Emma Woodhouse
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.
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 now the author of five novels and a non-fiction book, with more to come!
Fiction:
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The Prendergast Watch
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Simple Twists of Fate
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Mary, Queen of the Forty
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Mercy
Non-Fiction:
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Victorian London's Most Notorious Female Gang Leader; the Life of Mary Carr, Queen of the Forty.
Emma's next novel, Ann Morgan, Hellish Beauty, comes out with Cranthorpe Millner in September 2026.
Her next non-fiction, Criminal Women of Victorian London, comes out with Pen and Sword Books in November 2026.
Emma Woodhouse with Ethel
Emma is the author of a number of academic papers which are to be published in the coming months, as well as being a contributor to the Blackcountryman Magazine. She has also taken part in judging stories for the Jane Austen Literacy Foundation, and is a member of the Mary Webb Society.Emma is available for book groups, writing groups and historical groups, as well as academic talks on the ethics of fictionalising real people from history.
She lives in Shropshire, England with her husband, four dogs and three ducks.
To contact Emma, send a message via social media, and follow her for updates.
Emma is part of the National Year of Reading 2026 events at Newcastle Under Lyme and Kidsgrove Library, where she will talk with other crime writers on a panel called 'A Feast of Authors' on Wednesday 18th February.
Coming September 2026!
Hellish beauty, Ann Morgan, lies dead. The locals feared her. Loved her. Lusted for her. But when she draws her last breath, a man hunt ensues, and Ann Morgan's spirit refuses to rest until vengeance is hers.
Pieced together from historical records, this is the life story of Ann Morgan, the Witch of Westwood Common, whose murder shook the foundations of life in rural Shropshire and whose existence was so reviled by the authorities, they burned her belongings in an attempt to erase her from history.
Now, she rises again.
Available to preorder:
Victorian London's Most Notorious Female Gang Leader; The Life of Mary Carr, Queen of the Forty
Born into the shadows of Victorian London, Mary Carr began her criminal career as a pickpocketing flower-girl, rising to be the undisputed Queen of the Forty Thieves. Under her rule, the Forty transformed from a band of violent, disorganised thieves into a ruthless, well-oiled gang, making a fortune from hotel robberies and blackmail. By 1891, Mary ruled Southwark, Lambeth, and beyond, her power extending from seedy back alleys to high society establishments. But when a young boy, Michael McGee, vanished at the Epsom races, eyes on the street turned to Mary, who had recently adopted a young blonde-haired boy and had been showing him off to the world. But her defiance would prove her undoing. Betrayed by an informant, she was arrested for child theft in 1896, sentenced to three years in prison, and lost everything. How does a woman who loses her home, her title and her son all in one blow rise again?
Emma Woodhouse's compelling narrative unravels the legend of Mary Carr — a woman who defied Victorian expectations, reshaped London’s underworld, and became one of the most fascinating figures of her time.
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
London 1895.
Desperate to catch the Queen of The Forty Thieves, D.S. Grey pursues Mary Carr, leader of an all-female gang, whose reputation and beauty is famous all over London. Every piece of evidence he finds forces him towards the realisation that his task will not be as simple as he’d anticipated. The daughter of an international train robber, the leader of the most successful all-female gang in the history of London, beloved by many, Mary Carr is almost impossible to track down and arrest.
Someone, somewhere, must have a grudge against her.
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:
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
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. As he falls for Jemima Prendergast, a somnambulist who has lived within the walls of The Prendergast Emporium her whole life, he has to ask himself what kind of a man he really is.
Can Jemima Prendergast free Bartholomew from his past, and at the same time uncage her own destiny?
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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