Nin is joining the gilded world of her sister’s husband — a powerful man known only as the Bear. It’s midwinter and there’s victory to feast. And where better than at the Hall high above the mists of the Lake? But why is the Lake so unsettled? The bonds of love and ambition once united […]
Music to Die For at the Seaview Hotel by Glenda Young
Eighties pop band The A64 are reuniting for the gig of a lifetime at Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre, and Helen Dexter is overjoyed when they book into her Seaview Hotel. However, as old tensions rise within the band, it’s clear each musician has something to hide. Why is lead singer Starr running away from her […]
Threefold Death by Victoria Dowd
A team of archaeologists claim to have found the tomb of the original warrior Queen of the Britons – Boudica. It’s the story of the century and investigative journalist Charlotte Blood wants nothing more than to get the inside scoop. But Charlotte is not the only one hunting for the truth. Other journalists are also […]
Forever Amber, scandalous historical fiction that lasts… for ever
To mark the publication of a new edition of Kathleen Winsor’s scandalous historical novel, Forever Amber, the publisher Elizabeth Smith argues that this “brilliantly accurate” book is still relevant over 80 years after it first delighted – and challenged – readers around the world. “[Forever Amber] is not only brilliant – once you start, I […]
The Governor’s Man by Jacquie Rogers
In AD224, Imperial Investigator Quintus Valerius is summoned from Rome to Britannia by his old companion-in-arms, Governor Gaius Trebonius. Trebonius wants Quintus to investigate fraud at the silver mines he is overseeing. But on his journey to Somerset in the south-west of the isle, Quintus hears rumours of a Druid uprising. And when he encounters […]
How small discoveries have big impacts on stories
Three writers of Roman historical fiction reveal how seemingly minor research discoveries inspired their stories. Sit any three historical fiction authors around the table and ask them about their research and you’ll be there for a week. Narrow it down to the specific ‘minor discovery’ that changed the course of the narrative and you might […]
The River Warriors by Michael Arnold
The legions march inland, but progress is slow, hampered by vast, ancient forests, swamps and treacherous rivers that must be crossed. But, guided by traitorous Celts blinded by self-interest, progress they do. Marshalling the fractious tribes, Caratacos plans the first major battle for the only fording point of the mighty Vaga River. Meanwhile, Cullen, now […]
Legacy of Steel by CF Dunn
In 1477, Isobel Langton’s husband, Earl Robert, has returned to her after his enslavement in North Africa. King Edward IV welcomes him as a hero, but he is not the man who left almost a year before. His exploits at sea defeating Barbary pirates are hailed as a great victory, but they have left him […]