Picture a British storyteller spinning tales of 18th-century intrigue from a draughty Cornish farmhouse—meet Leonora Nattrass! This former English lecturer turned bestselling author captivates readers with her historical mysteries, blending meticulous research with gripping narratives. Her debut, Black Drop, named a Times Book of the Year, launched a career that’s as vibrant as the Georgian streets she brings to life.
Now settled in Cornwall with her Ryeland sheep, Nattrass crafts novels that transport readers to a world of spies, secrets, and revolution. Her unique blend of academia and storytelling has made her a standout in historical fiction, with each book earning critical acclaim.
The Making of Leonora Nattrass
Leonora Nattrass’s journey to authorship began in the lecture halls of Nottingham Trent University, where she spent nearly a decade teaching 18th-century literature and politics. With a PhD in the field and publications on William Cobbett, her deep knowledge of the Georgian era shaped her storytelling. But the call of creativity led her to swap lecture notes for novels, retreating to a 17th-century Cornish home where she now writes, knits, and tends her flock.
Her transition wasn’t seamless—breaking into publishing took years of perseverance. Signing with Viper, an imprint of Serpent’s Tail, marked a turning point, allowing her to channel her academic passion into fiction that’s both scholarly and thrilling.
Leonora Nattrass’s Unforgettable Stories
Nattrass’s novels are a masterclass in historical mysteries, weaving real events with fictional flair. Her Laurence Jago series, starting with Black Drop (2021), follows a reluctant spy navigating 1794 London amid treason trials and opium haze. Critics, including The Times, praised its vivid depiction of Georgian politics and murder, calling it a ‘gripping debut.’
Blue Water (2022) takes Jago to sea, tackling a murder mystery on a ship bound for Philadelphia. A Waterstones Thriller of the Month, it earned nominations for the CWA Historical Dagger and Theakston Old Peculier Crime Novel of the Year. Scarlet Town (2023) returns Jago to Cornwall’s Helston, unraveling a deadly election scandal, while her standalone, The Bells of Westminster (2024), explores new mysteries with the same immersive detail.
Nattrass’s style is immersive, blending Dickensian characters with sharp historical insight. Her settings—London’s gritty streets, storm-tossed ships, or Cornish boroughs—pulse with life, while her flawed, relatable heroes like Jago keep readers hooked. Her research shines through, yet never overshadows the fast-paced plots.
Why Leonora Nattrass Matters
Leonora Nattrass has carved a niche in historical fiction, offering readers a window into 18th-century Britain’s political and social turmoil. Her ability to blend fact and fiction rivals genre giants like Andrew Taylor, earning her a loyal following and critical acclaim. By spotlighting lesser-known historical moments, she invites readers to rethink the past.
Beyond her novels, Nattrass’s life—writing in a historic home, spinning wool from her sheep—adds a charming authenticity to her work. She’s proof that passion and perseverance can turn a scholar’s expertise into stories that resonate worldwide.
- Key Works: Black Drop (2021), Blue Water (2022), Scarlet Town (2023), The Bells of Westminster (2024)
- Awards: Times Book of the Year (Black Drop), CWA Historical Dagger shortlist (Blue Water, Scarlet Town)
- Fun Fact: She knits elaborate jumpers from her Ryeland sheep’s wool!
Snag Black Drop and dive into Leonora Nattrass’s thrilling world of spies and secrets!