London in 1919, a city of ghosts and absences. Grace Armstrong believes that she has come to terms with her own loss, the death of her fiancé, the brilliant and dazzling best friend of her brother. He was declared Missing in Action during the Battle of the Somme, but he starts to reappear both in […]
The Book of Eve by Meg Clothier
Beatrice is the convent’s librarian. For years, she has shunned the company of her sisters, finding solace only with her manuscripts. Then, one carnival night, two women, bleeding and stricken, are abandoned outside the convent’s walls. Moments from death, one of them presses something into Beatrice’s hands: a bewitching book whose pages have a dangerous […]
Chalice of Darkness by Sarah Rayne
London, 1908, and the Fitzglens are proud of their reputation as one of London’s leading theatre families. They are, however, equally proud of another profession which they pursue very discreetly… When not on stage, they are thieves. Jack Fitzglen’s latest plan is to seek out the infamous Talisman Chalice, steal it and create a dazzling […]
Historia interviews: 2022 HWA Debut Crown Award shortlist: Rosie Andrews
Rosie Andrews was shortlisted for the 2022 HWA Debut Crown Award for The Leviathan, a historical mystery with a supernatural element set in 17th-century Norfolk. Rosie spoke to Historia about writing and researching her bestselling debut — and offers tips for new authors. The HWA Debut Crown celebrates new voices in historical fiction. What does […]
The Alchemist’s Plot by Eleanor Swift-Hook
England, March 1643. While the civil war between King Charles and his Parliament continues to tear the nation apart, erstwhile lawyer Gideon Lennox returns to England as part of a royal escort in the employ of Sir Philip Lord, a mercenary commander with a mysterious past. Accompanied by Gideon and Daniel Bristow — Lord’s second […]
The Failed Apprentice by WJ Small
London 1531. When blacksmith apprentice Will Patten witnesses his master’s brutal murder and the burning of his master’s house and forge, he returns to his family’s impoverished home in London. With his apprenticeship over and his family unable to feed another mouth, Will is left with few options. As a young man with an education […]
A Taste for Killing by Sarah Hawkswood
Worcester, January 1145. Poison strikes down bow maker Godfrey Bowyer and his wife Blanche after their evening meal. While she survives, he dies an agonising death. Few could have administered the poison, which should mean a very short investigation for the Sheriff’s men, Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin. But perhaps someone was pulling […]
The Merchant Murderers by Michael Jecks
August, 1556. Jack Blackjack is on a simple mission: make it back home to his beloved London. It should be simple, right? Wrong. He’s made it as far as Exeter, but before he can secure a fresh steed in that hellish city, he’s faced with a dead priest, ruthless thieves, and a devious Dean who’s […]