The Turn Of Midnight is the much anticipated follow up to Minette Walters The Last Hours. Book 1 announced the arrival of the dreaded Black Death which started in the coastal town of Melcombe and quickly spread through Dorsetshire and surrounding counties. The follow up examines the aftermath, bringing with it, it’s own unique set of problems.
As the year 1349 approaches, the people of Develish have been under quarantine for some time now, a measure taken by their beloved mistress Lady Anne. Here we have someone who is not only literate (very rare for a woman during this period in history) but she’s also blessed with a perceptive and caring nature, regardless of one’s station in life. Against all the odds she’s managed to keep her community safe from the dreaded plague, and her people wouldn’t hesitate to lay down their lives for her.
As the new year gets ever nearer, and with food supplies dwindling, it becomes clear that someone will have to venture beyond the confines of Develish, which is where Thaddeus Thurkell comes into his own. A common serf to all intents and purposes, he’s nevertheless well educated, fiercely independent and extremely courageous. Thaddeus sets off with a small group of young men, (well, just boys really ) who are unaware of the many trials and tribulations they are about to face, trials that will put each of them in great danger, and even with an astute and brave leader such as Thaddeus at the helm, they have no idea what the outside world will be like, and what threats they are likely to face!
There is no question that extensive research has been carried out to create this detailed historical account, not only pertaining to the Black Death, but also to the social and political structure of this period in history. Ms Walters has introduced us to an eclectic group of well developed characters, each with their own individual quirks, and after book 2, they’re beginning to feel like old friends. The narrative was suffused with tension throughout, and given the fact that the author is primarily a crime writer, it goes without saying that there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. Highly recommended!
As the year 1349 approaches, the people of Develish have been under quarantine for some time now, a measure taken by their beloved mistress Lady Anne. Here we have someone who is not only literate (very rare for a woman during this period in history) but she’s also blessed with a perceptive and caring nature, regardless of one’s station in life. Against all the odds she’s managed to keep her community safe from the dreaded plague, and her people wouldn’t hesitate to lay down their lives for her.
As the new year gets ever nearer, and with food supplies dwindling, it becomes clear that someone will have to venture beyond the confines of Develish, which is where Thaddeus Thurkell comes into his own. A common serf to all intents and purposes, he’s nevertheless well educated, fiercely independent and extremely courageous. Thaddeus sets off with a small group of young men, (well, just boys really ) who are unaware of the many trials and tribulations they are about to face, trials that will put each of them in great danger, and even with an astute and brave leader such as Thaddeus at the helm, they have no idea what the outside world will be like, and what threats they are likely to face!
There is no question that extensive research has been carried out to create this detailed historical account, not only pertaining to the Black Death, but also to the social and political structure of this period in history. Ms Walters has introduced us to an eclectic group of well developed characters, each with their own individual quirks, and after book 2, they’re beginning to feel like old friends. The narrative was suffused with tension throughout, and given the fact that the author is primarily a crime writer, it goes without saying that there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. Highly recommended!