A Cruel Corpse by Ben Bergonzi

A Cruel Corpse
By Ben Bergonzi

Publication Date: 25th June 2025
Publisher: Holand Press
Page Length: 316
Genre: Historical Fiction

Hang for murder, or destroy a secret that protects their precious ways of life. Can Jasper and Hayden find a third way forward?

Carlisle, September 1747.

A rebellion has been put down, but trouble persists for two soldiers in the government army. Jasper Greatheed is a man with a secret.

As a ‘molly’ he could be hanged for sodomy.

His friend is also living a lie – Private Hayden Gray is in fact a woman. Two years ago she joined the army to escape a life of debt and victimisation.

Unsuspected until now, they are part of the garrison of Carlisle castle.

When a vicious sergeant is murdered, Hayden comes under sharp suspicion. Her only alibi will wreck her masquerade, and if she is exposed, as her ‘dresser’ Jasper will not keep his secret for long either.

They set out to find the sergeant’s real murderer before time runs out.

After all, the officer who is leading the official investigation has reason to hate Hayden.

Inspired by real-life female soldiers who served in the military in the 18th century, A Cruel Corpse is an accomplished blend of history and crime.

Pick up your copy of

A Cruel Corpse

HERE!

Ben Bergonzi

Ben Bergonzi had a career in education and heritage, including spending time as a museum curator and as a manager of document digitization, Ben now works mainly as a reviewer and writer. He is a Reviews Editor for Historical Novels Review. Born in the north of England, he has spent most of his life in the midlands and the south; currently he lives with his family on the cusp of London and Chiltern Hills. His days as a re-enactor are long behind him, but he often remembers them while writing. 

Connect with Ben Bergonzi:

Bluesky

Twitter