)

33. at least one person using a medical or mobility device (wheelchair, cane, hearing aids, insulin pump, etc.)

34. an honorific in the title or author's name (Miss, Mrs., Doctor., Your Highness, etc.)

35. a telephone (rotary or cell) or a telephone booth

36. someone who is barefoot

37. an alliterative title (A Christmas Carol, Legacy of Lies, Forever Friends, etc.)

38. punctuation of some sort in the title

39. somewhere you could happily sit and read all day

40. an X, Y, or Z in the author's name

41. an umbrella

42. a computer

43. a title or cover art with the name of a road or street (Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah, The Dress Shop on King Street by Ashley Clark, etc.)

44. minimal cover art/design

45. someone with red hair

46. one of the weapons from the board game Clue (candlestick, dagger/knife, lead pipe, rope, revolver/pistol, wrench)

47. one or more balloons

48. a creepy old house or building

49. someone with painted fingernails or toenails

50. a noun in the author's name (Amanda Flower, Cherie Priest, Stephen King, etc.)

If you'd like a printable version of the prompts, here it is:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/14l3U9PNB6HrzlKoT4SV6EQh5VnpjsAaVIb8VERYkdt8/edit?usp=sharing