A deadly plague is spreading across the land...

England, 1348: as the Black Death spreads through the country, people start to die by the thousands.

In Dorset, young Lady Anne takes control of her lands, with her trusted steward, Thaddeus, at her side. Compassionate and resourceful, she decides to quarantine the estate against the terrifying pestilence, bringing some two hundred serfs inside the moated walls.

But in such a confined space, conflicts soon arise. Ignorant of the world outside, Lady Anne's people wrestle with the terrible uncertainty of their futures. Fearing starvation but fearing the disease even more, who amongst them has the courage to leave the security of the walls?

And how safe is anyone when a dreadful event threatens the uneasy status quo...?

About the Author
Minette Walters is one of the world's best-selling crime writers. She is the author of twelve novels, winning the CWA John Creasey Award for The Ice House, the Edgar Allan Poe Award in America for The Sculptress and two CWA Gold Daggers for The Scold's Bridle and Fox Evil. The Last Hours marks an exciting new direction for Minette. She lives in Dorset with her husband.

Reviews
Atmosphere, imagination and narrative power of which few other writers are capable * The Times *
A staggeringly talented writer. * Guardian *
Wonderful and sweeping, with a fabulous sense of place and history * Kate Mosse on The Last Hours *
An enthralling account of a calamitous time, and above all a wonderful testimony to the strength of the human spirit. I was caught from the first page. * Julian Fellowes on The Last Hours *
Minette Walters is a master at building engrossing tales around a single, life-shattering event. * Washington Post *
A vividly-wrought and powerful story. With The Last Hours, Minette Walters has brought her impressive skill as a writer of psychological crime to create a dark and gripping depiction of Medieval England in the jaws of the Black Death. * Elizabeth Fremantle on The Last Hours *
...as you'd expect from crime queen Minette Walters, blood will be spilled. A well-plotted page-turner. * Sunday Express *
Historical novels depend upon the writer's ability to create a credible past world and Walters manages this very well...This is an ideal read for those who just want a good story well told. Snuggle up in a chair on a cold winter night and enjoy. * nudge-book.com *



Book Information
ISBN 9781760632144
Author Minette Walters
Format Paperback
Page Count 576
Imprint Allen & Unwin
Publisher Allen & Unwin
Weight(grams) 394g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 34mm