THE DARLING STRUMPET

by Gillian Bagwell

The Darling Strumpet transports the reader to the tumultuous world of seventeenth century London, charting the meteoric rise of Nell Gwynn from grimy slums to bawdy playhouses, through the cataclysmic years of the last plague epidemic and the Great Fire of 1666, and to the licentious court and the arms of the King. (approx. 119,000 words)

5 Stars! – Passages to the Past

5 Stars! – The Book Buff

5 Stars plus! – Historically Obsessed

VIDEOS

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REVIEWS

“[A] richly engaging portrait of the life and times of one of history’s most appealing characters!”

–Diana Gabaldon, author of the best-selling Outlander series

“Bawdy and poignant…an ebullient page-turner!”

–Leslie Carroll, author of Royal Affairs

“Hard to resist this sort of seduction–a Nell Gwynn who pleasures the crowds upon the stages of London and the noblest men of England in their bedrooms. A vivid portrait of an age that makes our own seem prudish, told with verve, humour, pathos… and not a little eroticism.”

–C.C. Humphreys, Actor and Author of Jack Absolute.

Now this was the novel about Nell Gwyn I was waiting for!”

–The Incurable Blue Stocking
“An absolute triumph as a debut novel….[It] is an absolutely brilliant addition to the historical fiction genre and might be the best novel on Nell Gwynn ever. …Nell would have applauded in approval and probably done a little jig to celebrate her tribute.”

–Pittsburgh Historical Fiction Examiner

Five Stars! “Gillian Bagwell’s meticulously researched novel takes us from the cobbled, rubbish-strewn alleys of Covent Garden to the Royal Theatre in Drury Lane and into the royal court. She handles the 17th Century London street vernacular with aplomb…I can thoroughly recommend this book, and look forward to Miss Bagwell’s next foray into 17th Century England.”

–Historical Novel Reviews

“The atmosphere of Restoration London is beautifully rendered in this richly textured novel. Sedan chairs, frost fairs, hot wassail, changeable silks–the details on every page evoke time and place…I would definitely recommend The Darling Strumpet to anyone looking for a rich and spicy January read.”

–The Misadventures of Moppet

“A beautifully written and lively romp through Restoration England. Gillian Bagwell has captured the very essence of the period with a charm and wit that keeps you turning the pages… Don’t you just love it when you find a new favourite author!!!!”

–Jaffa Reads Too

“…as bawdy and engaging as Nell herself was reputed to be. Bagwell’s well-researched novel accurately captures the rowdy, sexy Restoration period…. Romantics will devour this engaging, sexy page-turner.”

–Dolce Dolce