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119th out of 261 books
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309 voters
Dark Deceit (Anarchy Trilogy, #1)
by
Cathie Dunn (Goodreads Author)
Historical novel set in 1140s Gloucester and Normandy
On his return from battle at Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne, under-sheriff of Gloucester and spy for the Empress Matilda, assists a dying knight caught in an ambush. Promising to look after the welfare of the knight’s only daughter, Geoffrey stays at her manor, investigating the murder. Keen to join the Empress on her pro...more
On his return from battle at Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne, under-sheriff of Gloucester and spy for the Empress Matilda, assists a dying knight caught in an ambush. Promising to look after the welfare of the knight’s only daughter, Geoffrey stays at her manor, investigating the murder. Keen to join the Empress on her pro...more
ebook
Published
February 10th 2012
by Crooked Cat Publishing
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Reviewed By BlackTulip for Booked Up
I had great expectations for this book and I wasn't disappointed in the least. This novel is set in medieval England and Normandy where two rival branches of the same tree fight for power. King Stephen is captured at the battle of Lincoln by Robert of Gloucester. The rivalry for the throne will lead to years of discord and civil war in England, that have been called the Anarchy.
It is in this atmosphere of chaos, constant danger, and uncertainty that this story...more
I had great expectations for this book and I wasn't disappointed in the least. This novel is set in medieval England and Normandy where two rival branches of the same tree fight for power. King Stephen is captured at the battle of Lincoln by Robert of Gloucester. The rivalry for the throne will lead to years of discord and civil war in England, that have been called the Anarchy.
It is in this atmosphere of chaos, constant danger, and uncertainty that this story...more
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A historical romance in true tradition – complete with a knight of valour, a fair lady, and some devilish political intrigues - enough to satisfy the taste of any lover of this genre. With a faithful stallion to save the day for his master, a mystery of identity and delicious romantic rivalry to keep the pages turning.
Event stumbles after event in quick succession, and as the plot develops, its ingredients untangle: deception, violence, brutality, dramatic flight and poignant emotion.
And all the...more
Event stumbles after event in quick succession, and as the plot develops, its ingredients untangle: deception, violence, brutality, dramatic flight and poignant emotion.
And all the...more
Sep 04, 2012
Mark Patton
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Lovers of historical fiction
Recommended to Mark by:
Friend
Cathie Dunn is a writer of historical fiction in the tradition established by Sir Walter Scott, except that, reflecting the way in which historical fiction has evolved in the 21st Century, it is far more meticulously researched. It is set against the somewhat obscure period of Anglo-Norman history (perhaps a little less obscure now than it was a few years ago, as a result of Helen Castor’s TV series, The She-Wolves of England) dominated by civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda f...more
If asked which character I identified most with in Dark Deceit I would have to say it was with Geoffrey de Mortagne. What a patient man! Being rejected is not something that puts Geoffrey down for long. He is a strong character, a leader of men, true to his oaths, but has flaws-Alleyne de Bellac is his biggest. The fact that he is steadfast in protecting Alleyne through thick and thin is wonderful to read. Cathie Dunn portrays a very human hero in Goeffrey, and yet there is an aloofness that is...more
If you like Historical Novels with believable characters, settings, conflicts and a touch of romance, I readily recommend this book.
This is the first book in what promises to be a memorable trilogy.
In Dark Deceit, Cathie Dunn has incorporated all the necessary characters, settings, conflicts and resolutions required to ensure a captivating and easy to read historical novel.
Set amidst the unrest of an a civil war c.1140's, the throne of England is up for grabs. King Stephen has been imprisoned E...more
This is the first book in what promises to be a memorable trilogy.
In Dark Deceit, Cathie Dunn has incorporated all the necessary characters, settings, conflicts and resolutions required to ensure a captivating and easy to read historical novel.
Set amidst the unrest of an a civil war c.1140's, the throne of England is up for grabs. King Stephen has been imprisoned E...more
Travel back in time to the 1140's in Medieval England. A civil war is in progress between Empress Matilda and her cousin, Maude, for the Queen-ship of England. Allegiances are changing almost as much as the weather.
Throw into this situation an under-sheriff (Geoffrey de Mortange), a recently bereaved rich young heiress (Alleyne de Bellac), and an altogether "bad egg" (Will D'Arques), a murder, a siege, an escape, a spattering of romance and some reunions and you have a fast-paced, addictive, cap...more
Throw into this situation an under-sheriff (Geoffrey de Mortange), a recently bereaved rich young heiress (Alleyne de Bellac), and an altogether "bad egg" (Will D'Arques), a murder, a siege, an escape, a spattering of romance and some reunions and you have a fast-paced, addictive, cap...more
When her father dies after a brutal attack mounted by persons unknown, slightly spoiled heiress Alleyne De Bellac finds assistance and attraction in the form of Undersheriff Geoffrey De Mortagne, who has sworn an oath of protection to Alleyne’s dying father that detours him away from a strategic assignment he is about to embark upon. Familiar security and temptation packaged as old family friend Will D’Arques shows up offering support to Alleyne, albeit with his own agenda. Strong but naïve, All...more
Layered with authentic detail that will delight any historian, Dark Deceit is a well-written tale of romance, intrigue and dastardly machinations. At its core is Lady Alleyne, a knight's daughter. When her father is mysteriously murdered, she inherits his manor--but in uncertain times will she manage to keep it? Gallant Geoffrey steps in to offer his assistance, but despite her attraction to the under-sheriff, Alleyne is determined to seek help from an old flame, Will d'Arques. As the first of a...more
I loved the setting and story of DARK DECEIT. The characters are believable (circumstances, action, etc), and the time period is accurately depicted as very unstable. The dialogue and storytelling lacked a bit of sophistication that brought it from 4 to 3 stars for me. I will read the next book because I care about the characters...the mark of a good story!
A decent light read. The female character, Alleyne got a bit taxing after a bit.
May 08, 2013
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Cathie Dunn writes historical fiction & romantic suspense. A hobby historian, she loves researching her favourite eras - Scottish medieval & Jacobite times; medieval England / Normandy & Tudor England.
Cathie is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Celtic Hearts Romance Writers.
She lives in Scotland.
More about Cathie Dunn...
Cathie is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Romantic Novelists' Association and the Celtic Hearts Romance Writers.
She lives in Scotland.
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