
Emma Woodhouse
Emma Woodhouse is the author of
Mary, Queen of the Forty, the true history of Mary Carr, leader of the Forty Thieves gang, as seen in Disney Plus series, A Thousand Blows.
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 is also the author of The Prendergast Watch, published by Holand Press in February 2025, and Simple Twists of Fate, also published by Holand Press in March 2025.
Her novel, Mercy, will be published by Cranthorpe Millner in July 2025.
She is currently working on a non-fiction book about the life of Mary Carr which will be published by Pen & Sword Books in 2026.

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 and Simple Twists of Fate are 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.
Mary, Queen of the Forty: The True Story of Mary Carr is available at:
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Amazon.co.uk and other Amazon sites
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Waterstones: Mary, Queen of the Forty by Emma Woodhouse | Waterstones



Simple Twists of Fate
When Flora Bustle is accused of stealing silk knickers, her world quickly unravels. Caught up in notorious London gang, The Forty Thieves, led by the enigmatic Mary Carr, Flora must keep her wits about her if she is to survive.
Available from Amazon:
Simple Twists of Fate (Victorian Mysteries): Amazon.co.uk: Woodhouse, Emma: 9798314939062: Books


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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