The Darkening Glass
March 1312 and, after a period of relative calm, England is once
again divided. Edward II is in constant conflict with his barons over
his preferential treatment of favourite Gaveston, and Queen Isabella
is pregnant, a momentous first union of Plantagenet and Capetian blood.
Across the Scottish border, the rebel Robert Bruce is prowling,
seeking fresh opportunities for advancement. The air rife with impending
doom and Mathilde of Westminster, in accordance with her mistress
Isabella, senses a challenge for the throne is imminent. When the
great Earls step up their campaign and one of Gaveston’s squires
is mysteriously murdered, the King, the Queen and their entourage
are forced to flee to a fortified Benedictine Priory in Tynemouth,
now vulnerable to the Scottish marauders on land and Bruce’s
allies at sea. With threats all around, the royal party can only despair
when another squire is murdered. Will Mathilde be able to find the
traitor in their camp before brutal murder and malicious deceit rule
the day and, more importantly, the King loses control of his throne?
Paul recommends his latest book as a marvelous read. “The
Darkening Glass” dramatically describes one of the most
mysterious crises in the history of the English monarchy. During the
early spring of 1312 England teetered on the brink of civil war, the
great lords were determined that Gaveston should die. What happened
in those few months would change English history for ever.
The Darkening Glass will be available from the 2nd April 2009.
