You know it’s going to be a good book when it starts with a brawl. Helen Taylor and Her Fight for the People by Janet Smith resurfaces the story of an important figure in women’s and social movements in England (and Ireland and Scotland) in the late 19th century. Often remembered (if at all!) as Harriet Taylor Mill’s daughter and John Stuart Mill’s stepdaughter (she was also his collaborator), she was in her own right a prominent and accomplished political figure. The causes she advanced included equal pay for women teachers, free education for all, land reform (she advocated nationalizing all land), Irish home rule, and of course, women’s suffrage. A London school board member, her advocacy for education also included an equitable curriculum for girls and, in effect, day care at schools (which she had seen in other countries), so that instead of being made to stay home to take care of their younger siblings, girls could attend school. Taylor was also the first woman to run for.. Read more
NetGalley, E W Parker

Very compelling read! The book follows the death and subsequent trial of his killer, a unique view into the judicial system in the early 1900’s and how things can go very wrong. I really enjoyed the book. It read very well, and kept me interested. The author was able to break down the case, the problems with it and alternative conclusions without the story becoming rote or dry. I appreciated that the case was viewed objectively from both sides, that is if the accused was the killer, and if not. Overall, a very satisfying read, and definitely makes me want to see if the case in reopened!
NetGalley, Leigh Bacon

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars Most all of us have an innate fear or sharks but we don’t even understand what causes that in the big picture. This book was so informative and really taught me the history of shark attacks, our fear of them, and how humans have misunderstood sharks since the dawn of time. This gives me a far greater appreciation of the species as a whole.
NetGalley, Ellen Ross

[b]Rating[/b]: 5 out of 5 stars I didn't know a lot about William Phipps so I was excited to read about him in this book. It was researched well and was invested in what was happening. Leon Hopkins was able to create a strong nonfiction book and thought worked well in telling the information that I was expecting.
NetGalley, Kathryn McLeer

“...there are real insights on the great turning points of English history… a hugely absorbing book, scholarly, wittily and elegantly written. I learnt a lot."
Allan Mallinson's review in Country Life (28 May 2025 edition)