Minette Walters is known for her crime fiction and this turn of her hand to Historical Fiction utilises her undoubted skills exceptionally well. Set in Dorset during the 14th Century we are swept into a world of Feudal Lords, Serfs, Religion and Superstition. The last two all the more important as The Black Death has just arrived on England's shores.
Eleanor is betrothed to Peter of Bradmayne and she is a desperately unpleasant young woman with no compassion for those of a lower birth. She even believes her betrothed to be beneath her such is her father's boosting of her ego. Sir Richard is somewhat a besotted fool who cares only for drinking and gambling and much of the dowry squirelled away by his wife for their only child has been wasted in those pursuits. Now Sir Richard is at Bradmayne with his fighting men and Steward to make arrangements for the marriage but one man in his retinue has noticed something amiss - the compound is closed to all but the Priest, Bradmayne's steward and his retinue. Now a mass grave has been dug overnight and the steward is nowhere to be seen Has death come to Bradmayne and will they take it back to Develish with them?
The book is rich in detail and with only a few words Ms Walters conjures up another world. An excellent beginning to what looks set to be a sweeping tale.
Eleanor is betrothed to Peter of Bradmayne and she is a desperately unpleasant young woman with no compassion for those of a lower birth. She even believes her betrothed to be beneath her such is her father's boosting of her ego. Sir Richard is somewhat a besotted fool who cares only for drinking and gambling and much of the dowry squirelled away by his wife for their only child has been wasted in those pursuits. Now Sir Richard is at Bradmayne with his fighting men and Steward to make arrangements for the marriage but one man in his retinue has noticed something amiss - the compound is closed to all but the Priest, Bradmayne's steward and his retinue. Now a mass grave has been dug overnight and the steward is nowhere to be seen Has death come to Bradmayne and will they take it back to Develish with them?
The book is rich in detail and with only a few words Ms Walters conjures up another world. An excellent beginning to what looks set to be a sweeping tale.