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Thomas Berrington #1
The Red Hill
A killer who can’t be stopped. A request that can’t be refused.
In 1482 the Englishman Thomas Berrington is living in the last remnants of Moorish Spain. A physician, he is an unwilling friend to the most powerful man in the kingdom. When bodies start to turn up, each showing the marks of a savage attack, Thomas is asked to investigate.
When one of the Sultan’s wives is brutally murdered, what begins as a reluctant task turns into a fight for survival. Together with the eunuch Jorge, Thomas attempts to hunt down the killer before they become his next victims. Except nothing is as it seems—friends turn into enemies and enemies into friends.
Thomas’s investigation lays bare the secrets of the Red Hill and the people who inhabit it. His discoveries culminate in a battle not only for his own life, but for the lives of those he loves.
In 1482 the Englishman Thomas Berrington is living in the last remnants of Moorish Spain. A physician, he is an unwilling friend to the most powerful man in the kingdom. When bodies start to turn up, each showing the marks of a savage attack, Thomas is asked to investigate.
When one of the Sultan’s wives is brutally murdered, what begins as a reluctant task turns into a fight for survival. Together with the eunuch Jorge, Thomas attempts to hunt down the killer before they become his next victims. Except nothing is as it seems—friends turn into enemies and enemies into friends.
Thomas’s investigation lays bare the secrets of the Red Hill and the people who inhabit it. His discoveries culminate in a battle not only for his own life, but for the lives of those he loves.
392 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2014
1557 people are currently reading
1890 people want to read
About the author
David Penny
18 books122 followersBorn in London in 1950, David Penny began writing at a tender age after moving to Mid Wales. Initially obsessed with all things science-fiction he read avidly and wrote even more. His first publications came at the age of seventeen in small fanzines. At the age of twenty-three a short story was accepted by Galaxy magazine – his first payment for writing. This was followed by appearances in the UK magazine Vertex. At the age of 24 his first novel, The Sunset People, was accepted for publication by Robert Hale and David was taken on by the Leslie Flood Literary Agency. Three other science fiction novels followed: Starchant, Out of Time and Sunshine 43.
David enjoyed a dissipated and wasteful (but not wasted) youth, doing little other than writing, growing his hair (a pursuit sadly no longer available to him) and following an alternative lifestyle. Into such an idyllic existence real life rudely interrupted, and David spent the next 35+ years in a variety of jobs, eventually running his own software company.
As the years wore on he missed writing more and more, and eventually returned to it.
The Red Hill is his first novel in 35 years and introduces the surgeon-detective Thomas Berrington.
David enjoyed a dissipated and wasteful (but not wasted) youth, doing little other than writing, growing his hair (a pursuit sadly no longer available to him) and following an alternative lifestyle. Into such an idyllic existence real life rudely interrupted, and David spent the next 35+ years in a variety of jobs, eventually running his own software company.
As the years wore on he missed writing more and more, and eventually returned to it.
The Red Hill is his first novel in 35 years and introduces the surgeon-detective Thomas Berrington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 205 reviews
February 29, 2016
I enjoyed this book, but didn't love it.
The historical setting is superb, with the general mood and light well conveyed. Very few references to actual historical events, but that fitted with the book. Marred by the fact that the presence of corridors in the alhambra seems rather incredible.
The choice of characters was appealing: the two main are interesting and intriguing, as are many of the supporting cast.
The plot was less convincing. The investigation seemed to move forward hapzardly. Thomas Berrington showed little use of logic - indeed on a couple of occasions he blatantly disreguarded potential sources of information - and therre was no discernible outside drive on events.
This wasn't helped by several repetitions.
The historical setting is superb, with the general mood and light well conveyed. Very few references to actual historical events, but that fitted with the book. Marred by the fact that the presence of corridors in the alhambra seems rather incredible.
The choice of characters was appealing: the two main are interesting and intriguing, as are many of the supporting cast.
The plot was less convincing. The investigation seemed to move forward hapzardly. Thomas Berrington showed little use of logic - indeed on a couple of occasions he blatantly disreguarded potential sources of information - and therre was no discernible outside drive on events.
This wasn't helped by several repetitions.
August 10, 2014
Tom Berrington, surgeon and one-time warrior, is from a north European country (never named but probably England) but has lived in Andalucia for many years and presents his story of murder and intrigue from a point of view steeped in Islam. It is the late fifteenth century and the Islamic hold on Spain is loosening but not yet broken. The task of the writer of historical fiction is to make us believe everything we read, while we’re reading it. David Penny achieves this better than most. This is a novel that you sink into, seeing the sights and hearing the sounds, and Penny moves the story along skilfully so that you never question the people or the motivations. The characters come alive with their fears and hopes and, if none of them is presented in great depth, deep psychological insight isn’t what you look for in a thriller like this. Most notable of all in an independently published book, it’s well edited and the writing is to an exceptionally high standard. A first class read and well worth your time; I recommend it.
October 6, 2015
Thomas Berrington, an English surgeon in the employ of the Moorish Sultan of Granada, has been appointed to investigate a murder. But why would the Sultan choose a surgeon to conduct and investigation? This is a question Thomas Berrington asks himself time and time again. He does have friends he can trust but he has enemies who sill stop at nothing to cover their crimes. But who is friend and who is foe?
From beginning to end, the story has more twists and turns than a snake suffering a seizure. A very entertaing read, especially for those who like a historical mystery.
From beginning to end, the story has more twists and turns than a snake suffering a seizure. A very entertaing read, especially for those who like a historical mystery.
February 2, 2016
As I have written in other reviews, in addition to the “mystery” in a book, mysteries can have a strong place of location. Furthermore, the challenges of solving a mystery can be increased by the overall environment or timing of the action. For example, there is a great deal of difference between say a “Midsomer Murder” or “Morse/Lewis” on the one hand and “Folye’s War” on the other. In the former, life is “calm” in the big picture, yet there are many local issues that drive the rationale; in the later, there are larger events that often allow the criminal to get away free, or at least compromise the action of solving the mystery. These later are quite interesting.
After recently returning from a vacation to Spain (Madrid, Córdoba, Sevilla, and Granada), I was thinking – would it not be interesting to have a mystery, either in current time or in particular in historical times take place during the Moorish period. And in a visit to Amazon I discovered a historical mystery, The Red Hill, and its second, Breaker of Bones. [While I was thinking how great it would be to write such a mystery – in my retirement – I was both disappointed that someone had done that already; and delighted that others thought this was a great setting for a mystery.]
There is an unlikely protagonist, Thomas Berrington, a physician from England living in Granada during the waning years of Moorish rule, along with a eunuch of the Sultan’s court, Jorge. Thomas has a past which unfolds during the book, but to his contemporaries he is a skilled if unsympathetic surgeon who believes to triage and operate fast to save lives. He is given the task, by the Sultan, to solve a series of killings, in the harem. …
There are multiple characters in the book, who we do not know, until the end, who is truly a friend or a foe.
For me it was exciting to see the idea of a mystery unfold during this turbulent time, in a culture mixed of races throughout Europe, all with allegiance to the Sultan. Of course, this is a work of fiction and one where the author takes some literary license. But having just been to Granada, having seen the Alhambra, and the river Darro, and the hills, streets and houses of Albaicín, I could project my experience into the book.
While this is not quite a 5 star book, I give it 4.5 (mostly because one piece of the puzzle that screamed out for understanding and research was not done until the very end – and I knew it).
A great read!
After recently returning from a vacation to Spain (Madrid, Córdoba, Sevilla, and Granada), I was thinking – would it not be interesting to have a mystery, either in current time or in particular in historical times take place during the Moorish period. And in a visit to Amazon I discovered a historical mystery, The Red Hill, and its second, Breaker of Bones. [While I was thinking how great it would be to write such a mystery – in my retirement – I was both disappointed that someone had done that already; and delighted that others thought this was a great setting for a mystery.]
There is an unlikely protagonist, Thomas Berrington, a physician from England living in Granada during the waning years of Moorish rule, along with a eunuch of the Sultan’s court, Jorge. Thomas has a past which unfolds during the book, but to his contemporaries he is a skilled if unsympathetic surgeon who believes to triage and operate fast to save lives. He is given the task, by the Sultan, to solve a series of killings, in the harem. …
There are multiple characters in the book, who we do not know, until the end, who is truly a friend or a foe.
For me it was exciting to see the idea of a mystery unfold during this turbulent time, in a culture mixed of races throughout Europe, all with allegiance to the Sultan. Of course, this is a work of fiction and one where the author takes some literary license. But having just been to Granada, having seen the Alhambra, and the river Darro, and the hills, streets and houses of Albaicín, I could project my experience into the book.
While this is not quite a 5 star book, I give it 4.5 (mostly because one piece of the puzzle that screamed out for understanding and research was not done until the very end – and I knew it).
A great read!
April 13, 2017
OK plot, but I must admit to solving it long, long before Thomas, won't be getting book 2
April 23, 2017
I read this book while vacationing in the Albaycin area of Granada gazing out the window at the Alhambra, the very setting of this 15th century Moorish mystery. I almost didn't read it past the rather gory first chapter, but I'm so glad I did. It was fast paced, the characters were masterfully drawn, and the plot intelligent drawing on the history of the area preceding the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella. There were a few places in the book that gave me pause in my reading pleasure, but generally I could not put it down and appreciated the skill the author brought to this time in history.
June 28, 2018
Solid first book in a series following ex-pat English physician Berrington during the final years of Moorish Grenada. Being favored by the Sultan is not actually a positive, and Thomas must solve a series of brutal murders in the palace, and negotiate the highly political life in the kingdom, as an outsider. Cool setting, good characters, and action, check it out.
December 4, 2021
Not for me!!!
Not a a bad story if you like this kind of read. The characters where a little off balance. But I thank you for your story.
Not a a bad story if you like this kind of read. The characters where a little off balance. But I thank you for your story.
October 23, 2018
Wonderful book
This is a very well written who done it novel with great characters. Thomas Berrington ranks up there with all the other great detectives. A great book that I highly recommend. Now excuse me while I go and buy more of this book series.
This is a very well written who done it novel with great characters. Thomas Berrington ranks up there with all the other great detectives. A great book that I highly recommend. Now excuse me while I go and buy more of this book series.
January 1, 2018
I enjoyed aspects of this, especially the historical setting. I didn't feel like I'd found out why Berringer is so attached to the Grenada area and the culture. We do get some of Berringer's background, though.
I don't like when mystery or suspense books include the viewpoint of a serial killer, but I think that's just me. I'd rather stay in the viewpoint of sympathetic characters.
Berringer willfully ignored two women telling him that they'd found important pieces of evidence. He would have gotten much further much faster if he'd listened to them or read their messages. He'd decide a certain person or group were guilty, then believe it until he was proved wrong.
There were several important plot points about secret passages within the castle. It was hard to believe that only a couple of people knew about them, when so many people lived in the castle and were extremely familiar with it.
There was an instance where a rather important person blamed him for what a girl had done, even though he'd expressly told the girl not to do that. That seemed very unfair to me.
The ending was a downer, with threats from someone he'd ended up helping. Solving a murder mystery often seems to have the detective returning to his or her status quo, not having their situation made worse at the end.
As some Amazon reviewers pointed out, there were some mistakes that a proofreader could have caught. However, I found less of those than is typical of an independently published book.
I recommend the book to those who enjoy historical mysteries. Berringer is just not a very good detective, ignoring evidence that would have been helpful, and blaming the wrong person again and again. But I enjoyed the various colorful characters in this world.
I don't like when mystery or suspense books include the viewpoint of a serial killer, but I think that's just me. I'd rather stay in the viewpoint of sympathetic characters.
Berringer willfully ignored two women telling him that they'd found important pieces of evidence. He would have gotten much further much faster if he'd listened to them or read their messages. He'd decide a certain person or group were guilty, then believe it until he was proved wrong.
There were several important plot points about secret passages within the castle. It was hard to believe that only a couple of people knew about them, when so many people lived in the castle and were extremely familiar with it.
There was an instance where a rather important person blamed him for what a girl had done, even though he'd expressly told the girl not to do that. That seemed very unfair to me.
The ending was a downer, with threats from someone he'd ended up helping. Solving a murder mystery often seems to have the detective returning to his or her status quo, not having their situation made worse at the end.
As some Amazon reviewers pointed out, there were some mistakes that a proofreader could have caught. However, I found less of those than is typical of an independently published book.
I recommend the book to those who enjoy historical mysteries. Berringer is just not a very good detective, ignoring evidence that would have been helpful, and blaming the wrong person again and again. But I enjoyed the various colorful characters in this world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2014
The Red Hill Thomas Berrington Book 1
David Penny
British physician Thomas Berrington is in the service of the Sultan in Moorish Spain. He plies his surgeons trade treating the royal family and wounded warriors all the while gaining the sultan’s trust. When the sultan asks him to investigate a series of strange and violent murders of women within the palace he cannot refuse. Thomas must contend with court intrigue but when one of the sultan’s pregnant wives is killed, what began as an onerous task turns into a fight for survival. Thomas attempts to hunt down the killer before he becomes the next victim. Thomas’s investigation reveals secrets of the Red Hill. His discoveries culminate in a battle not only for his own life, but for the lives of those he loves.
Penny has provided a masterfully devious plotting with plenty of twists, as well as political and cultural intrigue of fifteenth century Moorish Spain. Character development is full and complete. The reader quickly becomes acquainted with a colorful cast full of fifteenth century people. Thomas Berrington, Jorge the young eunuch, Thomas’ concubine Helena and many others are characters a reader can care about. The setting is artfully drawn, giving the reader a powerful sense of Moorish Spain.
This novel is culturally rich and a great detective story. It’s well worth the read.
David Penny
British physician Thomas Berrington is in the service of the Sultan in Moorish Spain. He plies his surgeons trade treating the royal family and wounded warriors all the while gaining the sultan’s trust. When the sultan asks him to investigate a series of strange and violent murders of women within the palace he cannot refuse. Thomas must contend with court intrigue but when one of the sultan’s pregnant wives is killed, what began as an onerous task turns into a fight for survival. Thomas attempts to hunt down the killer before he becomes the next victim. Thomas’s investigation reveals secrets of the Red Hill. His discoveries culminate in a battle not only for his own life, but for the lives of those he loves.
Penny has provided a masterfully devious plotting with plenty of twists, as well as political and cultural intrigue of fifteenth century Moorish Spain. Character development is full and complete. The reader quickly becomes acquainted with a colorful cast full of fifteenth century people. Thomas Berrington, Jorge the young eunuch, Thomas’ concubine Helena and many others are characters a reader can care about. The setting is artfully drawn, giving the reader a powerful sense of Moorish Spain.
This novel is culturally rich and a great detective story. It’s well worth the read.
April 9, 2024
It's a whodunnit set in the Alhambra in Granada in 1842 whilst it was still part of the Moorish empire.
Annoyingly, despite the flimsy and unconvincing plot, it is a bit of page-turner and reasonably gripping - so one star awarded. And there's enough historical information to justify a second star, but no more.
The 'sleuth' Thomas Berrington gets it irritatingly wrong all the way through. There's lots of needless repetition of his pet (incorrect) theory about who the baddies and the denouement at the end is totally unconvincing - the motive for murder is ridiculously weak. The characters are one-dimensional. I also got a bit fed up reading about exactly what happened to Jorge's testicles - a couple of mentions of that would have been sufficient, really.
Annoyingly, despite the flimsy and unconvincing plot, it is a bit of page-turner and reasonably gripping - so one star awarded. And there's enough historical information to justify a second star, but no more.
The 'sleuth' Thomas Berrington gets it irritatingly wrong all the way through. There's lots of needless repetition of his pet (incorrect) theory about who the baddies and the denouement at the end is totally unconvincing - the motive for murder is ridiculously weak. The characters are one-dimensional. I also got a bit fed up reading about exactly what happened to Jorge's testicles - a couple of mentions of that would have been sufficient, really.
August 19, 2014
I received this book free, from Story Cartel, for a review.
This book immersed me, so deeply, into life of Thomas, I felt I was along side of him. The characters were beautifully written, the scenery was quite descriptive and even some of the scents came through.
The mystery in this book is full of twists, thrills and betrayal. The journey of Thomas is so intriguing, I had a hard time putting it down. I enjoyed this book so much, that it is going on my favorites list. I will be reading more of David Pennys' books.
I recommend this book for fans of mysteries.
This book immersed me, so deeply, into life of Thomas, I felt I was along side of him. The characters were beautifully written, the scenery was quite descriptive and even some of the scents came through.
The mystery in this book is full of twists, thrills and betrayal. The journey of Thomas is so intriguing, I had a hard time putting it down. I enjoyed this book so much, that it is going on my favorites list. I will be reading more of David Pennys' books.
I recommend this book for fans of mysteries.
September 14, 2015
This is one of those crime novels that encapsulates what's great about the genre. It delivers on great plotting and execution while also educating the reader on a period and place I personally had no prior knowledge of. David has also managed to avoid the obvious pitfalls of shoving research down the readers throat (in order to prove they have done the due diligence) and instead weaves wonderful historical information into a story that is fundamentally about great characters and an exceptional narrative.
December 19, 2017
An interesting historical mystery that is different enough to make it memorable, however, i struggled to like several of the main characters in the book and i felt the last few chapters actually lost the tension that had built up rather than increased it as it should have. There is a certain amount of visual style in the book and the setting was vividly brought to life. I will continue with the series at some point but it certainly isnt good enough to make me want to binge read the set!
September 10, 2018
I found the story very slow to start and I kept giving up reading as I found other books which interested me more. Having said that I did keep up the good fight and struggle along as it is an award winning book and I was convinced I must have missed something.
I must admit that I was defeated in the end and gave up at about 70% of the way through. I found the characters unbelievable and story too slow to develop. It simply didn't work for me.
Sorry
I must admit that I was defeated in the end and gave up at about 70% of the way through. I found the characters unbelievable and story too slow to develop. It simply didn't work for me.
Sorry
June 18, 2020
Really enjoyable. And it's the first in a series!
July 1, 2017
Very interesting An area I've no idea of. A gripping tale, interesting characters. A time I'm nor very knowledgeable about. And most of all a very interesting mystery. Hist fic at it's best. Highly recommended
February 23, 2019
A good idea wasted
The basic idea of writing about a surgeon practising in Moorish Spain is good, but spoiled by some clunky writing. The protagonist has been given a frankly ridiculous back story and unbelievable fighting skills. Characterisation is negligible.
The basic idea of writing about a surgeon practising in Moorish Spain is good, but spoiled by some clunky writing. The protagonist has been given a frankly ridiculous back story and unbelievable fighting skills. Characterisation is negligible.
August 6, 2019
Another eunuch detective! Jorge al-Andalus, born in Qurtuba ("the Moorish pronunication"), remains friends with the physician who castrated him, Thomas, and the two of them have to figure out some stuff despite the antagonism of the Sultan.
June 9, 2025
Average story all in all. meh..not much thrill. I am from Middle East so I do not find Middle Eastern things to be exotic at all. That's the angle of the story to be honest. So it didn't really work for me.
It is written well I guess. to be fair to the writer.
It is written well I guess. to be fair to the writer.
June 1, 2017
I only read a chapter and decided it was not worth reading ...
November 27, 2017
This book needs editing. The clumsy writing overshadowed the story.
December 29, 2017
I bought this book because of the strong ratings. I have to say it was one of the most poorly plotted and edited books I’ve ever read.
June 18, 2018
I guess it was ok.
The story moved along at a herky-,jerky pace. Pretty predictable, other than the last scene that set up the sequel.
The story moved along at a herky-,jerky pace. Pretty predictable, other than the last scene that set up the sequel.
January 29, 2021
Brief synopsis from the book cover:
A killer who can’t be stopped, A request that can’t be refused.
In 1482 the Englishman Thomas Berrington is living in the last remnants of Moorish Spain. A physician, he is an unwilling friend to the most powerful man in the kingdom. When bodies start to turn up, each showing the marks of a savage attack, Thomas is asked to investigate.
When one of the Sultan’s wives is brutally murdered, what begins as a reluctant task turns into a fight for survival. Together with the eunuch Jorge, Thomas attempts to hunt down the killer before they become his next victims. Except nothing is as it seems, friends turn into enemies and enemies into friends.
Thomas’s investigation lays bare the secrets of the Red Hill and the people who inhabit it. His discoveries culminate in a battle not only for his own life, but for the lives of those he loves.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 3 out of 5 stars
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
Mystery and Suspense
Review:
The story takes place in Granada in 15th century Moorish Spain. This was the main reason the book appealed to me. As it’s a interesting historical period that has left a rich legacy of many beautiful buildings that make us wonder what life would have been like during that time.
The setting is well portrayed, an old city with a maze of streets and hidden alleys which creates an interesting atmosphere but other than that not a lot of historical facts are included. In general the plot is more of a murder mystery then historical fiction. The plot is interesting with a bit of mystery and suspense although the ending felt a little farfetched. The main characters were interesting and their actions were explained well enough this made them realistic.
Overall:
This an interesting mystery and suspense novel set in a beautiful place during a fascinating era.
The characters were interesting and felt realistic. The book is nicely written with enough mystery a suspense and intrigue to keep you going till the end.
A killer who can’t be stopped, A request that can’t be refused.
In 1482 the Englishman Thomas Berrington is living in the last remnants of Moorish Spain. A physician, he is an unwilling friend to the most powerful man in the kingdom. When bodies start to turn up, each showing the marks of a savage attack, Thomas is asked to investigate.
When one of the Sultan’s wives is brutally murdered, what begins as a reluctant task turns into a fight for survival. Together with the eunuch Jorge, Thomas attempts to hunt down the killer before they become his next victims. Except nothing is as it seems, friends turn into enemies and enemies into friends.
Thomas’s investigation lays bare the secrets of the Red Hill and the people who inhabit it. His discoveries culminate in a battle not only for his own life, but for the lives of those he loves.
My rating:
Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Writing: 4 out of 5 stars
Character development: 3 out of 5 stars
Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for readers of:
Historical Fiction
Mystery and Suspense
Review:
The story takes place in Granada in 15th century Moorish Spain. This was the main reason the book appealed to me. As it’s a interesting historical period that has left a rich legacy of many beautiful buildings that make us wonder what life would have been like during that time.
The setting is well portrayed, an old city with a maze of streets and hidden alleys which creates an interesting atmosphere but other than that not a lot of historical facts are included. In general the plot is more of a murder mystery then historical fiction. The plot is interesting with a bit of mystery and suspense although the ending felt a little farfetched. The main characters were interesting and their actions were explained well enough this made them realistic.
Overall:
This an interesting mystery and suspense novel set in a beautiful place during a fascinating era.
The characters were interesting and felt realistic. The book is nicely written with enough mystery a suspense and intrigue to keep you going till the end.
June 17, 2021
I wavered between 3 and 4 in rating this, and then decided I would rate it 3.5 if Goodreads would ever give us that option, and I will always round up for a Goodreads author. Also, the 3 might have been because there was a gap in my reading in the middle, while I was having trouble with my Kindle, and I think that caused me to lose some of the threads of the mystery.
The setting is rich and beautiful, and the events of the times are touched on but not explained in great detail—which makes sense for people living through it, since they wouldn’t need an extensive primer on their own current events. This isn’t a place or a time where my knowledge is especially strong, although reading about the European side of this conflict at least gave me some grounding. It was helpful, but I don’t think necessary to enjoy the book.
I loved the characters. I loved how flawed they were, and how hard they tried. I love that Thomas did not want, absolutely did not want the charge he was given, but he took it seriously and held the line, even when he was given the choice—no, the order—to stop. Jorge could have been a caricature, and instead was a richly drawn assistant, then partner, then friend, to Thomas. The supporting characters rounded out a very human cast, who tried and failed, who got back up again, who felt like entirely real people instead of pieces to a puzzle.
The only true issue I have could just as easily be my fault as the author’s. I had trouble following the threads of the investigation, and sometimes Thomas made what felt like massive leaps in logic. By the time the true killer and his master were revealed, I had no idea if any of it even made sense. I honestly wasn’t sure that it did, and I would have to re-read it (without the gap in the middle) to see if I could follow along. Honestly, the first part of the reveal felt a bit like, “The butler did it,” but, again, I am prepared to say that some or all of that could have been from my reading rather than from the author.
But, even with a somewhat haphazard (maybe) conclusion, it was a very well-done book, and I look forward to following Thomas and Jorge’s further adventures.
The setting is rich and beautiful, and the events of the times are touched on but not explained in great detail—which makes sense for people living through it, since they wouldn’t need an extensive primer on their own current events. This isn’t a place or a time where my knowledge is especially strong, although reading about the European side of this conflict at least gave me some grounding. It was helpful, but I don’t think necessary to enjoy the book.
I loved the characters. I loved how flawed they were, and how hard they tried. I love that Thomas did not want, absolutely did not want the charge he was given, but he took it seriously and held the line, even when he was given the choice—no, the order—to stop. Jorge could have been a caricature, and instead was a richly drawn assistant, then partner, then friend, to Thomas. The supporting characters rounded out a very human cast, who tried and failed, who got back up again, who felt like entirely real people instead of pieces to a puzzle.
The only true issue I have could just as easily be my fault as the author’s. I had trouble following the threads of the investigation, and sometimes Thomas made what felt like massive leaps in logic. By the time the true killer and his master were revealed, I had no idea if any of it even made sense. I honestly wasn’t sure that it did, and I would have to re-read it (without the gap in the middle) to see if I could follow along. Honestly, the first part of the reveal felt a bit like, “The butler did it,” but, again, I am prepared to say that some or all of that could have been from my reading rather than from the author.
But, even with a somewhat haphazard (maybe) conclusion, it was a very well-done book, and I look forward to following Thomas and Jorge’s further adventures.
June 17, 2017
The Red Hill is the first in a planned ten-part series which covers the decade leading up to the fall of Granada to Isabel and Fernando (or Isabella and Ferdinand) in 1492. Thomas Berrington is an Englishman with a complex backstory, some of which is revealed in this book. He is an accomplished surgeon, equally in demand on the battlefield and at court. When the Sultan asks him to investigate a series of murders, he would rather continue with his surgical work, but how do you refuse a man who can have you decapitated on a whim? He enlists his friend Jorge, a eunuch from the harem.
The Red Hill gives you a vivid sense of the culture of Moorish Andalucia. It takes in everything from medicine to religion to the intrigues of the harem. There is great chemistry between the serious and thoughtful Thomas and the handsome, playful Jorge, and there are a number of colourful minor characters. I have spent some time in Granada and it was particularly enjoyable to revisit familiar locations through their eyes and to imagine the Alhambra as it would have been at that time.
You get a sense of the cosmopolitan nature of the Moorish world. But always in the background is the threat from Spain, reports of battles on an ever-shifting border. Our knowledge that this is a world which will soon end, knowledge which of course the protagonists don’t have (though some see the possibility) gives the book an added poignancy.
The Red Hill ends pleasingly as it both wraps up the plot and sends Thomas’ life in a new direction, setting things up for the rest of the series. Occasionally I felt that Berrington’s thoughts were over-explained, or the dialogue a bit wordy, especially as the tension was building towards the end. However this is a small price to pay for such an enjoyable and engaging story. When I finished this book I immediately bought the next two in the series, which says it all.
A version of this review first appeared on my blog https://katevane.wordpress.com/
The Red Hill gives you a vivid sense of the culture of Moorish Andalucia. It takes in everything from medicine to religion to the intrigues of the harem. There is great chemistry between the serious and thoughtful Thomas and the handsome, playful Jorge, and there are a number of colourful minor characters. I have spent some time in Granada and it was particularly enjoyable to revisit familiar locations through their eyes and to imagine the Alhambra as it would have been at that time.
You get a sense of the cosmopolitan nature of the Moorish world. But always in the background is the threat from Spain, reports of battles on an ever-shifting border. Our knowledge that this is a world which will soon end, knowledge which of course the protagonists don’t have (though some see the possibility) gives the book an added poignancy.
The Red Hill ends pleasingly as it both wraps up the plot and sends Thomas’ life in a new direction, setting things up for the rest of the series. Occasionally I felt that Berrington’s thoughts were over-explained, or the dialogue a bit wordy, especially as the tension was building towards the end. However this is a small price to pay for such an enjoyable and engaging story. When I finished this book I immediately bought the next two in the series, which says it all.
A version of this review first appeared on my blog https://katevane.wordpress.com/
October 13, 2017
"The Red Hill" by David Penny, is among the best medieval mysteries I’ve read this year. Set in the fifteenth century, the mystery involves a series of murders within the harem of the Alhambra, the massive medieval palace of the sultan of Granada. The few witnesses to the attacks believe the killer to a djinn, a spirit of the air who appears out of nowhere wielding a deadly blade. With the sultan’s wives a potential target, the sultan enlists his private surgeon, Thomas Berrington, to solve the mystery and expose the killer.
Thomas, the Sherlock Holmes of this tale, is an Englishman with a mysterious past who has served the sultan for years. Driven by logic and science instead of superstition, Thomas is reluctant to take on this role, but a sultan’s request cannot be refused.
Like most good stories, the novel gives us a host of memorable characters, including Jorge, the strapping eunuch who serves as Watson to Thomas’ Holmes; Olaf Torvaldsson, the sultan’s Scandinavian general; and the sultan’s many sons, all of whom may eventually lay a claim to the throne. Then there’s Olaf’s two daughters, one who is Thomas’ lover, and the other who wishes to become his apprentice. They all aid Thomas in one way or another, but he’s often left guessing whether they are truly friends, or foes.
Nearly everyone Thomas meets has a motive to commit the crime, and the author does a fine job of disguising the truth, while offering enough subtle clues to make the ending believable. And like all great mystery tales, the puzzle kept me guessing until the novel’s final twist. The book is the first in a series, and you can bet book two, titled “Breaker of Bones,” is already on my to-read list!
Thomas, the Sherlock Holmes of this tale, is an Englishman with a mysterious past who has served the sultan for years. Driven by logic and science instead of superstition, Thomas is reluctant to take on this role, but a sultan’s request cannot be refused.
Like most good stories, the novel gives us a host of memorable characters, including Jorge, the strapping eunuch who serves as Watson to Thomas’ Holmes; Olaf Torvaldsson, the sultan’s Scandinavian general; and the sultan’s many sons, all of whom may eventually lay a claim to the throne. Then there’s Olaf’s two daughters, one who is Thomas’ lover, and the other who wishes to become his apprentice. They all aid Thomas in one way or another, but he’s often left guessing whether they are truly friends, or foes.
Nearly everyone Thomas meets has a motive to commit the crime, and the author does a fine job of disguising the truth, while offering enough subtle clues to make the ending believable. And like all great mystery tales, the puzzle kept me guessing until the novel’s final twist. The book is the first in a series, and you can bet book two, titled “Breaker of Bones,” is already on my to-read list!
May 27, 2020
Really more 3.5 but I'm feeling generous. An historical mystery in an interesting setting (the Alhambra and Granada during the 15th century "reconquista"). The protagonist is an English one-time mercenary now practising as a physician in the Sultan's court. Several murders take place in the harem, but the motive is unclear and the hero is charged with investigating, however the mystery element is really just a motor to drive the narrative and isn't that interesting in itself. Indeed the solution when it comes is rather off-hand, and not really given enough justification in my view. The narrative also has occasional lapses of tone. Some things are over-explained, violating the principle of "show, don't tell", while some not explained enough. At least one important character appears without a proper introduction and we have to work out who she is in retrospect. There are one or two strange shifts in point of view. The assassin is seen a couple of times towards the beginning as he approaches one victim, and we get a certain impression of his motivations, but we don't see him again until the end and his motivations don't seem to be relevant. On the plus side, there is a lot of vivid background detail and colour.
I would have liked to like this, and might try the next one in the series, but at the moment I'm in two minds.
I would have liked to like this, and might try the next one in the series, but at the moment I'm in two minds.
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