Emma Woodhouse
Emma Woodhouse is the author of The Prendergast Watch, published by Holand Press.
Her next title, Mary, Queen of the Forty, will be published in March 2025.
Having spent nearly ten years working at Blists Hill Victorian Town, one of the Ironbridge Gorge Museum sites, giving talks and demonstrations about Victorian life, Emma developed a deep love of all things Victorian. Having spent so long living as a Victorian in her worklife, Emma now explores it further in her writing.
After completing a BA (Hons) in Literature with the Open University, Emma completed a PGCE and MA in Education at Worcester University, and has been teaching for more than 15 years. She is also currently pursuing an MA in Contemporary Creative Writing with Northeastern University London.
Emma Woodhouse with Ethel
Emma lives in Shropshire, England. The future holds lots of exciting writing projects, with more books to come and a podcast about creative writing too!
To contact Emma, send a message via social media, and follow her for updates.
The Prendergast Watch is published by Holand Press.
Mary,
Queen of the Forty
The true story of Mary Carr. Gangster, artist's muse, fence, swan-necked beauty, Mary Carr led a notorious gang called The Forty Thieves in 1890s London. Here, for the first time, is her life story, pieced together from archival records, newspaper reports, prison records and more. Seen in Disney+ series, A Thousand Blows, this is the real history of Mary Carr.
This book will be published in March 2025.
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The Prendergast Watch is available at Amazon and all good book sellers!
The Prendergast Watch
By Emma Woodhouse
A Victorian extravaganza of love, loss, blackmail, asylums, art, suffrage, and family secrets!
London, 1888.
When Bartholomew Grouse shelters inside The Prendergast Emporium during a storm, he spends the last of his rent money on an irresistible William and Mary era pocket watch and meets the beautiful, enigmatic and deeply troubled Jemima Prendergast.
As Bartholomew attempts to unravel the secrets of the Prendergast family, he is drawn further into the shadows of Victorian London. Deception, forgery, blackmail, death threats and a hidden past of his own threaten to overwhelm him. Only his growing regard for Jemima Prendergast, a somnambulist who has lived within the walls of The Prendergast Emporium her whole life, gives him hope.
With Bartholomew’s support, Jemima must face a world she has been taught to fear, confronting the truth about her uncle’s life and death and uncovering the secrets he kept hidden in the dark corners of the Emporium.
Bound together by a painting, a suffragette and the regulars at The Old Cock, Bartholomew and Jemima grow closer and Bartholomew is forced to confront the man he has become, and the man he wants to be.
Can Jemima Prendergast free Bartholomew from his past, and at the same time uncage her own destiny?
The Prendergast Watch Reviews
"A great read! Atmospheric with lots of detail. The characters are very real. I can't wait for her next book!"
"Emma Woodhouse is a talented writer! The Prendergast Watch is an excellent book, well-paced, rich with detail, and very atmospheric. A page-turner, for sure!" ~ Sheelagh Caygill
"The Prendergast Watch is an excellent read with an historical feel, the story keeps you gripped right from the start.
This is a testament to Emma’s skill in creating drama and so drawing her reader into the story. You become captivated from the first chapter, where you met.
Bartholomew, to the very last page.
The plot is both interesting and engaging to read. Although the story is set during the late 19th century, it is impactful with historical accuracy for the modern reader. Using themes of feminism, social class, and developing relationships to keep the reader engrossed.
Throughly enjoyed this book." ~ Claire Elizabeth