This is the fifth and final installment of her Dread Penny Society Proper Romance novels and Ms. Eden expertly brings all the threads she’s been building in the first four books to a satisfying end in this Victorian mystery romance.

In The Queen and the Knave, Moirin Donnelley is trying to keep all of the people she loves that are part of the Dread Penny Society safe—but they are disappearing one by one. She turns to a constable that she trusts, Fitzgerald Parkington, and they both are drawn into the web of the self-proclaimed “Tempest” and their deadly plans for everyone in the Dread Penny Society—including Moirin. Danger is around every corner with lives are on the line and readers will be on the edge of their seat to see who survives the Tempest.

This is a fast-paced tale combining adventure and romance along with two “penny dreadful” stories in the middle of it all. (And the publisher recently put out a collection of all of the penny dreadful stories from the series and includes three never-before-seen stories.) The Queen and the Knave features locations all throughout London and the details and descriptions will have the reader feeling as if they are right there with the characters. Moirin is a complicated heroine, but her need to save those she loves is so admirable and in line with what we’ve come to know about her. Fitz or “Parky” is one of those heroes that readers will sigh over as he does his best to do what’s right, all while hiding his own pain from his past. Their slow burn romance and moments of light-heartedness are sweet and their connection is so easy, yet their circumstances make it complicated. This is a bit of an ensemble book as well, since characters from each of the previous books in the series appear in this final story as it leads to the exciting conclusion. I love the full-circle feel at the end of this book, and this whole series is definitely going to have a place on my keeper shelf. Be sure to block out enough time to read because once you start this book, you won’t want to stop!

I love this series and this was the perfect conclusion. The characters are extremely well written and everything was wrapped up beautifully. No loose ends, no intense angst. Every moment grabbed and kept my attention and I found myself flying through the pages to find out what would happen next.

At first, I was skeptical about how a relationship between the two main characters would play out, but true to Sarah Eden fashion they grew together and truly needed and completed one another.

Another win from Sarah Eden!

This has been a long awaited conclusion to the series where all the loose ends are tied. We are introduced to the identity of the ‚dreadmaster‘. Cannot say much without giving away spoilers; except that this is why we waited for 5 book! Its a thriller, romance, murder mystery, historical, even fairy tale…so many genres all rolled into one. Sarah M Eden has to be one of the most underrated authors of our times who takes us on a magical journey! I am sad that this is the concluding book, but I hope Sarah keeps this series and all the characters alive and tell more of such stories! Can’t wait for more. Thank you Netgallery for this ARC in return of an honest review.

I. Can’t. Even. I’m not even sure what to put in a review. I’m absolutely devoted to this series and this last book brings everything and everyone together to the best kind of conclusion. It’s a bit gritty and swoony and lovely all in one. It’s suspenseful in all the ways and I had to close the last page with a sigh. And then sit and marinate in it ever since. Absolutely fantastic characters and writing! Cannot recommend enough! But start at the beginning. Is it possible to just pick this up out of order? Yes. But don’t do it! Read every single one of them!

There can be only one queen.

First, this is NOT a standalone. You absolutely MUST read the other books in the series in order to really enjoy this one. In fact, I was wishing I had re-read the last 1 or 2 books as the friendship between our FMC and MMC picks up from interactions seen in previous books!

The romance was very sweet. They are friends at the start of the book, but become friends to more quickly. But Móirín wasn’t always so trusting… There’s a puzzle (or multiple puzzles) to be solved and it keeps the story moving along at a quick pace! Of course, the penny dreadful stories reflect what’s happening in the actual story. Fitz was so good to figure things out and try to be so helpful without taking over. He recognizes the strength of Móirín and does his best to support her. The enemy was a worthy villain that you can just love hating on.

I really enjoyed this wrap up to the series. I loved seeing all of our favorites come back in this book and even some secrets revealed! The found family aspect is fantastic. I highly recommend the whole thing! And if you haven’t read it - you’re in luck because you won’t have to wait to read the next one!

Thanks to NetGalley for an eARC.

Loved it!
I enjoyed seeing all the characters from previous books make appearances.
I was wondering how the author could possibly wrap everything up in a satisfactory manner, but she did!
I love the romance and the mystery and I really enjoyed the side penny dreadful stories. It was wonderful!
It could maybe be read as a stand-alone, but I honestly think it wouldn’t make much sense- you would be missing a lot of important back story. I would suggest reading them all in order. You will enjoy them.

When first starting the Dread Penny Society series, I had no idea what world I was entering in but I knew I wanted more of it. Now, Sarah M. Eden has just released this finale and it's everything I had hoped for and more. 

Sarah has a way with words that captures your attention. She writes stories with characters that you end up caring about. We become almost invested in their lives that makes you want to keep reading about them.

While I'm sad that we are done with this era of sorts, The Queen and the Knave did not disappoint. There is mystery, suspense and romance. The perfect combination in my opinion.

To sum it up, the first 4 books are like starting a puzzle and this book is like putting the last few pieces in place to create a masterpiece. 

Definitely not a standalone. I would for sure read the others before this one.

I always have mixed feelings when it comes to starting the last book in a series I loved. I’m always so excited to finish it but at the same time I don’t want it to end. And I get so attached to these characters, so ending a series like this is always a little bittersweet.

I loved the final installment of The Dread Penny Society! I was hooked from page one! I didn’t want to put it down! It is very action-packed and suspenseful. And, of course, there’s romance in it, too. I also loved Posie and Pru, characters in one of the penny dreadfuls. They seem like quite the characters! And I loved getting to know characters better that were on the outside of the other stories, and not just the main characters either. I really don’t want to give too much away of the plot, because I don’t want to spoil anything for anybody. Just know that this is a very exciting and satisfying conclusion to the series, and I can’t wait to read it again!

Oh man! What a way to finish a series! Moirin and Fitz were perfect. Their banter and slow trust was everything I needed. I couldn't wait to finish work to read this book every day. I wish I could have read it faster. Great mysteries were solved. I do wish one thing had been answered a bit better (Nolan), but I loved the penny dreadfuls added as well. Just an overall well done book, yet again, by Sarah M. Eden.

It's hard to believe we have reached the end of the Dread Penny Society. These characters feel so rich, unique, varied, that it's difficult sometimes to remember they aren't living people. I find myself wishing for more backstory, more epilogue, more detail, more life for all of them. Because, honestly? It will never be enough.

The primary series arc does not disappoint. Tension abounds - twists and turns at every corner. Who is safe? Better yet, who will remain safe? That's the great question. I won't say more, because this book is best enjoyed entirely cold. Go in without knowing ANYTHING ... and watch it play out.

My only frustration with the book is that it has a somewhat abrupt ending. While I wouldn't expect it to have an entire volume of epilogues (though one could dream...), I wanted to see more reward post-climax.

If you somehow tripped onto this one without reading the other four, don't even think of starting at this point. Begin at the beginning and work your way through. While each book focuses on a different DPS member, they very much build consecutively, and a reader would lose so much of the story's weight by reading out of order. Start with "The Lady and the Highwayman" -- "The Queen and the Knave" can wait a bit. :)

Thank you, author and publisher, for the advance copy of this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

I thought this was a fitting end to the Dread Penny series. I had a little difficulty remembering / understanding the tangled threads and the Tempest's backstory. And I didn't really understand why she had the power she did. For example, the Kincaids seem the be the scariest, how exactly was she able to control them? That aside, I appreciated that in the end, it came down to cleverness. I also enjoyed the Queen and the Knave serial interspersed throughout.

It was fine.

No, really. That’s all I have for a review. I was very whelmed by this story. It was more or less what I expected from the finale. No crazy twists or surprises. Seems like the big surprise was at the end of the previous book and now it’s time to just wrap everything up. Though I kind of missed how Moirin and Fitz fell for each other. One minute they’re sniping at each other, the next they’re kissing and being a couple. Yes, I understand the “enemies to lovers” trope quite well. I just felt like the transition here didn’t have a lot of build up. Maybe I just need to read it again?

But the penny dreadful interstitials we’re great! I’d read a full-novel-length version of the in-story “The Queen and the Knave,” honestly. So that’s where this book earned its stars.

In 1866 London, Móirín Donnelly has spent five years secretly leading the Dread Penny Society, but now she needs help. She seeks help from Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington when her friends and fellow authors begin disappearing. Fitzgerald, known for his crime-solving prowess, has grown close to Móirín, but their partnership takes a new turn when they must confront "The Tempest," a dangerous criminal mastermind. As they navigate a perilous game of cat and mouse, the fate of London hangs in the balance, forcing Móirín to make a heart-wrenching decision that could cost her both love and the safety of the Dread Penny Society.

Having reached book five of this series, I must admit to being relieved it is over. I adored book one, but subsequent books have been up and down for me. I’ve enjoyed many of the members of the Dred penny Society, but haven’t been excited about their romances.

That was the case here. I was interested in Móirín’s work as leader of the society, but found the romance rather weak. Even though she and Parkington have had interactions throughout the previous books, I didn’t feel like they knew each other well enough for real love.

The details of the era were interesting, especially when it came to the sewers. The adventure of this book, with plenty of action, was fun. However, I grew tired of the names of many of the villains. The Tempest. The Protector. The Raven. And, as in previous books, the penny dreadful stories were not my cup of tea and I skipped much of them.

Overall, it was a satisfying conclusion (?) to the series. The author does leave it open for further adventures by the society. I would recommend this to readers who enjoyed the previous four books. You definitely need to read these in order.

Absolutely love this series. Very entertaining and great story. This is a series called The Dread Penny Society
And begins with The Lady and the Highwayman.

Each of the characters write novellas called penny dreadfuls, so there are stories within stories and each of them are fantastic. This book appears to be the conclusion of the series.

I highly recommend starting with the first book in the series then continuing to this book.

I just reviewed The Queen and the Knave by Sarah M. Eden. #TheQueenandtheKnave #NetGalley

Oh this was a lovely written book! I was shocked at how everything came together! Not surprised, Ms Eden is an amazing author of all historical times: Regency, old west, Victorian, Edwardian and so on! Thank you for a wonderful series!

If you’re familiar with this series (as this is the grand finale), then you know what to expect.

Cozy mystery
Found family
Friendship
Belonging
Helping the less fortunate
Danger
Secrets
Growing romance
The streets of London
THE DREAD MASTER
The “villain”

I really enjoyed this grand ending. I love the dread master. I love the friendship and bonds that are found in the Dread Penny Society.
I love the mystery and the good guys getting the bad guys.
I loved getting to see previous beloved characters in this volume.
A really good ending for this unique, fantastic series!

The Queen and the Knave is book 5 of Sarah M. Eden’s Dread Penny Society series, and it ties up a lot of the loose ends and mysteries that prevail throughout the series. With many series the books can be read out of order, but with this one the reader will be much more satisfied reading them in their proper order, as the story continues through each book and the main characters also appear in each one. This book stars Moirin Donnelly and Detective Fitz Parkington as they work together to save the members of the Dread Penny Society from “The Tempest.” I enjoyed getting to know them better and see their relationship grow and deepen. Their banter was amusing and fun.

Eden has once again penned an intriguing and well-written tale with engaging characters. The Penny Dreadful stories were interesting, but I sometimes felt like they interrupted the flow of the main story, especially with two of them going on. However, I can always count on this author for an entertaining story, and this one had plenty of action, intrigue, and a dash of humor.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from Shadow Mountain Publishing. All opinions are my own.

It made me laugh and it made me cry. I was hanging on every word and every suspenseful twist until the very end.

I loved how Sarah Eden turned what was weak, strong and those who thought they were strong, weak.

I loved the way she blended in the penny dreadfuls leaving us both bread crumbs and smiles. They are a wonderful way to break the tension and Sarah has fabulous comedic timing.

I loved the message that together we are stronger and hope is stronger than fear.

Belonging is not a new message in Sarah’s book, it’s a constant one, but each way she tells it is unique and beautiful. And Moirin’s especially resonated.

Moirin’s character is part of things, but not wholly; good, but not wholly; strong, but has weaknesses.

She was written in such a way that you laugh when she’s called “Your majesty” , cringe when she makes the hard choices, rejoice when she sits on the “throne” and some how feel like you can relate and connect to her through it all.

This book was exactly the thing we’ve all been waiting for, while still being a tad bit surprising.

When I started reading The Queen and the Knave by Sarah M. Eden, I was both excited and sad. Excited to finally be reading the next book in The Dread Penny Society series, and sad to be reading the last book in the series. It was so bittersweet.

I loved every minute of reading this book. Sarah has a way of writing that immediately transports you to the world of her characters, and I loved being back in Victorian England with the penny dreadful authors. This world leaps off the page with Sarah’s beautiful writing.

Like the other books in the series, this one focuses on how The Dread Penny Society (DPS) works to help the poor of London. This story is the climax of the series where the Dread Master must face the Tempest, who is trying to defeat the DPS and rule London with her evil plans.

My favorite parts of the book are:
-every interaction between Moirin and Fitz and their reactions to each other
-the chemistry and kisses between Moirin and Fitz
-all the private discussions Moirin has with Fitz in her room
-The Queen & the Knave and Posie and Pru Detectives for Hire
-All the Dreadfuls
-Moirin’s final meeting with the Tempest
-The epilogue

This book is full of history, banter, mystery, intrigue, family, friendships, forgiveness, hope, love, and romance. It was the perfect end to this series. I loved Moirin and Fitz. Their respect for and belief in each other was so sweet to watch. I am sad the series is over, but I found the ending to be perfection.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I love the Dread Penny series. This is the fifth in the series and it did not let me down. Fitzgerald and Móirín makes such a splendid team. They are working together to help less fortunate kids. They use their skills to take down the criminal mastermind "The Tempest", who has been wrecking havoc all around her.