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. Her newest publication, Mercy, published by Cranthorpe Millner in July 2025, is the true story of a Bridgnorth woman arrested in 1848 for murder.
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 first non-fiction book, London's Most Notorious Female Gang Leader: The Life of Mary Carr Queen of the Forty will be published by Pen & Sword Books in 2026.
She will also have an academic paper published in a Peter Lang edition, Rewriting the Victorian Imagination; Fables, Flesh and Fluidity in Nineteenth-Century Literature.
Emma Woodhouse with Ethel
Emma is available for book groups, writing groups, and talks on the historical women she writes about, as well as academic talks on the ethics of fictionalising real people from history.
She lives in Shropshire, England with her husband and four dogs.
To contact Emma, send a message via social media, and follow her for updates.
Mercy
"A Newton takes their own life, or that of another."
So says the curse of the Newtons.
As the river rises and rain lashes down, The Watering is filled with smoke. In the early hours, a charred corpse is found in the brew house. Mercy Newton is arrested and sent to Shrewsbury assizes. But is she guilty?
Pieced together from historical records, the life of the nationally notorious Mercy Newton is presented for the first time. Lost to history, this real-life story of a family curse, a jealous daughter and a suspected murder has been forgotten for over 100 years.
Until now.
Available from:
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:
Blackwell's: Mary, Queen of the Forty : Emma Woodhouse : 9781068412226 : Blackwell's
Amazon.co.uk and other Amazon sites
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
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The Prendergast Watch
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.
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