Read with Sharon - November 2024

Queens of London - Heather Webb

I loved Heather Webb’s The Last Ship Home and knew I had to read her latest, Queens of London. And once again, Heather does not disappoint!

Based on the true story of a girl-gang operating in the streets of London in the 1920s, it’s a cat-and-mouse game between the gang’s leader Annie Diamond and Scotland Yard detective Lillian Wyles. [Think the movie Catch Me If You Can!] I couldn’t decide who I
cheered for more: the girls of the Forty Elephants to escape capture and allude justice, or for Lillian to prove that she is just as capable as her male counterparts. And trust me when I say the conflict is
REAL!

A gritty tale filled with the most memorable characters, the story is fast-paced and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat.

Inside this reader companion guide you’ll find recipes for Stuffing Biscuits and a Pink Elephant Cocktail, as well as discussion questions for our book club meeting onn Thursday, November 21 at 7 PM Eastern via Zoom. Author Heather Webb will be joining us this month some come prepared with your questions and observations.

Until then, I hope you enjoy Queens of London. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

P.S. And please post a photo of yourself reading Queens of London on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #ReadWithSharon

I encourage you to click here to read reviews and buy your own copy.

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Reviews

Looting, lying, and the letter of the Queens of London delivers a rollicking ride through the criminal underbelly of post-WWI London. Gritty at times and tender at others, Queens of London unmasks the most lawless—and likeable—gang of women you’ve never heard of.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/136276918-queens-of-london

1925. London. When Alice Diamond, AKA “Diamond Annie,” is elected the Queen of the Forty Elephants, she’s determined to take the all-girl gang to new heights. She’s ambitious, tough as nails, and a brilliant mastermind, with a plan to create a dynasty the likes of which no one has ever seen. Alice demands absolute loyalty from her “family”—it’s how she’s always kept the cops in line. Too bad she’s now the target for one of Britain’s first female policewomen.

https://dearauthor.com/book-reviews/dnf-reviews/review-queens-of-london-by-heather-webb/

Queens of London - Heather Webb

Book Club Questions

THE CHARACTER’S JOURNEY

  1. What did you think of Alice?
  2. What did you think of Lilian?
  3. Think about your favorite character because there is going to be a poll during our discussion this month.

THE STORY PLOT

  1.  What motivates Alice in the beginning of the novel? How does that change as the story goes on?
  2.  Do you think Lilian’s opinion on criminals is common amongst police officers?
  3. How do the each of the character’s relationships with the men in their lives change from the beginning of the book to the end of the book?
  4. At the end of the book, Alice doubles down on her ambitions. What do you think is next for her? Do you think she lives without regrets as she claims?

THE ENDING

  1. Did it work for you? What would you have changed?
  2. What do you think is the author’s message to readers of Queens of London?
  3. What did you take away from the book?
  4. Are you left with any questions?

SYMBOLISM AND FORESHADOWING

  1. Did you notice any symbolism?
  2. What foreshadowing did you notice?

THE WRITING

  1. Use one adjective to describe the writing itself.
  2. What would you change if you could rewrite Queens of London?

DEFINING CHARACTERISTIC

  1. What did you love most about the book?
  2. Did the book change any views/opinions that you have?

Queens of London - Heather Webb