The Bretland Trilogy


Book Description

All three books in John Broughton's 'The Bretland Trilogy', a series of historical fiction set in medieval Wales, now available in one volume! Rhodri's Furies: Alun, a fisherman's son, seeks to fulfill his grandfather's wish for him to become a great warrior and save their homeland of Gwynedd. After meeting Cadfael, whose name means Battle Prince, the two become inseparable friends and blood brothers, determined to prove the seer's prophecy true. Avenging Rhodri: Charismatic king Rhodri Mawr's death in battle leaves his son Anarawd to defend the small Welsh kingdoms against Saxon Wessex, Mercia, and the Vikings. Rhodri's legacy of nationalist sentiment and unity inspires one of his descendants to unite all of Wales under his kingship. Discover the gripping story of Rhodri and the triumph of a united Wales in the second book in the series. Hywel the Good: This captivating historical novel is based on the life of Hywel, the King of Dyfed. As he becomes a just and wise king, introducing reforms to the Welsh legal system and forging alliances with neighboring kingdoms, Hywel goes on a pilgrimage to Rome and gets caught up in political intrigue, leading to a rebellion upon his return. Despite the challenges, Hywel strives to be a virtuous and enlightened king, and remains beloved by his people, making him one of the most important figures in Welsh history.




Saints And Sinners - Books 1-3


Book Description

The first three books in John Broughton's series of historical novels, now available in one volume! Saints And Sinners: In seventh century England, tribes and kings vie for power. Based on true stories, the first book in the series shines a light on the murky Dark Ages, and recreates a Britain on the cusp of momentous change. Mixed Blessings: The English Midlands, 8th Century A.D. Having created much-needed stability within his domain, Æthelbald, King of Mierce now aspires to take the surrounding kingdoms to expand and fortify his own. As his reign grows and strengthens, so too does the authority of the church. Offa - Rex Merciorum: In 8th century Mercia, King Offa lusts for power. Amid societal changes, he has to navigate power struggles, revolts and alliances in the tumultuous Anglo-Saxon Britain. But who is the real force in his reign?There is little concrete evidence, but in OFFA - REX MERCIORUM, John Broughton breaks through the veil of time and provides an entertaining, well-researched historical tale.




Avenging Rhodri


Book Description

After charismatic king Rhodri Mawr of Gwynedd is killed in battle, people call his son Anarawd’s victory over the Mercians at the Battle of the Conwy, a few years later, "God's vengeance for Rhodri". Rhodri awakened nationalist sentiment among the small Welsh kingdoms at a time when Saxon Wessex threatened the Welsh with dominion. Meanwhile, Mercia never renounced her claim to lands across the Wye and the Vikings threatened the long coastline. Despite these outside threats, one descendant of Rhodri succeeded in uniting the whole of Wales under his kingship. Find out who in 'Avenging Rhodri', John Broughton’s meticulously researched historical adventure set in 9th century Wales.




The London Bibliophile Murders


Book Description

DCI's Jacob Vance and Brittany Shepherd are thrust into one of their most baffling cases yet: a series of gruesome murders that seem to be connected to London’s rich literary history. Theatrical and chilling, the murders are executed with macabre flair, with each victim bearing the name of a character from a famous book. The murderer is no ordinary psychopath, and his brilliant countermoves and false identities constantly keep Vance and his team on their toes. In a deadly game of cat and mouse, can Vance and Shepherd outwit the maniacal killer before another life is lost? A thrilling blend of mystery and psychological drama, THE LONDON BIBLIOPHILE MURDERS is the seventh book in John Broughton's Vance And Shepherd Mysteries series.




The Aspromonte Riddle


Book Description

Rome, 1847. Renowned watercolourist Edward Lear convinces his pupil, Lord John Proby to accompany him on a painting tour of Sicily. After Lear suggests an adventure into the Aspromonte Mountains of Calabria, the two start exploring paths untrodden by other Englishmen. Hiring a guide and a mule, the two encounter spectacular scenery as well as brigands, liberal revolutionaries and repressive monarchists. Through many twists and turns, they learn more about themselves - and the world - than they could have ever expected. A compelling historical mystery, John Broughton's THE ASPROMONTE RIDDLE is an exciting mix of fact, fiction and fantasy.




The Wren Enigma


Book Description

After Dr. Amelia Evans’s friend is murdered in a Wren-designed church in Central London, DCI's Vance and Shepherd are called in to investigate the case. They discover that Evans had stumbled across a centuries-old secret about the Philosophers’ Stone, and that there are unscrupulous people who will stop at nothing to get their hands on it. The doctor's life is threatened by rogue Freemasons, and she also needs to fend off those who would save her. Resolving the Stone's Enigma could bring her a professorship and the Nobel Prize, but at what cost? A compelling crime mystery, THE WREN ENIGMA is the sixth book in John Broughton's Vance And Shepherd Mysteries series.




The Woken Talisman


Book Description

The third book in John Broughton's Saxon Shore Trilogy is an original retelling of the much-loved Arthurian legend. An officer of sub-Roman Britain, Valdor - Comes Britanniarum - accepts the kingship of Logres, meets Myrddin, and changes his name to Arthur. Facing wave after wave of invaders from his base in Camelot, he prepares for the decisive Battle of Mons Badonicus which, according to the seer, will usher in a golden age for the Britons. Arthur is ‘the past and future king’, but what does the future hold for him? A riveting adventure set in medieval England, THE WOKEN TALISMAN is the third book in John Broughton's trilogy of historical novels.




The Great Conspiracy


Book Description

In the fourth century AD, Britannia - like the rest of the Empire - is under attack by barbarians, and lurches towards inevitable doom. Leo and Valdor, grandson and great-grandson of a famous warrior, survive the Great Conspiracy and rise in rank against the Picts and Scots. Despite Valdor’s prowess, he is overlooked for the post he most covets - Count of the Saxon Shore - in favour of his younger brother. He finally gets his chance after helping the usurper, Magnus Maximus, in his campaign against the Western Emperor, Gratian. But as the province is left exposed to barbarian incursions, can Valdor stem the tide of raiders, or will he become just another local chieftain amid the anarchy left by the Romans? A well-researched adventure set in medieval England, THE GREAT CONSPIRACY is the second book in John Broughton's trilogy if historical novels.




The Saxon Shore


Book Description

The Saxon Shore tells the story of Valdor, a young Batavian. After his friend kills a centurion, they escape from Roman justice in a fishing boat. It's the third century, when leadership conflicts proliferate. General Carausius has proclaimed himself Emperor of both Britannia and Northern Gaul. Valdor befriends Carausius and, installed as Count of the Saxon Shore, must complete the coastal defences against Saxon and Frankish raiders. Faced with barbarian tribes on its frontiers, the Roman army has to enlist former enemies, no matter the cost. Will Britannia ever regain peaceful prosperity, and what will happen to the usurper now that Diocletian is persecuting Christians? THE SAXON SHORE is a riveting historical adventure set in late 3rd century Britannia and Europe.




London's Psycho Cyclist


Book Description

Fortunately, husband-and-wife psychopaths are few and far between. But after a spate of cyclist killings, Vance and Shepherd are called in to investigate an apparently irreprehensible architect and his wife. When the architect is elected to a high political position, Vance’s suspicions arise. After an ingenious drone device is used to detonate hidden unexploded World War 2 bombs in the area, the duo is certain that the couple have something to do with the crime. Damian Devenish, the architect, is determined to punish society. Can Vance and Shepherd prevent him from achieving his ultimate, spectacular vendetta?