1872 marked turbulent times in Europe. Marguerite has first run away from her native Belgium, then arrived in Paris to a way of life that was hard and now has turned up in London. With no English language skills, she has to work for a French family and from the kindly Dumas family she moves to the volatile and penurious family of the Riels. Facing abuse and extreme stinginess from the lady of the house Marguerite gets enamoured by the daughter of the house and despite opportunities to leave continues to be a drudge in the household. One wonders as to the reason why she continued to stay despite the harsh treatment she received and the opportunities to get away when presented to her.

Her murdering her mistress, her running away to Paris and then her incarceration in British prisons is the rest of the story. A ideal prisoner doing her jobs competently she did get pardoned and finally returned to Belgium but at what personal cost.

Victorian England was harsh and oppressive to the poor and not willing to accept change. Women’s position in society was predetermined by birth and occupation. It was a harsh time. The murder story was intense and detailed, including details of police work and workings of prisons. The emotional story was heart breaking. Marguerite never stood a chance against everything arrayed against her. She was a very small cog in the whole story, though her actions were the entire story.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for this eCopy to review

13 Park Lane is a historical mystery based on real events from 1872. The story revolves around Marguerite Diblanc, a young Belgian cook who murders her mistress, Madame Riel, a mysterious French widow. The novel delves into the dark and tense atmosphere of the household at 13 Park Lane, exploring the secrets and emotions that lead to the crime.

Marguerite flees to London, leaving behind a traumatic past in Paris. She takes up a position as a cook for Madame Riel, hoping for a fresh start. However, the house is filled with tension, and Marguerite soon finds herself resenting her stingy and volatile employer, as well as the unfriendly housemaid. Just as Marguerite is about to resign, Madame Riel’s beautiful actress daughter Julie returns, creating new waves of toxic emotions. The tension escalates until someone finally snaps and murders Madame Riel. The novel explores why 13 Park Lane is so full of hatred, what secrets the household guards, and whether any of its inhabitants can escape the shackles of their past.

Marguerite's struggles and emotions are palpable, making her a relatable character. The dark and oppressive atmosphere of the household is effectively portrayed, creating a sense of dread and tension. The historical setting adds authenticity to the story, making it a gripping read.

13 Park Lane is an engrossing read that immerses you in the dark and tense atmosphere of a Victorian household.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. This is the story of the life of Marguerite DiBlanc, who at age 29 was convicted of murder of her employer. What a tale it is. The story takes us through most of Marguerite's life and believe me there is never a dull moment. I kept hoping for some happiness in her life but she never gave up in trying. Excellent writing and storytelling. Thanks to the author, Netgalley and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is my favorite type of book. Historical fiction based on true events. I was very engrossed into the well written & researched story. Absolutely fascinating.

What a wonderful historical fiction based on real events, this is a book that is right up my alley and one I thoroughly enjoyed. There is so much happening between rich and poor. It is a very emotional read and one I couldn't put down.

Very well written and researched book with wonderful characters and an interesting and heartfelt storyline. History, drama, emotions and so much more. A great read.

Thank you NetGalley and Bloodhound Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

A great read! I found this novel (based on real events) very compelling from the beginning. The murder might look like a straightforward crime. However, so much psychological states of mind come into play which are revealed throughout the novel. I do not condone the murder, but I can understand the reasons that led to it.... The storyline illustrates the harshness of being poor and being a woman... This novel brought up many emotions such as anger, sadness and hope as well? The reader can decide...
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

13 Park Lane is a haunting and deeply immersive historical novel that transports readers to Victorian England’s grim realities through the eyes of Marguerite Diblanc, a French immigrant struggling to survive as a servant in an unforgiving society. Based on true events, Naomi Clifford’s storytelling brings Marguerite’s tragic life into vivid focus, revealing the harsh conditions that slowly push her to the brink.

The novel opens with Marguerite standing trial for the murder of her cruel employer, Madame Riel. As we journey through the past events that led her to this fate, Clifford carefully constructs a narrative that questions justice, explores societal inequities, and asks how much one person can endure. Marguerite’s journey is not just a descent into darkness but also a poignant tale of survival, as she navigates exploitation, loneliness, and the indignities forced upon her by a rigid class structure. Clifford’s meticulous research adds depth, portraying the era’s social and cultural struggles while allowing Marguerite’s inner world to come alive.

13 Park Lane is as much an emotional exploration as it is a murder mystery. The novel flows between Marguerite's harsh daily life as a servant, her moments of fleeting happiness, and ultimately, her descent into despair. Clifford’s writing is richly atmospheric, evoking images that make Victorian London feel both immediate and oppressive. These visceral descriptions heighten the reader’s empathy for Marguerite, making her story all the more impactful.

A compelling blend of history and human drama, 13 Park Lane is an unforgettable novel that balances raw emotion with an insightful look into the darker corners of Victorian society. For fans of historical fiction with a psychological edge, this book is a must-read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Naomi Clifford for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

I loved the idea of a historical mystery based on a true event. This was everything that I was looking for from the description and enjoyed the overall feel of the characters. I was invested in what was going on with Naomi Clifford’s characters and how they were written. It had me trying to figure out what was going on until the end.

A person can only take so much before they snap and this is what happened to Marguerite. Based on real events this was an engrossing story of murder and toxic relationships. I loved the descriptive writing it made me feel like I was right there with the characters. A lot of research has gone into putting this together and I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.

How much pain can one soul contain before something terrible happens?
13 Park Lane is a fictionalised account of an actual murder and based on the lives of real people. The story follows a poor servant, Marguerite Diblanc, who during a time of revolution flees France after committing a minor crime. She finds work as a cook at 13 Park Lane, but it seems the job is a poison chalice as the mistress, Madame Riel is a veritable harpy who starves Marguerite and makes her life a misery. Then one day Margeurite snaps…
The book almost reads in two parts, with the lead up to the murder (not a spoiler as Marguerite is found guilty of murder in the first chapter), followed by Marguerite being on the run, put on trial, and her time in gaol. Like walls supporting a roof, the first part is necessary in order to appreciate the full emotional impact of the second part. Marguerite’s time as a cook and how she strived to control her emotions was engrossing, but where things really stepped up for me was the description of her time in gaol, and the dignity with which she bore the ordeal. And then when the final revelations came about the deep, underlying reason that caused her to snap…it was very moving indeed.
13 Park Lane is a gritty, but engrossing read. This is not a costume drama read, but a beautifully written account of struggle and the human spirit. I loved how it was written and the evocative descriptions evocative: “The sky was a thick grey mattress and the rain came down in daggers. You wouldn’t have known it was daytime.”
4 stars.

Rounding up to three stars

This was very slow to start, and for me it never recovered from that.

Some interesting bits, and I do like a toxic relationship.

I absolutely loved this book..

Telling the story of a house and the women that inhibit it, there is murder, drama and toxic relationships.

It is a superbly told tale and I adored the descriptive telling of the house and the people that lived there.

I would love to see this as a TV drama.

highly recommended