- Publisher: Bloodhound Books
A brand new dark historical mystery based on real events, published by Bloodhound Books, available in ebook and paperback
Audiobook coming 17 December 2024
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Nothing is ever as it seems. Especially when you work at 13 Park Lane…
1872. Marguerite has fled to London, leaving behind a traumatic past in Paris. When she is offered work as a cook for mysterious French widow Madame Riel, she seizes the chance to start afresh.
But as soon as Marguerite arrives, she is stifled by the tension in the house and before long she comes to resent her stingy and volatile employer, as well as her unfriendly housemaid.
Just as Marguerite is about to resign, Madame Riel’s beautiful actress daughter Julie returns to the house and charms her into staying.
But Julie’s presence creates new toxic waves of emotion—until someone finally snaps and murders Madame Riel.
Why is 13 Park Lane so full of hatred? What secrets does the household guard? And can any of its inhabitants escape the shackles of their past?
Pre-publication reviews for 13 PARK LANE
Naomi Clifford brings a immersive sense of her characters’ lives to this brilliantly-imagined telling of a shocking true-life Mayfair murder. She’s a bright new star on the crime-fiction scene, and her focus on telling women’s stories is just what the genre needs.
Karen Robinson, founder and co-editor of The Times’ Crime Club
There’s a distinct brilliance to Naomi Clifford’s ability to take a historical setting and fill it with tension, flawed characters, and the kind of dread that keeps you turning pages late into the night. 13 Park Lane is one of those rare books that doesn’t just tell a story—it immerses you in it.
Amazon customer – 5 stars
You can’t help but love Marguerite, a woman who seems to have suffered all the sorrow the world could offer. Clifford’s choice to narrate from the perspective of the perpetrator is bold and wonderfully executed, bringing Marguerite’s vulnerability and volatility to life in a way that makes you feel her every decision, no matter how questionable.
The supporting characters, from the cold Madame Riel to her daughter’s disturbing nocturnal habits, feel like people you might meet in a dark alley of Victorian London. Clifford deftly captures the complexity of their relationships, as toxic as they are intriguing.
If you like your historical fiction with a dash of psychological tension, morally ambiguous characters, and a plot that’ll leave you gasping, this one’s for you. A thoroughly captivating read. Highly recommend.
Compelling storytelling that draws us ever deeper into the life of Marguerite Diblanc who commits a murder but had ‘no intention to kill’. Peppered with social history, we are whisked to rural Belgium, Paris during the siege and the bustling streets of Soho. Naomi Clifford gradually and skilfully builds the character of Marguerite in such a way that the reader can only side with our unusual heroine. We feel the cruelties and sadness she has endured, celebrate her friendships and the small acts of kindness she encounters and admire her stoicism. We only have compassion when this fails her. A page-turner, with a cast of characters, good and bad, who will remain with you long after you close the book.
M.C., Amazon – 5 stars
This historical psychological thriller is about a true crime from 1872 and is told in first person by the perpetrator. Marguerite Diblanc arrives destitute in London after fleeing wartorn Paris, and ends up in the household of French widow Madame Riel. Marguerite, who has a somewhat explosive temper, and her new employer do not get on. Once you add in Madame Riel’s actress daughter who, Marguerite is shocked to find out, regularly entertains an elderly night=time lover, and an unfriendly English maid you have a web of toxic relationships. There are no ‘history lessons’ here. The context is woven into the narrative, which is engaging and fast-paced. The passages covering the horrific Siege of Paris and the blood-soaked aftermath of the Commune are particularly vivid. A great read. Highly recommended.
Amazon reviewer – 5 stars
I’m not a fast reader and tend to have a pile of half read books. I sat down with this one however and did not move a muscle except to turn the pages until it was finished. I was completely hooked. I have been aware of the Paris Commune but this book brings it to life vividly and unsentimentally, and the sights and sounds of 19th century London – and below stairs life – were equally alive. I was just there and at the author’s mercy throughout as she carefully led me through the twists and turns of the plot and of Marguerite’s mind. Terrific. Thank you.
Oliver G., Amazon – 5 stars
An absorbing account of a tragic true life crime, that delves into the workings of a traumatised mind. Beautifully written, 13 Park Lane is a perfectly crafted and engrossing read, highly recommended.
Mandy DS, Amazon – 5 stars
13 Park Lane constitutes another triumph for Naomi Clifford. From the very first page you are drawn into the world of this trial. In typical style, Clifford’s work is driven by its characters. Her use of language and structure to convey emotion is effortless and her characterisation of Marguerite leaves the reader hungry for more.
Georgio K., Amazon – 5 stars
Naomi Clifford has combined an encyclopedic knowledge of historical facts with her clever, incisive writing style to give us her first historical murder mystery. 13 Park Lane is certain to please lovers of both history and intrigue alike. By giving us a window into the mind of Marguerite Diblanc, Clifford weaves a compelling story of longed-for friendship, hoped-for possibilities, and unintended events. The reader can’t help but empathize with Marguerite, rooting for her to make good decisions as each chapter reveals the insufferable circumstances she has endured that led to the unthinkable. In her debut historical novel, Clifford brings us a captivating page-turner bringing to life characters and events that you won’t soon forget.
Pam G., Amazon – 5 stars
From the very first word I was gripped. Starting with the trial really caught my attention and I had to read more. Every character has their own motivations and stories and I just wanted to keep reading even after it had finished.
Charlotte S., Amazon – 5 stars
An intelligent and gently thrilling book, based on real life historical events. A pleasure to read, beautifully written, intriguing plot, gripping characterisation throughout a real treat! Can’t wait to share it with a book group!
Jan, Amazon – 5 stars
The story weaves the history and politics of a little known time. It is a tight storyline that takes the reader on a journey in a time that I knew little about. Naomi paints a vivid portrait of the characters and their flaws and yet you are left feeling sympathy for these women who were all victims of their gender and in a man’s world. A great read, and it captured my interest from the get go, one to remember!
Brigid G., Amazon – 5 stars
This is one of those books that you are captured from the start, and you don’t want to put down until you’ve finished and then wish there was more. This made a lovely change from my usual thrillers. It’s a very well written, gripping, and intriguing storyline and plot, with surprising revelations and twists. There are strong, interesting characters and wonderful descriptive. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would definitely recommend it to others. My thanks to Bloodhound for the advanced copy. This is my unbiased and honest review of this book.
June, Amazon – 5 stars
This historical psychological thriller is about a true crime from 1872 and is told in first person by the perpetrator. Marguerite Diblanc arrives destitute in London after fleeing wartorn Paris, and ends up in the household of French widow Madame Riel. Marguerite, who has a somewhat explosive temper, and her new employer do not get on. Once you add in Madame Riel’s actress daughter who, Marguerite is shocked to find out, regularly entertains an elderly night-time lover, and an unfriendly English maid you have a web of toxic relationships. There are no ‘history lessons’ here. The context is woven into the narrative, which is engaging and fast-paced. The passages covering the horrific Siege of Paris and the blood-soaked aftermath of the Commune are particularly vivid. A great read. Highly recommended.
Reviewer, Amazon – 5 stars
Gripping from the first page, beautifully written, this book weaves together historical detail with an intimate re-imagining of the life of a long-forgotten woman. Marguerite herself reflects in this novel on the voicelessness of women: “I was always ready to speak up for myself and I was constantly urged to keep quiet, to submit, to nod and agree.” Naomi Clifford has given this one woman, who led a life both obscure and notorious, a voice. It was a pleasure to be introduced to the dark and turbulent world she inhabited.
Helena W., Amazon – 5 stars
I sped through this – couldn’t put it down! Naomi Clifford’s writing is clear, gripping and excellently paced, I love how she brought the characters of Marguerite, Julie and Madame Riel to life, I felt like they were real, fully formed people with complex interior lives and I was hooked from page one.
Dora M., Amazon – 5 stars
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.
Kathryn M., NetGalley – 5 stars
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.
Megan, NetGalley – 4 stars
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.”
Reviewer 1487897, NetGalley – 4 stars
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.
Tracey S., NetGalley – 4 stars
How much pain can one soul contain before something terrible happens?
NetGalley reviewer – 4 stars
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.
Marguerite Diblanc has spent her life running from the horrors of her past. As a member of the working classes, she experiences the indignities and traumas of injustice, and she struggles to hold her temper in check when faced with the raw unfairness of life. In a world where the rich and powerful, or those who aspire to be, can skate by on the assumption that might equals right, Marguerite is tainted by her lack of power, her gender, and her foreignness. The anger within her becomes impossible for her to control, and the opening pages of “13 Park Lane” find Marguerite in the dock at London’s Old Bailey facing a guilty verdict and a death sentence to the charge of murdering her employer. The book then begins to carefully unravel Marguerite’s story, giving her a voice that was denied her in court. Clifford portrays Diblanc as moody and impulsive, but she also presents her as sympathetic, a victim of greed, lust, misogyny, and circumstance. Who in the book is a true friend to her and whom can she trust? Clifford skillfully layers the evidence piece by piece until we see a fuller version of the woman at the center of the crime. I was pleased to receive an advanced copy of this historical drama. Based on a true story, and meticulously researched, “13 Park Lane” is a twisted upstairs/downstairs tragedy that keeps the reader guessing until the final chapter.
Carolyn N., Amazon – 4 stars
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.
Meg P. NetGalley – 4 stars
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.
