One of the best historical novels I have read in ages...Fiona Mountain is a major new talent in the field of historical fiction. This is history told with integrity, with an authentic feel for the period and vividly rounded characters. All the colours and textures of the seventeenth century are eloquently and evocatively realised here, in wonderful detail, and against this backdrop is set a haunting and tragic narrative. I have come away from this book having learned much about Lady Eleanor Glanville, and butterflies, in the most entertaining way possible. I eagerly await Fiona Mountain`s next book.
Alison Weir
 
A fascinating story …richly and brilliantly detailed and full of love and heartbreak.
Elizabeth Buchan:

My heart ached as I read this book because I knew at some point I would have to finish it. From the very first sentence I was caught by this wonderful and enchanting story, with a heroine you fall totally in love with and a world that I wish I could live in myself. It is as bewitching and wondrous as butterflies themselves and will be treasured as a read I will never forget.
Emilia Fox

Lady of the Butterflies' is an enjoyable, dramatic and intriguing tale that I found almost impossible to put down. It has a wonderful sense of period and well-observed, compelling  characters who I really cared about. Love and passion, in their many forms, are at its heart and as an actress I was particularly drawn to Eleanor  Glanvile, a strong and emotional woman  whose many joys and hardships I fully shared.
Thelma Barlow 

It is a rare talent in an author to be able to mix rigorous historical research with the narrative energies and imagination of a true novelist.  Fiona Mountain brings all of these skills to her entrancing Lady of the Butterflies.   A vivid and fascinating novel about an extraordinary woman, I was gripped from beginning to end.'
Katie Hickman, Author of "The Aviary Gate"
 

'Rich and brilliant...Fiona Mountain is an extraordinary talent, an impressive writer and an exceptional storyteller.'   Paul Blezard, The Lady  

Fiona Mountain has written a powerful and sexually charged novel set in the shadow of the English Civil War. Lady of the Butterflies is a fascinating historical novel capturing the life of Eleanor Glanville, a woman of terrific scientific discipline and worldly passion.  Eleanor's life is one of personal upheaval and her story is set in the Somerset Marshlands that face social and agricultural revolution.  Mountain's novel describes Eleanor's discovery of the Glanville Fritillary, a rare butterfly that reflects Eleanor's immense strength, beauty and frailty.  It's a brilliant historical novel filled with fascinating detail and stunning imagery.  Patrick Neale, The Bookseller 

A serious and impressively researched work of exciting historical fiction that gathers momentum ...up to a thrilling finale. 
Editors' Choice, Historical Novels Review 

Well written, beautifully descriptive and completely engrossing, a must for all who enjoy historical fiction.
Choice, Book of the Month 

The links between the respectable science of genealogy and the far more dubious one of eugenics are key to a story that ties together with considerable ingenuity a historically accurate Nazi scheme to repopulate the world with Aryan babies, a beautiful gypsy girl and a wronged wife. Genealogy and detective work have the searching out of clues in common and Bloodline, the second in a series, is a satisfying variation on a familiar but enjoyable theme.
The Times

Well told…enjoyable mystery
The Lady

Mountain's superb second mystery…a dramatic conclusion, an intelligent, spunky heroine and credibly human and loveable supporting characters lift this refreshing, fast-paced whodunit.
Publishers Weekly

To say this is a fascinating book is an understatement, I really loved it. A real puzzle. Brilliantly crafted, this is a real mystery. I wanted to know the end but I didn't want the book to finish. Definitely on my top ten reads of 2004.
Mystery Women

The twists and turns of the plot are pacy, engaging and entertaining
Family History Monthly

Intriguing and atmospheric tale
Northern Echo

A mystery as involving for its genealogical background as for its plot and characters
Booklist

In essence a fine resurrection of the British Golden Age puzzle mystery. Mountain gives her heroine a nice complexity and a richly realized community
Houston Chronicle

Mountain writes with verve and style, tells a strong story and peoples her novels with characters who fascinate. Her tale of genealogy gone from harmless pastime to incredible evil with resonate with those who love mysteries of the past
Richmond Times

Natasha is a fabulous protagonist…the storyline is filled with plenty of action. Fans of investigative tales will enjoy Fiona Mountain's wonderful who-done-it.
Harriet Klausner

A haunting tale
Good Housekeeping

Mountain's brilliantly original take on the whodunit is compelling, atmospheric, eerie and above all intelligent
Good Book Guide

Labyrinthine…,meticulous….an intriguing and atmospheric plot
Midweek

Interesting facts and speculations about the Pre-Raphaelites and an appealing heroine
Kirkus Review

Stylishly written, intelligent fare
Crime Time

A literate debut mystery introducing genealogist Natasha Blake…the premise of a genealogist sleuth holds plenty of potential
Publishers Weekly

Mountain captures the silken creepiness of much of the pre-Raphaelite story…Natasha is a mystery too and readers will be eager to meet her again
Booklist

The exhilarating debut of a fascinating detective..,haunting….a unique tale starring a delightful individual who makes a fine sleuth.
Midwest Book Review

Fabulous plot based on a true story. First cousins Isabella Curwen and Fletcher Christian were forbidden to marry, despite their passion. He took part in the mutiny on the Bounty leaving her to guard their secret
Daily Mail

With this blend of history, romance and suspense, you'll find yourself swept away
Woman's Realm

Anybody interested in the Mutiny or just enjoying a good story will find plenty to please them here. This is a haunting story that lingers in the mind long after reading; the sure sign of a satisfying book
The Historical Novels Review

This delightful debut novel…is an intriguing love story based on real life mysteries
Publishing News

Picture Mel Gibson on the streets of Workington and Cockermouth, starring in a new romantic blockbuster to rival 'Titanic'
Cumberland News

Full of mystery, suspense, chilling legends, shifting mists, sombre bell peals and shadowy rowing boats, Fiona Mountain's novel is hard to put down and a fascinating read
Westmorland Gazette