Published by St Martin's Press in New York and Piatkus in London, in 1988, A Notorious Woman attracted the following notices:
* A compelling tale, offering an interesting insight into Cornish life a century ago — Cornish Packet
* These adventures of the beguiling Ms Rosewarne will keep a fair few enthralled during ... this summer — Manchester Evening News
* Ably blends cogent social commentary with romance ... With its emphasis on moral propriety, tart repartee, and the all-important social milieu, this book echoes 19th century fiction, but its protrayal of the degradation and oppression of women has contemporary relevance — Publishers Weekly
* The writing has pace ... by an author who clearly loves the Cornish countryside — Plymouth Sunday Independent
* Macdonald is as long-winded as ever, but his readers should find reason to stay with him–or with Jo, a character they'll take a shine to — Kirkus
* ... will sweep you into the world of lovers' secrets and titillate you with the deep passions lying beneath a calm surface — Rave Reviews
* True to form, Macdonald has penned another gloriously impassioned adventure ... Splendid historical fiction from a master of the genre — Margaret Flanagan in Booklist
And—of Macdonald himself: *He is every bit as bad as Dickens – Martin Seymour-Smith
