From London’s slums to its bawdy playhouses, The Darling Strumpet transports the reader to the tumultuous world of seventeenth-century London, charting the meteoric rise of the dazzling Nell Gwynn, who rose from the streets to become a beloved comic actress and the life-long mistress of King Charles II.
“[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
Five Stars! “….the reader is kept in absolute rapture from start to finish!… I enthusiastically recommend The Darling Strumpet and if her debut novel is any indication of the fabulousness we can look forward to in future books by Gillian Bagwell then consider me hooked!!” Passages to the Past
Five Stars Plus! “For …Restoration England lovers this book is a must…. The sky is the limit for Gillian’s future in historical fiction.” Historically Obsessed
Five Stars! “This book was just all around solid. The characters were rich and complex, the plot was paced well and the period language felt natural…. I LOVED it…..If you are a Nell fan, or a fan of historical fiction in general, this is a must read, and if you haven’t read much his/fic, this book would be a great introduction!” The Book Buff
“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