“Richly immersive, page-turning historical suspense novel”

Lady of the Quay was a finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2025. It didn’t win, but the feedback from the 15 readers who judged the competition is pretty amazing. 

This is what our readers thought:

• 5 Stars
• 14 would read another book by this author.
• 15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
• 13 felt it was easy to follow.
• 14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
• Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘plotting a story’.
• Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘developing the characters’.
• Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
• 13 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
• 14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Specific reader comments

Female, 42

I absolutely loved this book. Isabella is exactly the sort of heroine I enjoy reading about – intelligent, determined, and far from perfect, which made her feel wonderfully real. I found myself rooting for her from the very first chapter.

The historical detail was fantastic without ever slowing the story down. I learned so much about Elizabethan England without feeling like I was reading a history lesson. If you enjoy historical fiction with plenty of suspense and a brilliant female lead, this is one I’d happily recommend.

Male, 58

Historical fiction isn’t always my first choice, but this one completely won me over. Amanda Roberts has a knack for making sixteenth-century Berwick-upon-Tweed feel alive, and the political tension between England and Scotland added a real sense of danger throughout.

What I appreciated most was that the mystery unfolded naturally. Every time I thought I’d worked out where the story was heading, another surprise came along. Isabella is a memorable character—resourceful without feeling unrealistic—and I genuinely cared what happened to her.

By the end, I was already hoping there would be another adventure featuring her.

A cracking historical suspense novel.

Female, 35

This was such a pleasant surprise! I picked it up because I enjoy historical mysteries, but I ended up staying for Isabella. She’s clever, stubborn, and refreshingly independent for the time she’s living in.

The story kept me turning the pages, and I loved all the little historical touches. It felt like stepping into another world. Definitely one of my favourite historical reads this year.

Male, 67

I enjoy books that transport me somewhere completely different, and Lady of the Quay did exactly that. The setting was wonderfully atmospheric, and you could almost smell the docks and hear the bustle of the trading town.

What impressed me most was the balance between history and storytelling. The research is clearly there, but it never overshadows the characters. Isabella’s struggles felt believable, and I admired the way she refused to give up despite setback after setback.

It’s the sort of novel that quietly pulls you in until you suddenly realise you’ve read far later into the night than intended. I’ll certainly be looking out for more from Amanda Roberts.

Female, 51

What a gem of a book!

I adored Isabella from the start. She’s strong without being over-the-top, and I loved watching her think her way through impossible situations instead of relying on luck. The suspense kept building chapter after chapter, and I honestly struggled to put it down.

The Elizabethan setting is beautifully realised. You can tell the author has done her homework, but she wears that knowledge lightly, weaving it naturally into the story. I found myself completely immersed in the politics, the trading world, and the constant uncertainty surrounding Isabella’s future.

It’s also refreshing to read a historical novel that doesn’t rely on graphic violence or romance to keep your attention. The tension comes from the plot, the characters, and the ever-present feeling that Isabella could lose everything. By the time I reached the ending, I was genuinely sorry to leave her behind. I really hope this becomes a series because I’d happily spend more time in Isabella’s world.

Female, 29

I flew through this over a rainy weekend and honestly didn’t want it to end. It’s got mystery, intrigue, family secrets, political drama, and a heroine you can’t help cheering on.

The pacing was spot on for me. There was always something happening, but it never felt rushed, and every twist seemed to raise the stakes a little higher. Isabella is exactly the kind of historical heroine I enjoy reading about because she’s brave, practical, and makes mistakes like a real person would.

I also loved that the author trusted the reader. Nothing felt overly explained, and the world-building came through naturally in the dialogue and everyday details. Berwick-upon-Tweed almost became a character in its own right, with all the suspicion, trade, and border politics simmering beneath the surface.

When I finished, I immediately searched to see if there were more books featuring Isabella—that’s always a good sign! If you’re after historical fiction with genuine suspense, rich atmosphere, and characters you’ll remember long after you’ve finished the last page, this is well worth picking up.

To sum it up:

“Readers describe Lady of the Quay as a richly immersive, page-turning historical suspense novel with an unforgettable heroine, masterful Elizabethan atmosphere, and twists that keep them hooked until the very last page. A FINALIST and highly recommended!”

Wishing Shelf Book Awards.