A Surfeit of Grief

Thomas Berrington Tudor Mystery #5

by David Penny

Sevilla, 1502: When Thomas Berrington is sent to southern Spain by King Henry, he expects diplomacy—but instead finds danger, deceit, and death. Can Thomas uncover a killer’s identity before he becomes the next victim?

Accompanied by his trusted companion, the eunuch Jorge, Thomas’s mission is to aid marriage negotiations between Catherine of Aragon and Prince Harry. But their task turns deadly when one of Queen Isabel’s closest advisors is murdered. Amid Sevilla’s bustling trade in exotic flora, fauna, and riches from the New World, Thomas confronts a maze of suspects whose motives are buried beneath secrets as deep as the ocean.

To navigate this perilous web, Thomas enlists the help of Rosa, a resourceful herbalist, and Baracoa, a freed Native American whose intimate knowledge of the New World proves invaluable. Together, they uncover a trail of corruption and greed, discovering how seeds brought from distant shores have taken root in Spanish hearts, poisoning even the noblest intentions.

As Thomas and Jorge close in on the murderer, they realise the stakes are higher than they imagined. They must race against time to thwart a conspiracy threatening not only the marriage alliance but the very future of Spain. Yet, with every revelation, the question remains—are they already too late?

A surfeit of Grief is the latest thrilling entry in the Thomas Berrington Historical Mystery series, weaving danger, deception, and betrayal through a world poised on the brink of transformation.

408 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 13, 2025

About the author

Born 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.

Reviews

[Cherylbestlife · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed…

I enjoyed this more than I expected. I was not excited about Thomas returning to Spain. I felt that he only recently returned to England. I also didn’t like the thought of him being away from his children again.

However, I ended up enjoying the fact that Thomas got to see Queen Isabel again. I wish he had been able to be reacquainted with Olaf as well.

I also appreciated Thomas in battle again. In recent books he is depicted as a doddering old man which I don’t particularly like. The series is still The Thomas Berrington series. I prefer to see him still as a fierce fighter, a skilled physician and a competent investigator. As well as a loving father and friend.

I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Glyn Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is no5 in the tudor mystery books by david penny with thomas and jorge , but they are back in spain trying to negotiate a wedding. Well as you know wherever thomas is there is always big trouble,( no spoilers). Having read all david penny,s book's this is up to the usual standard a mixture of murders , palace intrigue and general skullduggery. So get out there and buy this BOOK and ENJOY.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book

Thomas Barrington has lived through another adventure through many twists and turns, he has lost again he will find his one true love hopefully in the next book and cat will marry Harry.

[09/01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penny does it again

Another intriguing mystery,for Thomas and Jorge to solve. Twists and turns at every stage. The body count rises,will put heroes survive?

[Carmen Oca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Reading

As always, another great book from my favourite author and series. The pace, the mystery, and the characters are amazing

[terry norton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

An excellent book. Not quite as rich as the early books in the series but very enjoyable. A good read

[J. Griff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series finding both Thomas & Jorge a great duo. The subtraction of Will, Amal, Usaden & the rest of the cast felt like a throw back to the early books in the series. This finishes my plan to rereading/listening to the whole series again. I’d have rated this book higher as there seemed to be a lot of meandering & struggles to see where the storyline was going. While the end felt rushed.

[Beth Gallagher · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn’t overly fussed with this, found it quite hard to follow with the introduction of lots of new characters. Have since found out it’s number 5 in a series so that’s maybe my fault. Still found it a bit slow and struggled to push myself through the book, it picked up towards the end but wouldn’t rush to read the start of the series.