November is the month of Remembrance; the season of mist and mellow fruitfulness is fast giving way to harsh winter.
Four hundred and sixty-six years ago this November, Henry VIII was locked in intrigue, plot and counter-plot in his palace at Westminster. Henry knew he was about to die and the Wolves on his council could sense blood. For the next three months London, England and Europe watched the macabre masque unfold and the grisly dance swirl about. I merely mention this as I am about to submit my novel, “The Last of Days” to Headline. This is the Journal of Will Somers, Henry VIII’s jester, who describes the murky politics surrounding his dying king. I do hope readers will enjoy and be fascinated by his compelling story.
At the same time I have nearly finished ‘Roseblood’ which is set in London in 1455. The city is a bubbling pot of intrigue. Henry VI is losing his mind and the reins of Government are fast falling into the hands of his beautiful but ruthless young queen, Margaret of Anjou. Margaret depends heavily on the Beauforts. Indeed there are whispers that Lord Beaufort is Margaret’s secret lover and the true father of her son Edward. From the North Country, Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, and other war lords watch the politics of London as a cat would a mouse hole. York argues that should the king’s wits fail, he, not Beaufort, should be Protector of the realm. Of course Richard dreams visions of an Empire where, perhaps York, not Lancaster, wears the crown. In London, the great families are divided.The gang leaders are preparing to whistle up their followers. It is the time of the dagger, the blood feud and, above all a unique opportunity for advancement, riches and power. Simon Roseblood, owner of the ‘Roseblood’ tavern in Queenhithe close to the river, realises war is coming. Simon’s allegiance and that of his family are to Lancaster and the Beauforts, who have set him a number of tasks, which draw him into a maze of murderous mayhem….. Simon not only has to counter the power of York, the intrigues of the city and the sinister presence of Amadeus Sevigne. Ghosts from the past also gather close; harbingers of fury from Simon’s blood-soaked days as a soldier in France. I am enjoying writing ‘Roseblood’ immensely.
I am also very pleased to see so many of my tales coming out as e-books. I do hope all is well with all my readers. I thank you for reading this.
Kindest regards,
Dr P.C. Doherty OBE