The Rush: A BBC Radio 2 Book Club Pick

by Beth Lewis

Gold fever has taken him. I believe he means to kill me...

Canada, 1898. The Gold Rush is on in the frozen wilderness of the Yukon. Fortunes are made as quickly as they're lost, and Dawson City has become a lawless settlement.

In its midst, three women are trying to find their place on the edge of civilisation. Journalist Kate, along with her dog Yukon, has travelled hundreds of miles after receiving a letter from her sister warning that her husband means to kill her. Martha's hotel and livelihood are under threat from the local strongman, who is set on buying up the town. And down by the river, where gold shimmers from between the rocks, Ellen feels her future slip away as her husband fails to find the fortune they risked so much to seek.

When a woman is found murdered, Kate, Martha and Ellen find their lives, fates and fortunes intertwined. But to unmask her killer, they must navigate a desperate land run by dangerous men who will do anything for a glimpse of gold...

Rich in its setting and characters, The Rush is a gripping historical crime novel perfect for readers of Stef Penney by way of Kristin Hannah and C Pam Zhang.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Murder Mystery

400 pages, Hardcover

First published June 10, 2025

About the author

Beth Lewis was raised in the wilds of Cornwall and split her childhood between books and the beach. She has travelled extensively and has had close encounters with black bears, killer whales, and Great White sharks. She has been, at turns, a bank cashier, fire performer, juggler, and is currently working publishing. Her debut novel, The Wolf Road, was shortlisted for the inaugural Glass Bell Award and her third novel, The Origins of Iris was shortlisted for the Polari Prize. She lives in Oxford with her wife and daughter.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

There’s gold in them thar hills! Well maybe, but certainly not for all!

“The Rush” is a terrific fictional tale about the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898. Though gold mining was mainly a masculine affair, there were also women who headed there for various reasons. The author introduces Kate, Ellen and Martha, (all based on real characters). Very much a minority group among the many men, these women had their own personal reasons for making this treacherous journey to Dawson City.

Journalist Kate, along with her dog Yukon, has travelled hundreds of miles after receiving a letter from her sister warning that her husband means to kill her. Martha's hotel and livelihood are under threat from the local strongman, who is set on buying up the town. And down by the river, where gold shimmers from between the rocks, Ellen feels her future slip away as her husband fails to find the fortune they risked so much to seek.

When a woman is found murdered, the three women’s lives become entwined in their quest to find her killer. This will be no easy task, because Dawson City is a cruel and lawless place, where gold is God, and men will let nothing or no one stand in their way.

“The Rush” was a brilliant tale devoting each chapter to one of our three protagonist’s. It’s an exciting and gripping storyline that details the journey to firstly reach the Yukon (no mean feat) and then captures the daily lives of those seeking their fortunes in this unforgiving frozen wilderness, with its long periods of darkness, and the constant threat of starvation, disease and violence.
*There were references to animal cruelty that I quickly skimmed past.* However, I loved Yukon the dog, and also our three protagonists, each with their own riveting stories. I highly recommend this wonderful book. I feel like I’ve been on quite an adventure!

*My thanks to Netgalley and Serpent’s Tail/Viper/ Profile Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest unbiased review *

[Margo Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

At heart, this is a murder mystery, and a fast-paced one. The story reminded me a bit of 'A Dangerous Business' by Jane Smiley - but whereas that novel was quietly atmospheric literary fiction, this felt much more rumbustious. The tone and characters have a good-natured toughness which suits the subject of the 1890s Klondike Gold Rush. The focus is on strong female characters in a rough mining town, some seeking to "mine the miners" by selling them various necessities of life. (In the interesting historical note at the end, the author gives biographical sketches of real people who inspired characters in the book). 4.5⭐ rounded up.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy.

[Jo Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy publication day 🥳🎉🎧

At its core, The Rush is a historical murder mystery, but Beth Lewis sweeps us back to 1890’s Canada and The Gold Rush in a way that elevates the story and allows it to span several genres, giving voice to the woman of the times who are so often forgotten in the stories. I highly recommend hanging around for the authors note at the end where she shares the inspiration for the story and the characters.

We have 3 main female protagonists to tell this epic tale;

Journalist Kate. Who sets out for the Yukon with her dog aptly named Yukon with the premise of writing the stories of the journey and the miners, but also on the hunt for her sister, who she fears is in danger.

Ellen, who has settled on the land with her husband who is failing miserably in his hopes of striking it rich.

Martha (Ma) the local hotelier and madam who has rightly predicted that the men will be in need of more than one home comfort in a hard land.

When a body turns up, the 3 woman unite to uncover the killer, but along the way, with the guidance of a fortune teller, they discover themselves, their wants and needs and friendship in a hard land.

This is one of my favourite reads in a long time, a big story with big characters, and scenery and story so well written you’ll be sure you’ve hopped back in time. I feel a best seller coming on.

The choice to have 3 separate narrators for the characters was perfect and Deborah McBride, Georgina Sadler and Kate Hanford delivered knockout performances 🎧

4.5 🌟
Huge thanks to Profile Books Audio and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧

[Tilly Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best book I’ve read this month - I couldn’t put this down and was hooked from the very first chapter! I loved every single one of our very different, but strong and independent leading women, and the story was as exciting as the gold rush itself! I adore books that have that western feeling to them, and this is one of the best - and definitely my favourite of the author’s, who is a brilliant writer.

The only negative thing I would say is that there’s a lot of animal violence and death, which I really can’t stomach so had to skim over. Otherwise, a fantastic read!

[Natalie "Curling up with a Coffee and a Kindle" Laird · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this audiobook.
It follows three women who are each affected by the 'Gold Rush' in Canada in 1898. I didn't know much about the Gold Rush prior to starting this book, but it was an interesting, gripping and enjoyable listem. The three narrators did a stellar job of conveying the emotion of each woman's story.
I didn't think it quite had the emotional impact for me, which is why I've chosen 4 stars.

[Jo Rawlins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant! The characters Martha, Ellen and Kate are all from such very different backgrounds but are connected through the murder of someone close to all three. The three female protagonists are all strong women - a character trait necessary for survival in the gold rush taking place in the Klondike region of Canada in the late 1800s.

Great plot with lots of interesting moments and definitely a lot of action. Really well-paced. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I was curious how accurate the events were and found a substantial part of the novel inspired by real life events. This was really interesting in itself to read about alongside the novel.

I am also particularly excited to see Goldsboro Books have a special edition of this novel.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beth Lewis has quickly become one of my go-to authors and so I had rather high expectations where 'The Rush' was concerned. I'm happy to say that, once again, Beth Lewis delivered. And then some.

'The Rush' features three women caught up in the gold rush of the late 1890s up in the Klondike region of Canada. Kate is a reporter, who has travelled miles in search of her sister; Ellen lives down by the river, stuck in a most unhappy marriage; and Martha owns the hotel, which is constantly under threat from someone who is buying up the entire town. When a woman is found murdered, these three women will find themselves connected somehow, and their lives will never be the same.

I adored absolutely everything about 'The Rush'. From the very first page, I found myself transported to a time and place I knew very little about. First up, there's an exhilarating adventure while Kate is traveling to the Klondike region. Mountain passes, and rapids, and ice rivers, and whatnot. It's a miracle to know people actually made those journeys and crossed this incredibly unforgiving landscape to get to places unknown in search of gold. Many won't make it there, lose loved ones along the way, or arrive without the supplies they paid for. And for many, none of it will be worth it.

Martha's story is the story of a strong-willed woman, who will not let anyone walk all over her. She's quite the mother figure, trying to look after those in her employ as best as she can, to keep them safe from the local douchebag. But all may not be well with Martha, and soon she will have a choice to make and she will have to decide what her future will look like.

I probably found myself most invested in Ellen's life down by the river. Ellen married young, but her marriage is far from the fairytale she expected. She finds herself pretty much a prisoner of the husband who cares little about her, who keeps adding debt upon debt while trying to find a fortune in the midst of the mud. Despite the harsh circumstances, Ellen loves it here. She just doesn't love her husband.

In case it's not clear, the men don't come out of this looking well. Bar a few that I think you can count on one hand, they're mean and brutal. Nothing matters expect finding gold and amassing a fortune. There are plenty of potential suspects where the murder of the local woman is concerned. But will the killer ever be found?

These three formidable, fierce, and independent women won me over in an instant and I felt rather sad when my time with them came to an end. This tale of survival showcases the strength of women in the most ruthless environment, surrounded by unfeeling men who are blinded by the rush. Inspired by some real life women, I loved every minute of their absorbing stories and I wholeheartedly appreciate that Beth Lewis gave them the spotlight they so rightfully deserve. This is once again superb storytelling from this author and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

[M.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rush is a fabulous novel about the Gold Rush in Canada in the late 1800s. It takes us to Dawson City and introduces us to three strong-willed women in a world where men seem to hold all the power—or do they?

Our three main characters offer a nuanced view of Dawson City and the surrounding area during the Gold Rush. We have our brothel owner, Martha (although she thinks of it differently), our prospector's wife, Ellen, and our young news reporter, Kate, who is also a visitor to the area. And we also have a mystery to solve: Who murdered Molly?

This is a fast-paced novel, the narrative switching between our three women and moving slightly backwards and forwards through time. It is a fascinating look at what was happening in 1898 and how this affected those involved. It is at times bleak and unsettling. It is also an interesting examination of what drove men (and women) to venture to such inhospitable locations. The mystery itself is well-plotted and keeps readers on their toes. Who killed Molly? And more importantly why?

I found this novel to be thoroughly engrossing. I especially enjoyed learning how the author devised her characters based on real historical personalities.

A fine read. Sure to be devoured by all.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know what to expect from this title, but I loved it.
The author paints a vivid picture of life during the Klondike Rush period and even though some of the main characters could feel a little stereotypical (Ellen; the housewife, Martha; the Madam, Kate; the unconventional woman of her time) each of the women feel fleshed out and you can't help root for them.

While the whodunnit plot had a few twists and turns to try keep the reader guessing, I personally felt it was obvious who the culprit was - but it didn't take away any enjoyment from the story.

Thanks to Netgalley and Viper audio for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this! I’ve never read anything by Beth Lewis before, or even come across her, but this is one of my favourite books of the year so far. It’s set in Canada during the Gold Rush and follows the stories of three very different women whose paths cross in Dawson City in the Klondike.

The Rush begins with the arrival of Kate Kelly in Skaguay (now Skagway), Alaska, in 1898. Kate is there to meet up with the guide who is going to take her along the White Pass Trail, the route to Yukon and the Klondike goldfields. She needs to get there as quickly as possible because she has received a desperate plea for help from her sister, Charlotte, in Dawson City: This may be my last letter. He has finally found me and there is nowhere left to run.

In the little Klondike settlement of Boulder Creek, Ellen Rhodes spends her days alone in her cabin, cooking, cleaning and washing, while her husband, Charlie, goes down to the river and digs for gold that never appears. Ellen is sure they’re wasting their time and money, but Charlie refuses to give up on his dream. Finally, we meet Martha, owner of the Dawson Hotel, which doubles as the town’s brothel. Martha is fiercely proud of the business she has built up and is determined to keep it out of the hands of the ruthless Bill Mathers, who seems to be buying up the entire town.

The three women take turns to narrate the story, with the viewpoints rotating throughout the book. They are leading very separate lives at first, but are drawn together when one of Martha’s girls is found murdered. They’re also connected by a mysterious fortune teller who encounters all three of them and seems to have an uncanny ability to truly predict the future. There’s a mystery element to the novel as the women try to find out who the murder victim really is, who has killed her and why, but although this was intriguing and cleverly plotted, what I really loved was the setting and learning what it was like to be a woman in that fascinating but harsh environment where there were any number of natural and man-made disasters – an avalanche, a fire, an outbreak of typhoid – that could change everything in an instant.

I seem to read very few historical novels set in Canada, so I was pleased to have come across one with such a strong sense of place. The vivid descriptions made it easy for me to imagine the cabin by the river where Ellen and Charlie’s marriage falls apart, a victim to the obsessive fever that grabs hold of some human beings when gold is mentioned, and the streets of Dawson City where enterprising men and women like Martha have discovered that the real fortune is to be made not from mining but from the miners. But I particularly enjoyed following Kate’s journey from Alaska into Canada’s Yukon territory, a journey which includes a dramatic, exhilarating adventure crossing the dangerous White Horse Rapids.

I had assumed that the characters were entirely fictional, so I was surprised to read the author’s note at the end of the book and discover that many of them, including Kate, Ellen and Martha, are actually based loosely on real historical figures. This really is a fascinating book, in so many different ways, and I can’t recommend it highly enough.

[Karon Buxton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great riveting read with three Strong female narratives pulling the story together , clever plotting and characterisation , I love anything to do with the “wild west “ and the murder thrown in , a gold rush “whodunnit “ make it even more engaging - however not a 5 star for me purely due to the ending and the last 20 odd pages which felt v weak compared to rest of the story - however the historical notes from the author at the end are gripping ! Beth Lewis links the stories of the real people of history from these towns to her characters and the real gold rush of Dawson city , Klondike and Skagway . A fantastic page turning debut

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened to the audio, great narration and loved the intertwining stories

[NikyB · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Wow what a book. Great storytelling with vivid descriptions of a lawless town during the Gold Rush of 1898. Our three main characters are all strong women with different problems in their lives who come together as friends. With murder and the gold rush fever in the town, the pace of the story was excellent and I couldn’t put the book down. Highly recommended.

[Gayle (OutsmartYourShelf)]

DNF - there's too much animal cruelty for me to continue as it's a big trigger for me.

[Kim McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard as nails yet compassionate women dependent on the whims of powerful men. Meet the women of the Klondike Gold Rush. Three women make their way against the growing madness, desperation and lust over shiny gold nuggets that has taken over Dawson City. Kate, a journalist, comes alone except for her dog searching for her sister who is in danger. Ellen, a wife little prepared for the rigors of life in the camps, trying to keep ahead of the mounting debt and desperation of her husband's search for gold on their chunk of land. Martha, the hotel owner, who treats her girls like daughters but whose future is threatened by a power hungry landowner bent on taking it all away from her. The savage death of a woman brings these women together to find her killer. Beautifully written, Beth Lewis presents a classic western tale with a fresh perspective. A land of incredible beauty and savagery both from the wilderness itself and those fighting to get rich from it. Readers of LONESOME DOVE and THE PROSPECTORS as well as female driven westerns such as OUTLAWED, LONE WOMEN and HOW MUCH THESE HILLS IS GOLD will find much to love here. I didn't want it to end. My thanks to the publisher for the advance copy.

[Maggie Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rush is an evocative exciting and at times heartbreaking story of the Yukon gold rush where thousands of men uprooted themselves travelling through treacherous territories to become rich. There has never been a better description of how gold fever caused men to lose their minds and life in their attempts to become rich.
Here we have three very different women telling the story which interlink seamlessly and beautifully. Kate has arrived in Skagway she has been tasked with writing an article for a newspaper, a lone traveller at very difficult times.
Ellen is married to Charles who has a hunger to find gold using Ellen’s fathers money, he is selfish and headstrong refusing to listen to anyone.
Martha a saloon owner and madam to a group of prostitutes is making her fortune from all the prospectors.
Each of these woman are strong characters and well described, you are drawn into their world and follow the trials they endure.
Based on a time in history that has been well documented this is a page turning engrossing read which evokes many emotional highs and lows as you follow their lives.
I have visited Skagway and travelled the White Pass and read snippets of history around the town, this book has brought it all to life in the vivid descriptions and scenes. Highly recommended not just as a fabulous read but also a fascinating history lesson.
My thanks to net galley and publisher for the opportunity to review this book honestly.

[MidgeB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

This was my first Beth Lewis novel and it was not a disappointment. The story of the Klondike Gold Rush in the 1890’s was brutal, the conditions the miners had to live in, the dirt, the disease and the living conditions in town were all described so thoroughly you thought you were there. The story also covers the lives of 3 women who because of a tragedy meet and form friendships in a male dominated world.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book highly recommend 4.5 ⭐️

[Fiona Holdsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve just finished this on audible and absolutely loved it. The Gold Rush was not something I knew anything about really other than from fragments of western movies. Both this as the backdrop and the story of women in a male dominated environment is crafted well so as not to be brash and yet challenging and engaging. If you’re keen on exploring something new I’d definitely recommend

[Rachel Jeffares · Rating 5 out of 5]

Character driven story of life during the gold rush in the Yukon.

This novel concentrates on the lives of 3 women - Kate, Ellen, and Martha, whose lives become intertwined. Each facing their own challenges in what is undoubtedly a man’s world.
Kate is travelling alone in the search for her sister. Martha is running a hotel/ brothel, and Ellen keeps house while her husband mines an unsuccessful claim.

I was attracted to this book based on the female narrative of life in such a difficult time and place, and the story is vivid in its demonstration of the hard living of those prospecting for gold, and the brutality of their lives. I loved the book even more on reading the historical notes at the end about who each character was based on -had been skeptic about the fortune teller!

[Bloss ♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5
Well, I'll be blown over - this book was pretty darn awesome and audio was a fantastic medium in which to enjoy it.

Audio Review 🎧
Our three main characters each had their own voice actor. I loved Martha with her beautiful drawl and period-authentic speech patterns. I was never able to set the book down before a Martha chapter. Ellie and Kate were also fine voice actors. Some of Kate's sections felt a little stilted (this could have been the writing, not necessarily the delivery) and Kate's actor did Martha dirty with her in-chapter accent; but, overall this was really well done. Each actor had a fantastic range and delivery that was uniquely their own. I loved spending time in this world. Even though I was hooked on the story, I tried my darnedest to pace myself with it!

Story Review 📖
I recently finished playing RDR2 and this book filled the huge gaping hole the game left in my heart. 💛 The sense of place was fantastically rendered: from the claims to the hotel to the rivers to Dawson, I felt like I was there. I was pulling up internet image searches while I listened too!
💛 The characters were authentically, if sometimes frustratingly, human. Kate's character (and her relationship with her dog, Yukon) was a stand-out for me as a strong, independent woman. She had bravery, honour, and a helluva growth arc. Martha and Molly grabbed me for different reasons. I loved the complexity of these women and their characters really came to life for me. Ellie was a bit trickier to root for (largely because I hate the withholding-information-as-plot-device trope) but I warmed to her over the latter half of the book.
💛 The story was full of adventure and while we sometimes leaned toward melodrama, it wasn't laboured intolerably. I felt that the last 30% was a bit OTT (in terms of suspending disbelief in some places and maybe one 'gotcha' too many) but I was so deeply invested by that point. I did guess Kate's sister's thread early on but it was also revealed pretty early. I had my theories about the murderer but the story did a lot to make me doubt my hypothesis, which was so great.
💛 The writing flowed like the Yukon River. Beautiful turns of phrase, artful illustration of people and place, and a fairly consistent pace made this an immersive read. There were a handful of times dialogue felt stilted (I only noticed this in the Kate chapters) but I'd be curious to see if I felt the if I were to read this book on paper.
💛 No romance thread!

⚠️ Content Caution: This is set in the wilds of 1898 so there's a lot of violence: murder, death, illness, sexual violence, misogyny. There's also animal cruelty (dog fighting) and dog injury.
🐶 Is Yukon the dog okay? Yes. He gets two injuries but he's in fine shape by the end.

If you like adventure stories, check this out.
If you're curious about Canada in the gold rush, check this out.
If you love strong, human, women characters supporting each other, check this out.
If you want a performance, not just a reading, check this out on audio.

I'm already looking forward to reading this again when it comes out in print!

Thanks to Viper for the opportunity to review this audiobook. 🐍

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very engaging story about the Gold Rush in the Klondike in which we meet several female characters whose paths cross. Quite a familiar setting as I've read a few books about the gold rush but in this one the characters are really strong and relatable. There's a murder/ mystery, plenty of adventure and a few plot twists but overall it's a story of friendship and women fighting to have rights denied them by tradition and the pretty awful men around them. Definitely has a feminist slant and is a book for women about women.

[Lynn Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 of 5 stars
https://lynns-books.com/2025/06/09/re...
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Absolutely brilliant. A Top Read

The Rush is quite literally one of my favourite books so far this year. I’ve read and enjoyed this author before but I confess for a moment this didn’t seem like my go to sort of book, although I do like to mix in historical fiction. I’m so glad I didn’t miss the opportunity to read this though. Its gripping, the writing is literally beautiful, it’s set in a period that is traditionally all about the men and yet this story brings to us three women struggling for various different reasons and whose lives will eventually become intrinsically locked. I loved this book. I loved it. I think without doubt it will be one of my top reads of the year.

I love reading stories like this, they bring to life this gritty reality and in this particular instance the characters are also (loosely maybe) based on real people. The Klondike Gold Rush is a part of history that I’ve not read too much about. I think I’ve seen it made all glamorous in the big screen but Lewis brings to us a story that is raw, scary and more often than not brutal. She writes with such beauty but at the same time gives the story this stark reality and gives us three characters that you absolutely can, and will, root for.

So, I don’t think I’ve ever read a story that paints in such dramatic colours why this was called ‘the gold rush’. I mean, I’ve heard it described like that but I just never really understood the true meaning – like everyone is literally ‘rushing’ to get in on this strange phenomenon, desperate not to miss out and in the process taking massive risks (albeit while pushing their fellow neighbour into the mud or under an oncoming avalanche). The result is a cut throat, male infested world where dog eats dog and man kills man. And more and more people are racing to become a part of this cut throat world in the search for gold. I mean, it’s crazy.

In this male dominated society however there are females. Of course there are. Wives following husbands on the promise of something better, sisters following loved ones under threat and business women who saw the potential early and got lucky.

Ellen, Kate and Martha. Ellen followed her husband with the promise of a better life, she is swiftly coming to the realisation that her husband doesn’t really have a clue. Kate is a journalist, brought up free spirited by her parents she is following in her sisters footsteps, a sister under threat with the clock ticking. Martha, known as ‘Ma’, owns her own bar. She was one of the first settlers and has other property but also secrets.

These three women are all going to find their paths crossing in, I will say, a really satisfactory way. I would be lying if I said there wasn’t sorrow in these pages, because there really is, but at the same time I think it would be unrealistic to write this story without some elements of tragedy.

I’m not going to tell you about the story other than to say there is a murder.

The three central characters all make for fantastic reading. Not to mention there’s this sort of element of the ‘fantastical’ introduced by a ‘seeing’ woman who seems to play a part in bringing the three together.

The setting is well described and absolutely shocking in its brutality, and I’m not just talking about the savagery of humans right now but also the indominatabilness of nature that sometimes is absolutely unrelenting. The things that some of these people put up with for the promise of gold was quite simply jaw dropping – and so many of them failed.

And then of course you have the greed. The few people with power who are always going to exert pressure and take from others.

Now, I think, to be honest, that I’m doing this book a massive disfavour and possibly making it seem a little dull. But, please take my word for it – this book is anything but dull – my review, maybe so – this book – not at all.

All I can do is implore you to read this. It’s so, so, good. I hope this is adapted to the main screen and I seriously hope that whoever is responsible does the book justice.

I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.

[MizzyRed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is historical fiction with a few major true events moved to slightly different times, it does a fantastic job of placing the reader smack dab in the middle of the Yukon Gold Rush! Men and women traveled there, experiencing hard travel, and sometimes massive disappointment when the gold did not pan out like they hoped. It turns some into monsters but also can bring out extreme kindness and charity in others. I love that this is from the viewpoint of a few women and their different experiences, one a madam at a hotel taking care of her girls, one the wife of a man bitten by the gold bug but not finding it causing him to make poor choices that would effect both of them, and one a journalist writing about the gold rush and searching for her sister who is in trouble. There is not a slow moment and this story is rife with the troubles, murder, mystery, justice, and of course gold, which hooked me and did not let go until the end of the tale. Kate, Ellen, and Martha are fantastic, strong, and independent by the end, giving them the choice to choose their own futures whether it be finding gold, learning to follow their heart, and finding justice for a sister lost. Helped by a fortune teller who gave them the knowledge they needed, not necessarily what they wanted. And the author's note at the end revealing who the real life people she based her characters on and the true events and timing. It completed the story very nicely and left me even more impressed about strength of the people that were part of that time surviving up there in the Yukon.

The narrators did a fantastic job in bringing the women and the history and adventures of the Yukon Gold Rush to life and enriched the story to high levels. I loved this audiobook and I am very grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me a chance to get lost up in the Yukon with its hardships and fortune for the favored few strong enough to find their dreams no matter what is thrown at them!

[Amanda Taft · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Viper Publishers for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The blurb:
* A BBC RADIO 2 BOOK CLUB PICK *

'Gold fever has taken him. I believe he means to kill me...

Canada, 1898. The gold rush is on in the frozen wilderness of the Yukon. Fortunes are made as quickly as they're lost, and Dawson City has become a lawless settlement.

In its midst, three women are trying to survive on the edge of civilisation. Journalist Kate has travelled hundreds of miles after receiving a letter from her sister, who fears that her husband will kill her. Martha's hotel is under threat from the local strongman who is buying up the town. And down by the river, Ellen feels her future slip away as her husband fails to find the gold they risked so much to seek.

When a woman is murdered, Kate, Martha and Ellen find their lives, fates and fortunes intertwined. But to unmask her killer, they must navigate a desperate land run by dangerous men who will do anything for a glimpse of gold...’

This was my first book by Beth Lewis and I will definitely keep an eye out for her other books. I found this book so exciting with its vivid descriptions of the White Pass rapids, the avalanche, gold fever, the typhoid epidemic, the fire in Dawson City and the general lawlessness of life in the Alaskan frontier. The story is told by three strong women and I found them all likeable in their own ways. The book flows well and there were times when I could not put it down. Other than excitement, the book made me feel scared, sad, tense, captivated by the beauty of the Yukon and frustrated at how women were treated in those days. I’m giving this book 5 stars - it’s an exhilarating read I will be recommending!

[Kelly Van Damme · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure: shame on me, I’d only vaguely heard of the Klondike Gold Rush, and I never realised the Klondike is in the Yukon. Gold digging in Canada? I honestly never knew it was a thing. When I hear “gold rush”, I think of California. So, many thanks to Beth Lewis for setting me straight and teaching me a thing or two, in the most entertaining way possible!

I’m a huge fan of Beth Lewis, I would follow her to the ends of the earth, and this time, it kinda felt like I actually had, following Kate on her trying journey to Dawson, and reading about Martha, owner of the Dawson Hotel (read: brothel), and Ellen, wife of a gold miner, already there in a sort of Canadian wild wild west. I’d never associated Canada with hot and dusty, but there you have it.

I can honestly only talk about this book in superlatives. The Rush is top-notch historical fiction. The setting is incredible and the writing is so vivid I felt like I was actually there. I have to say I particularly loved the ending, because for a minute there, I was afraid the author would force a little something there, but then she didn’t, she stayed true to her characters and everything flowed to a natural conclusion.

I was absolutely knackered when reading it, which usually results in me reading slower and having difficulty focussing, but there was none of that. I was hooked from the start and invested throughout, I enjoyed every minute of it. (Well, every minute except the few instances of animal cruelty, but I do get why they were included, and if I could deal with it, I’m sure anyone can.)

All the thrills and all the feels, The Rush is an engrossing, suspenseful, thrilling, well-researched slice of historical fiction that highlights the part of women in a male-dominated setting, and one that I would happily recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction.

Massive thanks to Viper and NetGalley for the DRC. All opinions are my own.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found myself struck with gold fever whilst reading The Rush. The atmosphere and sensibilities of the late 1800s Canadian Yukon struck a chord with me. This blend of western/adventure story/mystery hit all the right notes by immersing the reader into this time and place. I was interested in each of three main characters: Martha, who runs the local hotel; Kate, a journalist searching for her sister; Ellen, whose husband is desperate to strike gold being deeply in debt. A mystery brings them together in the quest for the truth.

Living in the Yukon before the turn of the century was not an easy existence, especially for a woman. It was good to view this life through these three people with differing levels of knowledge on how to succeed in this tough, unforgiving man's world. Martha is world weary and has a good measure of all and sundry who she deals with daily. A matriarch, of sorts, she has her smarts and a bit of muscle who help her protect 'her girls'. Ellen is rather jaded by the life she lives as each day proves to her that her husband may be more talk than action, not quite living up to expectations. Kate undertakes the arduous journey from Kansas to the Yukon with her trusty dog aptly named Yukon. She is innocent, but not a fool, and learns how to adapt to this difficult existence.

Life is cheap, here, and justice is unlikely to be found. The Rush gave the unvarnished truth of this age and a real feel for what it would have been like to be in the heart of the gold rush among so many desperate souls. I felt fully immersed by this story and would have loved it to go on and on. Well crafted storytelling at its finest. I loved The Rush.

[beckys_book_blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a new contender for my top book of the year! I loved this book from the very first page. Not only was it fascinating to learn about the Gold Rush in Klondike, Canada in1898 but this book had such an atmospheric setting, a great mystery and three brilliant female protagonists.
The story is narrated by three women facing different struggles. Kate is a journalist who has travelled thousands of miles to find her sister after receiving a letter fearing for her life. Ellen is trapped in a loveless marriage losing all her money as her incompetent husband fails to find gold.
Martha is desperate to protect the girls in her hotel/brothel against the local strongman who is intent to take it from her.
I loved how these three stories gradually merged together as the women are intrinsically linked by the murder of a young girl.
The brutal male dominated lawless society in Dawson City was vividly portrayed. It is full of dangerous men, trying to seek their fortune in gold.
I was desperate for the women to secure happiness in their equally precarious positions in this hostile place.
The perilous journey Kate under went on the White Pass Trail to get to the Yukon was both unbelievable and captivating to read about.
I loved that Beth Lewis actually based the characters loosely around real life people too. It made it all the more fascinating.
If you enjoy evocative historical fiction with great characters and a mystery too, I highly recommend this book. I have also read and enjoyed Children of the Sun by this author and have just ordered The Wolf Road to read too.

[The Addiction of Fiction · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

‘We are each other’s bellwethers and watchmen; we all toil under the same invisible yoke, that of a world made by us, but not for us.’

Set during the unforgiving Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, this book is a historical murder mystery that follows the intertwined stories of three women—Kate, Martha, and Ellen. Told through alternating perspectives, their characters bring to life the forgotten females of a male-dominated part of history.

The scene-setting is exceptional—harsh landscapes, chaotic gold-crazed towns, and frozen wilderness. However, it was the characters in this story that I really loved. The development of Kate, Martha, and Ellen is beautifully done, each woman nuanced and deeply human. As their paths cross in the search for a killer, a genuine friendship forms—a real bond that I enjoyed reading about so much.

I also appreciated the freshness of the setting. Historical crime fiction often leans heavily into Victorian London (which I absolutely love), but this Yukon-set mystery was a bit different, original and atmospheric whilst still having all of the excitement and grit of what I’m used to reading. The author’s note at the end is well worth reading- her inspiration for the characters adds another layer of meaning to the story.

The pacing does dip slightly in parts, but overall this is a fabtastic, engaging, and emotive read that I’d highly recommend. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Thank you to NetGalley Viper Books and the author for sending me an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Audrey Haylins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on real people and events, Beth Lewis’ The Rush underlines once again the reason I am passionate about historical fiction.

With writing that is both elegant and powerfully evocative, Lewis delivers a thrilling, immersive tale of three women fighting to survive in the male-dominated, unforgiving environment of the 1898 Klondike gold rush.

We follow journalist Kate as she undertakes a punishing journey into the Canadian wilderness after receiving a desperate plea for help letter from her sister; hotel owner Martha as she fights to protect her ‘girls’ and hold on to her business and independence in the lawless settlement of Dawson City; and prospector’s wife Ellen, who has accompanied her husband to the Yukon only to witness the slow unraveling of her future as his search for gold proves fruitless.

The women’s lives collide when one of Martha’s girls is found murdered, and the three are drawn into a treacherous fight for truth and survival.

I loved Lewis’ cinematic writing, which blends suspense, atmosphere and emotional depth, and the shifting perspectives of the three protagonists, which keep the narrative both fresh and urgent. Each woman’s voice feels distinct, layered with vulnerability and grit, making their eventual bond both earned and powerful.

This was a truly compelling read, not just on account of the taut plotting and relentless tension but also because of the way Lewis grounds the novel in deeper themes. Resilience, sisterhood, and the corrosive power of greed echo throughout the story, while the Canadian hinterland is more than a backdrop; it is a hostile, ever-present force that mirrors the precarious lives of those who dare to stake their claim there.

I would urge anyone who picks this up to read the author's historical note at the end, in which she introduces the real frontier women on whom she based the characters of Kate, Martha and Ellen. The Rush truly is history brought to life.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set during the brutal Yukon gold rush of 1898, The Rush follows the fallout of a shocking murder in the lawless town of Dawson City. As tensions rise and danger closes in, three women find their lives unexpectedly entangled in a fight for justice and survival.

I found it fascinating to learn more about the role women played in this lawless, unforgiving landscape - voices that history often forgets.

At the heart of this book are three fierce female characters:

🔸 Kate – a journalist travelling to a remote gold mining town in search of her sister, after receiving a terrifying letter saying she is afraid her husband is going to kill her.

🔸 Martha – the formidable owner of a local hotel, fighting to keep her business alive and her staff safe as the local strongman tightens his grip on the town.

🔸 Ellen – the quiet, observant wife of a failed prospector, whose inner strength begins to rise as the world around her becomes increasingly dangerous.

Each storyline adds layers of suspense and emotional punch, weaving together in ways that feel both inevitable and brutal. I was fully championing them all, long before their stories entwined, desperate for the various villains to get their comeuppance.

The book doesn’t shy away from the brutality of the time. Some scenes are not for the faint-hearted, but they’re powerfully written and give a true sense of how grim it was during that era.

It took me a little while to settle into this one as the multiple storylines gradually unfolded - thus the four stars rather than five - but once it got going, it really took off. What followed was action-packed, tense, and completely gripping. This is a true page-turner.

If you love historical fiction with grit, guts, and fierce female characters, this one’s for you.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Viper Books for the complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.