Description
Book SynopsisA gripping medieval historical crime thriller, from a brilliant new voice.
Trade ReviewComparisons to the master of historical crime,
CJ Sansom, are inevitable and, in this case, justified. * The Times *
The whodunnit aspect is neatly done, the family secrets and waspish relationships are intriguing, and
humour and originality are abundant. * Daily Mail *
Trouble, and its attendant duties, confront the reluctant young lord on nearly every page of this
eventful, engrossing, informative mystery set in mid-14th-century Kent. * Wall Street Journal *
Sykes establishes herself firmly as
a major talent. * Publishers Weekly *
Praise for PLAGUE LAND -- :
There's a nice, cliché-free sharpness to Sykes' writing . . . that suggests
a medieval Raymond Chandler at work, and there are no phony celebrations of the peasantry or earth-mothers thrusting herbal concoctions down grateful throats.
Plenty of action and interesting characters, without intervention of the libertarian modern conscience that so often wrecks the medieval historical novel. * Independent *
The medieval CJ Sansom -- Jeffery Deaver
PLAGUE LAND
is a
fascinating historical crime novel about a world turned upside down, inhabited by
a rich cast of characters. A
terrific debut and a wonderful start to a brand-new series. -- Antonia Hodgson, author of THE DEVIL IN THE MARSHALSEA
Sykes has really reset the bar for medieval mysteries . . . every clue brings with it unexpected twists and turns. When you think you know who the killer is, you're slapped with yet another surprise. * Medievalists *
Sykes's debut provides
everything a reader would want in a historical mystery: a gripping plot, vivid language, living and breathing characters, and
an immersive depiction of the past. * Publisher's Weekly *
