{"title":"Books by Karen Maitland","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"9780141031910","title":"Company of Liars","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe year is 1348 and the first plague victim has reached English shores. Panic erupts around the country and a small band of travellers comes together to outrun the deadly disease, unaware that something far more deadly is - in fact - travelling with them. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe ill-assorted company - a scarred trader in holy relics, a conjurer, two musicians, a healer and a deformed storyteller - are all concealing secrets and lies. And at their heart is the strange, cold child - Narigorm - who reads the runes. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut as law and order breaks down across the country and the battle for survival becomes ever more fierce, Narigorm mercilessly compels each of her fellow travellers to reveal the truth ... and each in turn is driven to a cruel and unnatural death.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56224210518389,"sku":"9780141031910","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141031910_382b0feb-219b-434e-b8a8-fffe34651793.jpg?v=1786011645"},{"product_id":"9780141047447","title":"The Gallows Curse","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe thirteenth-century is just begun and King John has fallen out with the Pope, leaving babies to lie unbaptized in their cradles and corpses in unconsecrated ground. Across a fear-ravaged England, the people are dying in sin.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the village of Gastmere, this has shocking consequences for servant girl Elena. Unwittingly drawn into a macabre scheme to absolve dying Lord Gerard of his crimes, death and betrayal haunt her dreams like a curse.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnd when Elena is threatened with hanging for a murder she did not commit, it is certain that unnatural conspiracy lies behind these dark deeds. But where can she turn? For in every face lies wickedness and in every shadow lurks treachery . . .\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56224360202613,"sku":"9780141047447","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141047447_6c8ad3d7-350e-4a16-9c50-9efd8c7f1b70.jpg?v=1786011135"},{"product_id":"9781472215048","title":"The Raven's Head","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA gothic delight from Karen Maitland, author of the bestselling and much-loved \u003ci\u003eCompany of Liars\u003c\/i\u003e, that will enchant readers of Kate Mosse's\u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003e \u003cb\u003eThe Burning Chambers \u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cb\u003eor fans of Deborah Harkness seeking a new, dark fix.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e'An atmospheric and dark story' \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Times\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eNever trust your secrets to a Raven when you are not its true master...\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1224. Langley Manor, Norfolk. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLord Sylvain has been practising alchemy in hiding for years and now only the Apothecary's niece can help him with final preparations to forge the Philosopher's Stone.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlchemy calls for symbols - and victims - and when a man in possession of an intricately carved raven's head arrives at the Manor in a clumsy attempt at blackmail, Sylvain has both symbol and victim within easy reach.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut the White Canons in nearby Langley Abbey are concealing a crucial, missing ingredient... Regulus, a small boy with a large destiny.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat readers are saying about \u003ci\u003eThe Raven's Head\u003c\/i\u003e:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'An \u003cb\u003eintriguing and exciting dark tale\u003c\/b\u003e about \u003cb\u003epower and intrigue in politics\u003c\/b\u003e, but most of all about the \u003cb\u003epower and fear\u003c\/b\u003e of the main ingredient of the book - \u003cb\u003ealmighty alchemy\u003c\/b\u003e!' \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Full of \u003cb\u003estories, witchcraft, alchemy, suspicion and suspense\u003c\/b\u003e. Fantastic book'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'As well as being a s\u003cb\u003euspenseful tale t\u003c\/b\u003ehat \u003cb\u003ekeeps the reader on the edge of their seat\u003c\/b\u003e, the book illustrates that the \u003cb\u003eMiddle Ages had a dark edge\u003c\/b\u003e. The \u003cb\u003ewriting is beautiful\u003c\/b\u003e, and the novel is \u003cb\u003ecrafted in a masterful way\u003c\/b\u003e'\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300150587765,"sku":"9781472215048","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472215048_fc4cb655-4f0b-490b-97c3-f53906def6ab.jpg?v=1786020695"},{"product_id":"9781472235916","title":"A Gathering of Ghosts","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003ePagans tackle the Knights of St John with terrible consequences in the new medieval thriller by Queen of the Dark Ages, Karen Maitland. Set on the wilds of Dartmoor, this is a ghostly tale for fans of \u003ci\u003eThe Essex Serpent, \u003c\/i\u003eC. J. Sansom's Shardlake series and \u003ci\u003eThe Burning Chambers \u003c\/i\u003eby Kate Mosse. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A dark read... fear and hysteria are portrayed with claustrophobic skill' \u003ci\u003eThe Times \u003c\/i\u003eon\u003ci\u003e THE PLAGUE CHARMER\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1316. On the wilds of Dartmoor stands the isolated Priory of St Mary, home to the Sisters of the Knights of St John. People journey from afar in search of healing at the holy well that lies beneath its chapel.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut the locals believe Dartmoor was theirs long before Christianity came to the land. And not all who visit seek miracles. When three strangers reach the moor, fear begins to stir as the well's waters run with blood.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhat witchcraft have the young woman, the Knight of St John and the blind child brought with them?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Sisters will need to fight for everything they hold dear as the ghosts of the Old World gather in their midst.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56300158058869,"sku":"9781472235916","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472235916_4cb06f20-6ba9-4e46-9ba6-d95f05101dcd.jpg?v=1786020831"},{"product_id":"9781472215031","title":"The Vanishing Witch","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStep back in time with Karen Maitland, author of the hugely popular\u003ci\u003e Company of Liars\u003c\/i\u003e. This dark tale is sure to thrill fans of \u003ci\u003eThe Witchfinder's Sister\u003c\/i\u003e and C. J. Sansom with its chilling recreation of the Peasants' Revolt.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e'\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003eA gem, crafted in the darkness ... Maitland has produced another gripping tale, from a darker age, which has surprising resonances with the present' \u003ci\u003eIndependent on Sunday\u003c\/i\u003e \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003ci\u003eBy the pricking of my thumbs ...\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLincoln, 1380. A raven-haired widow is newly arrived in John of Gaunt's city, with her two unnaturally beautiful children in tow.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe widow Catlin seems kind, helping wool merchant Robert of Bassingham care for his ill wife. Surely it makes sense for Catlin and her family to move into Robert's home?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBut when first Robert's wife - and then others - start dying unnatural deaths, the whispers turn to witchcraft. The reign of Richard II brings bloody revolution, but does it also give shelter to the black arts?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnd which is more deadly for the innocents of Lincoln?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWhat readers are saying about \u003ci\u003eThe Vanishing Witch\u003c\/i\u003e:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'\u003cb\u003eEngrossing, enchanting and mysterious\u003c\/b\u003e - this book kept my mind busy from start to finish'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'\u003cb\u003eCompulsive \u003c\/b\u003ereading. Thoroughly researched, highly informative and just a \u003cb\u003edownright good story\u003c\/b\u003e!'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'\u003cb\u003eMagical and mysterious\u003c\/b\u003e. Against this \u003cb\u003efascinating historical background\u003c\/b\u003e, Maitland weaves \u003cb\u003ea sinister tale of witchcraft, betrayal and terror\u003c\/b\u003e'\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56301115638133,"sku":"9781472215031","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472215031_3fae0fee-39db-45fa-b5ee-8b7eca9ab461.jpg?v=1786020695"},{"product_id":"9781472235862","title":"The Plague Charmer","description":"\u003cp\u003e1361. An unlucky thirteen years after the Black Death, \u003cb\u003eplague returns to England\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e'\u003c\/i\u003eFear and hysteria are portrayed with claustrophobic skill' \u003cb\u003eTHE TIMES\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Dark and enthralling... with an unexpected hero' \u003cb\u003eJULIE COHEN\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFrom the bestselling author of \u003ci\u003eCompany of Liars\u003c\/i\u003e, Karen Maitland,\u003ci\u003e The Plague Charmer\u003c\/i\u003e is a darkly compelling novel following a stranger who arrives in an isolated community in the grips of a medieval pandemic. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen the sickness reaches the village of Porlock Weir, who stands to lose the most? And who will seize this moment for their own dark ends?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dwarf who talks in riddles?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The mother who fears for her children?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The wild woman from the sea?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Or two lost boys, far away from home?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePESTILENCE IS IN THE AIR. BUT SOMETHING DARKER LURKS IN THE DEPTHS. \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhy readers are gripped by \u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe Plague Charmer\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Its horrors are vividly told but with an underlying sense of human resilience and hope'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'A real page turner'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'The best and worst of human behaviour in troubled times'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'Poignant, shocking and haunting'\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e'It was so easy to be drawn into this world...'\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56312433836405,"sku":"9781472235862","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781472235862_324d3d8d-a1b9-4613-a8ad-15e366cd78e1.jpg?v=1786020830"},{"product_id":"the-owl-killers","title":"The Owl Killers","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAnother sensational slice of Dark Ages Gothic from the author of the triumphant seller \u003ci\u003eCompany of Liars\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEngland, 1321\u003cbr\u003eWelcome to the Dark Ages\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the heart of the countryside lies an isolated village, where pagan Owl Masters rule through fear, superstition and murder.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen a group of religious women ill-advisedly settles outside the village, they awaken dangerous jealousies. Why do their crops succeed? How do their cattle survive the plague? Are they concealing a holy relic which protects them from harm?\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Owl Masters cry 'Witchcraft' and sharpen their talons. As torment and hellfire rain down, the women must look to their faith to save them from the darkness spreading across the land.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eFear is a question of what you believe.\u003cbr\u003eAnd death alone the answer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e                    \u003cb\u003eKaren Maitland\u003c\/b\u003e lives in Lincolnshire and is the author of \u003ci\u003eThe White Room\u003c\/i\u003e, which won an Author's Club Best First Novel Award, and \u003ci\u003eCompany of Liars\u003c\/i\u003e, published to outstanding critical acclaim in 2008.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57466560676213,"sku":"9780141031897","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141031897.jpg?v=1785654618"},{"product_id":"falcons-of-fire-and-ice","title":"The Falcons of Fire and Ice","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Falcons of Fire and Ice \u003c\/i\u003eby Karen Maitland, author of the hugely popular \u003ci\u003eCompany of Liars\u003c\/i\u003e, is a powerful historical thriller which takes you right back to the darkest corners of the 16th century. Intelligently written and meticulously researched, it is a real treat for all fans of CJ Sansom and Umberto Eco's \u003ci\u003eThe Name of the Rose.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e'A tour de force: dark and woven with the supernatural' \u003ci\u003eDaily Mail\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e1564, Lisbon. The Inquisition displays its power and ruthlessly spreads fear. Heretics are tortured and burned. Any who oppose the Church's will realize that silence is preferable to a slow and agonizing death. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIsabela, daughter of the Falconer at the Royal Court, is about to be caught in the Church's terrifying schemes. The slaughter of two of the King's precious white falcons sees her father arrested and imprisoned. As punishment he and his family will be killed unless the birds are replaced.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIsabela, young and headstrong, decides that only she can save her father. These birds are impossibly rare, and she will have to travel far and into strange lands to find them to clear her father's name. It is a journey that will take her into a dark and dangerous world filled with menacing people driven by fearful beliefs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnd, unfortunately for Isabela, the Church has sent a companion to ensure she never returns . . .\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStep back in time with Karen Maitland's Dark Tales and discover a world full of imagination in \u003ci\u003eThe Falcons of Fire and Ice\u003c\/i\u003e - 'a thrilling horrible vision of the Dark Ages' \u003ci\u003eMetro\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eKaren Maitland travelled and worked in many parts of the United Kingdom before finally settling in the beautiful medieval city of Lincoln. She is the author of \u003ci\u003eThe White Room\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eCompany of Liars\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Owl Killers \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eThe Gallows Curse\u003c\/i\u003e. The latter three titles are available as Penguin paperbacks.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57466604683637,"sku":"9780141047454","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9780141047454.jpg?v=1785654662"}],"url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/collections\/author-karen-maitland.oembed","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}