Synopses & Reviews
Praise for the Hangman's Daughter series: "I loved every page, character, and plot twist of
The Hangmans Daughter, an inventive historical novel about a seventeenth-century hangmans quest to save a witch—from himself." —Scott Turow
"Swift and sure, compelling as any conspiracy theory, persuasive as any spasm of paranoia, The Dark Monk grips you at the base of your skull and doesn't let go." —Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked and Out of Oz
1666: Two monks at the monastery of Andechs experiment with cutting-edge technology, including a method of deflecting the lightning that has previously set the monastery ablaze. When one of the monks disappears and his lab is destroyed, foul play is suspected. Who better to investigate than the famed hangman Jakob Kuisl? But as the hangman and his family attempt to solve the mystery of the missing monk, they must deal with both the mysterious denizens of the monastery and villagers who view the monks inventions as witchcraft that must be destroyed at all costs. The Poisoned Pilgrim is the thrilling fourth entry in the bestselling Hangmans Daughter series, which has been described as "swift and sure," "darkly atmospheric," and "a fascinating web of intrigue" by fans such as Scott Turow, Katherine Neville, and Gregory Maguire.
Synopsis
It is the year 1666. The physician Simon and his wife, Magdalena, the hangmans daughter, set out from their home in Schongau, southern Bavaria, to make a pilgrimage to Andechs Abbey. Once there, Simon meets the mysterious Brother Virgilius, a watchmaker and inventor. Simon is fascinated by the eerie automata Virgilius has created. When the monk disappears and his workshop is destroyed, Simon senses there is evil at work and calls in Jakob Kuisl, the hangman of Schongau. Together they embark on a quest - to find a maniacal murderer . . .
Synopsis
1666: The monastery at Andechs has long been a pilgrimage destination, but when the hangmans daughter, Magdalena, her doctor husband Simon, and their two small children arrive there, they learn that the monks have far larger concerns than saying Mass and receiving alms. It seems that once again, the hangmans family has fallen into a mysterious and dangerous adventure.
Two monks at the monastery experiment with cutting-edge technology, including a method of deflecting the lightning that has previously set the monastery ablaze. When one of the monks disappears and his lab is destroyed, foul play is suspected. Who better to investigate than the famed hangman, Jakob Kuisl? But as the hangman and his family attempt to solve the mystery of the missing monk, they must deal with both the eccentric denizens of the monastery and villagers who view the monks inventions as witchcraft that must be destroyed at all costs.
This thrilling fourth entry of The Hangmans Daughter series features scheming monks, murderous robots, and the action and intrigue that never seem to cease when the Kuisls are on a case.
Synopsis
Daughters of the Witching Hill reveals the true story of Bess Southerns, also known as Old Demdike, a cunning woman, healer, and the most notorious of the Pendle Witches of 1612 in Lancaster, England.
Synopsis
Daughters of theWitching Hill brings history to life in a vivid and wrenching account of a family sustained by love as they try to survive the hysteria of a witch-hunt.
Bess Southerns, an impoverished widow living in Pendle Forest, is haunted by visions and gains a reputation as a cunning woman. Drawing on the Catholic folk magic of her youth, Bess heals the sick and foretells the future. As she ages, she instructs her granddaughter, Alizon, in her craft, as well as her best friend, who ultimately turns to dark magic.
When a peddler suffers a stroke after exchanging harsh words with Alizon, a local magistrate, eager to make his name as a witch finder, plays neighbors and family members against one another until suspicion and paranoia reach frenzied heights.
Sharratt interweaves well-researched historical details of the 1612 Pendle witch-hunt with a beautifully imagined story of strong women, family, and betrayal. Daughters of the Witching Hill is a powerful novel of intrigue and revelation.
Synopsis
An epic tale of murder, treachery, bravery, and love An epic standalone novel of historical fiction tinged with mystery, set against the backdrop of Medieval Germanyand#39;s Peasant War.and#160; From the bestselling author of The Hangmanand#39;s Daughter series and The Ludwig Conspiracy.
Synopsis
In a new Georgian-era mystery by a "truly spellbinding" (
Guardian) author, Antonia Hodgson, Tom Hawkins prays for a royal pardon as he relives the espionage, underground dealings, and murder accusations that sent him to the gallows.
Synopsis
London, 1728. Tom Hawkins is headed to the gallows, accused of murder. Gentlemen don’t hang and Tom’s damned if he’ll be the first. He may not be much of a gentleman, but he is innocent. He just always finds his way into a spot of bad luck.
It’s hard to say when Tom’s troubles began. He was happily living in sin with his beloved, Kitty Sparks—though their neighbors were certainly less pleased about that. He probably shouldn't have told London’s most cunning criminal mastermind that he was 'bored and looking for adventure.' Nor should he have offered to help the king's mistress in her desperate struggles with a brutal and vindictive husband. And he definitely shouldn't have trusted the calculating Queen Caroline. She’s promised him a royal pardon if he holds his tongue, but then again, there is nothing more silent than a hanged man.
Now Tom must scramble to save his life and protect those he loves. But as the noose tightens, his time is running out.
About the Author
OLIVER PÖTZSCH, born in 1970, has worked for years as a scriptwriter for Bavarian television. He is a descendant of one of Bavaria’s leading dynasties of executioners. Pötzsch lives in Munich with his family.
Lee Chadeayne is a former classical musician and college professor. He was one of the charter members of the American Literary Translators Association and is editor-in-chief of ALTA News.
Lee Chadeayne is a former classical musician and college professor. He was one of the charter members of the American Literary Translators Association and is editor-in-chief of ALTA News.