The Sisterhood by Tasha Alexander

 

was a dual timeline historical fiction novel that took the reader to London, England in the early 1900s and the first century.  First of all I want to say that I have never read the 18 books that came before this in the Lady Emily Ashton series.  However not having read the first 18 books did not detract from my understanding or enjoyment of this book.  I did not have the background on many of the characters but the author gave enough detail that I was able to pick up what I needed to know.  I also really enjoyed both timelines.  I love anything ancient Rome, so to read about Vatta, a girl from the Iceni tribe and friend of Boudica, was a great addition to this mystery. 

The novel starts out with the death of Victoria, a highly successful debutante.  Someone has poisoned her and Lady Emily is put to the test to try and figure who would want the young girl dead.  The novel also discusses the women's suffragette movement.  The novel did a great job portraying people's attitudes about the issue during this time.  Vatta's story reveals her life growing up in the first century during Roman occupation.  She befriends a Roman soldier over their shared love of poetry.  Vatta has never really fit in with her tribe but when she befriends Boudica things start to turn around for her.  Things take a turn for Boudica when her husband dies and Vatta has difficult decisions ahead of her.  

If you love historical fiction and mysteries you will enjoy this book.  The added timeline of ancient Rome was a welcome addition and I thought made the book even more interesting.  I liked getting to know Vatta and wished there was even more of her story.  I am excited to go back and read the first book in this series.