A Book of Secrets is the story of a woman named Susan Charlewood living in Elizabethan England. Born in what is now Ghana, Susan is enslaved by the Portuguese but later rescued by British sailors, who bring her to England. Once in England, she is raised and educated in an English Catholic household.When Susan comes of age, the family marry her off to an older Catholic man, John Charlewood. Charlewood runs a printing press and uses it to supply the Papist nobility with ille...

Who decides what is right or wrong, ethical or immoral, just or unjust? In the world of crime and spy fiction between 1880 and 1920, the boundaries of the law were blurred and justice called into question humanity's moral code. As fictional detectives mutated into spies near the turn of the century, the waning influence of morality on decision-making signaled a shift in behavior from idealistic principles towards a pragmatic outlook taken in the national interest.Taking a fresh app...

Now a major TV series Winner of the Man Booker Prize Shortlisted for the the Orange Prize Shortlisted for the Costa Novel Award`Dizzyingly, dazzlingly good' Daily Mail‘Our most brilliant English writer’ GuardianEngland, the 1520s. Henry VIII is on the throne, but has no heir. Cardinal Wolsey is his chief advisor, charged with securing the divorce the pope refuses to grant. Into this atmosphere of distrust and need...

The first book in the No. 1 Times bestselling series‘This is terrific stuff’ Daily Telegraph‘A breathtakingly ambitious picture of an era’ Financial Times‘A masterclass in how to weave a well-researched history into a complex plot’ The TimesOver 1 Million Andrew Taylor Novels Sold!A CITY IN FLAMESLondon, 1666. As the Great Fire consumes ever...

A terrible power struggle threatens the very core of BritainIn 1376, the Black Prince dies of a terrible sickness, closely followed by his father, King Edward III in 1377. The crown of England is left in the hands of a mere boy, and the great nobles gather like hungry wolves round the empty throne.Soon the prelates of the church and the powerful Merchant Princes of London are drawn in. One of these, Sir Thomas Springall, ...

It is 1540 and the hottest summer of the sixteenth century. Matthew Shardlake, believing himself out of favour with Thomas Cromwell, is busy trying to maintain his legal practice and keep a low profile. But his involvement with a murder case, defending a girl accused of brutally murdering her young cousin, brings him once again into contact with the king’s chief minister – and a new assignment . . . The secret of Greek Fire, the legendary substance with which the Byzantines destroyed the A...

From the bestselling author of THE WHITE QUEEN – the first three novels of her Tudor Court series: THE CONSTANT PRINCESS, THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL, THE BOLEYN INHERITANCETHE CONSTANT PRINCESS tells the story of Henry VIII’s first wife, Katherine of Aragon, the Spanish princess raised to be Queen of England and first brought to England to marry Henry’s older brother, Prince Arthur. But when her new husband dies, she must fight for her birthright – and in marrying the now heir to the th...

The first thrilling instalment in a legendary historical adventure series.Paris, 1307. The Knights Templar have been destroyed by Pope Clement, having been persuaded by a jealous king that they are corrupt devil worshippers. There is one survivor a knight who swears vengeance.Devon, 1316. A charred body is discovered in a burned-out cottage, and newly appointed Bailiff, Simon Puttock, believes it to be accidental. Until the new master of ...

‘Beautifully written and superbly executed’ Times'This clever and moving Faustian tale is packed with fascinating historical detail' Express'A joyous romp around England’s dark past' Suzie Feay, GuardianFrom the author of the bestselling The Time Traveller's Guide to Restoration Britain, this is a stunningly high-concept historical novel that is both as daring as it is gripping, and perfect ...

Discover Brother Cadfael: Former soldier. Benedictine monk. Amateur sleuth.The Cadfael Chronicles, by Diamond Dagger winner Ellis Peters, follow the mediaeval mysteries of one of classic crime's most unique detectives.Christmas 1138, a local dignitary is poisoned with one of the herbalist's own concoctions and Brother Cadfael has to defend himself against charges of murder.

An arsonist proves to be a tough adversary for Worcester's sleuthsSeptember 1143. Serjeant Catchpoll hopes a fire at a Worcester silversmith's is just an accident, but when a charred corpse is discovered following a second fire, he has no choice but to call in the undersheriff.Hugh Bradecote may be new to the job compared to his wily colleague, but his analytical eye is soon hard at work. With further fires and a hooded figure stalking the streets, the duo must piece togeth...

A remarkable and ambitious novel whose central character is not a man or a woman, but the ancient New Forest of England.Few places lie closer to the heart of the nation's heritage than the New Forest. Now Edward Rutherfurd weaves its history and legends into compelling fiction, from the mysterious killing of King William Rufus to treachery and witchcraft, smuggling and poaching: this is an epic tale of well-born ladies, lowly woodsmen, sailors, merchants and Cister...