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Skulduggery
Times were tough in 1603, and there were shenanigans and skulduggery committed by locals and outsiders alike...
The bleak Pennine moors of Yorkshire; were a beautiful, harsh place, close to the sky, rugged and rough, with no boundaries except the horizon, which in places, went on forever.
A story of love and religious tolerance in 17th-century England. 'The story is a well-painted image of how 'copyholders' or peasants would have lived at this time, but that is only the backdrop to a suspenseful whodunit with romantic tones.
The bleak Pennine moors of Yorkshire; were a beautiful, harsh place, close to the sky, rugged and rough, with no boundaries except the horizon, which in places, went on forever.
A story of love and religious tolerance in 17th-century England. 'The story is a well-painted image of how 'copyholders' or peasants would have lived at this time, but that is only the backdrop to a suspenseful whodunit with romantic tones.
225 pages, Paperback
First published January 23, 2019
5 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Paul Rushworth-Brown
7 books28 followersPaul's novels are authentic and gritty, with twists and turns the reader won't see coming. He paints a realistic image of how peasants would have lived in the 16th and 17th centuries. However, that is only the backdrop to suspenseful and mysterious stories with romantic tones https://amzn.to/3vRFWoI . His novel 'Red Winter Journey' has been nominated for the NSW Premier's Literary Awards (Christina Stead Prize for fiction). His new novel Dream of Courage has been long-listed for the Historical Fiction Club’s Book of the Year Award and will be released in November.
Paul has been a guest on ABC, BBC, and America Tonight with Kate Delaney and regularly features on the Witty Writers Show in the US. The US Times https://bit.ly/3ZXOfNT said, 'Modern writers usually don't know what it was like to live in the past, but Rushworth-Brown does this with great skill in his accomplished, atmospheric and thoughtful novels.' https://bit.ly/3irmtII
Paul has been a guest on ABC, BBC, and America Tonight with Kate Delaney and regularly features on the Witty Writers Show in the US. The US Times https://bit.ly/3ZXOfNT said, 'Modern writers usually don't know what it was like to live in the past, but Rushworth-Brown does this with great skill in his accomplished, atmospheric and thoughtful novels.' https://bit.ly/3irmtII
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April 20, 2022Set on the moors of West Yorkshire in 1603 we follow Thomas and his family as they endeavour to survive the harsh, raw landscape in which they live.
With detailed description and scene setting Rushworth ensures we as readers can clearly envision and follow this dark, grimy life in which main character Thomas lives.
From his arranged marriage to Agnes, his love life which follows and his relationship with his brother and mother we gain clear insight into Thomas's journey as he grows throughout the text.
This is definitely one for fans of historical fiction as you are immediately drawn into the town and time frame of 1603.
Well done Paul Rushworth-Brown on your strong character development and scene setting. You really do feel part of the town in 1603 and although their lives are dirty, hard and gritty....the relationships built and developed between the characters are strong and solid.
Thank -you Shawline Publishing for sending me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
With detailed description and scene setting Rushworth ensures we as readers can clearly envision and follow this dark, grimy life in which main character Thomas lives.
From his arranged marriage to Agnes, his love life which follows and his relationship with his brother and mother we gain clear insight into Thomas's journey as he grows throughout the text.
This is definitely one for fans of historical fiction as you are immediately drawn into the town and time frame of 1603.
Well done Paul Rushworth-Brown on your strong character development and scene setting. You really do feel part of the town in 1603 and although their lives are dirty, hard and gritty....the relationships built and developed between the characters are strong and solid.
Thank -you Shawline Publishing for sending me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2023
I read this book after Red Winter Journey which I thoroughly loved! I love historical fiction books & am so happy I found this book series. Skulduggery was fantastic! Had a difficult time putting the book down! A family saga, a who-done-it, an arranged marriage, a mystery, a romance all set on the moors of Yorkshire in early times. I read the second edition, and the author does an awesome job of writing the story. The details are great - you can picture what's going on in your mind, and these characters come to life. If you like historical fiction books, you should definitely read this series - you will not be disappointed!
October 2, 2021
Australian author Paul Rushworth- Brown has written a great story of life in rural Yorkshire in the seventeenth century . I found the language , way of life and descriptive writing soon had me transported back in time and I found myself rather enjoying the simple but hard working farmers lives. There was a fair amount of drinking , gambling and sex in the village, which led to skulduggery, but the Hargreaves and Rushworth families were determined to get to the bottom of it. An arranged marriage between Agnes and Thomas forged a strong link between the two families and it was interesting to read of the traditions which took place around the wedding.
As a retired New Zealand farmer I could relate to the seasonal work around the farms described so well by the author. This is a captivating read and although times were hard and tough for farmers , there was a strong sense of community sprit interwoven throughout the book .
Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will find this a worthwhile read.
I did find the print small initially , but the print was clear and dark so I was able to read the script easily .
As a retired New Zealand farmer I could relate to the seasonal work around the farms described so well by the author. This is a captivating read and although times were hard and tough for farmers , there was a strong sense of community sprit interwoven throughout the book .
Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will find this a worthwhile read.
I did find the print small initially , but the print was clear and dark so I was able to read the script easily .
January 27, 2021
Paul Rushworth-Brown’s book, set in sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Yorkshire, is a convincingly raw and unvarnished account of life in those times. Because of the naming repetition, I wasn't sure which generation I was reading about at first, but once the story settled it was possible to warm to the characters, in particular Thomas and Agnes, as an arranged marriage leads to a touching love story. The dialect is not too off-putting and helps with the realistic feel to the author’s recreation of the times. Without mention of specific research sources in the book, it isn’t possible to check on the historical accuracy (and this is fiction in any event.) However the account does have a very authentic ‘feel’ to it.
January 20, 2022
The hype around this book has been unquestionable and, admittedly, that made me both eager to get my hands on it and terrified to read it. I mean, what if I was to be the one person that didn't love it as much as others? (That seems silly now because of how truly mesmerizing Skulduggery was in the most heartbreakingly realistic way.) I knew this one was a must-read, so I was ready to set my fears aside and dive in. I'm so glad I did because it took me to a place that I had never been before 17th century Yorkshire. Rushworth-Brown describes the times in a realistic and provocative way and holds nothing back about the hardships faced by the people living there at the time. The love story, mystery and characters were truly wonderful.
I was disappointed to see that goodreads had not adopted the new cover and the Shawline Publishing version of the novel. Almost as bad as Amazon. The second edition can be found here where I got it https://www.bookdepository.com/Skuldu...
I was disappointed to see that goodreads had not adopted the new cover and the Shawline Publishing version of the novel. Almost as bad as Amazon. The second edition can be found here where I got it https://www.bookdepository.com/Skuldu...
May 16, 2021
A good, enthralling and promising debut novel! Even though I have felt that the beginning of the story needs a bit more polishing, it is nevertheless a solid and interesting novel. I have however read the first edition and was told the second one was more polished. So get the second edition! Staying very close to very well researched details of how daily life in Yorkshire was in those days, I learned a lot about what home really meant then : cows, lamb at night in the house in some of the families, what people ate, their sleeping conditions.... I got attached to the main characters: a bit of love, family life working for the manor and on the fields and also a bit of action have kept me enthralled till the very end. I have seen a sequel has been written!! I will definitely read it!
March 16, 2023
The novel evokes local color from the moors of Yorkshire. It also sparkles with witty observations about English early peasant life. Almost a picture book of words, the author paints vivid descriptions of the countryside and the lives of the people living in it. Slow to start the story grew into a shockingly good story with hints of mystery, romance, crime, and treachery. I really enjoyed this novel, even though, after the first chapter, I thought I wouldn't. I would definitely read more from this author.
October 23, 2021
Thank you to the author for my copy.
This was an interesting read set in the early 1600's, in Yorkshire when times were pretty tough. The author did describe things like clothing, living quarters, farming and cooking really well so I could visualise it like I was there. There were some exciting and thrilling moments and also a little bit of romance through an arranged marriage. Some parts were not that well written and didn't work for me, but considering this is a first book, not bad. I feel the author is on the right track and with a little "spit and polish" he could produce a better read in his next work.
This was an interesting read set in the early 1600's, in Yorkshire when times were pretty tough. The author did describe things like clothing, living quarters, farming and cooking really well so I could visualise it like I was there. There were some exciting and thrilling moments and also a little bit of romance through an arranged marriage. Some parts were not that well written and didn't work for me, but considering this is a first book, not bad. I feel the author is on the right track and with a little "spit and polish" he could produce a better read in his next work.
March 16, 2023
The novel as an art form: “It makes one wonder who would write them [novels].People who enjoy imagining misery, I suppose. People who have no scruples about dishonesty”. Yet through the duplicity of his exquisitely crafted characters, and luminous storytelling, this novel’s author reveals truths of the human spirit in a most entertaining and absorbing fashion.
March 18, 2023
I am a history teacher and tried to write my own novel some time ago but gave up. One of the very best reasons to read historical fiction is that it brings history to life in a way that non-fiction never can. Obviously, historical accuracy will vary and the writers don't know how these people we recognise from our textbooks thought, or felt, or what they said. What they can do, however, is make an educated guess; they make them human again. Writers bring people who have been dead for hundreds of years back to life, for us. Paul Rushworth-Brown has done this in the most realistic and truthful way. I have read Skulduggery and Red Winter Journey is on my TBR list. Thank you INDIE BOOK SOURCE, it was a very interesting interview. If you would like to watch Paul's interview you can find it here 2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXUGQ...
April 12, 2023
The hype around this book has been unquestionable and admittedly, that made me both eager to get my hands on it and terrified to read it. I mean, what if I was to be the one person that didn't love it as much as others? (That seems silly now because of how truly mesmerizing Skulduggery was in the most heartbreakingly realistic way.) I knew this one was a must-read, so I was ready to set my fears aside and dive in. I'm so glad I did because it took me to a place I had never been to before 17th-century Yorkshire. Rusworth-Brown describes the times in a realistic and provocative way, holding nothing back.
February 5, 2023
If you liked Poldark, Vikings and Wolf Hall you will love this. Rushworth-Brown is a master storyteller. The second edition which I managed to get was enthralling. There is something here for everyone; a page-turning story; fascinating history accurately researched; romance and passion; treachery and villainy; and the beautiful landscape of Yorkshire which he describes so well.
April 8, 2023
'Thank you so much, Beauty and Lace Book Club and Paul Rushworth-Brown, for allowing me to read and review Skulduggery.
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. I love historical fiction, especially when an author really researches their subject, and it comes across in the novel.
Paul had me feeling like I was actually genuinely there with all of the characters, and not a lot of authors can do this.
Thank you so much for a very enjoyable read. 5 stars from me.' See more reviews on https://bit.ly/42Y8QTR
I thoroughly enjoyed the novel. I love historical fiction, especially when an author really researches their subject, and it comes across in the novel.
Paul had me feeling like I was actually genuinely there with all of the characters, and not a lot of authors can do this.
Thank you so much for a very enjoyable read. 5 stars from me.' See more reviews on https://bit.ly/42Y8QTR
March 28, 2023
The hype around this book has been unquestionable and admittedly, that made me both eager to get my hands on it and terrified to read it. I mean, what if I was to be the one person that didn't love it as much as others? (That seems silly now because of how truly mesmerizing Skulduggery was in the most heartbreakingly realistic way.) I knew this one was a must-read, so I was ready to set my fears aside and dive in. I'm so glad I did because it took me to a place I had never been to before 17th-century Yorkshire. Rudsworth-Brown describes the times in a realistic and provocative way, holding nothing back.
April 18, 2023
Old time England, a time of turmoil, of religious change and persecution. A time where times were tough, death is common and crime was harsh. But these things also bring people together.
Thomas has lost his father and now has to step up to manage the holding his family has under the Lord of the manner. Their resources are stretched, to say the least, and he is only young, but stepping up is what he need do.
John has been fortunate to own land, to have funds to support his family, his problem is his faith has been outlawed, their very lives are at risk. But its not his faith that ends him in a ditch, it was his luck gambling on a dog and some dead rats. Thieves took his winnings, leaving him for dead. Thankfully Thomas is a good man, despite his youth. They take him in, his mum patches him up and an inter family relationship is born, a marriage is orchestrated.
Agnes was not keen on being ordered to marry, what if he is horrible, harsh, unkind and demanding. How happy she was to find none of the above. Thomas was unexpected.
Will John and Thomas's plan to correct the injustice, to challenge the crime, the skulduggery, to involve the Lords people, put everything in jeopardy?
I loved the descriptions, the rawness of the story and the chance for a better life something to believe in, even if they could not.
Paul Rushworth-Brown provides a read that is hard to put down and a story to suck you in. Thank you to Beauty and Lace for encouraging this read.
Thomas has lost his father and now has to step up to manage the holding his family has under the Lord of the manner. Their resources are stretched, to say the least, and he is only young, but stepping up is what he need do.
John has been fortunate to own land, to have funds to support his family, his problem is his faith has been outlawed, their very lives are at risk. But its not his faith that ends him in a ditch, it was his luck gambling on a dog and some dead rats. Thieves took his winnings, leaving him for dead. Thankfully Thomas is a good man, despite his youth. They take him in, his mum patches him up and an inter family relationship is born, a marriage is orchestrated.
Agnes was not keen on being ordered to marry, what if he is horrible, harsh, unkind and demanding. How happy she was to find none of the above. Thomas was unexpected.
Will John and Thomas's plan to correct the injustice, to challenge the crime, the skulduggery, to involve the Lords people, put everything in jeopardy?
I loved the descriptions, the rawness of the story and the chance for a better life something to believe in, even if they could not.
Paul Rushworth-Brown provides a read that is hard to put down and a story to suck you in. Thank you to Beauty and Lace for encouraging this read.
April 9, 2023
This is an excellent book, very well researched. This is one of those historical novels that could very well have been a true story. There was a massive amount of research behind this story, and whether they are factual or not - the end result is an incredibly good read. The story took the reader to the moors of Yorkshire in the 16th or 17th century which I know next to nothing about, but that was okay. This is the second book I have read by Rushworth-Brown he always makes for easy and, at times, humorous reading. Mystery, romance, sadness, happiness, and anger the story evoked all my emotions.
April 10, 2023
This book took a while to get to me, but it was well worth the wait! It kept me on my toes and kept me guessing and I had no idea how it was going to end. I developed different theories while reading, but none of them were right and I liked that I didn’t know what the ending was. The main character, Tommy was young, complex and intelligent. Agnes a country beauty and Mrs Hargreaves a strong intelligent woman. I finished this off last night because the internet died. Great ending, didn’t see that coming. This really was a historical whodunnit! A mystery a romance told in a non vulgar or erotic way.
October 13, 2020
HEEHEE
man this book was groovy it got me feelin so good it made me come back from the grave just to read and understand stuff i never gonna understand again ur a real one
HEE HEE OO
michael jackson out
man this book was groovy it got me feelin so good it made me come back from the grave just to read and understand stuff i never gonna understand again ur a real one
HEE HEE OO
michael jackson out
March 16, 2023
A sweeping saga meticulously researched. A fascinating tale of the adventures of a peasant family in Yorkshire, England. Rushworth-Brown has a simple writing style with detailed descriptions that tend to characterize many longer novels. His characters are well-developed with baddies that you really love to hate. A masterpiece of storytelling.
May 11, 2023
Skulduggery is a simple entertaining romp full of laconic wit, some sophisticated use of language has gone into creating its authentically vintage flavour. Rushworth-Brown does not dilly-dally with the usual pleasantries but tells it the way it was like a literary shock jock. Fortunately, the story has a tender side with romance and a loving father searching for his son. His descriptions of the Yorkshire moors are tremendous, and the twisting plot puts the reader on edge. Well worth the read.
October 27, 2023
SKULDUGGERY has a new and improved 2nd Edition
A story of love and religious tolerance in 17th-century England. 'The story is a well-painted image of how 'copyholders' or peasants would have lived at this time, but that is only the backdrop to a suspenseful whodunit with romantic tones.
US National Times- Modern writers usually don't know what it was like to live in the past, but Rushworth-Brown has done this with great skill in this accomplished, atmospheric and thoughtful novel.' Available in paperback https://bit.ly/3ZeWYeh or as an e-book https://bit.ly/3GPYH2o
A story of love and religious tolerance in 17th-century England. 'The story is a well-painted image of how 'copyholders' or peasants would have lived at this time, but that is only the backdrop to a suspenseful whodunit with romantic tones.
US National Times- Modern writers usually don't know what it was like to live in the past, but Rushworth-Brown has done this with great skill in this accomplished, atmospheric and thoughtful novel.' Available in paperback https://bit.ly/3ZeWYeh or as an e-book https://bit.ly/3GPYH2o
February 28, 2023
There is a second Edition of Skulduggery from Shawline Publishing
A story of love and religious tolerance in 17th-century England. 'The story is a well-painted image of how 'copyholders' or peasants would have lived at this time, but that is only the backdrop to a suspenseful whodunit with romantic tones.
US National Times- 'Modern writers usually don't know what it was like to live in the past, but Rushworth-Brown has done this with great skill in this accomplished, atmospheric and thoughtful novel.'
A story of love and religious tolerance in 17th-century England. 'The story is a well-painted image of how 'copyholders' or peasants would have lived at this time, but that is only the backdrop to a suspenseful whodunit with romantic tones.
US National Times- 'Modern writers usually don't know what it was like to live in the past, but Rushworth-Brown has done this with great skill in this accomplished, atmospheric and thoughtful novel.'
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews