Dark Hunter
A town under seige. A killer within
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Birlinn General
Published:7th Apr '22
Should be back in stock very soon
In Dark Hunter, young squire Benedict Russell races against time to uncover a murderer and a traitor amidst the chaos of 1317 Scotland.
Set in the tumultuous year of 1317, Dark Hunter follows the journey of young English squire Benedict Russell as he joins the garrison of Berwick-upon-Tweed, the last remaining English stronghold in Scotland. After the Scots' decisive victory at Bannockburn, tensions run high, and the threat of invasion looms ever closer. Benedict, serious and plagued by self-doubt, finds himself grappling with the harsh realities of life on the front lines, where every decision could mean the difference between life and death.
As the Scots draw nearer and the English king remains indifferent to the perilous situation, Benedict is thrust into a race against time. He must unravel the mystery behind the brutal murder of a young girl, which has shaken the already fragile community within Berwick’s walls. The stakes escalate as he realizes that a traitor may be hiding among his fellow soldiers, undermining their efforts and jeopardizing their safety.
Dark Hunter immerses readers in a gripping historical narrative filled with suspense and intrigue. With the fate of Berwick hanging in the balance, Benedict must confront his fears and insecurities, ultimately discovering the strength and courage he never knew he possessed. This tale of bravery, betrayal, and the quest for justice will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
'Dark Hunter offers a fascinating glimpse of how the Scottish Wars of Independence may have been perceived from the other side'
-- Allan Massie * The Scotsman *'A lifetime of extensive research has resulted in the firm grasp of period detail that makes Dark Hunter an immersive and entertaining read'
-- Alastair Mabbott * The Herald *'Watson, a medieval historian, brings to vivid life the sights, sounds and smells of this 14th-century world, especially the claustrophobic, volatile atmosphere of Berwick, with encroaching danger outside the walls and treachery nestling in the nooks and crannies of the streets'
* Daily Mail *'As a portrayal of a mediaeval town under siege, the novel is excellent'
* LoveReading *'Choc full of joys'
-- Kenny Farquharson'A masterful debut novel'
* Bookliterati *'The story is well told and captures beautifully the time and essence of the 14th century… For lovers of historical fiction, this is a book to be enjoyed by the fire on a cold evening’
* Historical Novel Society *'An excellent medieval mystery novel that is pacey and full of tension, but which is also historically fascinating and informative'
* Scottish Field *'The historical background in this novel is impeccable... definitely worth a read'
-- Graham Drew * Scots Magazine, Book of the Month *'brings the tension of a dangerously claustrophobic 14th century Berwick-upon-Tweed to life'
* Dundee CouriISBN: 9781846976117
Dimensions: 195mm x 130mm x 20mm
Weight: 246g
336 pages