A Roman Death by Joan O'Hagan

A Roman Death 
By Joan O'Hagan

Publication Date: 2nd October 2017
Publisher: Black Quill Press
Page Length: 256 Pages
Genre: Ancient World Historical Fiction

Historical thriller set in Ancient Rome. 

In 45 BC, Julius Caesar is at the height of his power. Lucius Scaurus, the young, good-looking fiance of a high-society girl is poisoned at the couple's own pre-wedding banquet. In the trial that follows, Roman society is shocked when the girl's mother, Helvia, is accused of not only of murder, but of incest. Cicero comes to Helvia's defence, but the killer's identity remains a mystery until the final twist - or two.

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A Roman Death 

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Joan O'Hagan

Joan O'Hagan (1926−2014) was a published author of crime fiction. Born in Australia, she studied Classics in Wellington, then lived in New Caledonia, England and Italy before returning to Australia in 1997. Her thirty years in Rome, including her time spent working in the Australian Department of Immigration, provided her with the backdrop to several of her novels. Her publications include:

'A Roman Death' (Black Quill Press, 1017; Macmillan 1988; Doubleday 1989, Tokyo Hawakawa Publishing 1990, Legenda 1990)

'Jerome & His Women' (Black Quill Press, 2015)

'Against the Grain' (Macmillan 1987, Doubleday 1988, Mondadori 1988)

'Death and a Madonna' (Macmillan 1986, Doubleday 1987)

'Incline and Fall: The Death of Geoffrey Stretton' (Angus & Robertson, 1976).

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The Godmother's Secret: The Mystery of the Missing Princes in the Tower by Elizabeth St.John

 

The Godmother's Secret:
The Mystery of the Missing Princes in the Tower
By Elizabeth St.John

Publication Date: 4th October 2022
Publisher: Falcon Historical 
Page Length: 443 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction 

If you knew the fate of the Princes in the Tower would you tell? Or forever keep the secret?

May 1483: The Tower of London. When King Edward IV dies and Lady Elysabeth Scrope delivers her young godson, Edward V, into the Tower of London to prepare for his coronation, she is engulfed in political turmoil. Within months, the prince and his brother have disappeared, Richard III is declared king, and Elysabeth’s sister Margaret Beaufort conspires with her son Henry Tudor to invade England and claim the throne.

Desperate to protect her godson, Elysabeth battles the intrigue, betrayal and power of the last medieval court, defying her Yorkist husband and her Lancastrian sister under her godmother’s sacred oath to keep Prince Edward safe. Bound by blood and rent by honour, Elysabeth is torn between the crown and her family, knowing that if her loyalty is questioned, she is in peril of losing everything—including her life.

Were the princes murdered by their uncle, Richard III? Did Margaret Beaufort mastermind their disappearance to usher in the Tudor dynasty? Or did the young boys vanish for their own safety? Of anyone at the royal court, Elysabeth has the most to lose–and the most to gain–by keeping secret the fate of the Princes in the Tower.

Praise

This novel captured the very essence of this era and was simply unputdownable. In all ways, this book is an absolute triumph.

Mary Anne Yarde, Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion

"An extremely well-written book with depth and complexity to the main characters. The author says she wanted to write a book about family love and tolerance, and a woman's loyalty and courage. She has done so. This is the best book I've read in ages!" 

The Ricardian Bulletin - Richard III Society

"The authenticity and historical research displayed within this story is immense and exquisite. Ms. St. John is sure to be a newfound favorite for fans of not only this fractious time in English history, but of all historical fans who adore rich, immersive prose.

 Historical Fiction Company 2022 Book of the Year

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The Godmother's Secret
HERE!

Elizabeth St. John

Elizabeth St.John’s critically acclaimed historical fiction novels tell the stories of her ancestors: extraordinary women whose intriguing kinship with England's kings and queens brings an intimately unique perspective to Medieval, Tudor, and Stuart times.

Inspired by family archives and residences from Lydiard Park to the Tower of London, Elizabeth spends much of her time exploring ancestral portraits, diaries, and lost gardens. And encountering the occasional ghost. But that’s another story.

Living between California, England, and the past, Elizabeth is the International Ambassador for The Friends of Lydiard Park, an English charity dedicated to conserving and enhancing this beautiful centuries-old country house and park. As a curator for The Lydiard Archives, she is constantly looking for an undiscovered treasure to inspire her next novel.

Elizabeth's works include The Lydiard Chronicles, a trilogy set in 17th-century England during the Civil War, and The Godmother's Secret, which unravels the medieval mystery of the missing princes in the Tower of London. Her latest release, The King’s Intelligencer, follows Franny Apsley's perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the sudden discovery of the princes' bones. In Charles II's court of intrigue and deceit, Franny must decide what she’ll risk—for England’s salvation, her family's safety, and her own happiness.

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The Godmother's Secret: The Mystery of the Missing Princes in the Tower by Elizabeth St.John

The Godmother's Secret:
The Mystery of the Missing Princes in the Tower
By Elizabeth St.John

Publication Date: 4th October 2022
Publisher: Falcon Historical 
Page Length: 443 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction 

If you knew the fate of the Princes in the Tower would you tell? Or forever keep the secret?

May 1483: The Tower of London. When King Edward IV dies and Lady Elysabeth Scrope delivers her young godson, Edward V, into the Tower of London to prepare for his coronation, she is engulfed in political turmoil. Within months, the prince and his brother have disappeared, Richard III is declared king, and Elysabeth’s sister Margaret Beaufort conspires with her son Henry Tudor to invade England and claim the throne.

Desperate to protect her godson, Elysabeth battles the intrigue, betrayal and power of the last medieval court, defying her Yorkist husband and her Lancastrian sister under her godmother’s sacred oath to keep Prince Edward safe. Bound by blood and rent by honour, Elysabeth is torn between the crown and her family, knowing that if her loyalty is questioned, she is in peril of losing everything—including her life.

Were the princes murdered by their uncle, Richard III? Did Margaret Beaufort mastermind their disappearance to usher in the Tudor dynasty? Or did the young boys vanish for their own safety? Of anyone at the royal court, Elysabeth has the most to lose–and the most to gain–by keeping secret the fate of the Princes in the Tower.

Praise

This novel captured the very essence of this era and was simply unputdownable. In all ways, this book is an absolute triumph.

Mary Anne Yarde, Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotion

"An extremely well-written book with depth and complexity to the main characters. The author says she wanted to write a book about family love and tolerance, and a woman's loyalty and courage. She has done so. This is the best book I've read in ages!" 

The Ricardian Bulletin - Richard III Society

"The authenticity and historical research displayed within this story is immense and exquisite. Ms. St. John is sure to be a newfound favorite for fans of not only this fractious time in English history, but of all historical fans who adore rich, immersive prose.

 Historical Fiction Company 2022 Book of the Year

Pick up your copy of
The Godmother's Secret
HERE!

Elizabeth St. John

Elizabeth St.John’s critically acclaimed historical fiction novels tell the stories of her ancestors: extraordinary women whose intriguing kinship with England's kings and queens brings an intimately unique perspective to Medieval, Tudor, and Stuart times.

Inspired by family archives and residences from Lydiard Park to the Tower of London, Elizabeth spends much of her time exploring ancestral portraits, diaries, and lost gardens. And encountering the occasional ghost. But that’s another story.

Living between California, England, and the past, Elizabeth is the International Ambassador for The Friends of Lydiard Park, an English charity dedicated to conserving and enhancing this beautiful centuries-old country house and park. As a curator for The Lydiard Archives, she is constantly looking for an undiscovered treasure to inspire her next novel.

Elizabeth's works include The Lydiard Chronicles, a trilogy set in 17th-century England during the Civil War, and The Godmother's Secret, which unravels the medieval mystery of the missing princes in the Tower of London. Her latest release, The King’s Intelligencer, follows Franny Apsley's perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the sudden discovery of the princes' bones. In Charles II's court of intrigue and deceit, Franny must decide what she’ll risk—for England’s salvation, her family's safety, and her own happiness.

Connect with Elizabeth:

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The King’s Intelligencer: Discovering the Missing Princes in the Tower by Elizabeth St.John

The King’s Intelligencer:

Discovering the Missing Princes in the Tower

By Elizabeth St.John

Publication Date: October 15th, 2024
Publisher: Falcon Historical
Pages: 494 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

London, 1674

When children’s bones are unexpectedly unearthed in the Tower of London, England’s most haunting mystery—the fate of the missing princes—is reignited. 

Franny Apsley, trusted confidante to Charles II’s beloved niece and heir, Lady Mary Stuart, is caught up in the court’s excitement surrounding the find. Yet, as a dark family secret comes to light, Franny realises the truth behind the missing princes is far more complex—and dangerous—than anyone suspects. Recruited by her formidable cousin Nan Wilmot, Dowager Countess of Rochester, to discover the truth behind the bones, Franny is thrust into the shadowy world of intelligencers. But her quest is complicated by an attraction to the charismatic court artist Nicholas Jameson, a recent arrival from Paris who harbours secrets of his own.

Pursued by Nicholas, Franny searches for evidence hidden in secret family letters and paintings, and uncovers a startling diplomatic plot involving Lady Mary, which causes Franny to question her own judgment, threatens the throne, and sets England on a course for war. With only her courage and the guidance of an enigmatic spy within the royal household, Franny must decide how far she will go to expose the truth—and whether that truth will lead to England’s salvation or her own heartbreak.

In a glittering and debauched society where love is treacherous and loyalty masked, Franny must navigate a world where a woman’s voice is often silenced and confront the ultimate question: What is she willing to risk for the sake of her country, her happiness, and her family’s safety?

A captivating historical novel of conspiracy, passion, and courage, The King’s Intelligencer is one woman's quest for a truth that could change the fate of a nation. A companion to the critically acclaimed best-selling novels The Godmother’s Secret and The Lydiard Chronicles, The King’s Intelligencer weaves together beloved characters and actual events to bring a suspenseful mystery to life.

Pick up your copy of

The King’s Intelligencer

HERE!

Elizabeth St. John

Elizabeth St.John’s critically acclaimed historical fiction novels tell the stories of her ancestors: extraordinary women whose intriguing kinship with England's kings and queens brings an intimately unique perspective to Medieval, Tudor, and Stuart times.

Inspired by family archives and residences from Lydiard Park to the Tower of London, Elizabeth spends much of her time exploring ancestral portraits, diaries, and lost gardens. And encountering the occasional ghost. But that’s another story.

Living between California, England, and the past, Elizabeth is the International Ambassador for The Friends of Lydiard Park, an English charity dedicated to conserving and enhancing this beautiful centuries-old country house and park. As a curator for The Lydiard Archives, she is constantly looking for an undiscovered treasure to inspire her next novel.

Elizabeth's works include The Lydiard Chronicles, a trilogy set in 17th-century England during the Civil War, and The Godmother's Secret, which unravels the medieval mystery of the missing princes in the Tower of London. Her latest release, The King’s Intelligencer, follows Franny Apsley's perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the sudden discovery of the princes' bones. In Charles II's court of intrigue and deceit, Franny must decide what she’ll risk—for England’s salvation, her family's safety, and her own happiness.

Connect with Elizabeth:

Website

Twitter

BlueSky

Instagram 

Check out The Tudor Trilogy series by Tony Riches

 

Owen
(Book One of the Tudor Trilogy)
By Tony Riches

Publication Date: 26th July 2015

Publisher: Preseli Press

Page Length: 320 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

England 1422

Owen, a Welsh servant, waits in Windsor Castle to meet his new mistress, the beautiful and lonely Queen Catherine of Valois, widow of the warrior king, Henry V.

Her infant son is crowned King of England and France, and while the country simmers on the brink of civil war, Owen becomes her protector.

They fall in love, risking Owen’s life and Queen Catherine’s reputation—but how do they found the dynasty which changes British history – the Tudors?

Jasper

(Book Two Of The Tudor Trilogy)

By Tony Riches

Publication Date: 25th March 2016

Publisher: Preseli Press 

Page Length: 338 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

England 1461

Sir Jasper Tudor, Earl of Pembroke, flees the massacre of his Welsh army at the Battle of Mortimer’s Cross and plans a rebellion to return his half-brother King Henry to the throne. 

When King Henry is imprisoned by Edward IV in the Tower of London and murdered, Jasper escapes to Brittany with his young nephew, Henry Tudor.

 

Then Jasper sees his chance to make young Henry Tudor king with a daring and reckless invasion of England.

Henry

(Book Three Of The Tudor Trilogy)

By Tony Riches

   

Publication Date: 17th March 2017

Publisher: Preseli Press 

Page Length: 306 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Bosworth 1485

Henry Tudor becomes King of England and hopes to unite Lancaster and York through marriage to the beautiful Elizabeth of York.

With help from his mother, Lady Margaret Beaufort, he learns to keep a fragile peace. He chooses a Spanish Princess, Catherine of Aragon, as a wife for his son Prince Arthur.

It seems his prayers are answered, then disaster strikes and Henry must ensure the future of the Tudors. 

Pick up your copy of 
The Tudor Trilogy series
HERE!

Tony Riches

Tony Riches is a full-time UK author of Tudor historical fiction. He lives with his wife in Pembrokeshire, West Wales and is a specialist in the lives of the early Tudors. As well as his new Elizabethan series, Tony’s historical fiction novels include the best-selling Tudor trilogy and his Brandon trilogy, (about Charles Brandon and his wives). For more information about Tony’s books please visit his website tonyriches.com and his blog, The Writing Desk and find him on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and Twitter @tonyriches. 

Book Review - Turning the World to Stone: The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One (1472 to 1488) by Kelly Evan

Turning the World to Stone: 
The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One (1472 to 1488) 
By Kelly Evans

Publication Date: 29th April 2023
Publisher: Eska Publishing
Page Length: 387 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction / Biographical Fiction

“Could I write all, the world would turn to stone.”

Vilified by history, Caterina Sforza learned early that her life was not her own. Married at age ten, she was a pawn in the ever-changing political environment of Renaissance Italy.

Resigned to her life as a fifteenth-century wife, Caterina adapted to the role she was expected to play: raising and educating her children, helping the poor in her new home, and turning a blind eye to her husband’s increasingly shameful behaviour. But Fate had other plans for her, and soon Caterina’s path would be plagued by murder, betrayal, and heartbreak.

Their marriage would forge a powerful alliance between Milan and Rome. But Caterina Sforza was only ten years old and her groom, Girolamo Riario, was twenty years her senior.

 

Married in haste to secure the alliance, Caterina is forced to grow up quickly. 

Under the watchful and kind guidance of her stepmother Bona, Caterina learns the responsibilities of running a household. In addition, she is taught the skills of a healer.

 

Though she loves her family dearly, Caterina soon reaches the age where she must leave the warmth of her home and embark on a new life with her husband. She is hopeful that she will find some common ground with Girolamo. Alas, despite their mutual passion for hunting, they are as different as night and day. Compassion fills Caterina’s heart, while greed consumes Girolamo’s. Caterina’s obligation to her husband is clear, even in the face of their mutual dislike, as their union had been blessed by the Pope himself. Although faced with emotional adversity, she’s committed to creating the best possible environment for her children, and the people who came under her care.

 

Caterina’s vibrant personality and sociability means she becomes a prominent figure within Roman aristocratic circles and a favourite niece of Pope Sixtus IV. But there is a darkening shadow on the horizon, for there is unrest between the powerful families of Italy. Caterina must exercise patience, vigilance, and unwavering devotion to God in her hope that her husband stays clear of political conspiracies and whispered rumours of defiance.

 

Turning the World to Stone: The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One (1472 to 1488) by Kelly Evans is the unforgettable story of the early years of Caterina Sforza's life.

 

The combination of a captivating story, elegant prose, and careful attention to historical detail makes this novel a truly compelling read. The reader does not need a comprehensive knowledge of this period of history for Evans is a masterful storyteller, she brings this era and the people who lived there back to glorious life. The dialogue between the characters is as rich, radiant and sometimes as bold as the colourful silks that adorned the nobles. Everything about this book is vibrant, and it is utterly compelling from beginning to end.

 

Rome’s spiritual essence is captured in all its sacred magnificence. Set in the Early Renaissance period, this book features fleeting encounters with Botticelli and Da Vinci as they start their iconic works. While the Vatican may seem dazzling, beneath the façade lies an undercurrent of tension, that no amount of paint can hide. The political scheming and the instability inherent in those who crave more power and status is evident if one were to just scratch the surface.

 

Evans has presented her readers with a concise retelling of Caterina’s life, focusing not only on the key events of the era such as the Pazzi Conspiracy, but also the everyday mundane things, although there was not much in Caterina’s life that could be called mundane, even a trip to the market could become something of an adventure! Evans’ retelling of Caterina’s early years and adulthood is a glorious success. Caterina, though sometimes maligned by history (by rumours), is a fascinating historical figure who commands respect and this novel gives her the respect that she is long overdue. Circumstance, not ambition, has made her a heroine that is worth reading about. The details of her marriage, her time in Rome, and her husband’s dishonesty make this story incredibly captivating. But her courage under adversary is where she achieves the most admiration from the reader.

 

Pope Sixtus IV’s depiction highlights his kindness and indulgence as an uncle, especially towards Caterina. He shows genuine fondness for her, and she feels a strong sense of support from him. Caterina is still young and learning that appearances can be deceiving. Pope Sixtus IV has his own agenda, and despite his accomplishments, including commissioning the Sistine Chapel and expanding the Vatican Library, Pope Sixtus IV’s open practice of nepotism, prioritizing family over merit, results in significant harm and resentment, and the reader can understand why. His persistent backing of men like his nephew, Girolamo, the Church’s Captain General, exposes the fragility of patronage. Such patronage leaves Caterina open to hostile encounters that are not of her making.

 

Merit, based on connections rather than true worth, may not endure when faced with a strong adversary. But while the Pope is alive, Girolamo is seemingly untouchable. This trait, however, makes Girolamo incredibly susceptible, not just to adversaries, but also to his own hubris and cruelty. From the start, Girolamo is unlikeable, creating a strong aversion in the reader that persists throughout the story. Despite Caterina’s earnest efforts to make their marriage work, his unpredictable nature and later, his paranoia (though not entirely unwarranted) about being assassinated, ultimately prevents the reader from feeling much sympathy for his situation. Despite Caterina’s best efforts to win over her people, Girolamo’s actions seem to sabotage her attempts, leaving her frustrated and often simmering with anger. Although Girolamo is essential to the narrative’s progress, it is evident that his greed and fear bring with them a serious threat to his family.

 

This novel is set during an era when child marriages were considered the norm, and therefore there are some scenes which some readers may find very upsetting. Evans has treated Caterina’s wedding night depiction delicately, showing respect for her readers and Caterina herself. There are no explicit details, but Evans has not shied away from the horrors that young girls faced. Caterina is very accepting of her situation, which is utterly heart-breaking for the modern reader, for she knows this is the way things are and there is nothing she can say that will change her situation. There are, therefore, some very distressing scenes in this novel, so having a box of tissues nearby is a must.

“Turning the World to Stone: The Life of Caterina Sforza Part One (1472 to 1488)” by Kelly Evans is a scholarly masterpiece that draws you in and holds your attention. It’s a heart-wrenching story, yet it also possesses a certain beauty that celebrates the life of a truly extraordinary woman. This novel comes highly recommended. 

Review by Mary Anne Yarde

Yarde Reviews & Book Promotion

 

Pick up your copy of

Turning the World to Stone

HERE!

Kelly Evans

I started writing in high school and have always been fascinated by history, eventually earning a degree in the subject. The merging of the two came naturally when I started writing full time a few years ago.

In my alternate identity as Lady Matilda, I post satirical articles on managing your medieval manor during the Black Death. 

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Ride with the Moonlight (Thunder on the Moor, Book 2) by Andrea Matthews

 

Ride with the Moonlight
(Thunder on the Moor, Book 2) 
By Andrea Matthews

Publication Date: 25th November 2020

Publisher: Inez M. Foster

Page Length: 387 pages

Genre: Historical Time Travel Romance

After rescuing sixteenth-century Border reiver Will Foster from certain death at her family’s hands, time traveler Maggie Armstrong finally admits her love for the handsome Englishman, though she can’t rid herself of the sinking suspicion that her Scottish kin are not about to let them live in peace. What she doesn’t expect is the danger that lurks on Will’s own side of the Border. When news of their plans to marry reaches the warden, he charges Will with March treason for trysting with a Scot. Will and Maggie attempt to escape by fleeing to the hills, but when Will is declared an outlaw and allowed to be killed on sight, they can no longer evade the authorities. Will is sentenced to hang, while Maggie is to be sent back to her family. Heartbroken, she has no choice but to return to Scotland, where her uncle continues to make plans for her to wed Ian Rutherford, the wicked Scotsman who she now realizes murdered her father in cold blood. With Will facing the gallows in England, and herself practically under house arrest in Scotland, she continues to resist her uncle’s plans, but her efforts are thwarted at every turn.Will’s family, however, is not about to stand by and watch their youngest lad executed simply because he’s lost his heart to a Scottish lass. A daring plan is set into motion, but will it be in time to save Will’s life and reunite the lovers? Or will Ian’s lies prompt Maggie’s family to ensure the bond between them is forever destroyed?

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Ride with the Moonlight

HERE!

Andrea Matthews

Andrea Matthews is the pseudonym for Inez Foster, a historian and librarian who loves to read and write and search around for her roots, genealogical speaking. She has a BA in History and an MLS in Library Science, and enjoys the research almost as much as she does writing the story. In fact, many of her ideas come to her while doing casual research or digging into her family history. She is the author of the Thunder on the Moor series set on the 16th century Anglo-Scottish Border, and the Cross of Ciaran series, where a fifteen hundred year old Celt finds himself in the twentieth century. Andrea also writes historical mysteries under the pen name I. M. Foster. Her series A South Shore Mystery is set in the early 1900s on Long Island. Andrea is a member of the Long Island Romance Writers, and the Historical Novel Society.

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