From the bestselling author of The Jade Lily comes a thrilling modern-day treasure hunt brimming with family secrets. Inspired by a true story, The Lost Jewels unfolds an incredible mystery of thievery, sacrifice and hope through the generations of one family.
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The book was an easy read, with the story navigating between the past an present, cleverly intertwined keeping the reader’s interest and imagination. I thoroughly enjoy the book (there were four typos in the text!) – Helen, QLD, 5 stars
The Lost Jewels by Kirsty Manning This story spans over 400 years and introduces two strong women and how their lives were shaped by jewelry. The description of the jewelry was very detailed and made me want to see the beauty of each piece. I loved Essie as a young woman in the 19th century trying to keep her family together despite being incredibly poor. This strength then came out in her granddaughter Kate who had carved out a very successful career for herself despite experiencing heartbreak in her personal life. I enjoyed this story as the beautiful jewels and gemstones wove their way through the centuries and through the different characters. It also made me appreciate the tradition of jewelry being handed down from one generation to another and how special this act is – it is not only the jewelry that is special but the story that goes with each piece. – Christine, QLD, 3 stars
The lost jewels had me enthralled from the minute i started reading it. I’m not sure whether it’s because I love jewellery or whether I got caught up in the different generations with the mystery of the jewels & the modern day story of solving where the jewels originated from. The story goes from 1666 to 1912 to modern day so it keeps you intrigued the whole time & you just want to know what happens next. With everything happening there is also romance mixed in with each generation. If you like a bit of romance & jewellery mixed in with mystery then you will love this story. I know I did. – Donella, SA, 5 stars
This is the first book I have read is Kirsty Manning and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is set between the past and present spanning across countries and keeps you guessing throughout. The leading character Kate was easy to relate to . I found the novel to be very well written, descriptive with a hint of mystery, a delight to read. Will definitely be reading Kirsty’s other two novels – Jane, QLD, 5 stars
Not my usual genre but a very good read nonetheless. Kirsty interweaves the past and present with both culminating in a nice tidy conclusion, a technique Nicole Alexander also employed in her earlier works. The characters were real and flawed, and I felt a connection with the leads in each timeline, wanting to know their fates. I did get some of the lesser characters confused, especially in the modern storyline. Recommended for anyone after a good character drama, a bit of history and an engaging story. – Kerry, NSW, 4 stars
Kirsty Manning is a talented Australian author. I’ve enjoyed her previous books and she has done it again with The Lost Jewels! In this story, Kate Kirby, a jewellery historian, is asked to go to London to write a magazine article on the Cheapside jewels. Little did she know just how closely her family were linked to these jewels, through her great grandmother Essie. The story is told through both Kate’s and Essie’s eyes, and is set mainly in the present day and the early 1900s. However, there are flashbacks to the 1600s which takes the reader back to the creation of these jewels. Because of this, the reader is aware of their history long before it unfolds for Kate and Essie. Whilst this story has many layers and is complex, these layers are beautifully bought together through Manning’s writing. The Lost Jewels has been inspired by the true story of the Cheapside Hoard, was now owned by the Museum of London which Manning has obviously researched well and I’d recommended The Lost Jewels for all lovers of historical fiction. – Cathie, QLD, 5 stars
What an amazing book, great story, great characters and the way it was put together kept me captivated. This book starts in the 1600’s and jumps between different periods in time where you slowly you learn about where a large number of jewels came from. There are two main characters Kate and her great grandmother Essie, the way these two stories unfold is simply magical. I devoured this book and was very satisfied when it ended. The characters were well written, and I fell in love with the all. For all those people that love to go on and research historical fiction more, there was a bonus at the end where the author added information on the jewels and supplied sites where you could find out more. She also explained what was true and what was added for readability. Thank you so much for sending me this book, I loved it. Five stars – Di, QLD, 5 stars
I love historical fiction, and The Lost Jewels by Kirsty Manning, is no exception. Based on the true story of the Cheapside Hoard (currently held by the Museum of London – check it out on their website), this is a story of mystery, intrigue and, ultimately, hope. For many, many, years a buried treasure lay undisturbed below one of London’s busiest streets. No one knew it was there until workmen started to demolish a building in Cheapside, in the summer of 1912. Our story follows Kate Kirby, a jewellery historian, as she delves into their history, and coincidently, her own. The book was well researched and benefited from Manning’s descriptive writing style. I enjoyed the slow unfolding of the story, complemented by a neat ending, and the way the characters jumped off the page. I would recommend this book and will certainly be looking to read more from Kristy Manning in the future. – Laura, SA, 5 stars
The Lost Jewels takes place over various time periods from the 1600s through to the current day following the trail of jewels and gemstones discovered in London in 1912. Kirsty Manning managed storytelling throughout the various periods without leaving me too confused as to who was who, which sometimes I find in historical fictions too bothersome. Each time period was so captivating, I never found myself longing to go back to another period or another character but it felt comforting to finish a chapter and be reunited again. Essie Murphy and her story in the early 1900s absolutely moved me. Kirsty Manning painted such a detailed picture of life in the poorer parts of London I wished I could dive in and help the poor souls. I thoroughly enjoyed travelling through history and uncovering the secrets of the Cheapside jewels. – Tamara, SA, 5 stars
I adored this book due to the fact that I found myself transported beautifully between present day and London 1912, with each chapter slowly and deliciously revealing a little more about each of the characters’ lives all the while knowing that there was a little fact mixed in with the fiction. The story was spun in a such manner that I found myself devouring each chapter, the author providing just the right amount of intrigue to keep me turning the pages, challenging me to connect the dots between the different family members over the generations. The relationship between grandmother and daughter was particularly endearing to me and the love between the two jumped off the pages. I was surprised how connected I felt to Essie, her plight and her secrets that she had to keep, I just wanted to jump right in and help protect her. – Sharyn, QLD, 4 stars
This was a fantastic read that had me hooked from the get go. I really enjoyed learning about the history of the gems – clearly the author has done a lot of research – and the intertwining stories were interesting. I’m looking forward to reading more books from Kirsty Manning – Susan, NSW, 4 stars
I found this story fascinating, it was rich with wonderful detail and historical timelines. The Lost Jewels is a fictional story inspired by the true story of ‘The Cheapside Hoard’, which is one of the most famous and mysterious finds of jewellery and gemstone treasures in the world. The cache was discovered in 1912 and surrounded in mystery. Our main character is Dr. Kate Kirby who is a well-respected jewellery historian. She has been offered a trip to London for a huge investigative feature on the Cheapside story. The Cheapside Jewels were currently been held at the London Museum where they had just been restored. Family secrets and historical jewels make this an astonishing and emotional mystery tale. A recommended read for historical fiction lovers. – Gloria, SA, 4 stars
Thank you Better Reading for my uncorrected copy. Loved this book. I have always been interested in the mystery surrounding the Cheapside Hoard, so to have a fiction weaved around it had me hooked. The story is set in different eras and begins in the 1600s, links to 1912 and Essie Murphy, then the present day and her great granddaughter Kate Kirby. As Kate researches the history of the mysterious jewels for a series of articles, family hardships and secrets are revealed. A well researched, engaging story with believable characters that kept me turning the pages well into the night. – Pam, QLD, 4 stars
Another sure fire winner from Kirsty Manning! I became involved with the cast of characters in this book from the outset. A wonderful tale moving between timelines – 1912 and present day and then other historical snippets thrown in. The main characters Essie and Kate proved to be caring, warm and brave humans. I loved the mystery woven through the story, and the ending did not disappoint. I would recommend this novel to lovers of Kate Morton and Tea Cooper, or anyone who enjoys historical and mystery tales. Excellent. – Karn, VIC, 5 stars
‘The Lost Jewels’ by Kirsty Manning is a book which spans four eras from the 17th to the 21st century. As the story unfolds the gradual joining together of these stories into one is revealed. The true event of the finding of the Cheapside Hoard in London in 1912 forms the foundation of the story. Manning creates a fictitious story around this finding, creating characters who are both believable and engaging. The peripheral love story between Kate and Marcus parallels the previous love story of her great grandmother Essie whose life is at the heart of the story. Mysteries surround not just the jewels but Essie, her history and Kate. As each layer is revealed and moral dilemmas confronted, Manning builds to the final resolution which is both believable and fulfilling. As an author Manning is maturing and improving her style. If you enjoyed her previous books, I am confident that you will find this one a rewarding read. – Gaye, NSW, 4 stars
A gem of a story. This was a really hard book to put down. Reflecting across centuries, the journey of beautiful jewels is told, and the connectedness revealed. Moving between the centuries, mysteries are solved, secrets unveiled, love found and all through beautiful gems. The characters were genuine, interesting and inspirational, the settings detailed and believable and the story, although told across centuries was not disjointed. A really enjoyable read I’ll be sharing with friends. – Jodie, WA, 5 stars
I’ve never considered the lifecycle or history of rare jewels before. I had heard of the Cheapside Hoard but never once considered it’s origin, history or heritage. The Lost Jewels is a story within a story where Dr Kate Kirby, jewel expert, stands in for author Kirsty Manning and imagines a history for these pieces that features love, grief, family and global history from the gem mines, markets and goldsmiths of the 1600s to a family today marked by love and loss – Claire, VIC, 4 stars
An absolutely enjoyable read from beginning to end. The family secrets and the beautiful jewels made for an engaging read. It was really interesting to read about the various gems and jewels that formed the basis of the story. I highly recommend this book – Natalie, NSW, 5 stars
An enjoyable book. I enjoyed following the individual characters, and the history that the author had obviously researched well. Easy reading and keeps your interest throughout. I would recommend for a holiday read. – Ros, ACT, 4 stars
Thank you to Better Reading for my copy of The Lost Jewels by Kirsty Manning to preview! In 1912 in Cheapside, London, workmen in an old house uncover valuable treasure, but it quickly disappears again. In the present day, jewellery historian, Kate Kirby, receives a phone call about the Cheapside jewels and soon excitedly realises she is on the brink of an experience of a lifetime. Soon, Kate’s past and present threaten to collide while the truth about her family lie waiting to be revealed; just like the Cheapside jewels! I found this to be a very enjoyable read and found myself dying to pick it back up every day! I’m not usually a big fan of flicking back between time frames (from 1666, to 1912 to present day) and found myself having to go back check what year and which character I was currently reading about, I still felt very connected and interested in the characters and found the writing style to be easy to read, flowing well. I LOVED the description of all the valuable jewels located, the history behind them, and sometimes felt like I could have been wearing them myself! #BRPreview – Nicola, QLD, 5 stars
This novel is a cross between historical fiction and romance. Kate is writing a story about the Cheapside jewels that were originally discovered in 1912 (a real life event!) but there is a definitely crossover between her research and her family. I particularly enjoyed the historical element, particularly the chapters told from Kate’s great grandmother, Essie’s, perspective. This was an easy book to read and ends on a pleasantly happy note. – Meg, VIC, 4 stars
From the Prologue onwards this book compels you to keep turning the pages to see what happens next. Kate is employed to follow-up on a London story but London also has a family connection. Her great-grandmother Essie’s story originates in London and Kate wishes she has questioned her more on the secret of why she left and never returned. More so after finding sketches of two identical girls and a brooch or button with precious gems similar to a gift she received from her. The storyline travels in time backwards and forward and mixes some historic events with the storyline to unravel Kate’s family secret history. Suspense, romance and intriguing storyline makes you want to keep reading. – Josie, VIC, 5 stars
This was a truly engaging novel. The equally enjoyable dual timelines reveal family secrets, family bonds and resolve the mystery of the lost jewels. From 1912 to the present day, the novel’s heroines Kate and her great-grandmother Essie, are both finding their way after heartbreak but as Kate uncovers Essie’s secrets, she also discovers her fortitude. Readers of Natasha Lester and Kate Moreton will enjoy this Kristy Manning novel. This was my first Kirsty Manning novel and I will definitely read more! – Liz, WA, 4 stars
‘The Lost Jewels’ by Kirsty Manning is a wonderful story with interesting characters and historical insight. The book traces the origin of a stash of jewels and the people from foreign lands who mined them and were responsible for selling them. The first chapter begins in London in 1666 during the time of the great fire of London. The book moves on to the present day where Dr Kate Kirby a Boston jewellery historian is called in to investigate and research jewels found in a London worksite at Cheapside. These first discovered in 1912. Kate is working closely with a photographer Marcus Holt who is from Sydney. In researching Kate has a feeling that these jewels may be connected to her own family as her great grandmother Essie was living in London in 1912. The story gives us an insight of what life was like in London when Essie and her family lived there. An excellent read with mystery, historical fact and romance. – Gillian, QLD, 5 stars
This book tells the story of the Cheapside Hoard, a cache of ancient jewellery found in 1912 London, from several different timelines. The two primary times, 1912 and present day are linked by family members and the jewellery itself. The characters from both the 1912 and present day timelines are likeable and believable. While you can tell that the timelines will end up being linked, the result is very satisfying. – Mellisa, ACT, 5 stars
Books like this one is why I love historic fiction. I devoured this book in 2 days, which is fast for me and I found it hard to put down. I hadn’t even heard about the Cheapside Hoard/Jewels until I read this book and now have learned about an exciting piece of history. Kirsty Manning researched gemstones, jewellery making and mining really well and it shows in her beautiful descriptions of the jewellery pieces and the stones. She has wrapped an exciting story around a jewellery hoard from 1912 that dates back to the 1630’s. Anyone that likes stories about treasure and family secrets will like this book. Each chapter beginning has the year, place or person it’s about which makes it easy to follow where you are in the story. When finished the book it’s worth reading the author’s note at the back and take the time to do an internet search on the Cheapside Hoard and look at the photos of some of the pieces depicted in the book. Highly recommended. – Tracy, WA, 5 stars
The Lost Jewels by Kirsty Manning is a thoroughly enjoyable story, well written and easy to read. Kate Kirby is a jewellery historian, asked to do some research on the Cheapside jewels, discovered under an old house in 1912. As she is researching she uncovers links to her own great grandmother having a connection to the jewels. The story covers past and present, and ties everything in together. A great read. – Fay, VIC, 5 stars
I thought this would be just another book that I could tick off my list. I was pleasantly surprised when it drew me in straight away by taking me back to 17th century London and a girl braving the ferocity of the fires to find her secret stash. Jump forward 300 years or so and we meet Kate a jewellery expert called to look into the history of jewellery found in 1912. This novel flits seamlessly between Kate’s world or precious stones and elegant jewellery and the poverty and sadness of her great-grandmother Essie. It also traces the history of a couple of key pieces of jewellery from the Cheapside collection introducing different characters and showing how stones become something more magnificent. The book is fiction which incorporates a real event – the discovery of the Cheapside jewellery in 1912. I really enjoyed it. I liked the character and spunk of both Essie and Kate. I also like the conclusion that Essie draws – real treasure is the love we share with our family. – Karen, NSW, 4 stars
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