A debut novelist from Louth is inviting readers on a journey through four centuries of rivalry, reflection and royal intrigue with the release of her new book.

Claire Southwood, who has lived in the market town for the past decade, has published her first novel, The Double Act — a time-spanning story that draws striking parallels between the Tudor court and the present day.

At the heart of the novel is a fraught relationship between two sisters. Modern-day protagonist Amanda Sanders finds her own resentment and struggles mirrored in the life of the often-overlooked Tudor figure Mary Boleyn — sister of the infamous Anne Boleyn — during the reign of Henry VIII.

Stretching across more than 400 years, the novel examines whether history truly repeats itself, weaving together family drama, royal politics and philosophical ideas including Samsara — the concept of cyclical rebirth.

Claire Southwood with her debut novel, The Double Act.

placeholder image — Claire Southwood with her debut novel, The Double Act.

Claire, who left corporate life in Switzerland before settling in Louth with her husband, said the town itself helped shape the book’s distinctive tone.

“There is something very special about this place,” she explained. “Sometimes it feels as though the past is still living alongside the modern-day bustle, just out of sight in the shadows of the old town. That connection to bygone days has helped me shape this unique storyline.”

Described as “original” and “deeply thought-provoking”, the novel blends historical fiction with contemporary storytelling, exploring how unresolved conflicts can echo across generations.

When she is not writing, Claire can be found walking her Mini Schnauzer, Bonnie, exploring Louth’s independent shops and cafés, or enjoying the town’s proximity to both the Lincolnshire Wolds and the coast.