Portraits and Poison by J.T. Williams

What a gem of a book this is. The initial appeal is that it is historical fiction for children (publisher recommendation ages 8-12), set in Georgian London in 1777 when King George III reigned. Don't see many books for and about children in this period.

Perhaps the most interesting feature is the two central characters, Lizzie and Belle, are both historical figures who were brought up together, historically they were second cousins. The prologue explains how Belle was the daughter of a naval officer and an enslaved African Black woman, and after her mother's death she was brought to England to be raised by an aristocratic family in a stately home. This was quite remarkable for the times and would make a great story in itself. However, the fictionalised tale has the two girls solving crime in an exciting  mystery.

The prologue also sets out to explain the main theme as family, friendship and freedom. It is clearly written and appropriate for the age group, but it also quite a gripping story, written in the first person. It considers issues such as slavery, the Abolitionists movement, illegitimacy and social class. The story centres around a stolen painting and art is a notable aspect in the book.

The book paints a vivid picture of contrasting worlds in eighteenth-century London. Westminster: Where Lizzie lives above her father’s (Ignatius Sancho) bustling tea shop, which serves as a vibrant hub for writers, abolitionists, and revolutionary thinkers. Kenwood House: The grand, sprawling estate in Hampstead where the wealthy Dido Belle resides with her aunt and uncle, Lord and Lady Mansfield. As well as this, the story delves into the prestigious, secretive world of the 18th-century art scene, taking readers behind the scenes of portrait unveilings, the Royal Academy, and galleries.

The actual physical book has a bright, colourful cover with a metallic shiny edging and lettering. Inside are illustrations and images of letters and decorated chapter headings, created by Simone Douglas. It's a good sized book for young people at just under five hundred pages, but the artwork breaks it up. This is the second book in The Lizzie and Belle Mysteries series and I'm sure there will be more to come. Suitable for children and adults alike. Brilliant.

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Published by Farshore on 30 March 2023.
​Advance review copy supplied by the publisher.

Collect the series

​Capital Chronicles: London Through Time