The Fortunate Dead

Thomas Berrington #6

by David Penny

As one man’s greed kills an army prepares to destroy For Thomas Berrington it begins with the mystery of a stolen body. Soon he is hunting a killer searching for the untold wealth of the richest city in al-Andalus.Moving to Malaka with his family and friends Thomas hopes for respite from the war that ravages al-Andalus. Then two events conspire to throw his settled life into chaos.Someone seeks the location of the city’s fabled wealth, while Spanish forces gather like storm clouds ready to rain down fire and iron.Thomas and Jorge must fight on more than one front as they search for a vicious killer while trying to protect those they love. Both tasks combine in a final cataclysmic battle that will change their lives forever. The Fortunate Dead is the enthralling continuation of the Thomas Berrington Historical Mysteries set in the final days of Moorish Spain.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction

414 pages, Paperback

Published November 10, 2018

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

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the disadvantages of 'discovering' an author with a back catalogue is plowing through the entire series in a month. This is what I've done with this series by David Penny. They are an enjoyable light read. I'm just about finished with this book and there's one thing that's driving me nuts. The character Richard Woodville keeps showing up and is referred to as the brother of Elizabeth wife of Henry VII. ARGH... no, he was Elizabeth Woodville's brother. She's the Elizabeth who was married to Edward IV and was the mother of Elizabeth of York.

[Richard Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book

I don’t want to talk too much about this book because I am afraid of giving away some secrets. This book features a fast paced story that I couldn’t put down. Ma y of the place names and people names are real figures and the story takes place in a real time and location.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1487 Discovering that a body has gone missing from the Malaka Infirmary leads Thomas Berrington to more deaths, a missing fortune and experiencing an invasion by the Spainish army.
An entertaining historical mystery

[Barefoot Gypsy Jimerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn!!!

Will shit!!!! You just had to do it. Why??? He loved her more then his own life. Thomas needs someone to love.

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction of the highest order.

This is series is a gift that keeps on giving. Having read all 6 books in the series I can only marvel say how Mr Penny continues to maintain the quality of writing and plot, book after book.
It is difficult to review the plot of this book without using spoilers so I shall just say that the standard is as high as ever.
Finally, David Penny, how could you!!!

[Cindy Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exceptional

Exceptional, as always. This author's ability to bring you into the world of the late 15th century Andalusia, and during the attack by Spain, is tantamount to watching an HD version of your favorite action movie.

This latest book of the series is filled with the anxieties of Thomas Berrington as he, once again, seeks to investigate the death of a patient. His wife Lubna is central as a physician-in-training as is Jorge the eunuch.

I found the mystery good, but the impending attack by the Spanish is an integral part the story and the plot is jampacked with historical events of the era.

This is a definite recommendation to readers of historical fiction. I could not put it down.

[V M John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good, fast-paced story with interesting characters and lots of historical detail. The characters are consistent throughout the series, and I have really started to care what happens to them. This book is set during the Spanish siege of Malaga. However, as another reviewer said, it really grated on me that Richard Woodville wasn’t the brother of Elizabeth of York (Henry VII’s Queen) but her uncle, the brother of Elizabeth Woodville (Edward IV’s Queen). If he had been a brother of Elizabeth of York he would have been one of the ‘lost’ princes in the Tower, and that would alter the whole course of English history! I can only hope he is found out to be a total fake in the next Book or I will lose my trust in David Penney.

[Pat S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book no. 6 and I cant wait till the next one is published to continue the story.
As a huge fan of Outlander I am always looking for a good historical book/series and thought the Thomas Berrington stories might be interesting and they certainly are!
In a similar vein to the Matthew Shardlake stories but based in southern Spain and I couldn,t stop reading, which with the Kindle meant I could just download them one after another.
Highly recommend this series and it would be a great one to take on holiday

[Erwin Pantel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great David Penny, Thomas Berrington Book

I highly recommend this series, although like others, I do not recommend anyone new to the series to begin with this one. In the notes David Penny mentions the difficulty with the end of one of the characters that I grew to feel like I knew, and I’m sure it was hard to write the ending, it was also sad to read. This is another book in the series that just pulls you in and doesn’t let you go, an exciting historical fiction from the late 15th century as one great kingdom faces its end, as another grows more powerful.

[Judith Standing · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I have enjoyed these books but found this one hard going I just couldn’t get to grips with the story I put it down a couple of times then went back to it , but even though I finished the book It took me longer than the rest
I’m just about to start the next book so I’m hoping it’ll be my book I read at all hours x
All the other books are amazing and urge you to read asap you’ll not be disapointed

[Glyn Evans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas now resides in makala(malaga0 with jorges ,lubna and will also olaf. This story revolves around gold and death,and moorish spain trying to hang on to what little is left of their country.The Fortunate Dead has action, murder, and intrigue , also a very sad twist at the end . So go out and buy no6 in the series and ENJOY.

[Gail Hutcheson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep writing. I love every word. Can't wait for the next book. Write quickly. If you love a good tale and well written characters you

you will love
David Penny's books. Really good read. Thomas Herrington is my hero. Hope the next book is as good as this one.

[Judy Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I’m looking for a historical novel (in this case, 15th century Spain) that does not require a great deal of thought or effort on my part, I fall back on David Penny’s Thomas Berrington series. Perfect for a plane ride. It fills a need.

[09/01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read

Yet again,another great story,twists and turns,fictional characters,intermix with real historical ones. Old friends and enemies plot and scheme. Brilliant holding my breath for the next instalment.

[Cheryl Kleinjam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series

So g
So glad this series continues with at least some of its characters still alive. Penny's characters have a way of becoming people you feel as though you know and appreciate. I have thoroughly enjoyed all the books in this series and the historical setting.

[Selma Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not just this book, but the entire series has been one of the most enjoyable reads I've had. Read first book to last and eagerly awaiting the next.

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series but am heartbroken that Lubna was killed. Am so sad that Thomas lost her, but happy the babe was saved. Have gotten the next book and have started reading it.

[Rena Nowacoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard fought . And they survived the Spanish seige.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery got lost with the Spanish invasion. Too many things happening that don’t quite fit together. However, I enjoy the series and will read the next one.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing

No up to the enthralling standards of the previous books in the series. The mystery was positively boring. So sorry to lose a vital character.

[Jeannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Excellent historical fiction

[Mrs Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

As with all the books in this series, this was brilliant. A great read by a true storyteller and each time I learn more about medieval Spain. Highly recommended.

[Maureen Hagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great 👍 medieval England at its most descriptive . Another enthralling read.

[John Higgs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even having guessed where this volume was heading, still teared up in the final chapters, brilliant book in an awesome series!

[John Burke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book in a great series.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good book, This series gets better and better