Books by Adeline Sergeant

Well-known for her subversive criticism of the Victorian class structure, Sergeant ramps things up a notch in ‘A Life Sentence’.Through the murder of Sydney Vane, we are introduced to his apparent killer Andrew Westwood. However, is he the murderer or has something been overlooked?While ‘A Life Sentence’ could be viewed as a 19th-century whodunnit, Sergeant uses the characters and situation to explore the idea that good people can find themselves doing bad things, particularly when the upper echelons of society are self-serving and decadent.‘A Life Sentence’ is an eye-opening book for anyone with an interest in Victorian society or who wants an introduction to Sergeant’s work.Emily Frances Adeline Sergeant (1851 – 1904) was one of the most prolific novelists of the 19th century. Born in Derbyshire, Emily was the daughter of Richard Sergeant, a Methodist missionary, and Jane Hall, a writer of children’s books. Jane published her stories under the name Adeline, which Emily was later to adopt.During her lifetime, Adeline Sergeant wrote over 90 novels, including ‘The Story of a Penitent Soul,’ ‘No Saint,’ and ‘The Idol Maker.’ Many of her works explored the theme of religion, as her views changed from committed faith to agnosticism, and finally, to Catholicism.

When Richard Luttrell is killed in an apparent accident by his brother, Brian, a cataclysmic chain of events is set in motion.‘Under False Pretences’ follows the fortunes of Richard’s younger cousin, Hugo, and his mission to uncover the truth behind the killing.As Hugo travels the globe, he uncovers a long-kept secret and is faced with some life-changing decisions.Throw in no fewer than two shipwrecks, a kidnapping, and the occasional dose of ‘brain-fever,’ and you’ve got all the ingredients necessary to cook up a rollicking adventure!‘Under False Pretences’ is a taut novel, full of twists and turns. It is the perfect read for those looking for an introduction to Sergeant’s work.Emily Frances Adeline Sergeant (1851 – 1904) was one of the most prolific novelists of the 19th century. Born in Derbyshire, Emily was the daughter of Richard Sergeant, a Methodist missionary, and Jane Hall, a writer of children’s books. Jane published her stories under the name Adeline, which Emily was later to adopt.During her lifetime, Adeline Sergeant wrote over 90 novels, including ‘The Story of a Penitent Soul,’ ‘No Saint,’ and ‘The Idol Maker.’ Many of her works explored the theme of religion, as her views changed from committed faith to agnosticism, and finally, to Catholicism.

The daughter of a poor physician, Janetta finds herself having to step into her feckless stepmother’s shoes when her father leaves.With a house full of children to look after, she is driven to desperate measures in order to survive. However, despite the trials and tribulations thrown her way, Janetta remains a true friend to even the lowliest of people.´A True Friend´ is a touching tale that explores the themes of loyalty, strength of character, and relationships. In Janetta, Sergeant creates a character who, on the face of it, may appear too good to be true but, once the surface is scratched, we see that she is as flawed and insecure as the rest of us.A book full of yearning and aspiration, ´A True Friend´ is the perfect read for those looking for an introduction to Sergeant’s work.Emily Frances Adeline Sergeant (1851 – 1904) was one of the most prolific novelists of the 19th century. Born in Derbyshire, Emily was the daughter of Richard Sergeant, a Methodist missionary, and Jane Hall, a writer of children’s books. Jane published her stories under the name Adeline, which Emily was later to adopt.During her lifetime, Adeline Sergeant wrote over 90 novels, including ‘The Story of a Penitent Soul,’ ‘No Saint,’ and ‘The Idol Maker.’ Many of her works explored the theme of religion, as her views changed from committed faith to agnosticism, and finally, to Catholicism.

Set in Victorian London, ‘Name and Shame’ is an unashamed melodrama in its purest form.Following the fortunes of Alan and Lisette Walcott, alongside the adventures of Lettice Campion, this is a tale of deceived wives, attempted murder, secret identities, politics, and illegitimate children.Although the writing is taut and the plot full of twists and turns, Sergeant saves a few well-chosen words with which to take pot-shots at the role of women in Victorian society and the deplorable attitudes of the men around them.A rollicking read for those new to Sergeant’s work.Emily Frances Adeline Sergeant (1851 – 1904) was one of the most prolific novelists of the 19th century. Born in Derbyshire, Emily was the daughter of Richard Sergeant, a Methodist missionary, and Jane Hall, a writer of children’s books. Jane published her stories under the name Adeline, which Emily was later to adopt.During her lifetime, Adeline Sergeant wrote over 90 novels, including ‘The Story of a Penitent Soul,’ ‘No Saint,’ and ‘The Idol Maker.’ Many of her works explored the theme of religion, as her views changed from committed faith to agnosticism, and finally, to Catholicism.

When Leslie comes to meet her father, Caspar Brooke, for the first time, she is keen to learn why her mother left him.While living with him, Leslie sets herself the task of reuniting her estranged parents. In Sergeant’s typically observant style, the circumstances that surround Brooke’s separation from Lady Alice have as much to do with their characters as they have to do with a chain of events.‘Brooke’s Daughter’ is an incisive exploration of human relationships and how a simple misunderstanding can change the course of someone’s life. In Caspar, we have one of the most appealing characters in Sergeant’s canon, despite her trademark criticisms of male Victorian values.A fascinating and rewarding read, ‘Brooke’s Daughter’ is sure to delight any reader familiar with her body of work.Emily Frances Adeline Sergeant (1851 – 1904) was one of the most prolific novelists of the 19th century. Born in Derbyshire, Emily was the daughter of Richard Sergeant, a Methodist missionary, and Jane Hall, a writer of children’s books. Jane published her stories under the name Adeline, which Emily was later to adopt.During her lifetime, Adeline Sergeant wrote over 90 novels, including ‘The Story of a Penitent Soul,’ ‘No Saint,’ and ‘The Idol Maker.’ Many of her works explored the theme of religion, as her views changed from committed faith to agnosticism, and finally, to Catholicism.