Thanks to Book Club Girls & HarperCollins Publishers via NetGalley for a gifted copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.

Trigger Warnings for sexual assault, physical abuse, and torture. If I'd have known about the violence and torture, described so vividly and extensively, I would never have read the book. I skipped over those parts while I was reading but I really can't recommend this book. I know not everyone feels the same about these topics, since many other reviewers gave it 4 and 5 stars and didn't even mention the violence.

Now you know the bad, so let me also share the good: A well-researched historical novel about spies in Elizabethan England. A strong female heroine, intriguing plot, great descriptions of clothes, architecture, the social order, word usage and morals of the time, realistic interspersing of fictional characters with actual people.

I also think this novel should be classified as a romance in the same category as a "bodice ripper." Another genre I don't usually read and wasn't expecting.

This book just wasn't for me, but for its over-the-top violence I'm rating it only 1 star.

The first half of the book was very slow and I found myself skimming at times. However, once the action got started it became a page turner with all sorts of twists and turns.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC ebook. The Locksmith’s Daughter by Karen Brooks is rich in historical detail and takes place in Victorian England centered on Mallory and her subsequent recruitment Into a spy network. I have not read many books that take place during this time so the window into its history was interesting to me, along with the characters and story line. Well worth a read for mystery fans.

The locksmith’s daughter has learned well her father’s trade. Following her rescue from a youthful adventure gone wrong, she begins work basically as a spy. Her talents though remarkable still aren’t always appreciated since she is a woman and needs to constantly prove herself. Set in London when Catholics were in hiding and often in danger,there is intrigue as well as a bit of romance and lots of family drama. I could have used a bit more history of the Protestants vs the Catholics but most of it was explained well enough and the author’s note at the end was appreciated.

The Locksmith's Daughter is an intricate and unflinching window into Elizabethan England and the unease that surrounded fealty and faith. The heroine of the novel, Mallory Bright also has the blight and consequences of foolish, young love to contend with as well, setting her up for an untenable position to try and restore the reputation of her and her family. That position is as a spy for Sir Francis, rooting out Catholics in the restored Protestantism England. While Mallory is initially excited to contribute to the crown of England things make her begin to doubt the work she is doing. And during all this she is finding herself drawn to the unconventional Lord Nathaniel and his young sister Beatrice. This story pulls you in the further along it goes, but it is not without moments that are very difficult to read - because things were not easy for women in that time, or people of the "wrong faith" for that matter. But Brooks in not prettifying the whole story up makes it feel so incredibly real, creating complex characters and weaving in true historical figures and features. This is a great, meaty read for someone who enjoys historical fiction and is looking for something well-researched and well-plotted.

I loved this book! Historical fiction is my favorite genre. The author took me to Elizabethan England. The characters were brought to life. The author let out enough information to keep you reading. Just when you were wondering.. well what happened to Raffw, there was the answer. Will definitely recommend to my friends!

I got a free NetGalley ebook for an honest review. It’s actually a 3.5 the story was interesting but I did not think the detailed sexual violence and torture was necessary. I know it’s historical accurate but was really put off by it.

This novel was a slow to get start yet was hard to put down once it got going. I felt it was very historically accurate. I just think I was expecting a little more than I got. It was a bit wordy for me and tough to read at times. It was perhaps too dramatic for my tastes and the gore was certainly violent and more than I was expecting to see in this book. 2 stars for me!

Very enjoyable book if you are a fan of historical fiction. Was a bit long but filled with intrigue and lots of spy story lines in the time of Queen Elizabeth. Lots of references to historical sites and places . Mallory , the locksmiths daughter is a very strong female character. I liked it!

What a great book. I received this free copy & loving historical history like I do, thank you!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book with the main characters was so likable! A definite read!

This book was just not for me. I tried two chapters but it just didn't capture me so I've put it down. It might appeal to others, but it wasn't for me.

The Locksmith’s Daughter by Karen Brooks is an excellent historical fiction novel that takes place during Elizabethan England. A story exceedingly rich in detail, the reader follows along with Mallory, a young woman who ends up smack in the middle of the spy network of Sir Francis Walsingham. Political intrigue, mystery, suspense, and difficult decisions and choices that have cascading effects, are all things that Mallory ends up involved in during this book. What will she choose? Who will she side with? What will the end results be? Those are all questions that are drawn out throughout this novel.

I enjoyed how Ms. Brooks took real events and figures and created a side story to delight the senses.

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR, Bookbub, Amazon, and B&N accounts.

Thanks to HarperCollins Publishers for choosing this as a Book Club Girls Free Friday pick! I'm looking forward to reading this one!