The first book in Mary Lawrence’s Bianca Goddard Mystery series, The Alchemist’s Daughter, is an engaging historical mystery that immerses the reader straight into the mud, smells, and dangers of Tudor-era London. This version of the past is a harsh, precarious world, where there are more rats than people, justice is arbitrary, and one wrong step can cost your life.
Our heroine, Bianca Goddard, is practical and intelligent, the daughter of a disgraced alchemist (who never appears in the book except as a shadow of her past). Her attitude to alchemy is a recurring question, and I suspect she would prefer not to be referred to as ‘the alchemist’s daughter.’
What makes this book stand out is its atmosphere. Mary Lawrence does an excellent job of bringing the dark side of Tudor London to life. We trudge through filthy streets, always on the lookout for cutpurses, and nature conspires to make life as difficult as possible. I particularly liked the inventive use of language, sometimes with made up words, and the 'Dickensian' undertones echoed in character names.
Bianca Goddard is a strong protagonist, compassionate and determined, but she’s also constrained by the realities of her time. Her scientific approach of observation and logical thinking sets her apart and makes her a refreshing lead in historical fiction.
The narrative sometimes pauses to explore secondary characters, which adds depth but can interrupt the momentum of the mystery, but the plot remains compelling, and the resolution satisfying without feeling contrived.
The Alchemist’s Daughter is a solid start to a mystery series. It’s best suited for readers who enjoy historically grounded crime stories, a strong sense of place, and protagonists who solve problems with brains rather than bravado. If you like your historical mysteries dark, detailed, and rooted in real-world logic, this book is well worth picking up.
Tony Riches
About the Author
Mary Lawrence lives in Maine and is the author of five Bianca Goddard Mysteries set in Tudor London featuring a cast of commoners. Bianca uses her wits and a smattering of alchemy to solve murders in the slums of Southwark. Suspense Magazine named The Alchemist’s Daughter and The Alchemist of Lost Souls "Best Books of 2015 and 2019” in the historical mystery category and each mystery has been a top 100 best-selling historical mystery. Her articles have appeared in several publications most notably the national news blog, The Daily Beast. Fool is a standalone Find out more at www.marylawrencebooks.com and find her on Facebook and Instagram
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