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Thomas Berrington #4
The Incubus
For Thomas Berrington, torn between two warring civilisations, Ronda is an escape from the madness engulfing Gharnatah. For al-Zagal, the default leader of al-Andalus, it is a return to his mountain stronghold. In the year 1485 this should be a time of recovery and replenishment.
Until the Spanish army arrives, spreading across the plain below towering cliffs. And someone is murdering women so subtly the first the deaths go unnoticed.
Thomas and Jorge are once more thrown into the pursuit of a killer as the world around them changes, and the end of a once great civilisation draws closer. Can they unmask the Incubus before he steals the breath of more victims?
Set in the final years of the Moorish Empire that once ruled Spain, The Incubus is the fourth book in the acclaimed Thomas Berrington mysteries.
Until the Spanish army arrives, spreading across the plain below towering cliffs. And someone is murdering women so subtly the first the deaths go unnoticed.
Thomas and Jorge are once more thrown into the pursuit of a killer as the world around them changes, and the end of a once great civilisation draws closer. Can they unmask the Incubus before he steals the breath of more victims?
Set in the final years of the Moorish Empire that once ruled Spain, The Incubus is the fourth book in the acclaimed Thomas Berrington mysteries.
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Published August 28, 2018
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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 - 30 of 39 reviews
August 7, 2022
A fine easy read.
Thomas is a man in to himself. He has a easy way about that all like. Life is going to change an he will be dragged into it. Whether it's politics or murder. He will be there. Great story.
Thomas is a man in to himself. He has a easy way about that all like. Life is going to change an he will be dragged into it. Whether it's politics or murder. He will be there. Great story.
November 12, 2018
Great book (again!)
Thomas Berrington is either the most unlucky person that always stumbles into finding dead people or the luckiest person to be able to fight his way out of the many jams he gets himself into while investigating all these deaths. I recommend everyone to read this book. I am now going to buy the 5th book in the series.
Thomas Berrington is either the most unlucky person that always stumbles into finding dead people or the luckiest person to be able to fight his way out of the many jams he gets himself into while investigating all these deaths. I recommend everyone to read this book. I am now going to buy the 5th book in the series.
July 25, 2017
A great read.
Fantastic! Book 4 did not disappoint. Couldn't put it down. Looking forward to book 5 with relish. Love the characters and the twisting plot. Brilliant!
Fantastic! Book 4 did not disappoint. Couldn't put it down. Looking forward to book 5 with relish. Love the characters and the twisting plot. Brilliant!
June 30, 2017
The Incubus
The fourth book of the series, like the rest, it is page turning. Totally enjoy the historical aspects of the book, and am excitedly awaiting his sequels.
The fourth book of the series, like the rest, it is page turning. Totally enjoy the historical aspects of the book, and am excitedly awaiting his sequels.
December 18, 2019
I think I'm going to put Thomas Berrington to rest for a while. I do not like him, since the first book. I do not like Jorge, not any of his "amours", they are as silly and empty as he is full of himself. The stories: yes, I do like them, but I feel I should stop reading for a period of time, there is the possibility of too much Berrington. The Incubus was not the best of the 4 books I have read, I thought the author wrote too much for what the story is, and by the middle or so of the book, it was kind of easy to at least imagine what was going to happen. Too much inane conversations with no substance at all. Will meet Thomas Berrington again in the near future. For now, I'm fed up with the mister. The character, not the author.
May 29, 2017
Brilliant. This book is set in Moorish Spain at the end of the Reconquista. Granada must have had a lot of murders because the hero Thomas Berrington seems to get embroiled in them all. Great characters and another excellent plot with lots of real historical people into the mix. I loved this story and the others that preceded it. If you want a new series and some new friends to enjoy, you need to read them all.
February 17, 2017
Thomas. Berrington has more lives than a cat!
Another's winner from David Penny, the story is woven cleverly with believable characters. Thomas again, doing what he enjoys most,solving murders and defying death once more.The story is carefully interspersed with true historical events and characters, a 5 star read
Another's winner from David Penny, the story is woven cleverly with believable characters. Thomas again, doing what he enjoys most,solving murders and defying death once more.The story is carefully interspersed with true historical events and characters, a 5 star read
March 31, 2017
Another phenomenal historical mystery with Thomas Berrington in Moorish Spain. Ferdinand and Isabella are slowly taking the country for the Spaniards.
January 25, 2018
Someone is getting sloppy here - the text is marred by misspellings (discreet/discrete) and chalk-on-blackboard grammatical errors like "between you and I."
December 24, 2018
Once again, Thomas heads to a new places against his will, encounters dead bodies and killers, and acts as go-between in historical events. To be honest, I'm finding the history more fascinating than the detective parts – although I'm aware that there are likely to be liberties taken with the facts – although I'm not entirely sure why the investigations are a little unsatisfying. Anyway, one Christof Colomb makes a brief appearance in this episode, but his mention is so fleeting that I expect he's being introduced to appear in later volumes. Good job I'm still enjoying this enough to go straight on to the next book.
July 16, 2017
Okay
This 4th book of the series is better than the first three. The plot is decent. My problem with the entire series is the cultural mannerisms of the characters. It ruins my enjoyment when modern day vernacular is used in a historical setting. The mannerisms of the characters are too modern to be believed. The historical background is used as a setting here, but I find the mix odd.
I'm sure many would enjoy this series regardless of the mixture of the two. I would recommend to readers of fiction who aren't concerned with these inaccuracies.
This 4th book of the series is better than the first three. The plot is decent. My problem with the entire series is the cultural mannerisms of the characters. It ruins my enjoyment when modern day vernacular is used in a historical setting. The mannerisms of the characters are too modern to be believed. The historical background is used as a setting here, but I find the mix odd.
I'm sure many would enjoy this series regardless of the mixture of the two. I would recommend to readers of fiction who aren't concerned with these inaccuracies.
December 29, 2018
Continuing an excellent series.
Whilst I do not think that this is the best in the series, David Penny has again produced an outstanding piece of historical fiction and continues the excellence of the series.
The story of Thomas Barrington reaches the siege of Ronda and a hunt for a serial killer, whose trade mark seems to be a taste for beautiful victims. As always Berrington's skills as doctor, sleuth and soldier are in great demand and his irascible nature seems to be getting no better.
Looking forward to the next one.
Whilst I do not think that this is the best in the series, David Penny has again produced an outstanding piece of historical fiction and continues the excellence of the series.
The story of Thomas Barrington reaches the siege of Ronda and a hunt for a serial killer, whose trade mark seems to be a taste for beautiful victims. As always Berrington's skills as doctor, sleuth and soldier are in great demand and his irascible nature seems to be getting no better.
Looking forward to the next one.
January 29, 2018
Penny's Thomas Berrington Is Intriguing
Thomas Berrington, physician, sleuth, soldier, angel of mercy, is deeply involved in the search for the Incubus, dealer of death during the Spanish, Moorish war. Berrington, friend of Queen Isabella and King Fernando, physician to the Sultan, brokers peace, while solving yet another murder mystery. I am addicted to the series and look forward to book five. Enjoy book four!
Thomas Berrington, physician, sleuth, soldier, angel of mercy, is deeply involved in the search for the Incubus, dealer of death during the Spanish, Moorish war. Berrington, friend of Queen Isabella and King Fernando, physician to the Sultan, brokers peace, while solving yet another murder mystery. I am addicted to the series and look forward to book five. Enjoy book four!
August 18, 2020
Very interesting characters
I really enjoy all Of David Penny’s series of Thomas Berrington. I could see Jason Momoa as Thomas in reading each book. I love history & find his books ver interesting withe the information he provides in each book on living during those times. I will hate to see this series come to an end. I’m on book six & have a hard time putting each book down once I get started.
I really enjoy all Of David Penny’s series of Thomas Berrington. I could see Jason Momoa as Thomas in reading each book. I love history & find his books ver interesting withe the information he provides in each book on living during those times. I will hate to see this series come to an end. I’m on book six & have a hard time putting each book down once I get started.
June 30, 2023
Thomas und Jorge sind mit dem Gefolge von Al-Zagal auf dem Weg zur Festung Ronda als Thomas eine weibliche Leiche findet. Doch er hat keine Zeit herauszufinden ob es sich hierbei um einen Mord handelt. Denn die spanische Armee ist ihnen auf den Fersen, es beginnt ein Wettlauf mit der Zeit um in die sichere Festung zu kommen,--- Wieder eine sehr spannende Geschichte um Thomas Berrington vor historischer Kulisse! Einfach super!
September 14, 2024
A fine adventure
I think I'm really going to miss these books since I'm about to start the final one in this series. If you haven't read them you should know there are some references to events that occur only in the nostalgic musings of Thomas Berringer, rather than in any of the series I have read thus far. Otherwise they are stand alone adventure stories that are ours entertainment and great mystery development.
I think I'm really going to miss these books since I'm about to start the final one in this series. If you haven't read them you should know there are some references to events that occur only in the nostalgic musings of Thomas Berringer, rather than in any of the series I have read thus far. Otherwise they are stand alone adventure stories that are ours entertainment and great mystery development.
September 9, 2021
The Incubis
I am an ardent fan of historical novels and this being the second of David Penny’s books I have read, he has fast become a favourite. There is an obvious art to creating a great tale and weaving it into the real past and it is evident that David has this ability in spades. Great characters and a well crafted story which grabs you and holds you from start to finish.
I am an ardent fan of historical novels and this being the second of David Penny’s books I have read, he has fast become a favourite. There is an obvious art to creating a great tale and weaving it into the real past and it is evident that David has this ability in spades. Great characters and a well crafted story which grabs you and holds you from start to finish.
December 11, 2018
Another great book!
I love this series, and can't wait to start the next book. Historically fascinating by the weaving of fact and fiction. A heady mix that is hard to put down. Please keep writing more.
I love this series, and can't wait to start the next book. Historically fascinating by the weaving of fact and fiction. A heady mix that is hard to put down. Please keep writing more.
February 24, 2019
The drama of history
If the drama of history, the clash of cultures and how individuals experience these events intrigues you, this series will entertain.
I have read 4 books in the series and am looking forward to completing the series.
If the drama of history, the clash of cultures and how individuals experience these events intrigues you, this series will entertain.
I have read 4 books in the series and am looking forward to completing the series.
May 4, 2020
The Incubus
This is a very interesting read. I like reading about the history of Spain in the late 15th century. I like the way he puts in historical facts and people into his stories.
This is a very interesting read. I like reading about the history of Spain in the late 15th century. I like the way he puts in historical facts and people into his stories.
October 19, 2022
What a great read!
Oh, what a good book! This whole Thomas Berrington series is so engaging. I am learning more about European history and about medicine in the 1400's. But the story and characters are what keep me reading. Well done, David Penny! Well done!!
Oh, what a good book! This whole Thomas Berrington series is so engaging. I am learning more about European history and about medicine in the 1400's. But the story and characters are what keep me reading. Well done, David Penny! Well done!!
August 19, 2023
Another Thomas Barrington winner!
As always Thomas Barrington mystery winner!
I really love his use of real history and real historical characters as as backdrop for a fast paced thriller.
As always Thomas Barrington mystery winner!
I really love his use of real history and real historical characters as as backdrop for a fast paced thriller.
February 10, 2025
Number 4 in the series and this involves a killer of women, yet another mystery for thomas and jorges to solve. We are taken back in time to late 1400 s in moorish spain. Another excellent read so go out and buy the book (no spoilers).
September 20, 2025
Remarkable who shows up in this series
I can't believe that I have already read 4 volumes in this series. I looked ahead and found that there are a LOT more. I am happy. I really like this series and expect to like every book in it and the following related series.
I can't believe that I have already read 4 volumes in this series. I looked ahead and found that there are a LOT more. I am happy. I really like this series and expect to like every book in it and the following related series.
October 31, 2017
Fantastic reading
Again this author takes the reader through so many twists and turns one is amazed with the end result. Great book!
Again this author takes the reader through so many twists and turns one is amazed with the end result. Great book!
December 3, 2017
A great read!
I am addicted to this series. I am learning so much about Moorish Spain. The mystery is good but the historical context is great. Highly recommend.
I am addicted to this series. I am learning so much about Moorish Spain. The mystery is good but the historical context is great. Highly recommend.
July 1, 2019
Spain is conquering more of Moorish territory ans Thomas manage to survive.
August 5, 2019
The Incubus
I am enjoying this historical mystery series more and more. The story, the history, the characters, the glimpses into everyday life.
I am enjoying this historical mystery series more and more. The story, the history, the characters, the glimpses into everyday life.
February 4, 2020
Amazing historical novel
Wonderful story, descriptions of people and locations are amazing. The author makes the reader want to visit the places the characters visit. A must read!
Wonderful story, descriptions of people and locations are amazing. The author makes the reader want to visit the places the characters visit. A must read!
May 4, 2020
Excellent mystery and history
Having lived and traveled in Spain Mr Penny’s novels are both intriguing mysteries and a travelogue of many places I know. Well done.
Having lived and traveled in Spain Mr Penny’s novels are both intriguing mysteries and a travelogue of many places I know. Well done.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews