Review of 'The Tangled Web' by Tea Cooper

Review of 'The Tangled Web' by Tea Cooper

Release date: October 28th, 2025

Publisher: Harlequin Enterprises

REVIEW

Without question, you know when you pick up a Tea Cooper novel, it is going to be an intriguing historical Australian mystery that teaches you something you never knew before. And yes, The Tangled Web, certainly covers all expectations mentioned. Besides her great use of research, Tea has a wondrous way with words that pulls you into her created worlds that are both believable and engaging. The characters are multi-faceted and memorable. The scenes are vivid and exact so you are easily transported to the setting and time period.

The Tangled Web is an apt title as there are many interwoven complicated threads and snares. Tea Cooper explores the blood disease of haemophilia and its early treatments through her characters and plot and how in 1892 there was a lack of understanding of it. People did not realise you could not just give anyone blood. The blood-types were not known. So a transfusion could kill an individual who did not share the same blood type as the donor. Tea also gives us a comprehensive view of the tragic circumstances for orphans. Asylums were often used. But many lived outside the system like the warehouse youth in this novel. (This aspect of the story kept giving me a Charles Dickens vibe.) Also well demonstrated in The Tangled Web is the treatment of women, how they were viewed and the roles they were expected to play.

Viola’s brother, Sebastian, has haemophilia and dies from it. But he leaves her a secret message. His last wish is that he wants Viola to bring about an end to the awful experiments done on haemophilia patients and vulnerable blood donors. Surgeon Sinclair, her stepfather, unsuccessfully has tried to find a cure for Sebastian but gets carried away with his experiments and crosses over unethical lines. Sebastian’s wish is to see these pointless and destructive tests stopped before more people get hurt and die. For he states: there is no cure.

Sinclair loses all sight of medical honour as it soon becomes obvious he uses the disease to enhance his reputation. So this is a story about a treacherous greed for recognition at the cost of others. The novel unravels the wicked plot with Viola trying to bring about justice. While her mother is getting ready to give birth, Viola is sent to stay at her uncle’s home in Brisbane but she has other plans and heads for Maitlin to find the key person to end her stepfather’s corrupt activities. Under a disguise she befriends a group of homeless boys and the woman who watches over them. Together they work through a tangled web of lies and secrets to expose Sinclair.

Some of the positives of the story are the great examples of community spirit and the making of unlikely friends. It is a roller coaster ride for all involved with many twists and turns that left me tipsy turvy. But the joy of a later surprise pulled me upwards to my feet fast! Especially since there is a well delivered ending when hope is restored and justice is served.

There is a great literature reference in the novel with Lamb’s Tales from Shakespeare: a children’s version of Shakespeare’s stories. These were retold by siblings Mary and Charles Lamb. Mary covered the comedies and Charles looked after the tragedies. Subplots, etc inappropriate for children were removed but they tried to keep as true to the works as possible. This book becomes an important tool in this novel and adds a lovely timeless and classical element to the text and plot. There are lots of references to Twelfth Night, too!

There are some wonderful characters in this novel that support Viola in her ambitious endeavour to save vulnerable youths from exploitation. She is a strong woman full of courage and honour who remains faithful to her mission at the expense of her own safety. A true heroine for sure, aided by a group of unusual friends. 4.5 stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for the review copy.