Hardback + EBook: 229 pages
Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction,
Publisher: Bloomsbury 2026
Source: The Author + NetGalley
First Sentence: Ruth got out of the car and walked towards the Magdala, the gun in her hand heavy and cold.
Review Quote: Vividly and grippingly portrayed ― The Times
My Opinion:
Lousia Treger has once again succeeded in writing another exhilarating novel about a 'Trail Blazing Woman'
'A Fatal Love' is the story of Ruth Ellis, who was the last woman to be executed in Britain. It was the 1950's and Ruth was working as a hostess in the infamous drinking clubs of London. Ruth already had a history of abusive relationships in her past and it was sad to see her drawn into another one with David Blakely. An abusive relationship which culminates in her shooting him.
The author has certainly found her niche, producing fictional stories, based on facts about real and fascinating women with stories to be told. Let us hope she has many more to reveal to us, as they so far have all been gripping reads. Louisa Treger has an eye for detail and with her sensitive writing the reader understands how Ruth was a tragic victim of an abusive relationship. Highly recommended reading.
Précis Courtesy of Goodreads:
It is Easter Sunday in 1955 and a young man lies face-down on the ground covered in blood. A woman, blonde and petite, stands over him with a gun in her hand. This is the story of Ruth Ellis as never told before...
As Ruth awaits her trial in Holloway Prison, she recollects growing up in England during the Second World War and the events that led to the death of her lover, David Blakely.
Meanwhile, Kitty Carrington - the assistant to Ruth's trial lawyer - tries to forge her own path through the male-dominated legal world of the 1950s and ensure that Ruth receives a fair trial.
Navigating secrets, betrayal and a broken justice system, Ruth and Kitty try to take control of their own lives and narratives. But do we ever really know the full story?
As Ruth awaits her trial in Holloway Prison, she recollects growing up in England during the Second World War and the events that led to the death of her lover, David Blakely.
Meanwhile, Kitty Carrington - the assistant to Ruth's trial lawyer - tries to forge her own path through the male-dominated legal world of the 1950s and ensure that Ruth receives a fair trial.
Navigating secrets, betrayal and a broken justice system, Ruth and Kitty try to take control of their own lives and narratives. But do we ever really know the full story?
Previous Reviews: The Dragon Lady Madwoman. The Paris Muse
Author Profile:
Born in London, Louisa Treger began her career as a classical violinist. She studied at the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music, and worked as a freelance orchestral player and teacher.
Louisa subsequently turned to literature, gaining a First Class degree and a PhD in English at University College London, where she focused on early twentieth century women’s writing.
Married with three children, she lives in London.
Photographs and Biographical Information courtesy of the following sites.
Author's Official Website Goodreads Author Profile Amazon Author Page