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Antonia Hodgson was born and grew up in Derby and studied English at the University of Leeds. Her debut novel, THE DEVIL IN THE MARSHALSEA, won the CWA Historical Dagger in 2014 and was shortlisted for the John Creasey First Novel award. In the US, Publishers Weekly named it one of the top 10 Mystery/Thriller titles of the year.She was first introduced to the early Georgians while taking 'A' level History. Unfortunately the course focused almost exclusively on George II's ministerial reshuffles, a subject even George II found staggeringly dull. It was only later, on discovering Hogarth, The Beggar's Opera and Moll Flanders, that she became fascinated by an often-neglected period of British history. Her favourite quote about London in the 1720s comes from a disapproving Swiss traveller, who complained that 'debauch runs wild with an unblushing countenance'. Antonia lives in London, where she works as an editor.
Through an admirable amount of research the award-winning author has used real people, events and settings to create a delightfully enjoyable standalone thriller. It crackles with wit and charm and cements Hawkins' place as the most lovable rogue in historical fiction. Express online A tale that more than matches its predecessors for pace and atmosphere. The Sunday Times I love Antonia Hodgson's slightly wicked sense of humour and it's put to good use here and her clear affection for Tom and Kitty and Sam, as well as her enthusiasm for the period, is infectious. This is such a strong series and I hope it goes on and on. For Winter Nights Antonia Hodgson weaves a fantastic tale of both fact and fiction and emerges with a thoroughly enjoyable romp of a story. Nudge A cracking murder mystery...The writing is clever, witty, eloquent and gripping, a real pleasure to read...you can almost feel that you are living in 18th century London. Historical fiction fans will lap this up, as did I. Breakaway Reviewers A glorious Georgian mystery. Essie Fox, Sunday Times Crime Club Praise for THE DEVIL IN THE MARSHALSEA and THE LAST CONFESSION OF THOMAS HAWKINS . Intelligent and engrossing reading. The Sunday Times Hodgson has again married immaculate research to the rip-roaring pace of the modern thriller and come up with a triumphant slice of historical fiction. The Independent on Sunday [A] rip-roaring historical thriller ... I look forward to seeing what scurries out of the dark and grimy streets in Hodgson's next masterpiece. Daily Express Dark, twisting and witty. Dripping with 18th century intrigue - from the slums to the palaces of London. -- S D Sykes author of PLAGUE LAND Hodgson's firm grip of characterisation and plot produces an occasionally outrageous, mischievous, entertaining and immensely enjoyable adventure story from its dramatic prologue to its chilling finale. Crime Review A rattling, rakish romp through Georgian London. More please! -- William Ryan Take a rip-roaring ride through Georgian London's back streets with THE LAST CONFESSION OF THOMAS HAWKINS. This historical mystery by Antonia Hodgson is wonderfully atmospheric and entertaining. Good Housekeeping Historical fiction just doesn't get any better than this ... Tom Hawkins is one of the best protagonists to come along in years. Magnificent! -- Jeffery Deaver A wonderfully convincing picture of the seamier side of eighteenth-century life ... I very much look forward to discovering what Tom Hawkins does next. -- Andrew Taylor Spectator Antonia Hodgson's London of 1727 offers that rare achievement in historical fiction: a time and place suspensefully different from our own, yet real ... A damn'd good read. -- Elizabeth Kostova, author of The Historian Fiendishly plotted and dropping with atmosphere. I cannot wait for Tom Hawkins' next adventure. -- Mark Billingham [A] fun, twisting, shock riddled masterpiece that ends way too soon. As Thomas heads towards his fate, we may or may not see him again but hopefully we'll see much more of Antonia. The Bookbag
