London, 1866. Móirín Donnelly has spent the last five years working in the shadows for the Dread Penny Society, a secret fraternity of penny dreadful authors who use their profits, influence, and street smarts to protect the poor and vulnerable of Victorian London. When members of the Dread Penny Society begin disappearing, Móirín turns to her friend Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington for help. The two have developed a friendly rapport, and Móirín feels like she can trust him, though perhaps not with all of her secrets. Fitz has a sixth sense when it comes to tracking down criminals, which is why he's recently been transferred to the Detective Department at Scotland Yard. But when roadblocks and red tape keep him from tracking down the criminal mastermind known as "The Tempest," he must rely on the one woman who has unexpectedly captured his heart--the brash, bold, and fiery Irish lass, Móirín Donnelly. As the Tempest's deadly reach threatens to overwhelm all of London, Móirín and Fitz are caught in an elaborate game of cat and mouse.
The finale to this wonderful series & finally we have Móirín’s story. Another fast paced story & the pages flew by. The characters have depth & love them or hate them they jump out of the page to you. Whilst not a short book I devoured it in two sittings & found it very hard to put down. I really liked both Móirín & Fitz & have enjoyed seeing their relationship change & deepen throughout the series. Is justice served & the threat of The Tempest quashed? Well you' just have to read to find out
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

“For the poor and infirm, the voiceless and hopeless, we do not relent. We do not forget. We are the Dread Penny Society.” “Long live the queen.”

What an amazing ending to a fantastic series! Sarah M. Eden delivers a powerful, action packed finale with all the beloved characters, a sweet romance, and a suspenseful showdown between The Tempest and The Dread Master. This is one book that you have to have read the previous books in the series to really appreciate and is not meant to be read as a standalone.

One of Moirin Donnelly’s carefully kept secrets is out and makes her the number one target for The Tempest’s revenge. When members of the Dread Penny Society start disappearing, she enlists the help of the handsome Detective Constable Fitzgerald Parkington. Their friendly banter and great working relationship leads Moirin to trust him with some of her secrets and perhaps even her heart. It’s a race against time as Moirin, Fitz, and the remaining Dread Penny members work to foil the Tempest’s plans and rescue their fellow members before it’s too late.

Along with the exciting conclusion are two delightful Penny Dreadfuls. Poise and Pru Detectives for Hire is about two endearing older ladies who decide to take up detective work. It’s a fun, cute story involving solving a murder and dogs. The Queen and the Knave is a magical story of a young Queen on the eve of her coronation who’s under a curse. It’s up to her and her friend and brave guardsman to thwart the witch’s evil plans and save her kingdom from chaos and war. I enjoyed the romance between Eleanor and Reynard and the clever solution Eleanor figures out to defeat the witch.

I thoroughly enjoyed Moirin’s story! After I finished, I wanted to immediately go back and reread all the books to catch all the clues throughout the series. The story kept me on edge as Moirin & Parky/Fitz visit the creepiest of places searching for the missing Dread Penny members. The romance between Moirin and Fitz was a slow burn delight. I especially enjoyed their witty banter. The Tempest is the perfect villainess and foil to Moirin. She’s deliciously evil and I kept hoping she would finally get her comeuppance. While the story starts off a little slow as all the pieces are put in place, it quickly builds to an exciting conclusion where everything comes full circle and ends with quite a bang!.

This is one series you don’t want to miss! Highly recommend to Miss Scarlet and the Duke or Sherlock Holmes fans. I received an advanced complimentary comply from the author and publisher. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.

What a conclusion to this clever series! I had been disappointed with the 4th book but looking forward to this 5th and final one because of the big, twisty cliffhanger at the end of the 4th, and this book somewhat redeemed its predecessor and delivered on the promises made. It's difficult to say more than that without spoilers, but suffice it to say that the characters I admired in prior books persevered, sometimes in unexpected ways and not without peril, and I thoroughly enjoyed this suspenseful and at times unputdownable tale. Even with the sinister tone throughout, it occasionally made me laugh and smile fondly, which is quite a writing feat. I would be remiss if I failed to mention the penny dreadful stories that were, as always, woven throughout the book and that carried similar themes as the main story. My absolute favorite penny dreadful, possibly of the entire 5-book series, was Posie and Pru, Detectives for Hire, which could easily convert to a BBC production in a quaint British village. I would gladly watch every episode. A favorite quote:
"Posie had not, to her knowledge, been acquainted with any murderers. She had, though, read a great many novels. And the murderers in those novels were very sneaky and very selfish and very ... murdery." (Kindle location 1305)
What a delight! I would love to revisit those characters.
For anyone who has read any of the prior Dread Penny Society novels, this final story is not to be missed. For anyone who hasn't ready any yet, start with the first book and work your way through the series, suspend some disbelief at times, and you will enjoy your journey!

Do not read The Queen and the Knave unless you have read the preceding four books in the series. There is no way to feel the full impact of this amazing book unless you have come to know and love the members of the Dread Penny Society.
This book is dreadful and amazing all in one. It opens immediately after the events of the Bachelor and the Bride, and the building suspense don’t really let up until the conclusion.
I love Moirin Donnelly and Fitz Parkington together. The way they grew close in the midst of danger was beautifully done.
I love the Queen and the Knave. It is a beautiful story. Now go out and get ahold of all the books so you will have the Dread Penny Society enlivening your days.
Thanks to Netgalley and Shadow Mountain for the opportunity to review this book.

Picking up where the previous book ended, Moirin Donnelly, the Dread Master, is frantic to save her members from the Tempest and to stop the woman’s reign of terror. But unfortunately for Moirin, it seems like the Tempest is always one step of her and when her members begin to disappear, is clear that she is going to need help. She trusts Constable Fitz Parkington, to an extent, but Moirin has secrets that could destroy her and by association Fitz, so despite the attraction she feels for him, the risk to both of them is too great. But before she can even worry about that, she needs to stop the Tempest before she kills any of her “dreads.

Fitzgerald “Fitz” Parkington, has finally been promoted to the Detective Division of Scotland Yard and hopes that the promotion will enable him to finally find out what happened to his grandfather twenty years ago, who disappeared without a trace and left nine-year-old Fitz all alone and homeless. But before he can even start looking into that matter, he finds himself pulled into the troubles of the DPS and the Tempest. For years he has been helping the members, but recently Moirin has been holding his attention, he knows she is keeping secrets, but he isn’t sure he cares. And if they survive the coming storm, he plans to prove it to her.

This installment of The Dread Penny Society is the climax of the story that has been building since the first book. Personally, I wouldn’t classify this book as a Historical Romance, it is more mystery and historical fiction, with just a hint of a romantic connection between Moirin and Fitz, but that hint is potent, and while the book has a happy ending, I wouldn’t call it a “happily ever after” at least not for Moirin and Fitz as a couple. As with the previous books, there are two Penny Dreadful novellas interwoven into the book and as with the previous books, I skipped over them while reading the story and read them after I finished the book. For me, reading them as they are placed is distracting and breaks the flow of the actual story – but they are delightful additions and are not to be missed! This is the fifth book in the series and I strongly suggest reading the books in order, because they are definitely not standalone titles.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Has there ever been a book that you've been so excited to read that you don't want to read it because then it will be over? That's how I felt about The Queen and the Knave by Sarah M. Eden.

This is the fifth and final book in the Dread Penny Society series. Now that it is complete, if you haven't read them, binge them (on audio!). This series is about a band of people that write Penny Dreadful stories and help fight for the poor and unfortunate in London during the Victorian Era. To be properly understood they need to be read in order.

Once you read the fourth, you will be so glad this one is available immediately. In the Queen and the Knave, we have the culmination of all the previous villains' attempts at crime and learn their end game.

From page one, the reader is immersed in the story and is taken along the wild and crazy ride through all parts of London. While it is suspense-filled, it isn't anything to make one afraid or keep them awake at night. I don't want to say much more in fears of spoiling something. Just know that you'll see everyone and get a well-rounded answer to the questions raised throughout the series.

As I alluded to earlier, if I can recommend something, it would be to listen to these on audio. This is the first book I haven't listened to and I can't wait for the audio to be released, especially since Justine Eyre returns as the narrator. I will definitely be listening to this one!

Full disclosure... The Dread Penny books have the main story of our heroes, but they also contain 2 Penny Dreadful stories mixed in. These usually parallel or foreshadow parts of the main story. I have stopped reading those, so I cannot fully comment on them in this book. In previous books I found their content to be things I didn't wish to read, usually magic or paranormal events. Skipping those chapters didn't decrease my enjoyment of the book.

I thank Shadow Moutain Publishing, Netgalley and Sarah M. Eden for the advanced digital copy of this book. I am happily and voluntarily leaving my honest review.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. All opinions are my own, and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical Thriller
Heat Level: Sweet
Gore Level: Low
Fun Level: HIGH

One of the things I love the most about this series is that we get to read installments of the penny dreadfuls in addition to the primary mystery/love story.

*THE QUEEN AND THE KNAVE* goes through twists and turns—much the vibe of a Sherlock vs Moriarty story, but instead, it's Móirín vs the Tempest.

Secrets are revealed.
Secrets haunt Móirín and Fitz. I kept wondering if things would work out with them as the love interests when they have so much to keep them apart—including secrets.
The enemy has discovered so many secrets too! And holds some tight.

I've adored this series and will read it again! (That's high praise when there are so many books available.)

Móirín is sassy and fun. Fitz is ready to dish the sass right back at her in delightful banter. The Dread Penny Society is loyal and brave to protect those who have no one. Even if they're not entirely lawful at times. So, in addition to a Sherlock Holmes vibe, this series has a Robin Hood vibe going on too.

It's absolutely delightful from beginning to end.
I highly recommend it!

Happy reading!

Whew. This series. Not going to lie, I wasn’t in love with book one but by book 3, I was invested and by book 5 I was entirely intrigued.

I really enjoy books with equally matched love interests and Sarah Eden does a wonderful job of making Móirín and Fitz a good pair. I imagine they will spend a lot of time solving riddles and fighting for the underdog together and I'm thrilled for them.

If you like cat and mouse suspense, series, opposites attract romance- but opposites of the law, their personalities are truly quite similar, satisfying endings, wax museums, pennies, tunnels, and riddles, read this book. Well, start with book 1. There is a lot in these books and starting with 5 wouldnt make it nearly as satisfying.

After four years of interesting and thrilling stories the previouse book left us gasping after the major reveal at the end of it and we have waited impatiently for this final book! And what a ride we get to embark on. The evil gets let loose and the Dread Penny Society will have to face it head on, especially their fearless leader who is the no. one target. Everyone is effected and have to fight for all the things they hold dear.

Of course we get a love story too, an unlikely one, one might think, but good people have much in common no matter the differences that show themselves at first glance. And we all love a happily ever after for those that believe their lives will for ever only be a never ending struggle.

Finally a big Thank you to Sarah M Eden for giving us such an unique and intersting series that we will for sure revisit again and again!

“Fitz winked at her, which immediately brought heat to her cheeks. Blast him. She did enjoy it, though.”

Oh my goodness this book is amazing and so intriguing, I just couldn’t put it down! There is suspense, mystery, beloved characters, and such a swoony romance! This book has it all! I loved the Penny Dreadful stories woven throughout the book too.

If I could describe this book with one word it would be brilliant. Absolutely brilliant! Sarah M. Eden is a fantastic author and the books I’ve read so far in this series have blown my mind in the best way possible!!!

Read for:
🤍Victorian London
🤍forbidden love
🤍the romance
🤍the banter
🤍beloved characters, The Dread Penny Society of course!
🤍the danger, mystery, and suspense
🤍the intensity and intrigue
🤍the ending!!!!

Such an epic, incredible, completely fantastic ending to the most amazing series! I got completely lost in this book and I loved it with all my heart!!!!

A thrilling conclusion to the Dread Penny Society series by Sarah M. Eden! We finally find out who is playing the Dread Master. The Tempest weaves a web of mystery to bring down the Dread Master for revenge. Moirin Donnelly and Fitz Parkington work together to solve the puzzle before she can exact her revenge. This book is the perfect ending to the series!

The threat faced by the Dread Penny Society - and London as a whole - has been gradually growing, until now it's no longer "The Tempest is Coming" but "The Tempest is Here". And while the police force is doing their best, it seems that the best hope anyone has is the DPS itself. Móirín has been leading the DPS secretly for years, but now they're gradually disappearing - and the Tempest is responsible. Fitz, now a detective with the police, is eager to help, but will even the combination of his resources with the DPS's vast network be enough to stop the Tempest? And Móirín faces another threat: getting too close to Fitz endangers her hidden history - a history that will prevent them from ever having a future together...

I've loved this series, and have mixed feelings about it ending - it's very satisfying to see the DPS crush the threat they've been fighting for so long, but I'm also sorry to be saying goodbye to them. It's been obvious for a while that Móirín and Fitz should be together, and I loved watching them finally start to give a relationship a real chance. And of course, the suspense storyline of trying to anticipate and prevent the Tempest's plans is very well done and kept me on the edge of my seat. I really appreciated the expert way in which the romance and suspense were woven together, with moments of intimacy sprinkled amidst the insanity of their efforts to foil the Tempest. It was also great to see it as a team effort, not just Móirín and Fitz fighting her on their own. Add to all this a couple of 'penny dreadfuls' in instalments throughout, one in particular of which mirrored the main story beautifully, and these books really are unique. All in all, a great story and a wonderful conclusion to the series (though it could be read on its own) - I'm eager to see what the author will write next!

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

What a great conclusion to the series! It reminded me a bit of the last few installments of Harry Potter with all the extra secret meetings and quickly moving parts. Moirin and Fitz are so great together. It was also good to see/hear from the whole DPS. Two thumbs up!

*I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

This book is a fitting end to a fun series. The overarching story that's been formed by the other books finally reached its conclusion in this one, and I found it to be quite satisfying. Móirín (27) and Fitz (29)'s banter was cute and entertaining, and I don't think anyone else could have been a better match for either of them. And, of course, I enjoyed seeing all of the other Dreadfuls play their part in this book.

Elizabeth's penny dreadful stories have tended to be my favorites of the ones included, and her story in this book proved no different. Still, I did find Móirín's old lady detective story entertaining.

Note: Nothing bad.

An incredibly intense and satisfying end to the series. Mind games abound in the mysterious labyrinth the author has created. It is a quite the leap from my usual book of choice, but I will miss the Dread Penny Society. Luckily there is a final book that is a fun collection of all the Penny Dreadful stories featured along with two bonus tales which I can not wait to read.

QUOTABLE:
“For the poor and infirm, the voiceless and hopeless, we do not relent. We do not forget. We are the Dread Penny Society.”

5⭐= Excellent

I was sent this eBook by NetGalley on behalf of the Publisher.
All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.

𝓑𝓸𝓸𝓴 71 𝓖𝓸𝓸𝓭𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓼 𝓡𝓮𝓪𝓭𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓵𝓵𝓮𝓷𝓰𝓮 📚 2023

Reviews have been or will be added to GoodReads, my blog, Amzn, BAM, B&N

The Queen and the Knave by Sarah M. Eden

This series has been a favorite of mine and this ending was even better than I could have imagined. I have always loved Moirin and Parkington's banter so it was so much fun to have a book with them as the main characters.
Moirin is so brave and fierce and Fitz is such a charming officer.
This book was so well written and was the perfect conclusion to an amazing series.
I highly recommend this book and if you haven't read this series yet, now you can binge read them all. I know you will want to!

#TheQueenandtheKnave #NetGalley

This was the best book in the series. It tied everything together nicely, and was very action packed. I didn’t want to put it down! Lots of questions were answered and some issues from the past were addressed so people could find their happily ever afters. A very good story with likable, selfless characters.

The Tempest is here.

This is an exciting conclusion to the Dread Penny Society series. Sarah M. Eden has managed, once again, to raise the stakes even higher than the previous books. This particular story has lots of Sherlock/Moriarty vibes including a deceptively clever heroine and a devious criminal mastermind. I liked the way this book pushed Móirín to finally open up and let others assist her in her machinations.

Just like the earlier books in the series, this novel contains two Penny Dreadfuls that are woven into the main storyline. This time around they are The Queen and the Knave by Mr. King and Posie and Pru, Detectives for Hire by Chauncy Finnegan. The Chauncy Finnegan story was delightfully ridiculous. I giggled a lot during those sections, which was a nice break from the seriousness of the main storyline.

NOTE: This is the fifth and final installment of the Dread Penny Society series. Although each story centers on a different member of the DPS, the books work together to tell an overarching story and should be read in order.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
The Queen and the Knave is the fifth and final book in Sarah M. Eden’s Dread Penny Society series. While the romance works as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the prior books, as a lot of the other plot elements regarding the Society itself are resolved in this installment, so it will be much more fulfilling if you’ve read in order.
Moirin is a fitting final female protagonist, as she’s the head of the Dread Penny Society and brings that side of things to a close. It was really interesting to get more insight into the inner workings of the Society and its purpose.
I love the continued trend with this series of two people from different worlds coming together, and this installment is no different. Moirin teams up with Fitz, who’s a detective with Scotland Yard, and I love how well they play off each other. While initially they seem like unlikely allies, they are very similar in some fundamental ways that count, especially in terms of the things they’ve been through.
As it is the final installment, I love the way things come full-circle, from the updates on the characters from prior installments to the culmination of the external plot, particularly with the Tempest this time around. There’s a good balance of suspense with the romance, and while it’s a bit of a slow-burn, it’s ultimately pretty satisfying.
While the penny dreadful bits are a bit hit-or-miss sometimes, I liked how they complemented the main story this time, and they were pretty fun in their own right.
This was a solid conclusion for the series, and while some of the books are better than others, I’ve enjoyed the series overall. I’d recommend these to fans of historical romance with a bit of mystery and/or fiction that pays homage to Victorian-era penny dreadfuls.

#BookReview : THE QUEEN AND THE KNAVE by Sarah M Eden

I love the all the covers for this series. I have been highly anticipating this book after I read The Bachelor and the Bride last year. It didn't disappoint. It was a great end to the series. I suggest to read the other books before diving into this one.

The Tempest is a fearsome woman who is after the Dreadfuls. I don't usually read dark books, but this series can be that way sometimes. I would read some of the "dark" parts and skim others. But this last installment had me hooked and eager to see the villain brought to justice.

Moirin had her own hidden truths to reveal, even as she worked to unmask the Tempest. I liked that everyone was united and showed care for each other. I enjoyed the witty banters between Fitz and Moiron as well as their budding romance. I did wish that they acted faster and smarter in their decisions. The incident at the wax museum was interesting. With everything that happened, I'm glad the story had a satisfying conclusion.

Sarah M Eden and the Dread Penny Society fans will surely enjoy this last installment in the series.

Rating : 4 ⭐
Series : The Dread Penny Society Book 5
Pub date : 05 Sept 2023

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing and #netgalley for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.