Historical adventure fiction

Book SynopsisThe next bloody and thrilling instalment in MJ Porter's The Brunanburh Series.Can the King of the Scots and the Dublin Norse triumph against a united England?AD934 King Athelstan of the English has been successful in uniting the many kingdoms of Britain against one enemy, the Viking raiders. But men who are kings don’t wish to be ruled. Constantin, King of the Scots, rebelled against the Imperium and was forcibly brought to bend the knee to Athelstan and England at Cirencester. His son Ildulb seeks bloody vengeance from Athelstan following the battle at Cait and the death of his son. Olaf Gothfrithson, king of the Dublin Norse, having asserted his power following his father's death has his sights set on reclaiming Jorvik.Can the united might of the Scots and the violence of the Dublin Norse, descendants of the infamous Viking raiders, bring King Athelstan and his vision of the united Saxon English to her knees? An epic story of kingsmanship that will result in the pivotal, bloody Battle of Brunanburh, where only one side can be victorious.Praise for The Brunanburh Series.'An epic tale of the birth of a nation. Truly mesmerising. Game of Thrones meets The Last Kingdom' - Gordon Doherty'MJ effortlessly draws you into early Medieval England with this fascinating tale.' - Donovan Cook'A very good read and MJ Porter is at her best bringing flesh to the facts and giving the main players personalities. Great way to read about the history of this time. Enjoy.' - Goodreads'Another of this author’s brilliant books. A good read and excellent characterisation of the men involved.now onto the next book.' - Reader Review'Completely compelling read set out to combine all the main characters stories in an free flowing style. Interesting how the character of each character is developed through the novel.' - Reader Review'Another brilliant tale of old England. M.J.Porter tells an intreguing tale of kings and warriors, when age old rivalries are temporarily settled. I presume that the tale of old England will continue.I hope so' - - Reader Review

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Book SynopsisA deathbed oath leaves the lives of two infants hanging in the balance...Tamworth AD833After successfully rescuing her husband Lord Coenwulf from the Isle of Sheppey, Icel hears the deathbed confession of Lady Cynehild which leaves him questioning what he knows about his past, as well as his future.In the unenviable position of being oath sworn to protect their two atheling sons when Lord Coenwulf is banished for his treason against the Mercian ruler, King Wiglaf, Icel is once more torn between his oaths and the life changing secret he now knows.When the two children are kidnapped, Icel, good to his word, and fearing for their safety, pursues their abductors into the dangerous Northern lands.He fears whose powerful and deadly royal gamesmanship is behind the audacious attempt on their young and innocent lives.Alone in the Northern lands, Icel finds himself facing his worse fears.Can he rescue the children from their captor, or will he fail and lose his own life in the process?Praise For MJ Porter'MJ Porter recounts a sensitive, reluctant hero's coming-of-age within a Dark Age realm riven by chaos and conflict' - Matthew Harffy‘Refreshing… I was reluctant to put the book down’ - Historical Novel Society'No lover of Dark Age warfare is going to be disappointed. Personal, real, fascinating and satisfying.' - S.J.A. Turney'If you love history, fiction, adventure and great stories - You won’t regret it!" - Eric Schumacher⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'So real I felt I was there!... A page-turner' - **Reader Review **⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'Wonderful to read and hard to put down' - **Reader Review **⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 'I found the pages flying by... A great book' - Reader Review

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Book Synopsis[Published as The September Queen in the US] Set against the volatile backdrop of the English Civil War, dive into this enthralling tale of danger, bravery, and a woman who would do anything for the man she loved. It’s 1651 and Jane Lane leads a privileged life inside the walls of her family’s home. At 25 years old, her parents are keen to see her settled, but Jane dreams of a union that goes beyond the advantageous match her father desires. Her quiet world is shattered when Royalists, fighting to restore the crown to King Charles II, arrive at their door, imploring Jane and her family for help. They have been hiding the king, but Cromwell’s forces are close behind them, baying for Charles’ blood – and the blood of anyone who seeks to help him. Putting herself in mortal danger, Jane must help the king escape to safety by disguising him as her manservant. With the shadow of the gallows dogging their every step, Jane finds herself falling in love with the gallant young Charles. But will Jane surrender to a passion that could change her life – and the course of history – forever? The unforgettable true story of Charles II’s escape, and the love and bravery of the woman who made it possible. Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick.Trade Review“The King’s Mistress is that spellbinding combination of history, adventure, suspense and a fast-beating pulse of pure eroticism…a real romantic treat.” Lancashire Evening Post

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Book SynopsisA brilliant Victorian adventure set in the Zulu wars in South Africa, introducing series character George Hart: Part British. Part Zulu. All warrior.Trade Review'Gems like this are too rare. I was hooked in ten pages.' * Conn Iggulden *Saul David has already shown himself to be a first-rate historian, now he proves to be a masterly story-teller. ZULU HART left me wanting more...much more * Bernard Cornwell *David is a popular historian with a rare talent for turning a history lesson into a rattling good yarn. This is an unashamed crowd-pleaser with a compelling, sexy hero who could give Cornwell's Sharpe a run for his money. * The Times *A Victorian adventure as big as the veldt and chewier than buffalo biltong . . . real figures of the period are endowed with motive, intent and dialogue that may be fictitious but are entirely convincing * Sunday Telegraph *For a well-established historian of the Victorian army, turning one's hand from non-fiction to fiction is no easy matter. Saul David, however, crosses that bridge highly competently. This is a fast-moving and succinct account of the machinations and betrayals that surrounded that fateful day in 1879. * Daily Mail *David's novel is brimming with interesting historical detail, and where his portraits are of actual historical figures, they convince totally. It is an informative and likeable read * Literary Review *David knows his stuff, historically, and there is much to admire in his evocation of 19th Century warfare * Mail on Sunday *The details of the l879 campaign are superbly laid out, and this is a real education * Daily Telegraph *Let's hope that Saul David's new character will be reappearing...A terrific adventure and a genre that goes from strength to strength. * Rodney Troubridge, March 2009 Bookseller's Choice, Bookseller *Plenty of action and bloody death, incompetent and scheming officers, and a brace of lovely women tugging at Hart's heart make for a terrific yarn * Sun Herald, Australia *The action is brisk enough to keep pages turning, while Saul David's credentials as a military historian lend the conflict both accuracy and authenticity * Seven *

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Book SynopsisBack in England following his heroics in the Zulu Wars, George Hart is summoned to a new adventure when Prime Minister Disraeli asks him to go on a secret mission to Afghanistan, where the British fear Muslim extremists are poised to overthrow the local ruler and threaten the jewel in the Imperial crown, India. Hart has severe misgivings. Always an outsider in British society, he doesn''t like Whitehall''s arrogant way of meddling in other people''s religious and political affairs, but desperate for money, he takes the job and descends the Khyber Pass into a strange and violent land. When his warnings are ignored by the pompous British Resident in Kabul, a terrible massacre occurs and soon Hart is on the run with a beautiful Afghan princess, in a race to prevent an uprising and head off a catastrophic British invasion.Trade ReviewA first-rate historian, now a masterly story-teller * Bernard Cornwell on ZULU HART *David is a popular historian with a rare talent . . . An unashamed crowd-pleaser with a compelling, sexy hero who could give Cornwell's Sharpe a run for his money. * The Times on ZULU HART *A Victorian adventure as big as the veldt and chewier than buffalo biltong . . . real figures of the period are endowed with motive, intent and dialogue that may be fictitious but are entirely convincing * Sunday Telegraph on ZULU HART *Let's hope that Saul David's new character will be reappearing . . . a terrific adventure * Rodney Troubridge on ZULU HART *Gems like this are too rare. I was hooked in ten pages. * Conn Iggulden on ZULU HART *

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Book SynopsisShe is their youngest, sweetest sister, yet she is fated to become their strongest leader . . . The Coritani are a matriarchal line of great power, blessed with three princesses to carry the royal bloodline forward. Confident, fiery Goneril; fierce, earthy Regan; and gentle, water-blessed Cordelia. The future, the druids are certain, is secure.But when Goneril decides she wants power on her own terms, even at the expense of her fragile father, the princesses'' triple bond is threatened and then tragically broken. Quiet Cordelia finds herself cast adrift, forced to flee for her life across dark, stormy seas.Can Cordelia find the strength to challenge her sisters and their pet druids, and bring truth, right and justice back to the Coritani before it''s too late for them all?This is Shakespeare''s Cordelia as you''ve never seen her before. Joanna Courtney''s sweeping Historical trilogy is perfect for fans of Elizabeth

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Book SynopsisDead Men tells the story of two paths: one is a tragic journey of exploration on the world's coldest continent, the other charts a present-day relationship and the redemptive power of love.Trade Review'Describes the peculiar pull of the tragedy of Robert Falcon Scott… fascinating' Telegraph'An expertly told story that captures the detail and spirit of Antarctic adventure, then and now' Sir Ranulph Fiennes

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Book SynopsisReporter Jake Wosley has seen things he never thought possible. After stumbling across secret documents showing Winston Churchill''s interest in the ancient Etruscan civilisation, his life changed forever. Now he lies in hiding in Thailand, trying to put the past behind him. When a letter arrives, featuring genuine quotes from Napoleon about fate and destiny, he has no idea who it's from but knows he is no longer safe. And when Jenny, his former lover and confidant reaches out to him, in terrible danger, Jake has no choice but to come to her aid. Unearthing secrets many want to get their hands on, can Wosley evade Washington and MI6? And if he really has discovered the key to foretelling destiny, what happens if this knowledge falls into the wrong hands? Following Foretold by Thunder, The Napoleon Complex journeys to Sierra Leone, Israel, Egypt, Austria, Tanzania and Burundi, and peers back into the smoky Westminster drawing rooms of leading Victorian statesmen, taking the reader on a Trade Review'Extraordinary... one of the most intelligent historical thrillers I've read in a long time' Dean Crawford, author of the bestselling Covenant, Immortal and Apocalypse'A clever and compelling tale of intrigue and deception... riveting action and excellent historical research weave together to produce a gripping adventure' Rob Jones, author of Valhalla Gold

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Book SynopsisA young woman fighting for her beliefs. A chaplain with a secret that could determine the fate of a kingdom. Set amidst a period of grave uncertainty, a beautifully crafted narrative of faith, love and grace.Trade Review'Clover’s world is so vivid, nuanced and historically well-informed... This is a great debut' Benedict Warren, BBC Symphony Orchestra

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Book SynopsisA Walter Scott Prize-winning, riveting historical novel set in fourteenth-century China: a Duckworth contemporary classic, beautifully repackaged for our 125th anniversaryTrade Review'Spellbinding... The Ten Thousand Things has the sort of sensual prose that makes the reader purr with delight and is surely destined to be one of the books of the year' Daily Mail'In this immersive tale of a landscape artist's life, written with restrained lyricism, John Spurling has also given us an entertaining and insightful study about the art of nature, and the nature of art' Tan Twan Eng, author of The Garden of Evening Mists'A truly remarkable achievement... Dramatic, absorbing, tender and profound... extraordinary and wonderful' Miranda Seymour, author of Noble Endeavours and In My Father's House'An enormous pleasure from start to finish' Rachel Billington, author of Maria and Emma and Knightley'This is an extraordinary novel. Spurling brings together his strengths as a dramatist, an art critic and a novelist. It is an impressive combination that gives a tone of authenticity to his absorbing story and adds to its enjoyment. I look forward to the film' Michael Holroyd, author of A Book of Secrets'I was amazed by The Ten Thousand Things, and by John Spurling's powerful imagination - with ten thousand details, he has brought the ancient Chinese artist Wang Meng to life in beautiful prose' Xinran, author of Message from an Unknown Chinese Mother'Wang Meng is one of the most fascinating figures in Chinese history. In this lucid and brilliant novel, John Spurling uses him as a key character to recreate the end of an empire. A vivid evocation of a turbulent era with echoes of debates today about loyalty, choices and artistic integrity' Rana Mitter, author of Forgotten Ally

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Book SynopsisIn 1521, England is at peace under the magnificent Cardinal Wolsey, who rules the country while Henry VIII spends his time in masques, banquets and hunting, whether it be the fleet-footed deer or the even more delicious quarry of the silken-garbed ladies of the court.But Richard Falconer, chief secretary of the English embassy in Paris, has been found mysteriously murdered. Wolsey believes that Falconer''s death is connected with the disturbing news that there is a spy in the English court, or in its embassy in Paris, passing information to King Francis I of France. He summons his nephew, Benjamin Daunbey, and the wayward Roger Shallot to investigate. The only clue is the spy''s code name, ''Raphael''.King Henry has secret instructions of his own before the pair journey to Paris: to retrieve a precious ring, the subject of a wager, and a certain book that the King does not want to fall into enemy hands. They are not to return to England without them.This nove

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Book SynopsisChaucer''s pilgrims are sheltering in a friary as they slowly wind their way towards Canterbury. As they settle for the night, away from the darkness outside and the shadowy figures that haunt the lanes and byways of medieval England, the Franklin narrates a mysterious, bloody tale - a true story, he suggests, which not only affects his own life, but the lives of some of his fellow pilgrims...In 1356 the Black Prince has won his resounding victory at Poitiers. However, in that bloody fight, the impoverished knight Gilbert Savage received his death wound. As Gilbert lies dying in a ditch he tells his squire, Richard Greenele, that the story of his parents perishing during the plague is untrue. Richard, if he wishes to uncover what really happened, must travel to Colchester and seek out the lawyer Hugo Coticol who holds a sealed letter telling the truth of Richard''s parentage and the dreadful secrets surrounding his father''s disgraceful death.This document contains aTrade ReviewPraise for Paul Doherty's other novels: 'I really like these medieval whodunnits * Bookseller *A romping good read * Time Out *Historically informative, excellently plotted and, as ever, superbly entertaining * CADS 20 *This rich tale ... seeps authenticity and is written with wonderfully efficient style. A gem of an historical thriller * Huddersfield Daily Examiner *

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Book SynopsisIn the dead of night in a notorious area of Victorian London''s East End known as St Giles a factory girl stumbles over the bloody bodies of two City gentlemen. When Detective John Evan finally arrives at the scene, he is confronted by a most difficult investigation. First he must identify the men. Then he must find out why men of means and social standing would go to such a sordid area. Most importantly, who are their assailants? And how could they escape unharmed and unnoticed? Mercifully the younger victim is not quite dead. Having sustained terrible internal injuries, he''s later released home from hospital severely traumatised and unable to speak - to be told that the other victim, his father, is dead, and Hester Latterly has been employed to help nurse him back to full recovery. With too many obstacles impeding his progress, Evan finally enlists the aid of his old friend, William Monk, who, together with Hester''s help, must unravel one of his most complex and shocking

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Book SynopsisIn the autumn of 1523, Roger Shallot, self-proclaimed physician, rogue, charlatan and secret emissary of King Henry VIII, has nothing to do. His master, Benjamin Daunbey, has been sent to Italy on a diplomatic mission, leaving him in charge of their manor outside Ipswich. Shallot, forbidden both to practise the art of medicine and to approach the beautiful Miranda, takes to reading. Discovering the potential wealth which can be accrued by the finding and selling of true relics, he goes in search of his own. Almost immediately he is in trouble - and in prison. Rescued by the return of his master and the influence of Cardinal Wolsey, Shallot finds himself at court, where he is ordered by the King and Cardinal to break the law - to steal back for the crown the Orb of Charlemagne, now under close guard at the priory at Clerkenwell. Benjamin and Roger have no choice but to agree to the task... Before long they are drawn, not only into the shadowy underworld of Tudor London and the illegal t

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Book SynopsisThe body lies reclined in a punt, clothed in a torn dress, head thrown back in a mimic of ecstasy. It is a feminine pose but the body is distinctly male. The case already reeks of scandal and the body is not even cold. Pitt is the natural choice to investigate what he soon realises is the most unnatural of killings.Trade Review'A splendidly plotted yarn' Publishers WeeklyGive her a good murder and a shameful social evil, and Anne Perry can write a Victorian mystery that would make Dickens' eyes pop out * New York Times Book Review *Beautifully crafted * Cosmopolitan *'The Troubles perfectly suit Perry's gift for rooting large-scale social conflict in the minutiae of domestic intrigue' Kirkus ReviewsHer Victorian England pulsates with life and is peopled with wonderfully memorable characters * Faye Kellerman *'Perry's narrative is as statley and elegant as a royal barge on the Thames' Washington PostThe novel has a totally contemporary feel and is admirably well-written * Guardian *'Master storyteller Anne Perry moves closer to Dickens as she lifts the lace curtain from Victorian society to reveal its shocking secrets' Sharyn McCrumb'A complex plot supported by superb storytelling...and William Monk, a contender for the post of Most Original Investigator in recent fiction' Scotland on SundayA complex plot supported by superb storytelling * Scotland on Sunday *'Ms Perry fashions a Victorian story with the sophisticated characterisation and psychological suspense that are everyday tools of the contemporary writer...the result is first rate' New York Times Book Review'Her Victorian England pulsates with life and is peopled with wonderfully memorable characters' Faye Kellerman'[A] surpassingly excellent historical and psychologically intricate mystery' Publishers Weekly'Beautifully crafted' Cosmopolitan'Perry's narrative is as stately and elegant as a royal barge on the Thames...with a final courtroom confrontation that's a humdinger' Washington Post Book World'The novel has a totally contemporary feel and is admirably well-written' Guardian'Anne Perry continues to weave her beguiling spell, combining an adroitly plotted murder mystery and a lamentable social evil. Her Victorian mysteries have all the requisite scene-setting atmosphere and even a leavening of Dickens' social comnscience... Perry at her accomplished best' Crime Time

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Book SynopsisThirteenth-century China, and the legendary Kublai Khan rules over Cathay and the Middle Kingdom. Of his many ministers and advisors, his favourite is a foreigner - the Venetian Marco Polo, whose understanding of the language and etiquette of the court is exemplary, and whose advice is widely sought. So when a flood of portents, strange visions and ghastly murders occur throughout the kingdom and even across the oceans, Marco''s wisdom is called upon. The leaders of a demonic sect have disappeared from the desert to which they were banished, and Kublai Khan believes that they will attempt to release the Plague Lord himself, and open the gates of Hell...Trade Review'Extensive and penetrating research coupled with a strong plot and bold characterisation. Loads of adventure and a dazzling evocation of the past' Herald Sun, Melbourne * Herald Sun, Melbourne *'An enthralling historical detective novel which immerses the reader in an unknown and distant society far removed from medieval western civilisation, and brings to life some of the period's greatest characters. The mysterious East has never seemed either so deadly or so alien' Brentwood Gazette Series 9/1/03 * Brentwood Gazette Series *'Another gory, intriguing ancient murder mystery' Oxford Times 28/2/03 * Oxford Times *'Doherty's tale is rich in the cadences of treachery... An opulent banquet to satisfy the most murderous appetite' Northern Echo 14/1/03 * Northern Echo *'The Plague Lord...entertains with its brilliant depiction of the radiant imperial court - and the creativity with which Doherty imagines the origins of medieval Europe's greatest tragedy' Historical Novels Review Nov 2003 * Historical Novels Review *

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Book SynopsisIt is January 1793. France is at war with Belgium, Prussia and Austria, and Louis XVI has just been sentenced to death. In Paris, a small group of people fears for the future of a throneless France surrounded by countries terrified that republican ideas - or anarchy - will spread throughout the continent. They are determined to rescue the king, but when their leader is murdered a plan must be pieced together and executed within three days.Trade ReviewAnne Perry's novels are New York Times bestsellers and have earned much critical acclaim: 'Give her a good murder and a shameful social evil, and Anne Perry can write a Victorian mystery that would make Dickens' eyes pop out * New York Times Book Review *A totally contemporary feel ... admirably well-written * Guardian *Her Victorian England pulsates with life and is peopled with wonderfully memorable characters * Faye Kellerman *A complex plot supported by superb storytelling ... and William Monk, a contender for the post of Most Original Investigator in recent fiction * Scotland on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisFor Miriam Gardiner, at her engagement party at the London home of her fiancé, Lucius Stourbridge, it should have been one of the happiest days of her life. But, leaving suddenly, Miriam disappears without a trace. Reluctant to cause a scandal, Lucius seeks out William Monk and tells him that the only lead concerns their coachman, Treadwell, who is also missing. Monk, not usually a sentimental man, is moved by Lucius''s distress, and assumes that his recent marriage to Hester Latterly is to blame. When Treadwell''s murdered body is found, Monk becomes convinced that his death is linked to a terrible secret in Miriam''s past that someone, desperate keep it hidden, has killed for, and may well do so again, unless he can stop them.Trade Review'Perry's skill lies in combining a moving and detailed portrait of the day - complete with its complex social etiquette - with a good, old fashioned whodunnit' Liverpool Daily Post

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Book SynopsisThe brothers of the abbey of St Martin''s-in-the-Marsh pay little heed to the tales of robber baron Sir Geoffrey Mandeville''s ghost galloping through the Lincolnshire fens with a retinue of ghastly horseman. They may hear the shrill blast of a hunting horn, or see the corpse candles glowing in the dark, but their comfortable life is protected by a high wall and their powerful abbot. Until Abbot Stephen, a friend of the King, is found dead and Sir Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the King''s Seal, arrives to investigate.Trade ReviewPraise for the series: 'Death and mystery pack the pages - but there's humour too * Colchester Evening News *Vitality in the landscape...angst in the mystery, it's Peters minus the herbs but plus a few crates of sack * Oxford Times *Absolutely superb * CADS *

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Book SynopsisDespite Thomas Pitt''s success in the Whitechapel case, the secretive Inner Circle prevent his returning to Bow Street police as Superintendent. Pitt''s next task for Special Branch is to investigate Charles Voisy - the corrupt Inner Circle man Pitt defeated in court - who is standing for election as a Tory MP. Pitt must obtain information to stop Voisy''s climb to political power. Then Pitt is ordered to Southampton Row, scene of the hideous murder of a spiritual medium. As the link between the spiritualist and political figures is revealed, the whispers of scandal grow louder. And with Charlotte in hiding for safety, Pitt must turn to his sister-in-law, Emily, to help him solve one of his most high-profile cases yet...Trade ReviewAnne Perry's novels are New York Times bestsellers and have earned much critical acclaim: 'Give her a good murder and a shameful social evil, and Anne Perry can write a Victorian mystery that would make Dickens' eyes pop out * New York Times Book Review *A totally contemporary feel ... admirably well-written * Guardian *Her Victorian England pulsates with life and is peopled with wonderfully memorable characters * Faye Kellerman *A complex plot supported by superb storytelling ... and William Monk, a contender for the post of Most Original Investigator in recent fiction * Scotland on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisA.D. 1305. An hour before dawn. London's Smithfield prison. In a dank cell, the outlaw William Wallace waits to be executed at first light. He is visited by a Scottish priest who has come to hear his last confession - the confession of a life even more exciting, violent and astonishing than the legend that survived. From internationally bestselling author Jack Whyte comes a story of brutal battles and high adventure, of heroism and redemption - the story of William Wallace as the world has never heard it before.Trade ReviewDrags you by the throat into the thick of the tumult, where the pace and events rocket away Good Reading

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Book SynopsisStarring Thomas Treviot, each novel in this thrilling new series of historical mysteries is based on a real unsolved Tudor crime.1536. In the corrupt heart of Tudor London a killer waits in the shadows...The Real CrimeBefore dawn on a misty November morning in 1536, prominent mercer Robert Packington was gunned down as he crossed Cheapside on his way to early morning mass. It was the first assassination by handgun in the history of the capital and subsequently shook the city to its core.The identity of his assassin has remained a mystery.Our StoryThomas Treviot is a young London goldsmith and a close family friend of Robert Packington. Through his own upstanding social connections - and some less upstanding acquaintances he has made along the way - Thomas launches a dramatic investigation into Packington''s death. As Thomas searches for revenge, he must travel from the golden heart of merchant London, to the sTrade ReviewIf you liked Shardlake, you will love this exciting new series of novels set in the turbulent age of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and Thomas Cromwell, and effortlessly underpinned by the brilliant scholarship for which Derek Wilson is renowned. We feel we are really there, in an authentically evoked Tudor London, hot on the trail of a real-life murder mystery. Highly recommended! * Alison Weir, bestselling author and historian *The sense of period is impeccable, and the reader really gets a sense of how shocking this murder must have been... The story has more twists than a dancing serpent and the pace is relentless, yet it is the characterisation and the little details that make it such a good read. * Historical Novels Review *The First Horseman is a resounding success that blends fact and fiction to create a gripping, fast moving Tudor crime story that educates as well as fascinates...Wilson has created a compelling character, and the fact that this series will continue to revolve around real life Tudor mysteries is fantastic...unputdownable would be an understatement. * The Bookbag *

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Book Synopsis''We belong to a special branch of the armed forces. We''re interested in people who speak foreign languages and who are young and fit. Who could be trained in hand-to-hand combat, to jump out of aircraft, scale walls and who wouldn''t mind doing things which come under the heading of dangerous.'' John Baron Chard, orphaned as a baby and brought up in Australia, is unaware that the family he loves is not his own. When his life is thrown into turmoil, he leaves for England to join the RAF as war looms over Europe.Samantha Chard, young and headstrong, is a pioneer woman photographer. When she cannot have the man she loves, she marries Cashman Slade - a union with disasterous consequences.Cashman Slade, charismatic and arrogant, discovers an easy way to live in style when his father squanders the family''s wealth. But nothing is free, and as Cash flees from his past he is forced to make his stand in the world''s greatest conflict

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Book SynopsisThe monk and scholar Roger Bacon claimed to have seen many marvels of nature and science and concealed these in a book written in an unbreakable code. Sir Hugh Corbett has been instructed to organise agents in Paris to steal this Book of Secrets. They do so but pay a violent price and the French King Philip IV now wishes a meeting between the scholars of England and France to discuss breaking the code. Edward I has no choice but to allow the meeting to take place at Corfe Castle, which becomes a place of murder and mayhem. Young women from the castle are being slain whilst horrific things are witnessed in the nearby forest. The situation becomes more serious when two of the French scholars die in sinister circumstances. Corbett and Ranulf-atte-Newgate have to thread this maze of malevolent murder whilst trying to decipher the great secrets of one of England''s most outstanding scholars.Trade ReviewPraise for Paul Doherty's other novels: 'I really like these medieval whodunnits * Bookseller *A romping good read * Time Out *Historically informative, excellently plotted and, as ever, superbly entertaining * CADS 20 *This rich tale ... seeps authenticity and is written with wonderfully efficient style. A gem of an historical thriller * Huddersfield Daily Examiner *

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Book SynopsisIt''s July 1917, and as the sun sets over No-man''s-land so Joseph Reavley''s heart sinks with it. As chaplain he must keep up the men''s morale, butas rumours of mutiny grow stronger he is losing any chance of getting through to them. After the death of an officer, twelve soldiers are arrested, and it falls to Joseph to uncover the truth about their involvement. Joseph''s brother Matthew, of the S.I.S, is also in pursuit of the truth, whilst struggling to come to terms with his part in the Peacemaker''s death. Approached by a Junior Cabinet Minister who is being blackmailed, Matthew learns of a plot to destroy the only men who can bring about lasting peace. As he embarks on an investigation Matthew knows his own life is in danger but thinks it a small price to pay to secure the future of millions of people.Trade ReviewPraise for NO GRAVES AS YET and SHOULDER THE SKY: 'The elegance of the prose and depth of characterisation combine to create a powerful and poignant journey * The Lady *She does a superb job of bringing the grimness and waste to life, in a nice shift of gears from her two 19th-century historical series * Publishers Weekly *With its outstanding cover and bestselling author's writing, this dazzling story is one of sheer brilliance...It's just so, so beautiful * North Wales Chronicle *

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Book Synopsis1095 and crusading fervour has swept Europe. Christ''s fief of Jerusalem has been seized by the Infidels. The Frankish Knights of the West are to march east to liberate the Holy City. Hugh de Payens and Godefroi of St Omer, the soon-to-be founders of the Templar Order, and Hugh''s younger sister, Eleanor, leave the security of their homes in Burgundy, France, with a plan to join Count Raymond of Toulouse''s army, and march across the known world to Jerusalem. Follow the crusaders as they march through Europe into the glories of Byzantium and onto Syria and witness the hardships, bloodshed and trickery they encounter on their treacherous travels to the Holy Land.Trade ReviewPraise for Paul Doherty and his other novels: 'Resurrectionist magic * New York Times *The best of its kind since the death of Ellis Peters * Time Out *I really like these medieval whodunnits * Bookseller *Historically informative, excellently plotted and, as ever, superbly entertaining * CADS 20 *This rich tale ... seeps authenticity and is written with wonderfully efficient style. A gem of an historical thriller * Huddersfield Daily Examiner *The maestro of medieval mystery * Books Magazine *Doherty dazzles with his story-telling * Nottingham Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisLucca, City State for hundreds of years, keeper of secrets and relics, possessor of the Holy Face of Christ, has Napoleon''s army at its gates, the emperor having declared himself King of All Italy.A continent away in Bexleyheath, Mabel Flinchurst gazes down from her window upon the Advent Fair. With all the hustle and bustle she doesn''t see the pilgrim walk into the church of St Anthony''s across the square, and slit his own throat. But Lucca and this suicide are strands from the same rope, a rope that is being wound unseen about Mabel, ready to rip her from her cosy world. When Mabel''s friend, Toby, is kidnapped she enlists the help of compulsive list-maker and missing-persons finder, Whilbert Stroop. Together they are drawn into a mystery that began many centuries ago, and soon they find themselves losing a race against time and treachery, as an unknown enemy, and murder, begin to snap at their heels...Trade Review'Just as bloody as the DA VINCI CODE... however, much better written' * SCOTSMAN *'Gray has an exceptional eye for detail, and her characterisation is superb' * HISTORICAL NOVELS REVIEW *

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Book SynopsisThis gripping new military adventure featuring Simon Fonthill brilliantly depicts one of the last and most tragic of all battles in the ''Scramble for Africa''. 1893. In the African Cape, recovering from the loss of their child, ex-captain and one-time subaltern Simon Fonthill and his wife Alice find themselves on tribal land and at the mercy of Matabele warriors. While being held under the orders of the Matabele king, Lobengula, Fonthill becomes aware of a Portuguese plot to undermine a valuable mining treaty between Lobengula and the richest man in Africa, Cecil Rhodes. When friction develops between Rhodes and the Matabele tribesmen Fonthill is forced to take sides and, together with comrade ''352'' Jenkins and Alice, he becomes embroiled in one of the bloodiest battles in British history, the Shangani River massacre.

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Book Synopsis1795: Young warriors Nelson and Napoleon learn the art of war and the cost of fame . . .The third novel in this epic, thrilling series of war and villainy on the high seas, featuring Captain Nathan Peake. Seth Hunter''s brilliant series will enthral fans of Dudley Pope and Patrick O''Brian. ''Another slick nautical adventure in the Patrick O''Brian tradition . . . rousing naval battles, twisty plot, and muscular prose'' Publishers Weekly on THE TIDE OF WARNathan Peake charts a perilous course through the treacherous seas off Brittany and into the even more dangerous waters of post-Revolutionary Paris. There he encounters two of the most beautiful and scandalous courtesans in history - and their little toy soldier, laughingly dubbed Captain Cannon, who is about to win enduring fame as Napoleon Bonaparte.Returned to the command of the frigate Unicorn, Nathan is sent to join another young glory-seeker, Captain Ho

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Book SynopsisCumbria, 1783. A broken heritage; a secret history...The tomb of the first Earl of Greta should have lain undisturbed on its island of bones for three hundred years. When idle curiosity opens the stone lid, however, inside is one body too many. Gabriel Crowther''s family bought the Gretas'' land long ago, and has suffered its own bloody history. His brother was hanged for murdering their father, the Baron of Keswick, and Crowther has chosen comfortable seclusion and anonymity over estate and title for thirty years. But the call of the mystery brings him home at last.Travelling with forthright Mrs Harriet Westerman, who is escaping her own tragedy, Crowther finds a little town caught between new horrors and old, where ancient ways challenge modern justice. And against the wild and beautiful backdrop of fells and water, Crowther discovers that his past will not stay buried.Trade Review'Chillingly memorable...an extraordinary thriller' * Tess Gerritsen *This series, launched after Robertson won a Telegraph writing competition, continues to excel' * Daily Telegraph *'Matchless storytelling, gripping and moving in equal measures. Addictive' * Nicci French *

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Book SynopsisEngland, 1455: a kingdom on the brink of civil war.The Red Rose: King Henry of Lancaster''s days are numbered. Deemed unfit for rule, even by his own mother, he surely cannot last on the throne for long. Simon Roseblood - London lord, taverner and alderman - is one of few loyal servants left to fight his cause. The White Rose: Ruthless Richard of York has his eye firmly set on the crown - and plenty of powerful allies who will do anything to help him win it. Henchman Amadeus Sevigny makes no bones about enforcing his own authority and asserting law and order at York''s command.When Roseblood is summoned by Sevigny to stand trial for a crime he knows he didn''t commit, their paths cross in ways that alter them both for ever. And as the Wars of the Roses looms, an even greater foe is poised to rock the foundations of England, and wreak horror in a hotbed of political unrest.Trade ReviewTeems with colour, energy and spills * Time Out *Deliciously suspenseful, gorgeously written and atmospheric * Historical Novels Review *Supremely evocative, scrupulously researched * Publishers Weekly *

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Book SynopsisIn the final days of Henry VIII, one man is there to witness the demise of a legend... King Henry VIII, a fearsome figure of power and stature, lies upon his deathbed diminished by sickness and haunted by ghosts from his past. Only Will Somers, long-serving jester and confidant, sees all. While Henry is confined to his chamber, Will begins a journal that will document his King''s last turbulent days.The country is fraught with tension. And with the King''s son and heir just nine years old, there are many power-hungry councillors who will stop at nothing to better themselves. Now as the King''s health fails, rebellion threatens amidst widespread rumours of plots against him. With few allies remaining, will Henry himself become the final victim of his reckless, bloody reign?Master historian Paul Doherty weaves his magic in an epic tale of murderous schemes and a blood-smattered political order.Trade ReviewPraise for Paul Doherty and his other novels: 'Resurrectionist magic * New York Times *The best of its kind since the death of Ellis Peters * Time Out *I really like these medieval whodunnits * Bookseller *Historically informative, excellently plotted and, as ever, superbly entertaining * CADS 20 *This rich tale ... seeps authenticity and is written with wonderfully efficient style. A gem of an historical thriller * Huddersfield Daily Examiner *The maestro of medieval mystery * Books Magazine *Doherty dazzles with his story-telling * Nottingham Evening Post *

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Book SynopsisRaised by Crow Indians. Enlisted by the US Army. Legendary scout Cody Hunter returns to the mountains where he lost his family—and makes a shocking discovery that will change his life forever . . . THIS WOLF HUNTS ALONEHis Crow name was Crazy Wolf. Orphaned after losing his family in an Indian attack, young Cody Hunter found a loving home among the Crow people—and learned the ancient ways of the Crow trackers. His well-honed skills earned him a place in the U.S. Army as a valued scout. But now, after fifteen years of living his life as Crazy Wolf, Cody is ready to face his painful past. He will return to the place that still gives him nightmares—and where the dreams of his father ended in bloodshed . . .High in the mountains of Montana, Cody finds a stone memorial erected by the survivors of the families slaughtered there. The site of the attack triggers Cody’s darkest memories—and leads him to a stunning realization: his fat

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Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “A world of invention and skulduggery, populated by the likes of Edison, Westinghouse, and Tesla.”—Erik Larson   “A model of superior historical fiction . . . an exciting, sometimes astonishing story.”—The Washington Post    From Graham Moore, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of The Imitation Game and New York Times bestselling author of The Sherlockian, comes a thrilling novel—based on actual events—about the nature of genius, the cost of ambition, and the battle to electrify America.New York, 1888. Gas lamps still flicker in the city streets, but the miracle of electric light is in its infancy. The person who controls the means to turn night into day will make history—and a vast fortune. A young untested lawyer named Paul Cravath, fresh out of Columbia Law School, takes a case that seems im

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Book SynopsisRavindra is back, and close to his dream of becoming the Demon King Ravana once and for all - unless Vikram, Amanjit, Deepika and Ras find their own powers, evil will overwhelm the world . . .Bollywood superstar Sunita Ashoka''s reality show Swayamvara Live! has ended in bloodshed and disaster, and Vikram, Amanjit and Rasita are on the run, accused of her murder. And just like the heroes of the Ramayana, they soon find themselves beset by the same perils as Rama, Laksmana and Sita.When an unexpected death forces Vikram into the open, they start to despair - but there is some hope: Amanjit''s warrior skills are returning, Rasita is beginning to remember her own past lives, and Deepika is awakening to terrifying new powers. But the enemy, Ravindra, has also found allies: the nightmarish Rakshasa army. Memories and legends are coming alive all over India. The fight to the finish has begun . . .Trade ReviewWorks for everyone * Books for Life on The Pyre *An excellent fantasy novel. If you're familiar with the tales of Rama and Sita, you'll find much to enjoy, and if not, then David Hair's introduction to the legends are an excellent place to start * Robin Brooks Books on The Pyre *David Hair hasn't just broken the mould. He's completely shattered it * Bibliosanctum on The Pyre *Extremely interesting and riveting . . . will keep you hooked to the very end. Hair has managed to pack horror, reincarnation, mythology, ritual of Sati and history all in one book! * thebookloversreview.blogspot.com on The Pyre *A fantastically written tale . . . An amazing story set in a magnificent background, it had me hooked from the very first page. The last half of the book literally had me on the edge of my chair, rooting for the characters in both timelines and wondering how the history would unfold and if it would repeat itself * Draumr Kopa on The Adversaries *

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