Plague land

Set in 1350, British author Sykes's debut provides everything a reader would want in a historical mystery: a gripping plot, vivid language, living and breathing characters, and an immersive depiction of the past. With England still in the grip of the plague, callow 18-year-old Oswald de Lacy unwillingly assumes the mantle of Lord Somershill after the disease claims his father and brothers. Oswald departs the monastery where he's been residing and returns home to Kent, where the burdens of overseeing his estate are complicated by the discovery of the body of Alison Starvecrow, a tenant's daughter, in a neighboring wood. The parish priest, John of Cornwall, insists that a dog-headed man, an emissary of Satan himself, slit the girl's throat. Cornwall whips the locals into a hysterical fury, impeding Oswald's efforts to discover the truth. From the opening line, "If I preserve but one memory at my own death, it shall be the burning of the dog-headed beast," Sykes grabs the reader by the throat. Agent: Gordon Wise, Curtis Brown (U.K.). (Feb.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Starred Review. After ten years at the monastery 17-year-old Oswald de Lacy is back home and in no way prepared to be Lord of Somershill. The plague responsible for decimating the countryside has also killed Oswald's father and two older brothers, leaving him with a neglected estate, an overbearing mother, an unmarried sister, and fearful peasants. Then further tragedy strikes in the form of the shocking death of Alison Starvecrow, which the village priest blames on a demonic dog-headed man. Oswald attempts to take charge and discover the truth behind Alison's death, but all around him lie secrets. Then another body is found. VERDICT With political intrigue and the social barriers of the Middle Ages in play, Sykes adds an intricate and intriguing debut to the ever-widening pool of medieval-era mysteries. Thrilling plot twists and layered characters abound in this rich tale of murder and mystery in 14th-century Kent. (c) Copyright 2015. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

In 1350s England, the bubonic plague has killed thousands and disrupted the feudal system.Oswald de Lacy, the youngest of his family, is destined to be a monk. His life is turned upside down when the plague carries off his father and older brothers. Oswald and his tutor, Brother Peter, return to Somershill Manor, where Oswald finds himself unprepared to take his father's place. Then the parish priest, John of Cornwell, announces that a girl has been found buried in a shallow grave, killed by a dog-headed beast. Oswald is a rationalist, but his common-sense approach is easily overridden by the pushy priest and the ignorant peasants, who are all too ready to believe in strange beasts. It's possible that the dead girl and her sister are Oswald's bastard sisters. Overwhelmed, Oswald is reluctant to get involved, but Peter urges him to investigate. He tries to dissuade his shrewish sister Clemence from marrying their neighbor Walter de Caburn, a man known for his cruelty. After he goes to de Caburn claiming that Clemence will inherit nothing if she marries and Oswald dies without heirs, de Caburn hatches a plot to murder him immediately. The marriage goes forward, and Clemence is raped and beaten by de Caburn. But Oswald, with the help of Peter, does prevent him from raping a young tenant before de Caburn is found dead and John of Cornwell, whose illicit wealth and power are increasing, accuses Oswald of his murder. Oswald fights for his life, revealing a series of devastating, long-hidden secrets.Sykes' debut, the first of a planned series, immerses the reader in the filth and ignorance of medieval Kent, presents a puzzling mystery and introduces a hero who grows in stature as his problems increase. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.