The Honey and the Sting

By EC Fremantle Michael Joseph, 368pp, £ 14.99

EC Fremantle’s historical novel follows three sisters through a maze of twists and turns in 1628 England. The narrator, Hester, carries much of the weight of the story, as she’s left to raise her illegitimate son to the Duke of Buckingham.

The pacing of the plot, the tension Fremantle generates and the occasional flirtation with the supernatural all grab the attention, and the book also highlights the many difficulties women faced in the 17th century.

It’s an engaging read, however Melis – the most interesting of the sisters, who has eerie and often accurate visions of the future – lacks the development she deserves. ■