Midsummer, 1145. The steward of Evesham Abbey is found dead at the bottom of a well pit. The Abbot, whose relationship with the lord Sheriff of Worcestershire is strained at best, dislikes needing external help with the unfortunate incident. However, he grudgingly receives the trio of Undersheriff Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin. As […]
Vampire or victim? The real Countess Báthory
Who was Countess Erzsébet Báthory? A prototype vampire? A religious – or political – victim? Sonia Velton, author of The Nightingale’s Castle, investigates the real woman behind the myth. Even if you don’t know Erzsébet Báthory by name, you may well have heard of the Blood Countess who murdered numerous young virgins and bathed in […]
The Shadow Key by Susan Stokes-Chapman
Meirionydd, 1783. Dr Henry Talbot has been dismissed from his post in London. The only job he can find is in Wales where he can’t speak the language, belief in myth and magic is rife, and the villagers treat him with suspicion. When Henry discovers his predecessor died under mysterious circumstances, he is determined to […]
The Household by Stacey Halls
It’s 1847, and in a quiet house in the countryside outside London the finishing touches are being made to welcome a group of young women. The house and its location are top secret, its residents unknown to one another, but the girls have one thing in common: they are fallen. Offering refuge for prostitutes, petty […]
Historia Live in Dublin, 1 May, 2024
Historia Live Dublin returns on 1 May with four more bestselling authors of historical fiction. The theme is When History Meets Mystery featuring Sinéad Crowley, Amanda Geard and Carmel Harrington. The discussion, led by Hazel Gaynor, will look at novels with dual or multiple timelines and narrators, the skill of creating suspense on the page, the difficulties of weaving a […]
No Life for a Lady by Hannah Dolby
Violet’s father is beginning to worry she will never find a husband at the ancient age of 28. But Violet finds a new and inventive means of rebuffing every suitor he presents. Because Violet does not want to marry. She wants to work, and make her own way in the world. But more than anything, […]
The Other Gwyn Girl by Nicola Cornick
1671 in London: the Civil War is over and Charles II, the ‘Merry Monarch’, is revelling in the throne of his murdered father and all the privileges and power that comes with it. Sharing the spoils is his favourite companion, the celebrated beauty, actress Nell Gwyn. Beloved of the English people, Nell has come a […]
Requiem of Revenge by Richard Kurti
In Bath in 1761 a gruesome discovery is made in one of the city’s wealthiest townhouses. A man has been imprisoned and blinded; left to die in his own home. He is rescued and his wife, Lady Arabella Taylor is arrested for the crimes. Doctor Erasmus Harvey examines the victim, and finds out he is […]