{"title":"Minette Walters","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to our curated collection of works by \u003cem\u003eMinette Walters\u003c\/em\u003e, one of Britain's most acclaimed authors renowned for her foray into gripping historical fiction. Walters, originally celebrated for her crime novels, has captivated readers with her recent shift to historical narratives that are as richly detailed as they are immersive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHer novel \u003cstrong\u003eThe Last Hours\u003c\/strong\u003e explores the fear and resilience of a 14th-century village facing the devastating effects of the Black Death. This harrowing tale continues with \u003cstrong\u003eThe Turn of Midnight\u003c\/strong\u003e, which delves deeper into the survival and transformation of the community as the pestilence spreads.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith \u003cstrong\u003eThe Swift and the Harrier\u003c\/strong\u003e, Walters transports us to the English Civil War, weaving a story of courage and intrigue through the journey of a resourceful woman navigating the tumultuous times. Similarly, \u003cstrong\u003eThe Players\u003c\/strong\u003e offers another richly textured interpretation of history, reflecting Walters' skill in blending historical accuracy with compelling character development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExplore Minette Walters' historical fiction and experience her masterful storytelling that brings the past to life with vivid detail and emotional depth. Each book in this collection promises a captivating journey through time, filled with drama, mystery, and indomitable human spirit.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-players-by-minette-walters-9781761471834","title":"The Players","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe much-anticipated sequel to \u003ci\u003eThe Swift and The Harrier\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEngland, 1685.\u003c\/strong\u003e Decades after the end of the civil war, the country is once again divided when Charles II's illegitimate son, the Protestant Duke of Monmouth, arrives in Dorset to incite rebellion against his Catholic uncle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eArmed only with pitchforks, Monmouth's army is quickly defeated by King James II's superior forces and charged with high treason. Those found guilty will be hanged, drawn and quartered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs Dorset braces for carnage, Lady Jayne Harrier and her enigmatic son, assisted by the reclusive daughter of a local magistrate, contrive ways to save men from the gallows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCompelling and powerful, \u003ci\u003eThe Players\u003c\/i\u003e is a story of guile, deceit and compassion during the dark days of The Bloody Assizes. Secrets are kept and surprising friendships formed in a dangerous gamble to thwart a brutal king's thirst for vengeance...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45885828366572,"sku":"9781761471834","price":31.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781761471834.jpg?v=1731022020"},{"product_id":"the-swift-and-the-harrier-by-minette-walters-9781761068188","title":"The Swift and the Harrier","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e'If you enjoy C.J. Sansom or Philippa Gregory, pick up this masterfully woven tale.' \u003cem\u003eBetter Reading\u003c\/em\u003e on \u003cem\u003eThe Turn of Midnight\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDorset, 1642.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen bloody civil war breaks out between the King and Parliament, families and communities across England are riven by different allegiances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA rare few choose neutrality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne such is Jayne Swift, a Dorset physician from a Royalist family, who offers her services to both sides in the conflict. Through her dedication to treating the sick and wounded, regardless of belief, Jayne becomes a witness to the brutality of war and the devastation it wreaks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eYet her recurring companion at every event is a man she should despise because he embraces civil war as the means to an end. She knows him as William Harrier, but is ignorant about every other aspect of his life. His past is a mystery and his future uncertain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Swift and the Harrier\u003c\/em\u003e is a sweeping tale of adventure and loss, sacrifice and love, with a unique and unforgettable heroine at its heart.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Minette Walters has crafted a well-researched, intelligent and entertaining story which can easily sit alongside the best of her psychological novels...well-recommended to all readers who enjoy historical fiction at its best.' - \u003cem\u003eQueensland Reviewers Collective\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Walters has a gift for creating characters that you root for despite their flaws, along with a talent for writing fast-paced, page-turning stories. By focusing on the impact of war on one locality, Walters creates a poignancy and tension in the story that equals her previous books.' - \u003cem\u003eHistorical Novel Society\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e'Through dazzling prose and meticulous research, Walters vividly reimagines this turbulent period in British history when friends turned on friends and brothers fought against brothers. Richly imagined and brilliantly paced, \u003cem\u003eThe Swift and the Harrier\u003c\/em\u003e is yet another incredible work of historical fiction from Walters, securing her a position at the top of this genre.' - \u003cem\u003eBetter Reading\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46522675757292,"sku":"9781761068188","price":26.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/28068823482814.jpg?v=1749041420"},{"product_id":"the-last-hours-by-minette-walters-9781760528164","title":"The Last Hours","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen the Black Death enters England through the port of Melcombe in Dorseteshire in June 1348, no one knows what manner of sickness it is or how it spreads and kills so quickly. The Church proclaims it a punishment from God but Lady Anne of Develish has different ideas. With her brutal husband absent, she decides on more sensible ways to protect her people than the daily confessions of sin recommended by the Bishop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnne gathers her serfs within the gates of Develish and refuses entry to outsiders, even to her husband. She makes an enemy of her daughter by doing so, but her resolve is strengthened by the support of her leading serfs... until food stocks run low and the nerves of all are tested by their ignorance of what is happening in the world outside. The people of Develish are alive. But for how long? And what will they discover when the time comes for them to cross the moat?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCompelling and suspenseful, \u003ci\u003eThe Last Hours\u003c\/i\u003e is a riveting tale of human ingenuity and endurance against the worst pandemic known to history. In Lady Anne of Develish - leader, saviour, heretic - Walters has created her most memorable heroine to date.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46533183897836,"sku":"9781760528164","price":26.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/22668583482814.jpg?v=1749375877"},{"product_id":"the-turn-of-midnight-by-minette-walters-9781760876210","title":"The Turn of Midnight","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the year 1349 approaches, the Black Death continues its devastating course across England. In Dorseteshire, the quarantined people of Develish question whether they are the only survivors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGuided by their beloved young mistress, Lady Anne, they wait, knowing that when their dwindling stores are finally gone, they will have no choice but to leave. But where will they find safety in the desolate wasteland outside?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne man has the courage to find out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThaddeus Thurkell, a free-thinking, educated serf, strikes out in search of supplies and news. A compelling leader, he and his companions quickly throw off the shackles of serfdom and set their minds to ensuring Develish's future—and freedom for its people.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut what use is freedom that cannot be gained lawfully? When Lady Anne and Thaddeus conceive an audacious plan to secure her people's independence, neither foresees the life-threatening struggle over power, money, and religion that follows...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eIf you enjoy C.J. Sansom or Philippa Gregory, pick up this masterfully woven tale.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003ci\u003eBetter Reading\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHistorical fiction at its finest - the suspense is rife, the clever layers of storytelling second to none.\u003c\/em\u003e Theresa Smith Writes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eVividly readable.\u003c\/em\u003e \u003ci\u003eHerald Sun\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46534039929068,"sku":"9781760876210","price":26.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/26149043482814.jpg?v=1749404967"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/minette-walters.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}