Lead Review (The Queen of Fives)
- Book: The Queen of Fives
- Location: London
- Author: Alex Hay
A 19th century adventure of the utmost entertainment
The Queen of Fives by Alex Hay follows his debut The Housekeepers but this time, his latest novel is a richly imagined and roguishly plotted adventure. Set in a vividly reimagined Regency London, the story combines historical detail with a fun (and funny) sense of rebellion, placing a fierce and unlikely heroine at the heart of the age-old story about power, ambition and ultimate justice.
At the heart of it is Quinn, a working-class woman with sharp instincts and a hidden talent for the game of fives—a sport of strategy and finesse, typically dominated by men. Her confidence scheme follows five movements – The Mark, The Intrusion, The Ballyhoo, The Knot and All In. But The Five become more than just a game; it’s a metaphor for survival in a world stacked against you. With a cast of resourceful women and a few crooked gentlemen thrown in for tension, the book builds on the themes of social disruption, collective action and personal defiance.
The prose is both elegant and propelling, keeping the historical authenticity but not sacrificing pace or punch. It was one of those books that is a “can’t put down” and a “what’s going to happen next?” – the characters are portrayed with affection and grit, even the hapless Mr Silk whose own story throws in a curveball at the end.
And then we have the aristocratic Kendall family, who are Quinn’s ultimate target. But are they all they appear to be? You’ll have to keep the page turning to find out!
This is an entertaining and empowering read and one where good ultimately triumphs.
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