Lady Bette and the Murder of Mr Thynn: A Scandalous Story of Marriage and Betrayal in Restoration England

In the 17th century, Lady Bette, the 14-year-old heiress to the Northumberland estates, becomes the victim of a plot by her grandmother, the Countess Howard, to marry her off to Thomas Thynn. Revolted by her new husband, Lady Bette flees to Holland. Thynn is gunned down in the street by three hired assassins, leading to speculation about who is behind the contract killing. Nigel Pickford's novel creates a world of tension and insecurity, with street demonstrations and public Papal burnings weekly events. The action moves from the landed estates to the cheap taverns and brothels of London, and finally to Newgate and the gallows.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

The captivating tale of a sensational marriage and murder that unfolded in 17th-century London takes center stage in this enthralling novel. For fans of "The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher" and "Georgina: Duchess of Devonshire," this gripping story is sure to captivate with its dramatic flair reminiscent of "The Five."

Lady Bette, the 14-year-old heiress to the vast Northumberland estates, becomes the unwitting victim of a devious plot orchestrated by her grandmother, the Countess Howard. With the intention of securing a lucrative marriage for her granddaughter, the Countess hatches a scheme to wed Lady Bette off to the dissolute fortune-hunter Thomas Thynn, a man three times her age with a notorious reputation.

Revolted by her forced union, Lady Bette flees to Holland, seeking solace and a way to escape her impending fate. However, her hopes of freedom are short-lived as Thynn is tragically gunned down in the streets by three hired assassins. The question remains: who is behind the contract killing? Is it the Swedish Count Coningsmark, a young and glamorous man with blond hair cascading down his waist? Or is it a political assassination, as suggested by the anti-Catholic press, as Thynn played a pivotal role in the Protestant faction seeking to exclude the Catholic James, Duke of York, as Charles II's successor?

Nigel Pickford masterfully creates a world of tension, insecurity, and constant plotting and counter-plotting, where rabid anti-Catholicism reigns supreme. Street demonstrations and public Papal burnings become weekly events, adding to the atmosphere of fear and unrest. The action spans from the grand landed estates of Syon and Petworth to the seedy taverns and brothels of London, and finally to Newgate and the gallows, the epitome of entertainment during that time.

In this intricate tale, the book offers a vivid and meticulously researched portrait of Restoration society. Through the characters and their experiences, readers are transported back to a time of immense societal change and political intrigue. The novel delves into the lives of the wealthy and powerful, as well as the marginalized and oppressed, shedding light on the complexities of the social hierarchy and the struggles of those seeking to navigate it.

"The Marriage Plot" is a captivating and unforgettable journey through the tumultuous world of 17th-century London, where love, loyalty, and betrayal intertwine in a tale of passion, power, and revenge. Prepare to be swept away by the drama, suspense, and intricate plot twists that will keep you guessing until the very end.

Weight: 264g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399614962