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Thomas Berrington #5
The Inquisitor
Can a man turn away because the price of truth is too high?
Thomas Berrington is once again summoned to attend the Spanish Queen. Sevilla is in turmoil. A plague ravages the city. And the Inquisition takes both innocent and guilty alike.
Through this chaos, Thomas is asked to investigate a series of deaths. Two victims are taken together, but for what reason?
The man seeking his help is an old enemy, but can a man change so much? Thomas must decide whether to trust him or not, but if he makes the wrong decision his own life may be forfeit.
When the eunuch Jorge joins him, together with Lubna, events take on a new urgency as the killer’s attention turns toward Thomas’s friends.
Only by risking the ultimate prize can Thomas win, but is he willing to make the sacrifice if his plan does not succeed?
The Inquisitor is the fifth installment of the Thomas Berrington Historical Mysteries set in the final years of Moorish Spain.
Thomas Berrington is once again summoned to attend the Spanish Queen. Sevilla is in turmoil. A plague ravages the city. And the Inquisition takes both innocent and guilty alike.
Through this chaos, Thomas is asked to investigate a series of deaths. Two victims are taken together, but for what reason?
The man seeking his help is an old enemy, but can a man change so much? Thomas must decide whether to trust him or not, but if he makes the wrong decision his own life may be forfeit.
When the eunuch Jorge joins him, together with Lubna, events take on a new urgency as the killer’s attention turns toward Thomas’s friends.
Only by risking the ultimate prize can Thomas win, but is he willing to make the sacrifice if his plan does not succeed?
The Inquisitor is the fifth installment of the Thomas Berrington Historical Mysteries set in the final years of Moorish Spain.
414 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 29, 2018
359 people are currently reading
81 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 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 27, 2018
Lots of morally ambiguous characters and motivations here that make it difficult to work out the true murderer or/and guiding hand (trying not to give anything away here), especially when a pretty strong suspect is not introduced until partway through. Found it harder to follow than previous ones but possibly post-Christmas-dinner torpor is to blame for that.
November 13, 2018
Wonderful book again
Thomas Berrington and Jorge can’t stay away from Death or political intrigue no matter where they go. A very good who done it and I have already bought Book 6.
Thomas Berrington and Jorge can’t stay away from Death or political intrigue no matter where they go. A very good who done it and I have already bought Book 6.
August 10, 2022
A fun read!!
Thomas can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. He seems to get shit wrong. He picks the wrong man or woman or both doing the killings. Believes the lies others tell him. Open your eyes man.
Thomas can't see the light at the end of the tunnel. He seems to get shit wrong. He picks the wrong man or woman or both doing the killings. Believes the lies others tell him. Open your eyes man.
February 12, 2022
Brings this period of Spanish history to life wonderfully. Penny portraits of Queen Isabella and King Fernando make them so real. I loved the way the author made the moral trade-off with the Inquisition so comprehensible by having one character explain how beholden they were to the Pope due to their marriage. So many little details that contribute to this being wonderful historical fiction.
January 29, 2018
A cracking mystery centred on the Spanish Inquisition
Another exciting installment of the ten-part excellent Thomas Berrington Historial Mystery series, which has the unusual and interesting strategy of each book starting in a new year.
This time, English surgeon Thomas Berrington is called back to the court of the Spanish royal family to help Queen Isabella through a crisis in her latest pregnancy. As we're reminded, Thomas seems to be a magnet for death - or at least he's drawn to it himself, despite saving countless lives with his unsurpassed medical skills that are ahead of his time (best way to keep clear of the plague? wash now and again!) Here he becomes embroiled in a mystery with the Spanish Inquisition at its heart, involving some adversaries from previous adventures. The resulting hunt for a serial killer throws up fascinating insights into the balance of power between Pope and royalty, and church and state. No plot spoilers here, but the murderer's motive made me gasp with astonishment.
As always in this series, amidst the horrors and squalour of medieval life in Mediterranean heat, there are enough amusing and moving moments to both lighten the darkness of the story and to enable the reader to relate to the characters at a human, personal level. I was particularly taken by the continuing romance between Thomas and his betrothed, Lubna; by Queen Isabella's vulnerability as a mother; by Thomas's wistful atheism when all around him are religious; and the ever-charming Jorge, Thomas's faithful assistant. It was good to see Olaf, Lubna's father, again too - a larger than life Nordic character.
What with Christopher Columbus appearing in a cameo role, campaigning for funds to seek a new route to the Indies, although set in Moorish Spain, this series is a timely reminder of the kaleidoscope of nationalities and ethnicities that have characterised Europe for so long, despite the clear-cut national boundaries and politics of which we're daily reminded in the 21st century.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys well-researched and vividly evocative historical novels, and mysteries of any kind.
Though with "The Inquisitor" as the title, I'm disappointed I can't quote Monty Python and say "I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition." David Penny mentions it once in his notes at the end - well somebody, had to!
Another exciting installment of the ten-part excellent Thomas Berrington Historial Mystery series, which has the unusual and interesting strategy of each book starting in a new year.
This time, English surgeon Thomas Berrington is called back to the court of the Spanish royal family to help Queen Isabella through a crisis in her latest pregnancy. As we're reminded, Thomas seems to be a magnet for death - or at least he's drawn to it himself, despite saving countless lives with his unsurpassed medical skills that are ahead of his time (best way to keep clear of the plague? wash now and again!) Here he becomes embroiled in a mystery with the Spanish Inquisition at its heart, involving some adversaries from previous adventures. The resulting hunt for a serial killer throws up fascinating insights into the balance of power between Pope and royalty, and church and state. No plot spoilers here, but the murderer's motive made me gasp with astonishment.
As always in this series, amidst the horrors and squalour of medieval life in Mediterranean heat, there are enough amusing and moving moments to both lighten the darkness of the story and to enable the reader to relate to the characters at a human, personal level. I was particularly taken by the continuing romance between Thomas and his betrothed, Lubna; by Queen Isabella's vulnerability as a mother; by Thomas's wistful atheism when all around him are religious; and the ever-charming Jorge, Thomas's faithful assistant. It was good to see Olaf, Lubna's father, again too - a larger than life Nordic character.
What with Christopher Columbus appearing in a cameo role, campaigning for funds to seek a new route to the Indies, although set in Moorish Spain, this series is a timely reminder of the kaleidoscope of nationalities and ethnicities that have characterised Europe for so long, despite the clear-cut national boundaries and politics of which we're daily reminded in the 21st century.
Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys well-researched and vividly evocative historical novels, and mysteries of any kind.
Though with "The Inquisitor" as the title, I'm disappointed I can't quote Monty Python and say "I didn't expect the Spanish Inquisition." David Penny mentions it once in his notes at the end - well somebody, had to!
February 21, 2018
Good
I felt the book was basically good, with a few items of criticism.
The employ of a good editor here is justified as there are many errors in spelling and even more in much needed punctuation. It made for a difficult read at critical times in the story. Having to read sentences over and over to make sense of the content causes a break in the readers' attentions. The story is fast paced and breaks up concentration.
I found the repartee between Jorge and Thomas with their sarcastic cajoling truly bad form at a time of Lubna's difficulty when she was injured during her pregnancy..... What husband would act thus? Hard to fathom and I don't know if the author truly meant to convey this, but it was in poor taste and hard to believe the characters would act like this given the gravity of circumstances.
For the most part, this is another good book in the series and I would recommend to readers of historical novels.
I felt the book was basically good, with a few items of criticism.
The employ of a good editor here is justified as there are many errors in spelling and even more in much needed punctuation. It made for a difficult read at critical times in the story. Having to read sentences over and over to make sense of the content causes a break in the readers' attentions. The story is fast paced and breaks up concentration.
I found the repartee between Jorge and Thomas with their sarcastic cajoling truly bad form at a time of Lubna's difficulty when she was injured during her pregnancy..... What husband would act thus? Hard to fathom and I don't know if the author truly meant to convey this, but it was in poor taste and hard to believe the characters would act like this given the gravity of circumstances.
For the most part, this is another good book in the series and I would recommend to readers of historical novels.
January 22, 2019
Gruesome, Grim and Gripping
Once again David Penny takes you into the world of 15th century Spain, with all the smells , the dirt and the brutish violent way of life. And once again he delivers a superb read.
Thomas Berrington has rapidly established himself as one of my go to characters in historical fiction and with a supporting cast ranging from possibly the greatest King and Queen of the middle ages ( maybe of any age), a plethora of superbly interesting villains and a eunuch who appears to be every woman's dream lover, the series never lags.
If you have not yet read any of the series, do so now. They are an absolute treat.
Once again David Penny takes you into the world of 15th century Spain, with all the smells , the dirt and the brutish violent way of life. And once again he delivers a superb read.
Thomas Berrington has rapidly established himself as one of my go to characters in historical fiction and with a supporting cast ranging from possibly the greatest King and Queen of the middle ages ( maybe of any age), a plethora of superbly interesting villains and a eunuch who appears to be every woman's dream lover, the series never lags.
If you have not yet read any of the series, do so now. They are an absolute treat.
May 8, 2018
Enjoyed as always
This book, for some reason, seemed a little more gruesome than the others - though, when I try to pinpoint why, I can not.
Regardless, the same characters evoke the same feelings as the prior books. These are some of my favorite characters, and as the series progresses what may have seemed flaws in characters are revealed to be character flaws in wonderfully detailed people.
My only complaint about this novel were a few typos and mis-use of words that I think have become common in digital books.
This book, for some reason, seemed a little more gruesome than the others - though, when I try to pinpoint why, I can not.
Regardless, the same characters evoke the same feelings as the prior books. These are some of my favorite characters, and as the series progresses what may have seemed flaws in characters are revealed to be character flaws in wonderfully detailed people.
My only complaint about this novel were a few typos and mis-use of words that I think have become common in digital books.
July 15, 2023
Thomas möchte Lubna endlich heiraten, doch kurz vor der Hochzeit wird er zur spanischen Königin gerufen die Probleme mit ihrer Schwangerschaft hat. Thomas bleibt nichts anderes übrig als mit dem Boten nach Sevilla zu reisen. Dort geht die Pest um. Thomas entdeckt an einer Leiche Wunden die nicht zur Krankheit gehören und seine Neugier ist wieder geweckt, er beginnt mit Nachforschungen. Alles deutet darauf hin das sich ein Serienmörder in der Stadt befindet. ---- Wieder eine spannende Geschichte, ich finde die Thomas Berrington-Reihe von Buch zu Buch besser!
February 25, 2018
Addictive Read
Book five fits like a glove. Thomas Berrington, Lubna, Jorge, Olaf, Helena, Will, Isabelle and Fernando all feel like old friends. Berrington prevails again against evil forces. The Queen and King of Spain are again in desperate need of the best physician in Spain, and as always, Queen Isabelle gets what she wants, regardless of what Thomas Herrington wants. Enjoy book five of the series.
Book five fits like a glove. Thomas Berrington, Lubna, Jorge, Olaf, Helena, Will, Isabelle and Fernando all feel like old friends. Berrington prevails again against evil forces. The Queen and King of Spain are again in desperate need of the best physician in Spain, and as always, Queen Isabelle gets what she wants, regardless of what Thomas Herrington wants. Enjoy book five of the series.
February 14, 2018
I always enjoy reading his books about Thomas Barringer.They are full of adventure, fun, friendships and history. The history isn't always accurate but I like that the author sets you straight about the liberties taken with the facts at the end of the book. I look forward to reading the next adventure in the series.
February 11, 2018
As with all of the Thomas Berrington historical mysteries, this was a terrific book. In the book, Thomas comes against the Inquisition, a religious murdering zelot and aiding Isabella birth her last child. Also, finally Thomas and Lubya finally marry.
March 28, 2018
Good Insights
This and the other books in the series offer great views of the time period and how the population dealt with the plague and it's major impact on commoner and royalty alike - the great leveled no matter what your station in life!
This and the other books in the series offer great views of the time period and how the population dealt with the plague and it's major impact on commoner and royalty alike - the great leveled no matter what your station in life!
September 13, 2020
The Inquisitor
This read had a good twist to the story. There were many threads to pull to find which one would lead to the perpetrator. It will even cause Thomas B difficult it finding out who the real killer is. A good read which keeps you in the story to the very end.
This read had a good twist to the story. There were many threads to pull to find which one would lead to the perpetrator. It will even cause Thomas B difficult it finding out who the real killer is. A good read which keeps you in the story to the very end.
February 10, 2025
Thomas is sent for to go to spain on queen isabella,s command, to solve a strange case of two people being killed in pairs(ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN). This is a very weird case for thomas, jorges and lubna to unravel (no spoilers).
November 5, 2025
Favorite
Currently, my favorite series. This marks about the middle and what an ending I am expecting. If the rest are like the first half, it is going to be a fast and fantastic read.
Currently, my favorite series. This marks about the middle and what an ending I am expecting. If the rest are like the first half, it is going to be a fast and fantastic read.
February 11, 2018
All have been very enjoyable reads. Historical fiction that brushes the issues of religious differences and intolerance that still haunt us today.
February 24, 2018
Great
Anxious for the next two books to come out. Learning a lot about the Inquisition which was a sad time in Spain.
Anxious for the next two books to come out. Learning a lot about the Inquisition which was a sad time in Spain.
August 14, 2018
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"I particularly enjoyed the banter between Thomas and his friend Jorge"
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"I particularly enjoyed the banter between Thomas and his friend Jorge"
December 4, 2018
I read this historical series when I’m between really good books and looking for something somewhat mindless. Apparently I’ve been hooked.
December 13, 2018
Good but not the best
Not as good as previous episodes but as with all, well written and Interesting. Will need to take this in a different direction if the saga is to continue
Not as good as previous episodes but as with all, well written and Interesting. Will need to take this in a different direction if the saga is to continue
Read
August 15, 2019It was good. Better than #4. The author keeps every thing moving, but sometimes the degree of crazy gets a bit much.
July 3, 2022
Brilliant!
I love these books. Brilliant story-telling as always and I love learning about the history of medieval Spain. Highly recommended.
I love these books. Brilliant story-telling as always and I love learning about the history of medieval Spain. Highly recommended.
August 26, 2023
David Penny does it again!
I absolutely love this series!
I also like the one after this one. I could read about Thomas Barrington all day!
I absolutely love this series!
I also like the one after this one. I could read about Thomas Barrington all day!
Read
October 30, 2024On to book #6 now. I'm not usually a fan of mystery but am enjoying this series.
November 20, 2024
1486 On his wedding day Berrington is summoned by Queen Isabella to attend her in Sevilla. One reason being that among the chaos caused by the Inquisition and the plague people are being killed. She wants berrington to find the killer
An entertaining historical mystery
An entertaining historical mystery
April 10, 2018
David Penny does not fail to please once again in his fifth installment in the Thomas Berrington Series. The novel this time largely takes place in Sevilla (Moorish Ixbilya) with Thomas traveling with his great friend Jorge into the teeth of the newly formed Spanish Inquisition and its horrors. Someone is killing the citizens of Sevilla in pairs and cutting out their hearts. The killer seems to be looking for something and nearly takes the lives of Jorge's lover Beria, Thomas' betrothed Lubna and even tries to murder Queen Isabella. This novel is a good as all of the rest and Penny's characters, landscapes and plot all bring the late 1400s to bright and vibrant life.
May 15, 2020
Excellent plot & fascinating historical setting. Strong believable characters who keep you engaged.
Not my usual genre but David develops the story with skill and keeps me involved to the end.
Not my usual genre but David develops the story with skill and keeps me involved to the end.
Read
April 14, 2018Excellent
A really good read keeping up the tempo of the previous books. The description of the lands, people are fascinating especially with the 'titbit' of the name of the baby girl!
A really good read keeping up the tempo of the previous books. The description of the lands, people are fascinating especially with the 'titbit' of the name of the baby girl!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews