Dangerous Women by Hope Adams

Blurb:

London, 1841. The Rajah sails for Australia.

On board are 180 women convicted of petty crimes, sentenced to start a new life half way across the world.

Daughters, sisters, mothers - they'll never see home or family again. Despised and damned, all they have now is each other.

Until the murder.

As the fearful hunt for a killer begins, everyone on board is a suspect.

The investigation risks tearing their friendships apart . . .

But if the killer isn't found, could it cost them their last chance of freedom?

Review:

Even before starting Dangerous Women, I could tell it would be my kind of book. I'm a big Historical Fiction fan, especially when they're based on an actual event. I also really enjoy stories set in a confined space with no way out.

The narrative is split between a select few of the women on board. I enjoyed each narrative and didn't favour one over the other, as usually happens with books like this. I also enjoyed the time shift between then and now. It was a great way to develop the story.

It's difficult to go deeper into why I loved this one so much without ruining the story but if you like Historical Fiction, you'll love Dangerous Women.

I especially enjoyed the note from the author at the end explaining the the origin of the story and the real journey. It's made me want to read into prison reform and Elizabeth Fry (any recommendations welcome!)