SPCK Publishing

A great king faces the ultimate challenge: a dangerous quest through realms of magic and the undead toward a confrontation with his destiny

Drought, plague, and war have left the Isle of the Mighty battered and its heart, the beloved Arthur, grievously injured—until a secret relic is brought before the dying King; a Holy Grail that heals his wounds and restores his vigor.

But soon evil enters the royal court in the guise of a beautiful maiden; a soulless, malevolent force capable of seducing the King’s loyal champion, confounding the sage whom some call Merlin, and carrying the sacred Grail—and Arthur’s adored Queen—off into the dark unknown.

'A lovely story of trying to understand the big wide world through a child's eyes. A Map of the Sky is so well written it made me feel young again! It captures the beauty and drama of the North Yorkshire coast as though you are there, allowing you to escape the hurry of modern life. Highly recommended.' CL Smith, author of the Kadogos trilogy

Kit doesn't understand why his family has been uprooted to a remote coastal village in the North. Why did they leave so suddenly, and why has his Dad not joined them? At Askfeld Farm Guesthouse, he meets an eclectic group of new neighbours and forms an unlikely friendship with Beth, who suffers from a chronic illness he does not understand. Kit learns that Beth, who cannot leave the guesthouse, is trying to draw a map from memory that shows all her favourite childhood haunts.

Kit makes it his quest to help her remember by visiting places for her and hopes to solve the problems of the other guests along the way. But becoming a hero like the ones in his favourite books is trickier than it seems. Can Kit work out that the person who really needs his help is much closer to home?

'Instantly likeable with wonderful characters who draw you in.' Lou Fellingham, singer and songwriter

The march towards the end of the year sees Hope Hall once again buzzing with activity.The lead up to the Harvest Festival sees a stray dog causing a nuisance, and tensions rise between two old schoolmates.

The drama only increases as Christmas approaches, and the panto rehearsals featuring the jocular “Can’t Sing Singers” get into full swing. But the hustle and bustle of the drama in the community stems from the deeper personal stories. Loneliness, loss, and hurt impact the lives of many of the local residents. But where there is community, there is friendship, companionship, love, and most of all, hope.

Christmas at Hope Hall is the final book in a delightful trilogy centred on a Victorian church hall, the like of which can be found at the heart of so many towns across England. This wonderful finale to the series (which includes the sound of wedding bells!) is full of friends and neighbours with stories that will have you giggling one minute, and dabbing your eyes the next.

'In this delightful tale of Kath Sutton and the motley bunch of characters revolving around the community hall she runs, Pam Rhodes has given us a story of warmth, humour, and hope about lives shared and burdens carried...' Sheridan Voysey, BBC Radio 2 presenter and author of Reflect with Sheridan

HOPE HALL thrums with activity under the summer sun. Sea Cadets march in the yard and happy chatter issues from English as a Foreign Language classes while the weekly Food Bank reaches out to those in need.

Kath is determined to honour the origins of Hope Hall, which was founded in memory of those lost during the two world wars. It’s all hands on deck as the centenary celebrations continue, but Kath's efforts set her on a collision course with Celia Ainsworth, a descendant of the family that donated the land.

Added to this, a mysterious homeless man proves tricky for Sheelagh to identify, and a handsome stranger looks set to lead Kath a merry dance...

SUMMER'S OUT AT HOPE HALL is a fun and deeply moving story that celebrates the power of hope.

Fires rage in Albion: strange, hidden fires, dark-flamed, invisible to the eye. Having ascended the throne as Albion's High King, Llew Silver Hand takes the beautiful Goewyn for his queen. But in the midst of their joyous union, treachery is in the making, forcing Llew to choose between the honor of his kingship and the desire of his heart. The Brazen Man has defied Llew's sovereignty, and Llew must journey to the Foul Land to redeem his greatest treasure. There, as the fabric of two worlds unravels, Llew hurtles headlong toward a final conflict with the Brazen Man. In the balance hangs not only the fate of Goewyn but also the very life-song of Albion, contained within the mystical Singing Stones.

The ancient Celts admitted no separation between this world and the Otherworld: the two were delicately interwoven, each dependent on the other. The Endless Knot crosses the thin places between this world and that, as Lewis Gillies begins his ultimate quest, striking the final resounding chord in the Song of Albion.

'I really feel for Neil Fisher-just finding his feet as a new curate, but whenever he trips up, it's in full public glare!... I love a book that moves you to tears one minute, then has you laughing out loud the next. This book is it!' Aled Jones

Neil Fisher's first trip to Dunbridge was not a success. Having inadvertently locked himself in St Stephen's Church for hours (and succumbing to the communion wine and wafers for dinner) it seemed miraculous they gave him the curate's job!

On arrival in the small town of Dunbridge it quickly becomes clear that life is not going to be tranquil for the eligible new bachelor, as four formidable women are determined to make their presence felt. There is his mother, Iris, still questioning his choice of career; his rector, the no-nonsense Margaret, who is not one for taking prisoners; Claire, his new neighbour, whom he's already managed to offend. And then there is Wendy, the beautiful leading light of the church music group, who has her own plans for Neil.

It can only end in trouble.

The anger runs deep; from some untraceable darkness; and it is stealing his will to live.

Colom had the perfect childhood, the much-loved son of a church pastor. Yet he wakes screaming from dreams in which his sister is drowning and he can't save her. Fiona turns to her husband, desperate to help their son. But David will not acknowledge that help is needed - and certainly not help from beyond the church. Then they find the suicide pledge. Fiona, in panic, takes Colom and flees... but when will she acknowledge that the unnamed demons Colom faces might be of her and David's own creation?

This beautifully written and searching novel by poet Gerard Kelly explores the toxicity of secrets, the nature of healing, and the ever-present power of rain.

'Poulson is currently unrivalled as a writer of scientific mysteries combining elements of both the thriller and the whodunnit.' Morning Star

The atmosphere in the lab is toxic.

It is only a matter of time before there is a flu pandemic with the potential to kill billions.

Or so wealthy entrepreneur Lyle Lynstrum believes. That is why he is funding research into transgenics - the mechanism by which viruses can jump the species barrier - at a high security lab on a tidal island off the North Devon coast.

A suspiciously rapid turnover of staff has him worried. He sends in scientist Katie Flanagan as an undercover lab technician. Something is clearly very wrong, but before Katie can get to the bottom of what is going on, a colleague is struck down by a mysterious illness.

Has the safety of the facility been compromised, allowing a deadly virus to escape? Katie begins to suspect that the scientists are as deadly as the diseases - and that her cover has been blown.

Then the island is cut off by high seas and a terrifying game of cat-and-mouse begins...

'Nobody writes medical mysteries with more authority than Christine Poulson.'

PETER LOVESEY, author of Killing with Confetti

'A thrilling, thought-provoking read. A real page-turner.'

KATE ELLIS, author of The Mechanical Devil

'The stakes are high, the suspects are many and the solution is satisfying. I loved it.'

CATRIONA McPHERSON, author of Strangers at the Gate

'Paul Trembling scores a winning goal with this highly enjoyable mystery, which has more exciting twists and turns than the beautiful game itself.' AMY MYERS, author of the Nell Drury and Tom Wasp crime series

It was him; Graham was sure of it. He might not have seen Adi Varney for years, but no one forgets their oldest friend's face.

As a football player and manager, Adi had taken his club from victory to victory before suddenly leaving it all behind. No one understood why.

But now he was back... or was he? If it was Adi, why was he avoiding everyone who knew him?

Convinced something is very wrong Graham is determined to work out what has happened to his friend. The game he uncovers is deadly - but if he doesn't play lives will be on the line.

Step into a world of adventure and intrigue with this thrilling tale of time travel and parallel universes.

Kit Livingstone discovers a shocking truth about the ley lines in Britain - they are not just legend, but gateways to other worlds.

Alongside a team of intrepid explorers, Kit embarks on a quest to recover the lost Skin Map - a code that holds the key to unlocking the secrets of the multiverse. But the journey is fraught with danger and the ultimate prize is far beyond what anyone could have imagined.

Join Kit on an epic journey that takes you across the omniverse and beyond. This is a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

As the mighty Roman conqueror fades from the captured Isle of Britain, a doomed kingdom of Atlantis is torn apart by bloody war. Charis, a courageous princess from Atlantis, and Taliesin, a fabled seer and druid prince, find themselves drawn together in an incomparable love that joins two astonishing worlds amid the fires of chaos.

This is a story of cataclysmic upheaval and heroic love, set in a time of mythic wonders, that spawns the miracles of Merlin and Arthur the king.

Highly recommended for fans of C. S. Lewis and anyone who loves epic tales of adventure and romance.

Experience the captivating world of medieval Bampton, Oxfordshire with Hugh de Singleton, surgeon and bailiff of Bampton Castle, as he faces his most dangerous case yet.

Master John Wyclif, known for his sharp tongue and wit, is at a loss when his books are stolen. Hugh must recover the books before it's too late, and he sets his sights on the clever and charming Kate to aid in the search. However, their adversaries are not to be underestimated, and a poor scholar is found dead in the river with ties to the stolen books.

Will Hugh and Kate be able to solve the mystery before more lives are lost?

Join them on their thrilling quest for the truth in the latest installment of the Hugh de Singleton series.

'Hugh de Singleton has come to Oxford seeking a wife. He finds treachery and murder. A Trail of Ink is a beautifully written medieval mystery set in 14th century Oxford. Mel Starr writes with the flowing language, startling detail and understated humor of one who has mastered his period and his craft.' - Donna Fletcher Crow, author of A Very Private Grave

The magical qualities of Moonacre Valley are rediscovered as Rose meets Wrolf, who is more lion than dog, and sees the little white horse, an entrancing unicorn. Rose soon discovers that the Merryweathers’ old foes, the de Noir clan, are once more spreading darkness and fear through the Valley under the influence of Hugo de Noir. With the help of her new friend, Devin, and a variety of animal companions can Rose uncover the mystery of the Silver Moth aeroplane, rescue a young woman and her baby, and help an unexpected kindred spirit, William de Noir?

Beautiful, thrilling, and magical, The Silver Moth, returns to the fantasy world of the bestselling timeless classic The Little White Horse.

As one of the bestselling stories of all time, Lew Wallace's Ben-Hur, has captivated and enthralled millions around the world - both in print and on the big screen. 

Now Lew's great-great-granddaughter has taken the old-fashioned prose of this classic novel and breathed new life into it for today's audience. Coming to cinemas in August 2016 as Ben-Hur, a major motion picture from MGM and Paramount studios, the story follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman whose childhood friend Messala betrays him. 

Accused of trying to murder the new Roman governor in Jerusalem, Judah is sentenced to the galley ships and vows to seek revenge against the Romans and Messala. But a chance encounter with a carpenter from Nazareth sets Judah on a different path. 

Rediscover the intrigue, romance, and tragedy in this thrilling adventure. 

Also included: the inspiring story-behind-the-story of Lew Wallace - Indiana lawyer, author, and Civil War general.

2014 INDIES Winner - Bronze in Fantasy Fiction

'A thrilling story fraught with uncertainty and betrayal.’  Publishers Weekly

In an epic and mystical tale that resonates with modern times, the young Eamon Goodman goes on a journey of discovery. A journey which sees him taking an increasingly pivotal role in the battle between the rival forces of the king and the master, and takes him from being a young soldier in his home of Edesfield to being a fast-rising hero in the dense and rotten city of Dunthruik.

Under the watchful eye of Lord Cathair, in the loving arms of Lady Alessia Turnholt, and torn between enemy forces, Eamon’s experiences lead him to question the nature and true meaning of some of the most important things in life - love and friendship, loyalty and honour, and who he really is. But will the answers he finds lead him to become true to himself and true to his name? Will they lead him to become a good man?

'Readers are sure to find themselves captivated by the strength and determination of Anna Milburn in The Thorn of Truth.' - Lauren Brandenburg, award-winning author of The Death of Mungo Blackwell and The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson

'An endearing tale of how life does not always go according to plan. S.L. Russell reminds us why it is always important to do the right thing, despite the risk and the cost...' - Les Cowan, author of the David Hidalgo mystery series

It was the worst bind, and I felt panic rising up inside me, threatening to steal my breath.

Anna Milburn has been a working barrister for twenty years. But when a local drug lord is implicated in the murder of a young policeman, the case shakes her very foundations and threatens what she holds most dear… her only child.

A thought-provoking and compassionate story that builds from a murder case, yet at its heart centres around the consequences of decisions made in trying times.

'Sir Hugh is in top form tracking down the wily killer of local clerics while eating his way through a feast of mediaeval dishes. A delightful mystery with an authentic historical touch.' Fiona Veitch Smith, author and scriptwriter

'Time-travel from the safety of your armchair - with a murderous twist. Mel Starr's eagerly awaited new Hugh de Singleton medieval mystery doesn't disappoint his fans. Join everyone's favourite physician-cum-bailiff as he endeavours to solve more dire fourteenth-century crimes. ' Toni Mount, author of the Sebastian Foxley murder mystery series

Keeping watch over the Easter Sepulchre, where the Host and crucifix are stored between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, is considered a privilege. So, it is shocking when it is discovered that Odo, the priest's clerk, has abandoned his post in the middle of the night. But as the hours pass and Odo is not found, panic rises. At first light Bampton's bailiff, Hugh de Singleton, is roused from his bed.

It is Hugh that ingeniously finds the clue that leads all to fear for the life of the missing man... The question is, will Hugh be called to investigate another murder, or will he find the man hale and hearty? But if the latter, where has the blood come from?

When the BBC Songs of Praise team decides to broadcast a Palm Sunday service from a small idyllic Suffolk village, not everyone is happy.

The vicar, Clive, is amiably absent-minded, but his practical wife Helen gets on well with the television team - perhaps a little too well, where the charming, enigmatic Michael is concerned. Charles, the Parish Council chairman, is deeply opposed and resents the enthusiasm of other villagers - including his wife Betty. As the outside broadcast vehicles roll in, the emotional temperature rises...

A cure for obesity, worth billions. A death in a clinical trial.

When patent lawyer Daniel Marchmont agrees to act for Calliope Biotech, he doesn't know what he's getting into. The first lawyer on the case is dead, and a vital lab book is missing. Daniel and his wife Rachel are hoping biotechnology will also provide a cure for their daughter Chloe, who suffers from a devastating genetic disorder. Then the unimaginable happens, and they face a moral dilemma that threatens everything.

Meanwhile young researcher Katie Flanagan suspects something is very wrong in the lab. But knowledge is dangerous when someone is playing a perilous game...

"An intelligent, thought-provoking read... It gripped me from the start and didn't let go." -Sarah Rayne, author of What Lies Beneath

"Deep Water is an intriguing and original thriller, with the serious issue of medical ethics at its core." - Kate Rhodes, author of the Alice Quentin series.

'Hugh de Singleton is a delight... the well-crafted plot, the excellent period detail and the flashes of humour.' Donna Fletcher Crow, author of The Monastery Murders

"My life would have been more tranquil in the days after Martinmas had I not seen the crows. Whatever it was that the crows had found lay in the dappled shadow of the bare limbs of the oak, so I was nearly upon the thing before I recognized what the crows were feasting upon. The corpse wore black."

Master Hugh is making his way towards Oxford when he discovers the young Benedictine - a fresh body, barefoot - not half a mile from the nearby abbey.

The abbey's novice master confirms the boy's identity: John, one of three novices. But he had gone missing four days previously, and his corpse is fresh. There has been plague in the area, but this was not the cause of death: the lad has been stabbed in the back. To Hugh's sinking heart, the abbot has a commission for him ...

A new and disturbing puzzle for the medieval surgeon-turned-sleuth.

Like many from his village, young Eamon Goodhand dreamed of joining the Gauntlet, the army of the overlord Eldered. Now he is about to complete his training and swear his loyalty to Eldered and his commanders, the Hands, who uphold Eldered's tight control of the land. Entering into the service of the Gauntlet, Eamon's gifts, particularly his potent Sight, quickly become valuable to his superiors and he advances to the command rank at a speed that arouses the suspicions of fellow officers.

However, Eldered's bloody rule, and Eamon's personal friendships, start to challenge the young soldier's assumptions about what might be true, and worthy of service. And soon Eamon must conceal a fatal secret: he is sworn to both Eldered and to Hughan, the rightful king of the land. Yet he may not forswear the vows he has uttered in all good faith so however he serves, his name will be traitor.

As tensions and military skirmishes increase, Eamon finds himself trusted by both his masters. How can he possibly maintain his integrity, act justly to his fellow officers of the Gauntlet, and act on behalf of all the warring people of the land?

'My work takes me all over the world – but travelling with fellow pilgrims on a Christian cruise like this is a very special and inspirational experience. This book captures the characters and their journey perfectly, with sensitivity – and great fun!' Rhydian Roberts, X-Factor

Three groups of people come together for a more-or-less godly cruise around the British Isles: to Lindisfarne, the Loch Ness Monster Museum, Iona and Mull, Dublin and the Scilly Isles.

There are familiar faces from St Stephens, Dunbridge; some new folk from Neil's new parish in Derbyshire; and the slightly long-suffering crew, not least her skipper. 

A cruise is a great place to make new friends, with leisure for decent conversations. It can also be an awkward, confined space with those you would really rather avoid. Some of the party are facing tough decisions - not least of which, whether to say 'yes' - and some tensions just cannot be left on land.

This book is a delight: full of compassion, humour, and Pam's acute observations.

Maryam is stuck in an abusive marriage, living with her in-laws, in a conservative, toxically religious Middle Eastern setting. 

A few years back, her father was given a jar of priceless perfume by a dying leper and it seemed as if their fortunes would improve, but then Maryam's father contracted leprosy and was exiled by the village. Maryam and her brother, Eleazar, and sister, Marta, experience the shame and ostracism this brings. The precious jar that was meant to bring them freedom, but it only seems to have brought destruction. 

But rumours abound concerning a new doctor; perhaps hope is on the horizon...

A beautifully crafted novel about two sisters who face the stigma of shame, the sorrow of loss, and the startling hope one can find when someone shows you a different way of seeing the world.

'These books move you to tears one minute, then have you laughing out loud the next.' Aled Jones, broadcaster and singer

In the parish of Dunbridge the news is out: Claire and Neil are engaged!

And yet, before the celebrations have really begun, Ben, the father of Claire's son, appears back on the scene. It quickly becomes clear that young Sam is not the only person Ben wants to win back.

As Neil reels in the face of Claire's confusion at spending time with her first love, Wendy always seems to be there to provide support and comfort. Little does he know of Wendy's involvement with Ben's reappearance: However, Neil has little chance to ponder his love life as the whole weight of running the church and parish descends upon his inexperienced shoulders.

Neil's time as a curate in Dunbridge is coming swiftly to an end. Where should he go next, and who will go with him?

NATIONAL BESTSELLER *  A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE starring Abigail Cowen, Tom Lewis, Nina Dobrev, with Logan Marshall Green and Eric Dane, special appearance by Famke Janssen. Distributed by Universal Pictures with a screenplay by Francine Rivers and D.J. Caruso

CALIFORNIA’S GOLD COUNTRY, 1850. A TIME WHEN MEN SOLD THEIR SOULS FOR A BAG OF GOLD AND WOMEN SOLD THEIR BODIES FOR A PLACE TO SLEEP.

Angel expects nothing from men but betrayal. A child prostitute, she survives by keeping her hatred alive. And what she hates most are the men who use her, leaving her empty and dead inside.

Then she meets Michael Hosea, who seeks his Father’s heart in everything. Michael obeys God’s call to marry Angel and to love her unconditionally. Slowly, he defies Angel’s every bitter expectation until, despite her resistance, her frozen heart begins to thaw. But with her unexpected softening come overwhelming feelings of unworthiness and fear. And so Angel runs . . .

A powerful retelling of the story of Gomer and Hosea, Redeeming Love is about love that won’t let go – no matter what.

There is a dark presence in Phin's life. His step-father is a drunk and his malevolence poisons their home. 

One evening the violence gets out of control and as Phin's mother drags his broken body away, she can only think of one place to take him: to the local healer. But this healer deals in more than medicinal remedies and at her insistence he calls on the spirits to ensure Phin is never harmed again. 

However, his words are more than a call, they are invitation - one that the spirits welcome as a legion descend and take root within Phin. Phin awakens to discover he is no longer in control of his mind or his body, and something is certainly inhabiting his soul. He possesses super-human strength and immediately takes revenge on his step-father. This would have sated Phin, but the spirits have other ideas - they drive him into the wilderness and all who go to him quickly rue the day. 

As he terrorises the village, soldiers come to remove him - but how do you restrain a man who can break the strongest of manacles. And is there any hope for one who has been overcome by darkness?

ROB SEATON KILLED A WOMAN.

Rob doesn't know Laney Grey. But when she steps out in front of his van and dies on impact, his life will never be the same. The police declare him innocent, but how do you deal with the guilt? He has to know who she was, why she chose to die, and why he had to be part of her death. To understand her, he must learn to read her poetry. To know her, he must unravel the mysteries of her past. As Laney's dark secret starts to come to light, and Rob's innocence is questioned, he must learn the full truth. But truth comes at a cost Will Rob be the one who has to pay?

ECPA award winner 2023 - Best fiction cover

Set in the early industrial revolution and the great canal building age, a young Jane Austen takes on the role of detective as she seeks to solve the mysterious events at the Oxford canal terminus.

Nearing completion, convicts work on completing the wharf overseen by the charming secretary Mr George, who shows Jane around. A rude convict Gardiner does not make a good impression though. When Gardiner goes missing and canal funds turn up short, an exciting manhunt ensues but Jane begins to expect something suspicious about the secretary and the reasons why Gardiner was in prison. Were Jane's first impressions very wrong about the relative merits of the convict and the secretary? With the ever-present Austen spirit, Jane with notebook in hand, boldly overcomes the obstacles to finding the truth and exposes some intriguing secrets.

Inspired by Austen's third novel Pride and Prejudice.

'I was completely charmed by The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson. What a marvelous sequel to The Death of Mungo Blackwell. Lauren is a refreshing, talented storyteller. She's an author I've added to my favorites list.' Rachel Hauck, NYTimes Bestselling Author

Roy Blackwell has proposed to Margarette Toft. A controversial decision given their families are sworn enemies!
Soon Coraloo’s feuding clans are competing to organize events for the most talked about wedding of the year… and glorious chaos ensues! But as the depth of the two families’ animosity becomes clear, Roy and Margarette’s relationship begins to falter.

Then Roy unearths a town secret involving the mysterious marriage of Innis Wilkinson and a murder. Parallels between the past and present rock the couple even further.

But, as the whole truth comes to light, Roy and Margarette learn more than they could have imagined about love, family, and finding a place in the world.
Heart-warming and charming, The Marriage of Innis Wilkinson will inspire joy and laughter.

"A compelling mystery told with an extraordinary insight into the heights and depths of human nature. Paul Trembling has a gift for making heroes out of ordinary people." Fiona Veitch Smith, author of The Death Beat

The police call came at 4:00 am.

A possible burglary that turns out to be a particularly nasty murder.

Sandra Deeson, the Librarian who finds the bloodied body, is deeply shaken. Then the nightmares begin- because what the police don't know is that this is not the first time she has found a corpse. One of Sandra's colleagues is missing. The Police investigation starts and then stalls. There may be a clue in the painting someone left for Sandra - but the picture brings back memories she's tried to keep buried.

Two unidentified bodies, thirty years apart, and the only connection is Sandra herself. Last time, it cost her dearly. This time the price may be even steeper.

After discovering the truth about alternate realities from his great-grandfather Cosimo in a rainy alley in London, Kit is on the run and on a mission to restore a map that charts the hidden dimensions of the multiverse. But survival depends on staying one step ahead of the savage Burley Men.

The key to the quest is the Skin Map, but Kit has no idea where it leads or what it means. The pieces have been scattered throughout this universe and beyond, and evil forces are also vying for their power.

Travel with Mina, a time traveler from seventeenth-century Prague, and discover hidden realms across time and space, from Egyptian sphinxes to Bohemian coffee shops and Stone Age landscapes where universes collide. But beware of those who would use the ley lines for their own sinister purposes.

From acclaimed author Stephen R. Lawhead, The Bright Empires series is a thrilling blend of epic treasure hunt, ancient history, alternate realities, cutting-edge physics, philosophy, and mystery. This page-turning adventure is like no other and is sure to captivate fans of fantasy and science fiction alike.

The search for the map of blue symbols began in a rainy alley in London but has since expanded through space and time and includes more seekers.

Kit, Mina, Gianni, Cass, Haven, and Giles have gathered in Mina’s 16th-century coffee house and are united in their determination to find a path back to the Spirit Well. Yet, with their shadow lamps destroyed and key pieces of the map still missing, the journey will be far more difficult than they imagine. And when one of their own disappears with Sir Henry's cryptic Green Book, they no longer know who to trust.

At the same time, the Zetetic Society has uncovered a terrifying secret which, if proven, will rock the very foundations of Creation. The quest for answers is no longer limited to recovering an unknown treasure. The fate of the universe depends on unraveling the riddle of the Skin Map.

Mel Starr's latest novel is a thoroughly enjoyable medieval crime mystery. It may be enjoyed as complete in itself, or as part of the Hugh de Singleton series.

When Hugh and Kate's new-born son is taken to the church to be baptized, they are astounded to find that the locked font is completely dry. The possibility of a leak is quickly ruled out, and just as Hugh is beginning to wonder if there may be a sinister explanation for the stolen holy water, Fr Robert is found lying motionless by the rood screen in a pool of blood...

Meanwhile, parliament has passed a poll tax, stipulating everyone above the age of 14 is to be taxed equally. Folk are soon scrambling to find the money to pay and, inevitably, unscrupulous elements in society see an opportunity to feed off people's desperation and make some cash... But what connection can there possibly between this and events at Bampton?

It has been foretold:

In the hour of Britain's greatest need, King Arthur will return to rescue his people.

In Portugal, the reprobate King Edward the Ninth has died by his own hand.

In England, the British monarchy teeters on the edge of total destruction.

And in the Scottish Highlands, a mystical emissary named Mr. Embries-better known as "Merlin"-informs a young captain that he is next in line to the throne. For James Arthur Stuart is not the commoner he has always believed himself to be-he is Arthur, the legendary King of Summer, reborn. But the road to England's salvation is dangerous, with powerful enemies waiting in ambush. For Arthur is not the only one who has returned from the mists of legend. And Merlin's magic is not the only sorcery that has survived the centuries.