Promotional Information

Marks the author's move into historical crime fiction. Based on extensive research in the National Archives in Kew and in Bromley, Kent. The Times 100 Best Books for Summer; Waterstones 2019 Essentials; Karen's Reads 2020 Favourite Books.

About the Author

Elizabeth Haynes is a former police intelligence analyst who lives in Norfolk with her husband and son. Her first novel, Into the Darkest Corner, was Amazon’s Best Book of the Year 2011 and a New York Times bestseller. Now published in 37 countries, it was originally written as part of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), an online challenge to write a 50,000 word novel in the month of November.

She has written a further three psychological thrillers—Revenge of the Tide, Human Remains and Never Alone—and two novels in the DCI Louisa Smith series, Under a Silent Moon and Behind Closed Doors.

Next came her highly praised historical novel The Murder of Harriet Monckton (a Sunday Times Summer Read) which is based on the 1843 unsolved murder of a young school teacher in Bromley, Kent.

Elizabeth’s latest novel, You, Me and the Sea is a contemporary story of love and redemption set on a remote, windswept Scottish island.

Reviews

'The contemporary crime novelist Elizabeth Haynes makes a strong foray into historical crime.' - The Times 100 Best Books for Summer 2019; 'If you love period mysteries then give this one a go!' - Just Another Book Nerd - The Readers Board, Bookstagrammer; 'Double standards, inequality, hypocrisy, poison (and a map!) - a great read.' - Anita, Miru Reads, Bookstagrammer; 'I read this over lockdown but I loved it! I found it so interesting as it is based on a real murder that was never solved. The characters were so believable and I love stories where the protagonist never talks.' - 4/5 Star Review by Esmea Lila, Bookstagrammer; 'It is a fascinating tale even without knowing the story of its inception and it weaves so well it is easy to forget that it is based on a true story. After hearing the afterword from Elizabeth I can totally understand why she didn't want Harriet's story to be forgotten.' - 5/5 star review by Bookstagrammer, Karen's Reads; 'June's book club choice! Based on a true story and set in my home town, I was fascinated by references to Bromley during the 1840. Lots of historical reference and an insight into beliefs and procedures during this time.' - Nina Loves to Read, Bookstagrammer; 'The murder of Harriet Monkton was never solved but Elizabeth Haynes did an amazing job of tying up all the ends and solving the murder for us. The local area is referenced well - she obviously did her homework and the characters are developed over a period of time, leaving you wondering all the way through.' - Book Club Rules, Bookstagrammer; 'This book is... absolutely incredible. I haven't read a book set out quite like it before and it had so many twists and turns that I didn't see coming! Can't recommend [it] enough.' - Incandescently Bookish, Bookstagrammer; 'Dark, troubling and richly evocative. Elizabeth Haynes has re-imagined the case of Harriet Monckton to startling effect.' - Colette McBeth; 'I could hardly put this book down. I was so excited about having another opportunity to read Haynes writing; I reviewed Never Alone and was spellbound by her storytelling and the detail - not to mention by the suspense she creates.' - Recommended Reading, Patricia's Wisdom; 'It's hard to imagine another author better suited to write this convincing, atmospheric, frustrating, and compelling story. Haynes brilliantly allows the reader into the innermost thoughts of all these characters, each guilty in their own way, and yet keeps the satisfying secret of who the poisoner was unrevealed until the very end. Recommended.' - Kirsten Hannum, Historical Novel Society; 'Haynes vividly brings to life an intellectually curious, vibrant young woman ill-suited to the strictures of Victorian village life. Historical mystery fans will be rewarded. A rich and suspenseful psychological crime novel.' - Publishers Weekly; 'The colourful cast, supported by some of the local characters, the pompous, the plain gossipy and those with various axes to grind, an imaginative plot and dialogue and brilliant descriptive settings bring Victorian Bromley to vibrant life. The book is captivating, masterful and moving, and you simply will find it difficult to put down. Haynes' passion for Harriet's story, explained in a touching afterword detailing her research, makes a fitting conclusion to a truly gripping and memorable piece of historical true crime/fiction that's full of lust, mistrust and guilt.' - John Cleal, Crime Review; 'This book is an amazing piece of historical fiction; Haynes definitely shows us how to do this right. Seriously, the talent on display in this book floored me. In her notes at the end, Haynes says that she wanted to tell Harriet's story because the real Harriet never got justice for what happened to her. We'll never know, not after so much time and so little documentation. But I feel that Haynes did Harriet right in The Murder of Harriet Monckton. Harriet has a voice after all these years.' - A Bookish Type; 'This Victorian murder case has been written extremely well as each voice was clear and well thought out. Haynes take on the culprit was clever and became an excellent twist. A great read especially, if like me you enjoy both history and a murder mystery.' - Jera's Jamboree; 'Wow, wow, wow! This novel oozes atmosphere from the start, bringing not only the Victorian era to life but also delivering characters that are so realistic they almost jump from the page. It had me completely enthralled from start to finish and not only made me remember why I love historical fiction as much as I do but also re-awakened my sheer passion for reading. I have absolute no doubt this novel will end up in my list of favourite books of the year!' - Novel Deelights; 'I was seething with anger and injustice for Harriet as I was drawn deeper into this tale of murder and dark secrets. I know that this is a book that will stay with me for a long time. If you love historical fiction set in Victorian England, or if you love true crime inspired books, or if you love a good ole' "whodunnit", you'll get all of the above in this book. You really MUST check out. I loved it.' - Emma's Book Blog; 'Haynes has made these people from the past feel very much alive and makes a compelling case to deliver the murderer to us. I feel lost having finished this.' _ Waterstones Staff Pick: Clara Bow; 'Elizabeth Haynes has created an incredible tale of lust, deceit, double standards and hypocrisy all set to the backdrop of 1800's Kent. The detail is lavish and beautifully written. If you enjoy a classic Victorian crime story this will set you right!' - Waterstones Staff Pick: Dan; 'One of the most spine-tingling I've ever had the pleasure of reading... flawless narration... Readers will find themselves engrossed.' - Suspense Magazine; 'Incredibly suspenseful and brimming with meticulous detail, The Murder of Harriet Monckton is a masterclass of just how good historical fiction can be.' - Turnaround 2019 Fiction Staff Picks; '(A) rich psychological crime novel from Elizabeth Haynes. Haynes vividly brings to life an intellectually curious, vibrant young woman ill-suited to the strictures of Victorian village life. Historical mystery fans will be rewarded.' - Publishers Weekly; 'This novel will keep you completely hooked and stealing a page at every chance you get.' - Hello magazine, 10 Amazing Holiday Reads You Won't Be Able to Put Down; 'Whilst the plotting is immensely skilful and the tension expertly exploited, it is the subtle gender politics and rounded characterisation that marks The Murder of Harriet Monckton out as a truly superior crime novel.' - Waterstones; 'A hugely engaging historical crime mystery, which circles around the sad life and brutal death of Harriet Monkton. This highly atmospheric book will keep you guessing right to the very end.' - HWA Gold Crown Longlist 2019; 'This, perhaps unsurprisingly is a story of secrets, of hidden facts and relationships build on half truths and lies. The plotting of this novel is skilful, layers of deception are slowly revealed as each character uses their own distinct voice to present their individual relationship with Harriet. The real genius of this novel lies in it's ability to commentate on the treatment of women in the past, but make it relevant to society today. My reading experience was every bit as satisfying and enthralling as I had hoped.' - Bookbound; 'I read and loved Into The Darkest Corner and Human Remains a few years ago now and both of them are absolutely gripping! I've just started The Murder of Harriet Monckton and I know I'm going to love it. If you've never read any Elizabeth Haynes, you need to rectify it immediately!' - Bookish Chat; 'A thoroughly absorbing whodunnit, with an unexpected conclusion. Haynes' novel is also a touching portrait of a young woman unjustly stigmatised by the prejudices of her day.' - Sunday Times; 'An expertly crafted slow-burn of a novel, immersing you in the double standards of Victorian Bromley... Perfect sofa fodder for an empty weekend.' - The Pool; 'The Murder of Harriet Monckton is more than just a true crime murder mystery. It's a "me too" story of the 1840s, a disturbing insight into the social expectations, naivety of young women and the importance of religion within communities. The story felt authentic from start to finish, thanks to meticulous research providing specific details in the descriptions of the characters, setting and social interactions of that era.' - Off The Shelf Books; 'Fans of The Suspicions Of Mr Whicher will also like this novelisation of a real-life murder that shocked the inhabitants of a small Kentish town.' - Sara Manning, Red Magazine; Elizabeth Haynes has written a fantastic novel... You simply cannot put it down until the last page as you try to guess who the real culprit is amongst all the suspects. This fascinating story is a real page turner.' - Waterstones-staff pick: Emine;'Probably the best historical crime novel I have ever read. Elizabeth Haynes' skill as a writer was in every word of every page; not once did I doubt that I was in Bromley in 1843... Captivating, masterful and moving this is one book-and one death-I will remember for a very long time.' - C.L.Taylor; 'Elizabeth Haynes is one of the top storytellers in a genre bursting with the best tale-spinners in the world. The Murder of Harriet Monckton is a page-turning mystery, charged with compassion, wisdom and a modern understanding of human nature and psychology. It is also a #MeToo for the Victorian era-a humane defence of women of all eras who choose not to conform and a celebration of their trailblazing.' - Julia Crouch; 'Elizabeth Haynes is bliddy-well BRILLIANT!' - Marian Keyes; 'I loved The Murder of Harriet Monckton-what a tour de force! I'm blown away. Elizabeth Haynes completely transported me to that time and place. I also found the novel incredibly moving and I'm so glad to know Harriet's story. The novel is an absolute triumph.' - Elly Griffiths; 'Elizabeth Haynes evokes the language and world of the 1840s, and lifts Harriet from obscurity with a damn fine tale. In these #MeToo days, her rich and magnificent imagining of a long-forgotten murder connects the past to the present as if it was yesterday.' - Lesley Thomson; 'A historical whodunit with heart; a story that was begging to be told. I can't get poor Harriet out of my mind. Wonderful.' - SJI Holliday; 'What a fascinating and deftly-created novel. Drawing on real reports and statements from the time, Elizabeth Haynes recreates the final hours of a young woman murdered in Bromley in 1843. Authentic and intriguing.' - Anna Mazzola; 'Elizabeth Haynes's real-life story of a young Victorian woman who was systematically wronged by those around her resonates powerfully in the current climate. Moving and brilliantly written, this is a must-read from one of the most talented crime writers out there.' - Cass Green; 'Perhaps the highest praise that I can give this book is to say that it won't be too long before I reread to see how it was all done.' - The Bookbag;'Absolutely brilliant! Elizabeth Haynes has brought to life a wonderful array of characters, recreated a truly authentic Bromley and given a voice to an intriguing mystery surrounding the death of a young woman. Highly recommended.' - Compulsive Readers; 'This page-turning whodunit based in compelling historical reality reads like a modern psychological thriller, with all the resonance of the #MeToo movement. Haynes is a can't-miss author for me.' - Alexandra Sokoloff; 'A poignant and gripping reimagining of a real-life case from 1843 which skilfully evokes Victorian England in all its petty conventions and dark hypocrisy. Brava Elizabeth Haynes.' - Rachel Rhys; 'The writing is exceptional: I spent much of the book in a state of visceral terror for Harriet... Haynes captures the age perfectly and she's particularly good on the precarious life of the unmarried woman, virtuous or not... the plot has a sense of completeness about it and the ending blew me away: it just seemed so right. In real life, the murder might remain unsolved, but Haynes' solution is neat, realistic and entirely plausible. Perhaps the highest praise that I can give this book is to say that it won't be too long before I reread to see how it was all done.' - The Bookbag; 'Absolutely brilliant! Elizabeth Haynes has brought to life a wonderful array of characters, recreated a truly authentic Bromley and given a voice to an intriguing mystery surrounding the death of a young woman. Highly recommended.' - Compulsive Readers; 'A bloody great whodunnit. Poor Harriet. I can highly recommend this book. All the stars.' - The Book Whisperer, Bookstagrammer, 5/5 star review; 'An atmospheric and cosy Victorian mystery that also touches on many social issues and injustices that were common during this time period.' - The Untrained Librarian, Bookstagrammer, 4/5 star review; 'Who is the writer whose books you'd buy without question, and without even reading the blurb? Mine is the amazing Elizabeth Haynes.' - Sam Carrington, author of I Dare You and The Missing Wife