Her fears for their children and her absent husband realized as William’s desire for revenge tears their world apart. Her courage, however remains undiminished. ‘When you must face Maxwell, give evidence before the King. Have you thought on that?’ ‘If I do not face Maxwell, I will not be able to face myself.’ A sweeping tale of compassion and cruelty, treachery and sacrifice, set against the backdrop of a religious war, feuding clans and the Great Scottish Witch Hunt of 1597.  

This eagerly awaited sequel to Turn of the Tide can also be read as a stand-alone novel and will appeal to fans of Winston Graham's Poldark, Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall and C J Sansom's Shardlake series. Margaret Skea - Beryl Bainbridge Award for Best First Time Novelist 2014 

 

Professional Reviews. 

'Captivating and fast-paced. You’ll find yourself reading far into the night. Ann Weisgarber: Walter Scott and Orange Prize shortlisted author of The Promise 

 'A classic adventure that grips from the very first page.' Shirley McKay author of the Hew Cullen mystery series. 

 ‘Margaret Skea brings 16th century Scotland to vivid life.' Sharon K Penman

‘The quality of the writing and the research is outstanding.’ Jeffrey Archer 

 ‘A rollicking good read … Skea is definitely a name to watch out for.’ Scottish Field Magazine 

 ‘The sheer villainy of some characters will take your breath away.’ Historical Novels Review 

‘More down-in-the-dirt than Diana Gabaldon and just as meticulously researched as Philippa Gregory. It's touching, fierce and surprising, with a sprinkling of humour.’ The Bookbag