Miss Burnham and the Loose Thread by Lynn Knight

Miss Burnham and the Loose Thread
written by Lynn Knight

Published by Bantam Books
on 20 March 2025

Genre: General Fiction / Historical Fiction / Mystery

Virtual Book Tour hosted by Zooloo’s Book Tours
taking place 17 – 23 March Book Tour Schedule

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About The Book

Book Description

South-east London, 1925.

Talented, ambitious designer-dressmaker Rose Burnham knows well both the strains of her profession and the secrets it can yield. Newly established in her own business, she and her sisters are privy to the hushed conversations that unspool behind the fitting room’s closed doors.

So when a major client finds herself the victim of a deception, it is Rose she tells. Driven by the shortage of men following the Great War, Miss Holmes had engaged the services of a matrimonial agency, only to be cheated out of her inheritance by a fake suitor.

Rose is determined to bring the swindler to justice. To begin with, playing the detective is a grand adventure, but as pressures mount and an old friend receives a troubling string of poison-pen letters, Rose discovers there is more to investigating – and these investigations – than she’d bargained for.

About The Author

Lynn Knight was born in Derbyshire and lives in London. The women of her family passed on many stories along with beaded bags and buttoned gauntlets, and fostered her interest in the texture and narratives of women’s lives. She is the author of the biography Clarice Cliff (2005), a memoir, Lemon Sherbet and Dolly Blue: The Story of an Accidental Family (2011), and The Button Box: The story of women in the 20th century, told through the clothes they wore (2016).

Miss Burnham and the Loose Thread is her first novel. Lynn has a website which you will find at lynnknight.co.uk

MoMoBookDiary’s Review

Miss Burnham and the Loose Thread by Lynn Knight is an absolute joy to read. This fantastic debut novel is a warm, exciting, and heartwarming hug of a book. Filled with humour, adventure, and heart, it’s a brilliant mix of cosy crime and historical fiction that kept me thoroughly entertained.

Set in south-east London in 1925, the story follows Rose Burnham, a talented dressmaker who runs her own business alongside her sisters Ginny and Alice. When their loyal client, Miss Holmes, is swindled out of her inheritance by a deceptive suitor, Rose takes it upon herself to uncover the truth and recover the stolen money. What begins as a thrilling adventure soon reveals deeper layers of danger and intrigue.

The three Burnham sisters are delightful characters, each with their own charm and strengths. Rose’s determination and quick thinking make her an engaging protagonist, while her sisters add warmth and humour to the story. The bond between the siblings is beautifully portrayed, and I loved the way they stood together to protect both their business and their community.

The book beautifully evokes the post-war era, highlighting themes of social change, female resilience, and the challenges women encountered in business. Lynn Knight’s extensive knowledge of social history and fashion, developed through her years of research and writing, shines through in her rich descriptions of fabrics, dress designs, and the meticulous craftsmanship behind garments for special occasions. Drawing from her expertise in exploring women’s lives through cherished heirlooms and everyday objects, Knight adds authenticity and depth to the narrative, fully immersing the reader in 1920s London.

I particularly enjoyed the vivid depiction of society’s mixed attitudes towards women entering the workforce. While some characters championed independence, others clung to outdated views, which added a layer of realism and tension to the story. The glimpse into the lives of women living in hostels, navigating financial instability, and finding their place in a world still reeling from the Great War was both informative and thought-provoking.

The mystery itself was cleverly plotted, with enough twists to keep me guessing. While it carried the charm of a traditional golden-age detective novel, there was also a refreshing depth to the characters and themes explored. The balance between mystery and historical fiction felt seamless, and I appreciated the slower pace that allowed the characters and their world to shine.

This book would make a wonderful Sunday evening BBC historical drama. It’s comforting yet insightful, warm yet adventurous, and undeniably charming. I sincerely hope there are many more Burnham sisters’ mysteries to come because I’d love to spend more time in their company.

Miss Burnham and the Loose Thread is an excellent read, transporting the reader to another time and place. If you enjoy historical fiction, cosy crime, or stories about strong women forging their own paths, this book is not to be missed.

All views expressed are my own. This review, or parts of it, may also be shared on my social media channels and various book platforms. Links are accurate at the time of publication.

Thank you to Bantam Books for the physical advanced copy—it was a joy to read! And thanks to Zooloo’s Book Tours for including me and introducing me to this fantastic new author. The tour, hosted by Zooloo’s Book Tours, runs from 17 to 23 March—be sure to follow along with the Book Tour Schedule!

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MoMoBookDiary