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Thomas Berrington Tudor Mystery #2
A Death of Promise
Ludlow, England, 1502
When Thomas Berrington finds the bones of a human hand in his room at Ludlow Castle, he knows he must confront whoever left them. But when Thomas tracks the man down, his throat has been cut, and Thomas believes the killer is an old adversary.
In hot pursuit of his suspect, Thomas comes under attack, barely escaping with his life. When paid mercenaries storm Thomas’s house, threatening his family, he redoubles his efforts. Finally confronting the perpetrator, he makes a mistake that might prove fatal. Can he succeed, or will this be the end for Thomas Berrington?
When Thomas Berrington finds the bones of a human hand in his room at Ludlow Castle, he knows he must confront whoever left them. But when Thomas tracks the man down, his throat has been cut, and Thomas believes the killer is an old adversary.
In hot pursuit of his suspect, Thomas comes under attack, barely escaping with his life. When paid mercenaries storm Thomas’s house, threatening his family, he redoubles his efforts. Finally confronting the perpetrator, he makes a mistake that might prove fatal. Can he succeed, or will this be the end for Thomas Berrington?
- GenresCrime
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2022
222 people are currently reading
73 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 8, 2022
Thomas doing his best to cope with all of his duties and benefiting from the assistance of his daughter and son makes for a passing good story illustrating clashing cultures, values, class distinctions, the definition of justice from varying points of view when it comes to crime and punishment of a certain lady who we have met previously...take a breath...
Hey, it's early 1500's, Henry VII is waiting in the wings and - Well, if I tell you how it ends you won't want to read it. But Thomas is the main character and he manages to get his Granada style house built for his family to help him cope with the English wet and cold clime. He gets to rely on his previous wartime experience in removing arms, so the physician side of his personality is utilized.
His grown children are the best part of the book.
Kindle Unlimited
Hey, it's early 1500's, Henry VII is waiting in the wings and - Well, if I tell you how it ends you won't want to read it. But Thomas is the main character and he manages to get his Granada style house built for his family to help him cope with the English wet and cold clime. He gets to rely on his previous wartime experience in removing arms, so the physician side of his personality is utilized.
His grown children are the best part of the book.
Kindle Unlimited
July 5, 2022
The 2nd book (and currently the last one, but the aithor is writing more) in the Thomas Berrington Tudor Mysteries series, this one picks up where "Men of Bone" left off.
Thomas is now the Justice of the Peace. His son Will and daughter Amal are helping him out by recording participants, requests/ disputes, and the disposition of each case. There are 2 powerful men who both believe they are right in a dispute against land, and Thomas resolves it in favor of the man who is legally in the right, and gets cursed by the one in the wrong, who tries to withhold information needed to resolve other cases until he gets the judgment reversed in his favor - but Tom knows the law. It doesn't work to threaten a man who can threaten you back and has a rrack record of making good on his threats.
Sometimes, young people develop ambition but are not patient enough to see it through. Such is a young man from a family of millers. He is told, in each place where he is hired as a firestarter (to set the hearth fires, start them, and clean out the ashes, what we would now call a "McJob,") that if he is diligent, he will be promoted. But he wants a high position right off the bat, no "work your way up" will satisfy him. He is easy pray for Philippa Gale, aka Gala Uziel, who sets him up in a cottage, gives him a job to do, and then gives him a specific item to place in Tom's room in the castle. While trying to get information, Tom discovers the boy's body in a church, pierced through the back with a slender and very sharp knife into the heart, killing him instantly. Pip had no more use for him.
Bel and Tom are slowly getting back together. One of the mason's sons is found placing a hex item in Tom's house, and Pip is behind it. A cunning woman is found to find all the hexes and they're removed and handled in accordance with her directions. She and Will fall hard for each other but don't get married.
Amal aids her father in putting together documents and tracing their origins and associated documentation. At one point, Tom brings home a journal from Pip's latest hideout in code. It takes her a while to realize the code is based on Spanish, not English, but she cracks it and they have a book full of admissions of criminal enterprises and properties Pip owns.
Much befalls Tom in the book. The man who really murdered the boy Tom was accused of murdering at age 13 confessed to Tom when they were alone, and it may have done Tom little good had he confessed with wirnesses. The boy killed was a commoner, and the murderer, from the nobility. Despsite that, the dead boy has a younger brother Tom only learned about when he came back, a bitter man whom no one liked and who liked no one. When he fights Tom, Tom disables him but leaves him alive, but he is called to the priory because the man was found dead about an hour later...likely the work of Pip's men. Lizzie, Bel's closest friend as a girl, has married a crooked lawyer, whom she defends fiercely, and she drops Bel's friendship when her husband demands it. They both attack Tom, and both are repulsed, left unconscious but pretty much unharmed. Then, later, Tom is called to the priory because the crooked lawyer is dead. Lizzie and her son from her first marriage come after Tom, and again fail to do any damage. Then they both disappear.
All of this bears the stamp of Pip who wants Thomas dead...and hanging for murder will do nicely.
Amal gets sick with a new illness that people call the "sweating sickness." Silva, the cunning woman, tells them how to treat her and she survives. Not long after, Prince Arthur and Princess Catherine both get the same, but Arthur has been sick longer and the royal "physician" bled him so he had no strength left to fight the disease. He dies, but Catherine survives. She was never able to get pregnant. She will end up being a virtual prisoner in one of the castles for a long time. Harry is far too impetuous to do what Arthur had done. The castle Arthur lived in is emptied except for a skeleton staff.
Meanwhile, Tom goes on the offensive with Pip, after a middle of the night break in attempt by 10 men. The children are sent out with some of the adults to a safe area. One by one, the household that remains takes care of all but one intruder, who is questioned then sent with a message.
In between attacks, Pip asks for Tom's help. The hand that she self-amputated with a black power weapon is painful and needs amputation at the shoulder. Tom does it on the promise she will leave them alone, a promise all of them know she will never keep. Silva has the amputated limb burned to purify the evil in it, then the bones and ashes are placed in the river to cleanse residual evil. Of course, Tom has no belief in these things, but had to admit his house felt better with the hexes removed and destroyed.
Eventually, in London, Tom sees King Henry who says the man against whom Tom entered the judgment has told him how rotten a job Tom did. Tom explains the reason for his judgment and says the man is lying. He explains the illness, the treatment of the regular doctor, and how his son actually died. He is bitter because Catherine lived and he would have preferred that she died and not his son Arthur. He refuses to return Catherine home to Spain as it means repaying the dowry, which is already spent on yet another palace. Then he goes to trace Pip, and discovers something he didn't expect. There is a battle to the end.
Thomas is now the Justice of the Peace. His son Will and daughter Amal are helping him out by recording participants, requests/ disputes, and the disposition of each case. There are 2 powerful men who both believe they are right in a dispute against land, and Thomas resolves it in favor of the man who is legally in the right, and gets cursed by the one in the wrong, who tries to withhold information needed to resolve other cases until he gets the judgment reversed in his favor - but Tom knows the law. It doesn't work to threaten a man who can threaten you back and has a rrack record of making good on his threats.
Sometimes, young people develop ambition but are not patient enough to see it through. Such is a young man from a family of millers. He is told, in each place where he is hired as a firestarter (to set the hearth fires, start them, and clean out the ashes, what we would now call a "McJob,") that if he is diligent, he will be promoted. But he wants a high position right off the bat, no "work your way up" will satisfy him. He is easy pray for Philippa Gale, aka Gala Uziel, who sets him up in a cottage, gives him a job to do, and then gives him a specific item to place in Tom's room in the castle. While trying to get information, Tom discovers the boy's body in a church, pierced through the back with a slender and very sharp knife into the heart, killing him instantly. Pip had no more use for him.
Bel and Tom are slowly getting back together. One of the mason's sons is found placing a hex item in Tom's house, and Pip is behind it. A cunning woman is found to find all the hexes and they're removed and handled in accordance with her directions. She and Will fall hard for each other but don't get married.
Amal aids her father in putting together documents and tracing their origins and associated documentation. At one point, Tom brings home a journal from Pip's latest hideout in code. It takes her a while to realize the code is based on Spanish, not English, but she cracks it and they have a book full of admissions of criminal enterprises and properties Pip owns.
Much befalls Tom in the book. The man who really murdered the boy Tom was accused of murdering at age 13 confessed to Tom when they were alone, and it may have done Tom little good had he confessed with wirnesses. The boy killed was a commoner, and the murderer, from the nobility. Despsite that, the dead boy has a younger brother Tom only learned about when he came back, a bitter man whom no one liked and who liked no one. When he fights Tom, Tom disables him but leaves him alive, but he is called to the priory because the man was found dead about an hour later...likely the work of Pip's men. Lizzie, Bel's closest friend as a girl, has married a crooked lawyer, whom she defends fiercely, and she drops Bel's friendship when her husband demands it. They both attack Tom, and both are repulsed, left unconscious but pretty much unharmed. Then, later, Tom is called to the priory because the crooked lawyer is dead. Lizzie and her son from her first marriage come after Tom, and again fail to do any damage. Then they both disappear.
All of this bears the stamp of Pip who wants Thomas dead...and hanging for murder will do nicely.
Amal gets sick with a new illness that people call the "sweating sickness." Silva, the cunning woman, tells them how to treat her and she survives. Not long after, Prince Arthur and Princess Catherine both get the same, but Arthur has been sick longer and the royal "physician" bled him so he had no strength left to fight the disease. He dies, but Catherine survives. She was never able to get pregnant. She will end up being a virtual prisoner in one of the castles for a long time. Harry is far too impetuous to do what Arthur had done. The castle Arthur lived in is emptied except for a skeleton staff.
Meanwhile, Tom goes on the offensive with Pip, after a middle of the night break in attempt by 10 men. The children are sent out with some of the adults to a safe area. One by one, the household that remains takes care of all but one intruder, who is questioned then sent with a message.
In between attacks, Pip asks for Tom's help. The hand that she self-amputated with a black power weapon is painful and needs amputation at the shoulder. Tom does it on the promise she will leave them alone, a promise all of them know she will never keep. Silva has the amputated limb burned to purify the evil in it, then the bones and ashes are placed in the river to cleanse residual evil. Of course, Tom has no belief in these things, but had to admit his house felt better with the hexes removed and destroyed.
Eventually, in London, Tom sees King Henry who says the man against whom Tom entered the judgment has told him how rotten a job Tom did. Tom explains the reason for his judgment and says the man is lying. He explains the illness, the treatment of the regular doctor, and how his son actually died. He is bitter because Catherine lived and he would have preferred that she died and not his son Arthur. He refuses to return Catherine home to Spain as it means repaying the dowry, which is already spent on yet another palace. Then he goes to trace Pip, and discovers something he didn't expect. There is a battle to the end.
June 11, 2022
I love the Tudor period… so much potential…
I love the Tudor period and I love these characters. The historical truth is sometimes better than fiction. This time period had a lot of intrigue, romance, deception and Palace/Court politics. This makes bringing Thomas back to England during this time period have so much more potential for new Great Adventures!
I would however like to get more of a feel for life in England at that time in the story. Life for regular folks as well as the splendor of the nobility and their life outside of court. Also more intrigue, danger and court politics would be welcome. The author did a better job of describing and making moorish Spain another character more so than England so far in my opinion. So much so, that I could picture Moorish Spain vividly in earlier books. So far, I don’t get that with the first two books in this new Thomas series. I hope that changes in future stories.
I am also disappointed with the lack of interaction and closeness of Thomas and his sister Agnes and her daughters. After all of this time being apart, I would think they would spend more time together. Most of their interaction has been off the page and just told that they spent time together. That’s a waste and so disappointing. Also, Thomas has all of this money why not help better his sister’s life with some.
I did like that we got more interaction between Thomas and Amal, Will, Jorge and the rest of the family and friends in this book. We even got more of Kin in this installment.
I am excited for the potentially renewed romance with Bel. I love a good second chance love story. I hope we get a true love story and get more intimate moments and real connection between Thomas and Bel. I love Bel’s sons as well. They would make a great addition to Thomas’ extended family. I hope!
I also think the author is aging Thomas too much too fast. He especially made him like a doddering old relic in the first book (Bones). It was a little better in this book where we got a glimpse of Thomas’ still vast fighting abilities (although he made some idiotic decisions). But, still not enough. I know the author is trying to give Amal and Will more of a role, but the series is still The Thomas Berrington series. I think Thomas still deserves to shine.
I love the Tudor period and I love these characters. The historical truth is sometimes better than fiction. This time period had a lot of intrigue, romance, deception and Palace/Court politics. This makes bringing Thomas back to England during this time period have so much more potential for new Great Adventures!
I would however like to get more of a feel for life in England at that time in the story. Life for regular folks as well as the splendor of the nobility and their life outside of court. Also more intrigue, danger and court politics would be welcome. The author did a better job of describing and making moorish Spain another character more so than England so far in my opinion. So much so, that I could picture Moorish Spain vividly in earlier books. So far, I don’t get that with the first two books in this new Thomas series. I hope that changes in future stories.
I am also disappointed with the lack of interaction and closeness of Thomas and his sister Agnes and her daughters. After all of this time being apart, I would think they would spend more time together. Most of their interaction has been off the page and just told that they spent time together. That’s a waste and so disappointing. Also, Thomas has all of this money why not help better his sister’s life with some.
I did like that we got more interaction between Thomas and Amal, Will, Jorge and the rest of the family and friends in this book. We even got more of Kin in this installment.
I am excited for the potentially renewed romance with Bel. I love a good second chance love story. I hope we get a true love story and get more intimate moments and real connection between Thomas and Bel. I love Bel’s sons as well. They would make a great addition to Thomas’ extended family. I hope!
I also think the author is aging Thomas too much too fast. He especially made him like a doddering old relic in the first book (Bones). It was a little better in this book where we got a glimpse of Thomas’ still vast fighting abilities (although he made some idiotic decisions). But, still not enough. I know the author is trying to give Amal and Will more of a role, but the series is still The Thomas Berrington series. I think Thomas still deserves to shine.
August 27, 2024
Just a bit tiresome
I enjoy the series of Berri her books but I am finally weary of the repetition each character bears to the telling. There's just so many times I can tolerate reading that Jorge is a eunuch made so by Berri her' compassionate hands, or that Usaden is fierce in appearance and that Will is strong and handsome. Enough. I feel when you read those mentions once or perhaps twice, that's enough. To me they don't really advance either the storyline or the plot.
Equally, I'm tired of reading, for the same reasons, that Bel and Thomas were youthful lovers, suspicion about Arthur Kodak's death will always be bruited about by gossip loving villagers and that Agnes bakes the best bread and rolls on earth.
I want either more intense and mysterious plotting or a seriously curtailed length of the book, making the ending less foregone conclusion and more something to be picked apart and sussed out so there is more surprise rather than just an unfilled arrival at the conclusion of the book.
I think that's one of the major problems writing and reading successive stories like these, there's never anything new to keep readers on their toes and guessing how everything will finally all come together.
Probably I will come back to the series eventually but for now I'm going to give them all a serious break.
I enjoy the series of Berri her books but I am finally weary of the repetition each character bears to the telling. There's just so many times I can tolerate reading that Jorge is a eunuch made so by Berri her' compassionate hands, or that Usaden is fierce in appearance and that Will is strong and handsome. Enough. I feel when you read those mentions once or perhaps twice, that's enough. To me they don't really advance either the storyline or the plot.
Equally, I'm tired of reading, for the same reasons, that Bel and Thomas were youthful lovers, suspicion about Arthur Kodak's death will always be bruited about by gossip loving villagers and that Agnes bakes the best bread and rolls on earth.
I want either more intense and mysterious plotting or a seriously curtailed length of the book, making the ending less foregone conclusion and more something to be picked apart and sussed out so there is more surprise rather than just an unfilled arrival at the conclusion of the book.
I think that's one of the major problems writing and reading successive stories like these, there's never anything new to keep readers on their toes and guessing how everything will finally all come together.
Probably I will come back to the series eventually but for now I'm going to give them all a serious break.
May 24, 2023
This is the second book in the Thomas Berrington Tudor mystery, and was a really good read. The second book I have read from David Penny, who is now going to be one of my favourite authors. It was an addictive tale, and I couldn’t put it down. Much the same as the first in this series. Action packed, amusing, and at times infuriating as Thomas, is lead by his heart, into various scrapes, as he investigates murders linked to one naughty evil lady. I really loved all the good guys, and was so happy that Kin didn’t die. The passion that Thomas displayed to protect his diverse family was clear throughout, and so well written, that I felt part of this. And, Thomas, not being a young man, I felt all his aches and pains.
September 10, 2023
Thomas Berrington has returned from almost a lifetime in Spain and is putting down roots in Ludlow, to be near the Spanish princess Katherine, who he has promised to look after. He had hoped his altercation with Philippa Gale had ended with the death of her father and the loss of her hand, but when bones are found in his room, he fears the feud is not over. Meanwhile he takes up his post as Justice of the Peace, and immediately alienates a landowner who believed he could bully and bribe his way.
The story of his extended family and how Thomas adjusts to his new life make for an interesting read, well researched and firmly set in Tudor Britain. I am thoroughly enjoying this series.
The story of his extended family and how Thomas adjusts to his new life make for an interesting read, well researched and firmly set in Tudor Britain. I am thoroughly enjoying this series.
August 14, 2022
Excellent as usual.
I have yet to read a poor Thomas Berrington novel. Actually
I have to read one that isn't of the highest quality. This latest is no exception.
David Parry is an extremely good author who never seems to write a bad sentence but he also has the great skill of writing and introducing brilliant characters ( which is a good job due to the high mortality rate of Berringtons friends and goes alike) which keeps the series fresh.
If you have yet to experience the skill of David Penny you are missing a treat.
I have yet to read a poor Thomas Berrington novel. Actually
I have to read one that isn't of the highest quality. This latest is no exception.
David Parry is an extremely good author who never seems to write a bad sentence but he also has the great skill of writing and introducing brilliant characters ( which is a good job due to the high mortality rate of Berringtons friends and goes alike) which keeps the series fresh.
If you have yet to experience the skill of David Penny you are missing a treat.
February 4, 2025
This second novel of the exploits of Thomas Bennington is entertaining while but not as interesting as the first. Thomas has entered his sixth era of life and is somewhat slowing down physically though he is not admitting so. Much of the book focuses on his private and civic life and tends to be interesting but repetitious. It’s a good read full of swashbuckling and sex with intelligent hardworking women and stubborn men who did not fear death. As a novel of historical fiction there was little addressed.
August 5, 2023
A Death of Promise (Thomas Berrington Tudor Mystery #2)
by David Penny
Princess Catherine has married Prince Arthur and they have moved to Ludlow Castle. Thomas Berrington and his extended family are also residing there after the battle for Ludlow against the Bone men and the bolstered by the men of wales.
I loved the story as it unfolds we learn more about Thomas's family and the ability's they possess.
by David Penny
Princess Catherine has married Prince Arthur and they have moved to Ludlow Castle. Thomas Berrington and his extended family are also residing there after the battle for Ludlow against the Bone men and the bolstered by the men of wales.
I loved the story as it unfolds we learn more about Thomas's family and the ability's they possess.
October 30, 2024
A reasonable tale of the continuing saga started in the Bone Men. Phillipa Gale is hell-bent on destroying Thomas but he and his family have other ideas. Prince Arthur becomes unwell and Thomas is called to help but does not know if he can succeed. Action goes from the border area of Ludlow and to London where King Henry sits the throne. A reasonable tale but confusion with names from the previous book and marred by some poor proof reading. May not continue with this series. 2 stars.
March 6, 2025
This is no 2 of thomas berrington books set in england and a quality read again he has produced. He has his usual team with him and is pursuing an old adversary (no spoilers). Thomas now is starting to feel his age and i wonder how much longer he can go on, as there are another two books after this for me to read and i look forward to them. So jump back in time to roughly around 1500 or so and ENJOY.
July 26, 2022
Great book!
I love the characters and their relationships with each other. The continuity of the books starting with first books about Thomas Barrington before the Tudor series is very addictive. The stories flow from beginning up to latest book never overlooking small details. If you enjoy historical fiction Penny's books are well done.
I love the characters and their relationships with each other. The continuity of the books starting with first books about Thomas Barrington before the Tudor series is very addictive. The stories flow from beginning up to latest book never overlooking small details. If you enjoy historical fiction Penny's books are well done.
September 1, 2022
I have discovered Thomas Barrington on his return to England and have thoroughly enjoyed a romp through London and the Welsh borders. Delightfully unbelievable at times when the odds are stacked at 40 to 2 for example but thoroughly enjoyable. After a while I will read the early books and fill in the back story.
July 8, 2024
A page turner!
This is the second book in this series and does not disappoint. Now familiar characters play an important role in the story which follows on nicely from the first book. It's difficult to critique the story without spoiling it for those about to read be be assured,you will enjoy!
This is the second book in this series and does not disappoint. Now familiar characters play an important role in the story which follows on nicely from the first book. It's difficult to critique the story without spoiling it for those about to read be be assured,you will enjoy!
December 18, 2024
Fast paced and exciting
Thomas Berrington is the Jack Reacher of Tudor England, and the authentic descriptions of Ludlow in the 1500s, blend well with the characters ( friends, enemies and relatives) as they develop through this often brutal and exceptionally well written book.
A great follow up to the first book and a must read.....
Thomas Berrington is the Jack Reacher of Tudor England, and the authentic descriptions of Ludlow in the 1500s, blend well with the characters ( friends, enemies and relatives) as they develop through this often brutal and exceptionally well written book.
A great follow up to the first book and a must read.....
July 20, 2025
Death of a Prince
Thomas is once more thrown into trouble. His old enemy Phillipa Gale follows up with spells and hexes.
A Sad tale for Catherine as we all know the trouble Henry caused by marrying her after his brothers death.
Thomas family settle into life in Ludlow.
An exciting ending too. What more could I want?
Thomas is once more thrown into trouble. His old enemy Phillipa Gale follows up with spells and hexes.
A Sad tale for Catherine as we all know the trouble Henry caused by marrying her after his brothers death.
Thomas family settle into life in Ludlow.
An exciting ending too. What more could I want?
June 29, 2022
So glad to see and read this book!
Only one complaint...not near enough type about Tom's renewed relationship with Bel...not to be confused with Belia, Jorge's wife...nor is there enough about Bel, herself. At plus 65 myself, I realize that this is, most probably, Thomas Berrington's latest but most likely his last lasting romantic relationship and it should not, in my humble opinion, be glossed over. I mean, really...This is important! The story was interesting, complex, and Cary in spots. A little jaded..which may be fitting for a man who's life is changing and who's attitude is evolving and a man who is simply tired of fighting and surviving attacks and tired of perverse people and problematic situations...Loved that this book delved a bit further into the relationships between Tom and his son and daughter. Ma's the story more compelling and fulfilling. did Penny is a fine author... I have loved all his books and look forward with such anticipation! This is not the best book in the series but he does introduce u to some new characters, Bel's children and grandchildren, Will's new love...who may be more present in the next books?? Anyhoo, as always, worth reading Cannot wait to see where th story goes as it follows Thomas, his family and friends and Catherine of Aragon ..who is their charge in the years to come. Should be a worthwhile ride.
Only one complaint...not near enough type about Tom's renewed relationship with Bel...not to be confused with Belia, Jorge's wife...nor is there enough about Bel, herself. At plus 65 myself, I realize that this is, most probably, Thomas Berrington's latest but most likely his last lasting romantic relationship and it should not, in my humble opinion, be glossed over. I mean, really...This is important! The story was interesting, complex, and Cary in spots. A little jaded..which may be fitting for a man who's life is changing and who's attitude is evolving and a man who is simply tired of fighting and surviving attacks and tired of perverse people and problematic situations...Loved that this book delved a bit further into the relationships between Tom and his son and daughter. Ma's the story more compelling and fulfilling. did Penny is a fine author... I have loved all his books and look forward with such anticipation! This is not the best book in the series but he does introduce u to some new characters, Bel's children and grandchildren, Will's new love...who may be more present in the next books?? Anyhoo, as always, worth reading Cannot wait to see where th story goes as it follows Thomas, his family and friends and Catherine of Aragon ..who is their charge in the years to come. Should be a worthwhile ride.
August 10, 2022
mystery
As we move on we find the past catching up causing havoc too the entire realm as our characters try to solve this very dangerous enemy a very fun and gripping mystery adventure
As we move on we find the past catching up causing havoc too the entire realm as our characters try to solve this very dangerous enemy a very fun and gripping mystery adventure
September 21, 2022
Another brilliant tale
Thomas and the gang continue to stir up trouble in sleepy Ludlow. Old enemies emerge, old rivalries surface. Penny keeps you entertained and turning the pages.
Thomas and the gang continue to stir up trouble in sleepy Ludlow. Old enemies emerge, old rivalries surface. Penny keeps you entertained and turning the pages.
October 30, 2023
Wonderfully entertaining
I like Thomas Berrington, his friends and extended family. They people a quite real Tudor world. The author's liking for his subject and his research shows. Give me more, please!
I like Thomas Berrington, his friends and extended family. They people a quite real Tudor world. The author's liking for his subject and his research shows. Give me more, please!
April 24, 2024
Wonderful series
Fascinating events in both the 1st book as well as this one. Characters are lively, believable and well developed as they evolve. The mix of rationality as well as esoteric is delicious.
Fascinating events in both the 1st book as well as this one. Characters are lively, believable and well developed as they evolve. The mix of rationality as well as esoteric is delicious.
September 13, 2024
Very good follow up in the series
David Pennyhas continued his series with an engaging 2nd book. The plot is exciting and for fans of the Tudor period, it’s a fun book to delve into with lots of swashbuckling entertainment.
David Pennyhas continued his series with an engaging 2nd book. The plot is exciting and for fans of the Tudor period, it’s a fun book to delve into with lots of swashbuckling entertainment.
Read
June 16, 2022I love this whole Thomas Berrington series. Now that's it's set in England, I'm glad all of our favorite characters are still active voices.
June 17, 2022
The end?
I hope not, I like Thomas Barrington. Perhaps his days will be quieter but as Justice of the Peace one wonders.
I hope not, I like Thomas Barrington. Perhaps his days will be quieter but as Justice of the Peace one wonders.
July 29, 2023
I didn’t dislike this book, but……. I’ve read two in this series now, and I’m just not sure if I will finish the rest off. On the surface they should have everything I love, early tudor history, characters I know. Even the characters aren’t dislikeable in any way, but….. there it is another but.
Thomas left England roughly when he was 15, and was away for 45 years. So he is at least 60. Now 60 is actually really old in 1500. We have him in hand to hand fighting, jumping on and off horses and being a highly attractive and sexual man (who appears to have chosen the wrong woman). His family are all perfect and frankly, I just feel the characters are superficial.
The author can write and there are stories to be told but I’m not sure I will finish them. My issue, probably not the author.
Thomas left England roughly when he was 15, and was away for 45 years. So he is at least 60. Now 60 is actually really old in 1500. We have him in hand to hand fighting, jumping on and off horses and being a highly attractive and sexual man (who appears to have chosen the wrong woman). His family are all perfect and frankly, I just feel the characters are superficial.
The author can write and there are stories to be told but I’m not sure I will finish them. My issue, probably not the author.
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