*New Content Added in re-release for 2023!

The bleak Pennine moors of Yorkshire, a beautiful, harsh place, close to the sky, rugged and rough, no boundaries 'cept the horizon which in some places went on forever.

Green pastures and wayward hills, the colours of ochre, brown and pink in the Spring.

Green squares divided the land on one side of the lane and on the other.

Sheep with thick wool and dark snout dotted the hills and dales.

One room, cruck house cottages, scattered, smoke billowing out of some and not others.

Dry stone walls dividing and falling, a patchwork of green, green and more green.

Long grasses whispered while swaying in the chilled wind waiting for the summer months.

The story, set on the moors of West Yorkshire, follows wee Thomas and his family shortly after losing his father to consumption. Times were tough in 1603 and there were shenanigans and skulduggery committed by locals and outsiders alike. Queen Bess has died and King James sits on the throne of England and Scotland.

Thomas Rushworth is now the man of the house being the older of the two boys. He is set to marry Agnes, in an arranged marriage, but a love story develops between them. This rollicking adventure paints a descriptive picture of the characters and the landscape they fill. You are kept in suspense 'til the final pages where one hopes good will triumph over evil.

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 whodunnit with romantic tones.

"I have to say I was looking for something I haven't read before and I most certainly found it. The drama that permeates through this entire book most definitely keeps you on the edge of your seat, but what I adored most was how accurate and articulated the time period is written, down to the tiniest of colloquialisms that I hadn't heard of before. You can most definitely tell the authors knowledge of this time period was thoroughly researched - and it certainly made me miss old English! Can't wait to read more from this author." Keegan Foote

"A period well versed and presented with accuracy and authentic telling... Masterful & thoroughly enjoyable... 5 stars." Adrian, Indie Book reviewer

"We all know how famous the Bronte sisters are but I am sure Paul Rushworth-Brown – the 21st-century author ­– might soon be joining these literary giants.” John Fletcher Ackroyd-Haworth, Yorkshire

"Modern writers 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." US National Times

"I read this book after Red Winter Journey which I thoroughly loved! I love historical fiction books and 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 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." Goodreads reviewer

Also by Paul Rushworth-Brown