I enjoyed this read from Marchant but it didn’t draw me in as I had hoped. In my opinion, it was a bit too political with Queen Elizabeth’s court, but lacking the depth that I look for with similar historical novels. Furthermore, I was hoping for more ghostly apparitions than what was described, wanting a spookier story about the tragedies that have taken place.

I liked the dual timeline aspect to this story, switching between present day and the sixteenth century. Over the course of the novel, Marchant develops parallels between the timelines and I enjoyed seeing how these came together in the final few chapters. Both protagonists have experienced tragedy and it was interesting how they react: Anne is determined for revenge against her father-in-law; Sarah is escaping commitment and wants to remain isolated to prevent herself getting hurt.

At first I enjoyed the subterfuge as Anne starts to find out what her father-in-law is involved in. Devising a cipher and sharing information at court through reading her poetry, I loved how daring Anne was, reflecting her determination in exacting revenge. Furthermore, I was fascinated to see if I could understand Anne’s clues as well, glad that I had the advantage of the poems being written in front of me, rather than like her contacts who were relying on verbal interpretation. These scenes were quite tense and, added with the secret passages as Anne spies on the Duke, I did wonder if her luck would ever run out.

As Sarah helps out her godmother, she is plagued by memories of the summer she last stayed in Norfolk as a child. It is evident that a tragedy took place and Marchant uses pathetic fallacy to build the tension in the final chapters. It is like history repeating itself and the past and present come together in another potential tragedy. I enjoyed watching Sarah come across Anne’s letters and trying to decipher what exactly took place, but I think there was still something missing from the narrative.

Whilst I love reading stories that take place during the Elizabethan era, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons with other historical writers. In those instances, those stories were a lot slower and fully embedded in the historical narrative. However, I thought that Marchant introduced key characters too quickly into Anne’s story and I felt a bit lost with the traitorous actions being described. At points, I could not remember character motivations and it meant I could not keep my attention fully on the narrative.

A good, historical read with some spooky feels, this wasn’t my most favourite of Marchant books. Thanks to the title, I was hoping for more shadows, more ghostly encounters and a bit of a Halloween vibe. Instead, the book felt more political than what my brain and I was wanting, so perhaps this wasn’t the right book for me at the time.

With thanks to Boldwood books and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I always find it interesting to relate to those in other generations who faced similar struggles. This book did that very well and was delightful read.

Clare Marchant is quickly becoming one of my go to comfort authors. Her timeslip novels often follow the same structure, but each one has an original plotline and a mystery to unfold. They’re comforting in that you know what you’re getting, but her stories are always original.

The modern-day story of Sarah and the Tudor story of Anne merged smoothly, with their two stories having a strong connection. Their characters were well-defined and different; the language used for Anne’s world is more archaic and true to her time, whereas Sarah has a much more modern tone.

Both have similarities in their stories, and both women are strong and determined to overcome their demons. Then there is the poetry book, which connects them and which helps Sarah uncover Anne’s story. This all combined into a well-thought-out, layered, and satisfying story with two voices.

I always enjoy historical settings, so Anne’s Tudor world was of particular interest. I enjoyed her role in thwarting her stepfather’s plans and meeting some of the powerful figures of Elizabeth’s court, like Walsingham and Elizabeth herself. Marchant captures a strong feel for the period and creates a realistic Tudor world.

This novel flowed really well and had lots of layers to bring it to life, such as Sarah’s traumatic past and new love interest, as well as her complicated family relationships. Anne’s story is one of a woman wielding her own quiet power, with themes of revenge and espionage. Marchant’s writing is also very compelling, drawing you into the stories of these two women.

Overall, I really enjoyed this—it really hit the spot and was a very bingeable read with enough complexity and depth.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

Another brilliant book by Clare. Kept me up to the early hours Characters that I think about even after finishing the book.

I would highly recommend.

In this dual-timeline historical fiction novel, readers alternate between the present day, where Sarah travels to rural Norfolk where she discovers a ghost of a little boy whose presence reminds her of a past event she wants to forget, and 1571, where Countess Anne Howard of Arundel has been forced to leave Norfolk for London and the intrigue of Elizabeth I’s court where her manipulative father-in-law Thomas Howard controls Anne and many secrets. Sarah’s discovery of Anne’s mysterious book of poems brings the two stories together as both women, at different times, learn to cope with their losses and uncover secrets that might need to stay hidden. The two timelines are packed with details, and the historical intricacies and characters in the 1571 timeline really add to the depth and intensity of her struggles. The different character and internal conflicts add drama and tension to the two narratives, and the emotional storylines and throughline of tragic secrets really allow readers to sympathize with Anne and Sarah. The two protagonists, of course, share similarities, but they have enough differences to stand out and make the two timelines distinct; both narratives, characters, and perspectives balance each other incredibly well, which makes this a fantastic read.

A historical novel that is believing. With three timelines, it really brings the characters to life. Tense in some places, romantic in others with a gothic background. A really good read

Now, Sarah is summoned by her godmother Cordelia to help with the contents of the house. Sarah however doesn't really want to go as there are memories of her childhood that she doesn't want to face. 1571 Anne Dacre is newly married to Philip, son of Thomas Howard Duke of Norfolk, who she suspects has killed her brother George.

This is the second book I've read by Clare Marchant. The first being House of the Witch which I really did enjoy. Unfortunately I didn't enjoy this book as much.

Very much like the other book this one is a different timeline tale. Anne in the 1500's, Sarah in the present and then back in her childhood.

Anne of course is a real person who I knew nothing about and to be honest still feel that way. This version of Anne is like Nancy Drew running around spying on Thomas Howard and the plot to get Mary Queen of Scots on the throne. Sarah's sections of the book I found the most interesting as she finds an old book of poems and decipher them, which inturn is connected to Anne. There is also a ghostly element but I found this to be neither here or there.

I liked the majority of the book but felt it was beginning to drag. However I did stick with it and overall it was an OK dual timeline story. I will read more by the author in future and I'm already looking forward to her next book as it revolves around tarot.

Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the book to review.

Clare is a brilliant author and her dual timelines are superb. Although there are 3 time lines, 2 in the more present day. Great characters you root for and wish ill on. Wonderfully put together.
Loss is something you never get over. Accidentally loss even more so.

Pros and cons with this book, which overall didn't really work for me.

The 16th century timeline story is interesting. Anne comes to life quite well and the warm relationship between Anne and her maid Kate is well portrayed. Overall this timeline is quite vivid and atmospheric.

Structure: The parallels between the present day timeline and the past feel forced and not very convincing. In particular, one of the final scenes in the present timeline (avoiding spoilers) is too pat. Sarah's subsequent realisations and psychological 'growth' happen too fast. It's unconvincing.

Characters: Sarah is not a very engaging character. The other characters in the present timeline are rather two dimensional. Sarah's attraction to Jed was hard to understand: the mutual growing attraction between them is described but I didn't 'feel' it.

Narrative: While we read a lot about Sarah's guilt and what happened when she was a child, it is dragged out and the key event takes way too long to be revealed.

Writing: The misuse of commas and full stops drove me mad. There seemed to be at least one run-on sentence on every page.

Overall, I think that the Shadow on the Bridge will appeal to readers who enjoy popular dual timeline historical novels with a romantic twist. Personally, I enjoyed Marchant's previous novel, The House of the Witch, much more.

Thanks to the author, publisher @BoldWoodBooks and Netgalley for the ARC. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.

The two line storytelling was an interesting and the stories came together in the most beautiful way. This kind of storytelling made it an exciting to read a historical fiction.
I enjoyed the mystery elements, the royal plottings and Sarah's quest to learn more about the mystery poems.
The writing is beautiful, intricate and keeps you invested throughout the read!

I have become a huge fan of Clare Marchant. She writes wonderful dual timeline historical novels that make this genre so powerful. The House of the Witch is a must read!
The two women Sarah and Anne are living centuries apart, but Marchant manages to combine and link their stories with a wonderful parallel.
The intrigue around Sarah was so gripping as I tried to determine her past demons, but I loved Anne's story and the amazing poetry storyline. Another great read!

1500s, Anne Dacre vows revenge on the Duke of Norfolk when he murders her brother. She is forced to marry the Duke's son then bides her time waiting for her opportunity to avenge the past. Present day, Sarah's godmother is dying and asks her to search the house for a secret. But being back in Norfolk reminds her of a terrible event in the past...
The Shadow on the Bridge is a triple timeline historical novel with mystery, intrigue and secrets with an extra helping of spookiness.
The book is written across three timelines: Anne in the 1500s, Sarah in the present day and during her childhood. I felt more engaged with Anne's chapters, possibly as they are written in the first person so the reader can see her emotions and actions more personally.
Anne's story begins when her stepfather the Duke of Norfolk causes the death of her little brother so that he can inherit the family wealth. She and her sisters are then married to the Duke's sons to secure the money and land. The Duke has embroiled himself in a plan to free Mary Queen of Scots and replace Elizabeth I so Anne needs to bring his treason to light to finally get her revenge.
It is clear that an event from Sarah's last visit has left a profound trauma which has influenced her life ever since. I thought the 'mystery' of the event, which wasn't revealed until the end, was pretty obvious and unnecessary. In fact I might have been more emotionally engaged with Sarah if the incident had been defined at the start.
I really enjoyed learning about the historical elements of the book and liked the ghostly presences which feature in both main timelines but are more prominent in the present day.
The Shadow on the Bridge is an enjoyable comparison of two women separated by centuries but both haunted by the past.

This is the first time I’ve read a book that had two different timelines. I found it so interesting and really felt the connection to the characters. Thanks for letting me read!

What a great dual timeline book. I loved the current heroine Sarah and the heroine from the past Anne. The book was focused on Anne's need to avenge her young brothers death, whose ghost haunts the Tudor House, which Sarah is to inherit. Finding a book of poems helps Sarah uncover how and why Anne got her revenge. Sarah, meanwhile, has to heal from the traumatic experience of losing her sister at the house. Overall, the jumps from current to past were well done, the pacing was perfect, the main characters well developed.

#netgalley #TheShadowontheBridge

The Shadow on the Bridge
by Clare Marchant
Pub Date: Mar 11 2025

Now: When Sarah’s summoned by her godmother to remote Norfolk, she doesn’t want to go. Crossing the bridges where the two rivers meet, said to be haunted by the ghost of a little boy, a large Tudor house looms in front of her. And Sarah’s instantly reminded her of the summer when she last visited. The summer she would like to forget. Which left her unable to ever move forward… Can a person ever recover from the loss of a sibling?

1571: Anne Howard, newly-made countess of Arundel, has also lost a sibling. And been dragged from the relative safety of her home in remote Norfolk to London, by her overbearing, manipulative, new father-in-law Thomas Howard; the very person she suspects of killing her beloved only brother. The Howards have greater secrets than this though. Secrets that will lead Anne to a tragedy that will echo down the ages…

When Sarah finds a mysterious book of poems in a hidden chamber of her godmother’s house, she is drawn into Anne’s story. Perhaps the mystery will take her mind off her own loss? But – as the flood waters begin to rise under the bridges – is Sarah laying ghosts to rest, or bringing truths to the surface that should stay beneath?

Thank you Netgalley, Clare Marchant and Boldwold Books for the e ARC of The Shadow on the Bridge.

After reading House of the Witch by this author, I was excited to listen to The shadow On the Bridge. Clare has a great way of writing historical fiction, clearly marking out past timelines and the present. This makes the whole plot and direction of the storyline easier to follow. Very often, the echos of the past seep through to the present and thanks to Clare's subtle foreshadowing, the linkages are often very relatable and poignant.

We follow Ann Howard in the past, a countess in 1571 and Sarah in the present, who after finding coded poems in her God Mothers house, starts on a soul searching journey. Both characters are well developed and so likeable. If you like strong female characters who go through their own self development journeys, then this is for you.

4 stars.

Clare Marchant's 'The Shadow on the Bridge' unfolds a gripping dual-timeline plot that keeps readers hooked with its atmospheric ambiance and engaging characters.

The book beautifully weaves in between the Tudor period and modern times, joining the stories of two women, Anne and Sarah, from different centuries. The format facilitates rich use of mystery from history and emotional odysseys of today.

The manner in which the two periods join hands and how past impacts the current time is a good aspect of the book.

The isolated Norfolk background, including the ancient house and waterways, is an evocative and haunting backdrop that adds to the atmosphere of mystery and intrigue.

The location in the book is extremely strong.

The novel is filled with themes of loss, resilience, and quest for truth. Anne and Sarah are depicted as resilient women who are battling personal issues.

The life of Anne Howard, Countess of Arundel, reveals the plight of women during the Tudor era, providing a historical dimension to the novel.

Annes and Sarah's contemporary history, and Sarah's healing process, parallel one another, and the readers have the opportunity to observe the correspondence of their miseries.

The novel is acclaimed due to its enticing plot, involving twists and surprises that keep people hooked until the end.

The blending of historical intrigue and modern suspense makes for a gripping read.

Readers have tended to react extremely well to the book, appreciating its atmospheric style, engaging characters, and gripping plot.

It is a good read for fans of historical fiction, particularly those who like dual-timeline stories.
In essence, "The Shadow on the Bridge" offers a satisfying blend of historical intrigue and contemporary emotional depth, making it a recommended read for those who enjoy atmospheric and character-driven stories.

An absorbing dual timeline, set in Elizabethan times and present day. Anne Dacre lives with her 2 younger sisters and young brother, George Baron Greystoke, at Barnhamcross Hall in Norfolk under the guardianship of the Duke of Norfolk. Whilst the Duke is visiting the family George’s rocking horse collapses whilst he is on it and he falls to his death. Something Anne sees convinces her that the Duke has planned George’s death to gain tighter control over the family’s wealth.

In the present day Sarah is summoned to visit her ill godmother, Cordelia, who is the present owner of Barnhamcross Hall. She very reluctantly agrees as she never wanted to visit the house again after the events of the last summer that she and her family spent there 20 years ago
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A really absorbing story where the tension fairly crackles as Anne risks her life to bring ruin to the Duke as retribution for her brother’s death Meanwhile, as Sarah begins dealing with cataloguing the content of the house for Cordelia, she becomes involved in transcribing a book of poetry that she’s found, wondering if it will solve the mystery behind the house’s motto and help her lay her ghosts to rest.

This author is new to me, and I really enjoyed reading this book, it’s fast paced, tense, easy to read, interesting characters and an absorbing story. I’ll certainly look for others by this author.

Another dual time book from the best author Sarah is called to Norfolk by her godmother it doesn’t have good memories for her but in sorting out things she finds a book of poems that it turns out held codes for the royal household in Elizabethan times. Will ghosts be laid to rest? Stunning book

I loved this latest from Claire. Very atmospheric and I enjoyed the ghostly undertones. Quite creepy at times. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.