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The Forest Lord #3.1
Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil
December, 1323 AD
Holly and ivy decorate the houses while voices are raised in song, but the Christmas cheer is tempered by terror this festive season, as demons haunt a small English village.
Strange thefts; cloven hoof-prints in the snow; a house burned to the ground.
Something evil stalks the icy streets of Brandesburton and former mercenary Tuck must find out what, before it's too late.
As he sets out to solve the mystery the friar prays his faith will protect him. His faith AND his great quarterstaff, for he knows full well – the Devil makes no deals...
This brand new novella from the best-selling author of the Forest Lord series will delight and entertain historical fiction fans looking to escape the madness of Christmas shopping for a little while. Grab a mince pie, warm some mulled wine, and join Friar Tuck on this snowy adventure!
"...a heart warming tale, wrapping the deep meaning of Christmas in amongst
a clever little mystery...” Parmenion Book Reviews
Includes a foreword by Phil Rose, the legendary Friar Tuck from TV's Robin of Sherwood.
Holly and ivy decorate the houses while voices are raised in song, but the Christmas cheer is tempered by terror this festive season, as demons haunt a small English village.
Strange thefts; cloven hoof-prints in the snow; a house burned to the ground.
Something evil stalks the icy streets of Brandesburton and former mercenary Tuck must find out what, before it's too late.
As he sets out to solve the mystery the friar prays his faith will protect him. His faith AND his great quarterstaff, for he knows full well – the Devil makes no deals...
This brand new novella from the best-selling author of the Forest Lord series will delight and entertain historical fiction fans looking to escape the madness of Christmas shopping for a little while. Grab a mince pie, warm some mulled wine, and join Friar Tuck on this snowy adventure!
"...a heart warming tale, wrapping the deep meaning of Christmas in amongst
a clever little mystery...” Parmenion Book Reviews
Includes a foreword by Phil Rose, the legendary Friar Tuck from TV's Robin of Sherwood.
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 13, 2015
50 people are currently reading
1240 people want to read
About the author
Steven A. McKay
52 books444 followersI was born in 1977, near Glasgow in Scotland and live in Old Kilpatrick with my wife and two young children. After obtaining my Bachelor of Arts degree I decided to follow my life-long ambition and write a novel. The Forest Lord series now has four novels, and various short spin-off tales.
My new book "The Heathen Horde" is the first in a brand series following Alfred the Great. It comes out on October 26 2023 so please check it out and pre-order if you can!
I play guitar and write all my books while listening to extreme metal.
In 2022 I started a podcast with fellow historical author Matthew Harffy. You can subscribe to Rock, Paper, Swords! on all the usual podcast outlets and also find the audio on Youtube every fortnight.
My new book "The Heathen Horde" is the first in a brand series following Alfred the Great. It comes out on October 26 2023 so please check it out and pre-order if you can!
I play guitar and write all my books while listening to extreme metal.
In 2022 I started a podcast with fellow historical author Matthew Harffy. You can subscribe to Rock, Paper, Swords! on all the usual podcast outlets and also find the audio on Youtube every fortnight.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 26, 2020
*I got free on Kindle a few years ago via a coupon/promotion, though I can't remember the details. It's free on Kindle Unlimited as of 1-26-2020 if you are wary of paying the $1.99 for it*
----
Trying to get back to my "Kindle app clean-out by getting to books I got that have been sitting there for a few years or so. Gonna try to get to one or more every month but we'll see how that goes. *shrugs*
Anyways, I was scrolling through my backlog and saw this one. It leaped out at me for some reason and I decided to give it a go.
It was a good not great little story. You can really feel the setting and time of the period. (It does mention religion but isn't preachy for those who don't like that). The christmas parts fall into the story nicely and don't feel tacked on.
I loved this version of Tuck and wouldn't mind reading more of his adventures before and after this story. He's not without flaws or demons of his own and that was refreshing. He felt like a real and complex person.
I enjoyed myself but it didn't have to extra "something" to have me fall in love completely but it did keep me turning the pages (and kept my mind from wandering when not feeling good and having trouble concentrating).
Would still recommend for fans of historical fiction and tales of Robin Hood and the gang :).
3.25 stars
----
Trying to get back to my "Kindle app clean-out by getting to books I got that have been sitting there for a few years or so. Gonna try to get to one or more every month but we'll see how that goes. *shrugs*
Anyways, I was scrolling through my backlog and saw this one. It leaped out at me for some reason and I decided to give it a go.
It was a good not great little story. You can really feel the setting and time of the period. (It does mention religion but isn't preachy for those who don't like that). The christmas parts fall into the story nicely and don't feel tacked on.
I loved this version of Tuck and wouldn't mind reading more of his adventures before and after this story. He's not without flaws or demons of his own and that was refreshing. He felt like a real and complex person.
I enjoyed myself but it didn't have to extra "something" to have me fall in love completely but it did keep me turning the pages (and kept my mind from wandering when not feeling good and having trouble concentrating).
Would still recommend for fans of historical fiction and tales of Robin Hood and the gang :).
3.25 stars
December 24, 2015
This is a Christmas tale that has absolutely everything for this special holiday this year and for years to come. The author has been faithful to his historical writing and set his short story in the North of England in December AD 1323.
The star of the story is undoubtedly Brother Michael known more commonly as Robin Hood's friend and ally Friar Tuck. While the outlaws are variously pardoned the larger than life Franciscan is still in hiding as the Church is less forgiving and slower to grant amnesty. Friar Tuck is therefore lying low with a clergyman friend, Father de Nottingham in Brandesburton.
When the local village folk, the poor of the community recount tales of seeing one or a couple of devils or relate evidence of their presence in cloven hoof marks in the snow after they had stealthily robbed their dwellings, taking the few items of value they possess or some of their meagre provisions. The local churchman and Friar Tuck investigate, wary of all things evil and the devils agents.
There follows a wonderful story full of the traditions of season and the spirit we associate with Christmas. I loved the character conjured up for the aging outlaw Friar Tuck doing God's work each scene he is in lifts the story and brings a smile to the face.
I feel the bonus of the historical fact weaved into this fiction also helps the tale transcend the average attempt to write a novella to promote your work at Christmas. This one stands on its own and demonstrates the integrity of the author and his abilities as a storyteller.
The star of the story is undoubtedly Brother Michael known more commonly as Robin Hood's friend and ally Friar Tuck. While the outlaws are variously pardoned the larger than life Franciscan is still in hiding as the Church is less forgiving and slower to grant amnesty. Friar Tuck is therefore lying low with a clergyman friend, Father de Nottingham in Brandesburton.
When the local village folk, the poor of the community recount tales of seeing one or a couple of devils or relate evidence of their presence in cloven hoof marks in the snow after they had stealthily robbed their dwellings, taking the few items of value they possess or some of their meagre provisions. The local churchman and Friar Tuck investigate, wary of all things evil and the devils agents.
There follows a wonderful story full of the traditions of season and the spirit we associate with Christmas. I loved the character conjured up for the aging outlaw Friar Tuck doing God's work each scene he is in lifts the story and brings a smile to the face.
I feel the bonus of the historical fact weaved into this fiction also helps the tale transcend the average attempt to write a novella to promote your work at Christmas. This one stands on its own and demonstrates the integrity of the author and his abilities as a storyteller.
November 3, 2015
Steven McKay kindly forwarded me a copy of his latest novella for an honest review, and as usual I was happy to have the chance to read one of his stories!
In this case, as the title suggests, we have a tale centred on Friar Tuck, still laying low after the other outlaws or Robin's band have been pardoned by secular authorities because Tuck remains in bad odour with his ecclesiastical superior. Wandering around under an alias, but still as a friar, Tuck takes an interest in stories of a village plagued by nocturnal visitations by a cloven-hoofed and horned devil and sets out to investigate. As the investigation continues, Tuck finds that things are not quite as they seem, and even devils may find solace in the magic of the Christmas season... at least, SOME devils!
The writing is crisp and direct and the characters are quite sufficiently developed to drive the action and the momentum of this novella. I found no gaps in logic, and noticed no typos or errors in the text. The story clips along at a nice pace and is neither too long nor too short to meet its obligations to the reader. The suspense is built nicely and the action unfolds quickly and effectively. The story's conclusion is logical and satisfying.
It's a fun little tale studying fear, superstition and the benefits of Christmas spirit, fellowship and forgiveness. The spirit of the tale is in keeping with the style of the Forest Lord series but it's also suitable for the traditional Christmas ghost story.
Reading this right after Halloween and before the run-up to Christmas fever pitch, I found this quite a welcome transition between those festive seasons, and I could easily see re-reading this at Christmas becoming a bit of a tradition in itself. Well done, Steven!
In this case, as the title suggests, we have a tale centred on Friar Tuck, still laying low after the other outlaws or Robin's band have been pardoned by secular authorities because Tuck remains in bad odour with his ecclesiastical superior. Wandering around under an alias, but still as a friar, Tuck takes an interest in stories of a village plagued by nocturnal visitations by a cloven-hoofed and horned devil and sets out to investigate. As the investigation continues, Tuck finds that things are not quite as they seem, and even devils may find solace in the magic of the Christmas season... at least, SOME devils!
The writing is crisp and direct and the characters are quite sufficiently developed to drive the action and the momentum of this novella. I found no gaps in logic, and noticed no typos or errors in the text. The story clips along at a nice pace and is neither too long nor too short to meet its obligations to the reader. The suspense is built nicely and the action unfolds quickly and effectively. The story's conclusion is logical and satisfying.
It's a fun little tale studying fear, superstition and the benefits of Christmas spirit, fellowship and forgiveness. The spirit of the tale is in keeping with the style of the Forest Lord series but it's also suitable for the traditional Christmas ghost story.
Reading this right after Halloween and before the run-up to Christmas fever pitch, I found this quite a welcome transition between those festive seasons, and I could easily see re-reading this at Christmas becoming a bit of a tradition in itself. Well done, Steven!
November 18, 2015
Steven A.Mc. Kay again does a brilliant job with this novella, linked to his Robin Hood Wolfshead series. His Robin Hood back to basics yeoman country style approach appeals very much to me, and Friar Tuck is no exception. Steven knows how to spin a good tale and paints his characters with careful,sparse well placed determined strokes of his writers brush. This is a christmas story, but the Tuck character is put down so damned good, lively and credible in this one that he might just as well be absolved of his eternal role as the sidekick in the Robin Hood tradtion, and head off for a career of his own with Steven A. Mc.Kay. I really want to see more Tuck stories from his hand.
January 23, 2016
Great little story, wish i had read it during the Christmas period. Short and sweet, Tuck is as great as ever, and although its just a short story, Steven makes you both hate and feel sorry for one of the characters, i wont say who as it could be a spoiler. To be able to do that in a short story is great. I cant wait to read book 4 in the series.
February 4, 2017
I paid for a signed copy direct from the author.
This a classic almost Robin of sherwoodesque tale involving everyone's favourite monk. The story takes place after the disbanding of the merry men. It evoques the Christmas spirit of medieval times and is a great read for fans of the genre.
This a classic almost Robin of sherwoodesque tale involving everyone's favourite monk. The story takes place after the disbanding of the merry men. It evoques the Christmas spirit of medieval times and is a great read for fans of the genre.
February 13, 2017
Mystery, suspense & Christmas, December 12, 2016
This review is from: Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil (Kindle Single) (Kindle Edition)
A neat little story of mystery and suspense which ends as Christmas stories should. Peace and Goodwill to men and Christmas cheer.
This review is from: Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil (Kindle Single) (Kindle Edition)
A neat little story of mystery and suspense which ends as Christmas stories should. Peace and Goodwill to men and Christmas cheer.
November 16, 2021
What a treasure of a novella! I thoroughly enjoyed it - the setting was well described so much that I could easily picture myself there - and the characters were interesting, especially Friar Tuck.
Though I guessed the 'devil' in the story early on it was still a cozy and wonderful escape reality story.
I am going to look for more by this author. He is very easy to read.
Though I guessed the 'devil' in the story early on it was still a cozy and wonderful escape reality story.
I am going to look for more by this author. He is very easy to read.
December 22, 2018
Again, re-read this today, now in the audiobook format read by Nick Ellsworth. Once more, Mr. Ellsworth gives a very good reading of the material, enriching it with appropriate voices stylized to match his characters. His range of emotional enhancement to the lines does not distract from the material, but always adds to the drama and tension and I'm quite sure that Nick Ellsworth will establish himself as a popular and sought-after reader for audiobooks in the very near future.
Here is my review for the earlier print version of Steven's novella:
Steven McKay kindly forwarded me a copy of his latest novella for an honest review, and as usual I was happy to have the chance to read one of his stories!
In this case, as the title suggests, we have a tale centred on Friar Tuck, still laying low after the other outlaws or Robin's band have been pardoned by secular authorities because Tuck remains in bad odour with his ecclesiastical superior. Wandering around under an alias, but still as a friar, Tuck takes an interest in stories of a village plagued by nocturnal visitations by a cloven-hoofed and horned devil and sets out to investigate. As the investigation continues, Tuck finds that things are not quite as they seem, and even devils may find solace in the magic of the Christmas season... at least, SOME devils!
The writing is crisp and direct and the characters are quite sufficiently developed to drive the action and the momentum of this novella. I found no gaps in logic, and noticed no typos or errors in the text. The story clips along at a nice pace and is neither too long nor too short to meet its obligations to the reader. The suspense is built nicely and the action unfolds quickly and effectively. The story's conclusion is logical and satisfying.
It's a fun little tale studying fear, superstition and the benefits of Christmas spirit, fellowship and forgiveness. The spirit of the tale is in keeping with the style of the Forest Lord series but it's also suitable for the traditional Christmas ghost story.
Reading this right after Halloween and before the run-up to Christmas fever pitch, I found this quite a welcome transition between those festive seasons, and I could easily see re-reading this at Christmas becoming a bit of a tradition in itself. Well done, Steven!
Here is my review for the earlier print version of Steven's novella:
Steven McKay kindly forwarded me a copy of his latest novella for an honest review, and as usual I was happy to have the chance to read one of his stories!
In this case, as the title suggests, we have a tale centred on Friar Tuck, still laying low after the other outlaws or Robin's band have been pardoned by secular authorities because Tuck remains in bad odour with his ecclesiastical superior. Wandering around under an alias, but still as a friar, Tuck takes an interest in stories of a village plagued by nocturnal visitations by a cloven-hoofed and horned devil and sets out to investigate. As the investigation continues, Tuck finds that things are not quite as they seem, and even devils may find solace in the magic of the Christmas season... at least, SOME devils!
The writing is crisp and direct and the characters are quite sufficiently developed to drive the action and the momentum of this novella. I found no gaps in logic, and noticed no typos or errors in the text. The story clips along at a nice pace and is neither too long nor too short to meet its obligations to the reader. The suspense is built nicely and the action unfolds quickly and effectively. The story's conclusion is logical and satisfying.
It's a fun little tale studying fear, superstition and the benefits of Christmas spirit, fellowship and forgiveness. The spirit of the tale is in keeping with the style of the Forest Lord series but it's also suitable for the traditional Christmas ghost story.
Reading this right after Halloween and before the run-up to Christmas fever pitch, I found this quite a welcome transition between those festive seasons, and I could easily see re-reading this at Christmas becoming a bit of a tradition in itself. Well done, Steven!
October 27, 2015
What a perfectly wonderful Christmas tale. I was very lucky to have the chance to read an advance copy and i can say for certain when this book is released you are in for a treat!
This tale focuses on one of my favourite characters Friar Tuck and some devilish events that have been occurring. As you can imaging the good Friar isn't go to sit back and let things happen.
I never like to spoil a story by saying too much in my reviews but if you've read Steven's previous books you won't be disappointed. McKay manages give us a Christmas tale with his own style of writing infused within it so there's a perfect mix of violence and kindness to warm the heart.
I highly recommend reading this during the festive period as it would fit in perfectly. My advice is grab a bottle of wine or a few beers and sit by the fire and read this from start to finish.
Personally it was good to see Steven writing about the Friar again and i hope we see a few more short tales coming from the author soon. So far both Novella's McKay has wrote have been great and he's managed to fit so much into so few pages that you are left wanting more but fulfilled at the same time.
Most certainly i will be reading this again on Christmas Eve once the kids are in bed, it's a lovely story to get you in the mood for festive period
This tale focuses on one of my favourite characters Friar Tuck and some devilish events that have been occurring. As you can imaging the good Friar isn't go to sit back and let things happen.
I never like to spoil a story by saying too much in my reviews but if you've read Steven's previous books you won't be disappointed. McKay manages give us a Christmas tale with his own style of writing infused within it so there's a perfect mix of violence and kindness to warm the heart.
I highly recommend reading this during the festive period as it would fit in perfectly. My advice is grab a bottle of wine or a few beers and sit by the fire and read this from start to finish.
Personally it was good to see Steven writing about the Friar again and i hope we see a few more short tales coming from the author soon. So far both Novella's McKay has wrote have been great and he's managed to fit so much into so few pages that you are left wanting more but fulfilled at the same time.
Most certainly i will be reading this again on Christmas Eve once the kids are in bed, it's a lovely story to get you in the mood for festive period
November 18, 2015
I was lucky enough to read this wonderful story while the first storm of the winter roared around the house. The wind howling in the eaves and rain lashing against the windows was the perfect soundtrack for a tale set deep in the frozen winter of 1323.
The village of Brandesburton is under nightly attack from mysterious, horned demons leaving the poor villagers terrified. The only evidence is cloven footprints in the mud and snow. It is up to our redoubtable hero, Friar Tuck, to save the day. Armed only with his trusty quarter-staff, and a less than heroic hound, he must venture deep into the snow bound forest in search of the truth. What he will find there will provide him with his deadliest enemy so far.
It seems that Satan's demons are hungry for a holy man's blood!
Steven A. McKay is to be congratulated for, once again, delivering a tremendous read. This is a proper, old-fashioned winters tale that wouldn't be out of place in a Victorian drawing room where it is read to delight, and terrify, the gathered family. So pull up a comfortable chair, fill your glass with brandy (or ale), throw another log on the fire and be transported to a frozen Northern England to discover the truth for yourself.
The village of Brandesburton is under nightly attack from mysterious, horned demons leaving the poor villagers terrified. The only evidence is cloven footprints in the mud and snow. It is up to our redoubtable hero, Friar Tuck, to save the day. Armed only with his trusty quarter-staff, and a less than heroic hound, he must venture deep into the snow bound forest in search of the truth. What he will find there will provide him with his deadliest enemy so far.
It seems that Satan's demons are hungry for a holy man's blood!
Steven A. McKay is to be congratulated for, once again, delivering a tremendous read. This is a proper, old-fashioned winters tale that wouldn't be out of place in a Victorian drawing room where it is read to delight, and terrify, the gathered family. So pull up a comfortable chair, fill your glass with brandy (or ale), throw another log on the fire and be transported to a frozen Northern England to discover the truth for yourself.
December 19, 2016
It is Christmastime 1323 Brandeburton Village in Northern England. Steven A. McKay's novella Friar Tusk and the Christmas Devil takes the reader back to 1323 during the days before Christmas of that year. The villagers are finding 'cloven hoof marks' in the snow outside their homes. Some of the villagers have seen 'something' in their homes as well as discovering the few things of value that the villagers possessed are missing. With superstition rampant at that time period, the only 'thing' it could be was the Devil. Brother Michael aka Friar Tuck arrives at the village to check things out. The novella illustrates to the reader how Christmas was celebrated in the 1300s, and the mystery of the cloven hoof-prints is very interesting, but for me there is too much violence. I do understand that life was not easy at all for the poor in the Middle Ages. Actually life was not easy for anyone when it is compared to life today, but so often violence was the answer for every problem.
October 29, 2015
Friar Tuck and The Christmas Devil is a perfect novella for Christmas time. I was lucky to get an advanced copy and although I didn't read it at the correct time of year it certainly didn't spoil the story.
I have a feeling I'll be picking this one up again at Christmas time though as it really does get the reader in the festive spirit.
Friar Tuck is a big favourite of mine from Steven's "Forest Lord" books so I was happy to find out the friendly Friar would be taking the main stage in this novella.
Steven has set the setting perfect for the reader, it's not hard to picture the little village and all the snow.
Houses are being broken into, what little belongings the poor folk have are stolen,
Whether it's food or valuables it's makes no difference. Strange hoof like prints are found in the snow, horned beings are seen running away from the scene...
It's time for Friar Tuck to use all his skills to help the village folk with this strange mystery.
I have a feeling I'll be picking this one up again at Christmas time though as it really does get the reader in the festive spirit.
Friar Tuck is a big favourite of mine from Steven's "Forest Lord" books so I was happy to find out the friendly Friar would be taking the main stage in this novella.
Steven has set the setting perfect for the reader, it's not hard to picture the little village and all the snow.
Houses are being broken into, what little belongings the poor folk have are stolen,
Whether it's food or valuables it's makes no difference. Strange hoof like prints are found in the snow, horned beings are seen running away from the scene...
It's time for Friar Tuck to use all his skills to help the village folk with this strange mystery.
November 3, 2015
stay tuned to this station for a soon to be written full review
Friar Tuck is hiding under an assumed name having run afoul of a powerful member of the church hierarchy and finds himself living in a small village that is being plagued by visits from demons and devils. The author has given us and Tuck a mystery to solve; one that has the good Friar utilizing all of his skills, both mental and physical to rid the village of the cloven-hoofed, horned devil. The tale is well told with a steady pace, action aplenty, and a deeper look into the character of Tuck. Couple that with a fine Christmas feast and you have a 5 star winner.
Friar Tuck is hiding under an assumed name having run afoul of a powerful member of the church hierarchy and finds himself living in a small village that is being plagued by visits from demons and devils. The author has given us and Tuck a mystery to solve; one that has the good Friar utilizing all of his skills, both mental and physical to rid the village of the cloven-hoofed, horned devil. The tale is well told with a steady pace, action aplenty, and a deeper look into the character of Tuck. Couple that with a fine Christmas feast and you have a 5 star winner.
November 19, 2015
I really enjoyed this novella from Steven A. McKay. It is a lovely read for Christmas because it really transmits feelings of Christmas, pies, and comfort. Friar Tuck has a new mission: Who is the devilish creature stealing from the villagers? Of course, he comes up with a plan and starts his investigation. I loved the characters of this book because they felt so real and somehow familiar. The plot had some nice twists, and I learned a bit about medieval Christmas as well. I strongly recommend this book to people who are looking for a good story for Christmas.
December 22, 2015
Steven A. McKay is one of my favorite authors and he did not disappoint with this novella. Taking one of the heroes of his Forest Lord series, Friar Tuck, he crafts a delightful Christmas mystery. One of the things that I truly love about his works is how he places his stories into history with great accuracy yo history and customs. In this story we find out about some of the Christmas traditions that go back to 14th century England. I love it!
October 25, 2015
Once again Steven McKay has outdone himself, a cracking read introducing some new characters, great story with strong characters plenty of action and more than enough happening to persuade you against putting it down, im not 1 for spoilers so ill leave the finer details to the readers, this is something your not going to want to miss.
January 3, 2016
eview
Steven McKay has produced a heart warming Christmas tale, wrapping the deep meaning of xmas, the helping of others in among-st a clever little mystery centered on one of his merry bands, lesser written characters;
full review
https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
Steven McKay has produced a heart warming Christmas tale, wrapping the deep meaning of xmas, the helping of others in among-st a clever little mystery centered on one of his merry bands, lesser written characters;
full review
https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
December 22, 2015
An interesting taster to a series, or at least the series' milieu. The author suggests it is the type of fiction which can be shared during Yule, and it certainly hits that spot, with its good Friar Tuck, children in dire need, devilish deeds and a daft dog. Enjoy.
June 24, 2016
Cracking short story
a good feeling of xmas with that Halloween touch
picked it up and only put it down when I had finished it.
a good feeling of xmas with that Halloween touch
picked it up and only put it down when I had finished it.
May 24, 2017
A nice, charming, short novella that fits in right before the final major installment in the Robin Hood saga, "Blood Of The Wolf." (Actually, there is one more forthcoming novella after "Blood" due sometime in 2017) Not too sure if this will ever be what the author wishes - a book parents will share with their kids every year at Christmas since there is some violence which may be too much for young kids. But, with little kids playing on the internet and playing violent video games, it may not be and might even be too tame for some.
It appears the Devil and some of his minions are paying nightly visits to the village of Brandesburton and making off with food, small trinkets and valuables. It doesn't take a genius to figure out its someone pretending to be the Devil. Friar Tuck sets a trap for him and discovers its a couple of homeless kids being urged on by an older one whom Tuck eventually has to send to wherever older kids go when they're forcing younger ones to do things which are against their better nature. In the end, everything works out and everyone lives happily ever after.
Kind of predictable, but an enjoyable tale just the same. At only 85 pages, plus two more for the Author's Notes, it can be easily read in one sitting. Now it's on to the final full-length book in the Robin Hood saga.
It appears the Devil and some of his minions are paying nightly visits to the village of Brandesburton and making off with food, small trinkets and valuables. It doesn't take a genius to figure out its someone pretending to be the Devil. Friar Tuck sets a trap for him and discovers its a couple of homeless kids being urged on by an older one whom Tuck eventually has to send to wherever older kids go when they're forcing younger ones to do things which are against their better nature. In the end, everything works out and everyone lives happily ever after.
Kind of predictable, but an enjoyable tale just the same. At only 85 pages, plus two more for the Author's Notes, it can be easily read in one sitting. Now it's on to the final full-length book in the Robin Hood saga.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2020
An enjoyable enough novella.
Friar Tuck is no longer part of Robin Hood's band of Merry Men, as the outlaws have all been pardoned. He is, however, still in hiding from the religious courts.
We find Friar Tuck, or Brother Michael, living in a small Yorkshire village. It's almost Christmas and several villagers have had their houses broken into and their only precious items have been stolen. The belief is that the devil is abroad. Some villagers say there are two demons, some say there is only one.
Friar Tuck and Father de Nottingham set a trap by staying overnight in a villager's house. The devils come visiting, but the bigger one runs away, ;eaving the smaller one with the two clerics.
By morning, the little demon has disappeared. Friar Tuck borrows a villager's dog to track the demon down. The two devils are found, frightened and cold in an abandoned hovel in the forest. There is an older youth with the two youngsters, who tries to persuade Friar Tuck to leave things as they are and go back to the village on his own.
Everything turns out well for the two devils and they're accepted into the village community.
As I've already said, a nice enough story, but not too intellectually challenging.
Friar Tuck is no longer part of Robin Hood's band of Merry Men, as the outlaws have all been pardoned. He is, however, still in hiding from the religious courts.
We find Friar Tuck, or Brother Michael, living in a small Yorkshire village. It's almost Christmas and several villagers have had their houses broken into and their only precious items have been stolen. The belief is that the devil is abroad. Some villagers say there are two demons, some say there is only one.
Friar Tuck and Father de Nottingham set a trap by staying overnight in a villager's house. The devils come visiting, but the bigger one runs away, ;eaving the smaller one with the two clerics.
By morning, the little demon has disappeared. Friar Tuck borrows a villager's dog to track the demon down. The two devils are found, frightened and cold in an abandoned hovel in the forest. There is an older youth with the two youngsters, who tries to persuade Friar Tuck to leave things as they are and go back to the village on his own.
Everything turns out well for the two devils and they're accepted into the village community.
As I've already said, a nice enough story, but not too intellectually challenging.
December 18, 2018
Friar Tuck and Christmas Devil is a charming novella by Steven A. McKay. McKay does an excellent job of setting the scene in what would be Christmas during the 1300s. If I have one criticism, and it is a small one, there is a character mentioned who must have appeared in The Forest Lord series. This, of course, has only made me want to read the other books. McKay has written that he hopes reading Friar Tuck and the Christmas Devil will become a Christmas tradition. I'm pretty sure it will be at my house.
December 8, 2023
Loved this novella about Father Tuck! He is currently hiding in a small village, helping the priest minister to the villagers. Things have gone missing throughout the village, and people have supposedly seen the Devil making mischief in the dead of night. Tuck investigates before the mischief becomes deadly. What he finds makes him realize not everyone is healthy and happy during the Christmas season. In the end, the whole village spreads Christmas cheer all around.
December 24, 2018
The storyline is set around Christmas time in the small town of Barndesburton where a series of burglaries are being committed by the Devil and another fiend. Fortunately for the town Friar Tuck his taken refuge within each church and he decides to investigate the so-called Devio burglars. To find out what happens you will have to read or listen to this wonderful short story.
July 19, 2024
Intriguing and Delightful
This short book is an intriguing and delightful read for both mystery lovers and fans of Friar Tuck. It is set in a small village in medieval Britain at Christmas time when the village suddenly starts to be visited by black devils who came thieving in the night, leaving cloven foot prints behind. Can Friar Tuck save the villagers?
This short book is an intriguing and delightful read for both mystery lovers and fans of Friar Tuck. It is set in a small village in medieval Britain at Christmas time when the village suddenly starts to be visited by black devils who came thieving in the night, leaving cloven foot prints behind. Can Friar Tuck save the villagers?
December 24, 2018
Friar Tucks Christmas adventure
Friar Tuck is in a village hiding and learns of several sightings of the devil. The devil has been breaking into homes in the village stealing food and items of value. He decides to investigate to find out if this village is bedeviled.
Friar Tuck is in a village hiding and learns of several sightings of the devil. The devil has been breaking into homes in the village stealing food and items of value. He decides to investigate to find out if this village is bedeviled.
July 21, 2019
Happy Christmas
A Nice Christmas story. Tuck is one of my favorite characters. Always with a kind word. Great advice. If u don't like what he has to say an you get in his face, you better duck.
A Nice Christmas story. Tuck is one of my favorite characters. Always with a kind word. Great advice. If u don't like what he has to say an you get in his face, you better duck.
January 29, 2025
Imagine, if you will, a cold December evening. You trudge in through the frigid but picturesque snow to your home. When you get in you're met with a roaring fire and a warming pint of good ale. That's how reading this book felt.
September 6, 2017
And good Yule yarn.
I've thoroughly enjoyed all of Steven A Mcays novels to date and as a Jethro Tull fan he definitely captures the folk hero spirit.
I've thoroughly enjoyed all of Steven A Mcays novels to date and as a Jethro Tull fan he definitely captures the folk hero spirit.
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