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The Last Treasure of Ancient England
"Absolutely epic - the ultimate adventure page-turner!" Rose Collins
It is 1066 and in the aftermath of the Battle of Hastings the mutilated corpse of King Harold has been looted. The disappearance of a particular item enrages Duke William, and only one of his knights knows its whereabouts. In his remaining years this knight has to make a will he ever share his secret, or take the greatest enigma in English history to the grave?
Centuries later, when Chester Bentley arrives at his new Devonshire boarding school, he is unprepared for the mystery it conceals. The discovery of an age-old riddle lures him and his new friends into a quest to uncover the secrets safeguarded by the stately manor house. Hidden somewhere in the county is an extraordinary treasure and the school holds the puzzling key to its surprising location.
But something is lurking in the dark, shadowing them each time they venture out from their dormitory at night, and a ghostly legend puts fear into the bravest of pupils. In their last year at the remote school time is running out; so can they succeed where others have failed, and even died, in a chilling hunt to reveal the last treasure of ancient England?
The Last Treasure of Ancient England is the second adventure in The Chester Bentley Mysteries
If you love spooky mysteries that hurl you into a frantic race against time and sinister interests, while you hunt down hidden treasure, then MJ Colewood's unique adventure series will keep you guessing and turning the pages.
Discover The Last Treasure of Ancient England to enter the Chester Bentley Mysteries today!
It is 1066 and in the aftermath of the Battle of Hastings the mutilated corpse of King Harold has been looted. The disappearance of a particular item enrages Duke William, and only one of his knights knows its whereabouts. In his remaining years this knight has to make a will he ever share his secret, or take the greatest enigma in English history to the grave?
Centuries later, when Chester Bentley arrives at his new Devonshire boarding school, he is unprepared for the mystery it conceals. The discovery of an age-old riddle lures him and his new friends into a quest to uncover the secrets safeguarded by the stately manor house. Hidden somewhere in the county is an extraordinary treasure and the school holds the puzzling key to its surprising location.
But something is lurking in the dark, shadowing them each time they venture out from their dormitory at night, and a ghostly legend puts fear into the bravest of pupils. In their last year at the remote school time is running out; so can they succeed where others have failed, and even died, in a chilling hunt to reveal the last treasure of ancient England?
The Last Treasure of Ancient England is the second adventure in The Chester Bentley Mysteries
If you love spooky mysteries that hurl you into a frantic race against time and sinister interests, while you hunt down hidden treasure, then MJ Colewood's unique adventure series will keep you guessing and turning the pages.
Discover The Last Treasure of Ancient England to enter the Chester Bentley Mysteries today!
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 14, 2016
5 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Colewood
10 books3 followersYou may be surprised to learn that MJ Colewood is in fact not one, but two authors. Mark Colenutt and Jacqueline Wood are friends, who after years of talking about books finally decided to join forces and write The Last Treasure of Ancient England.
Mark’s inspiration for the book came from his own boarding school days in the 1980’s at Buckland House School in Devon. The old manor house captured his imagination as did his History teacher who explained its historical connections. Mark became a teacher himself and later obtained an MA in History. He often entertains his pupils with tales of boarding school life and as his mind has wandered back to Buckland House over the years, the idea for the book has grown.
Jacqueline has loved stories since her father invented his own for her at bedtime (and she usually changed the endings). She made her way through the children’s section of the local library like Roald Dahl’s Matilda, and presented her first book to her headmaster at the age of eight. She graduated from Durham University with a degree in English and then trained to be a teacher.
When Mark told Jacqueline about his story idea she was captivated and didn’t take any persuading when he suggested they write it together.
Mark’s inspiration for the book came from his own boarding school days in the 1980’s at Buckland House School in Devon. The old manor house captured his imagination as did his History teacher who explained its historical connections. Mark became a teacher himself and later obtained an MA in History. He often entertains his pupils with tales of boarding school life and as his mind has wandered back to Buckland House over the years, the idea for the book has grown.
Jacqueline has loved stories since her father invented his own for her at bedtime (and she usually changed the endings). She made her way through the children’s section of the local library like Roald Dahl’s Matilda, and presented her first book to her headmaster at the age of eight. She graduated from Durham University with a degree in English and then trained to be a teacher.
When Mark told Jacqueline about his story idea she was captivated and didn’t take any persuading when he suggested they write it together.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 8, 2017
I was never big on history when I was at school but wow I know now that what was missing was the passion of someone that loves it teaching me. These two author friends have combined a well known historical event, The Battle of Hastings in 1066 and a boarding school mystery to create an absolutely fantastic book. I was delighted to be reading a story, that in so many ways, reminded me of the Famous Five with a touch of a supernatural element to enhance it even more. This is a brilliant Young Adult and Teen mystery thriller.
The story of the invasion of Britain was superbly told as it brings to life the different fighting skills and strategies of both Normans and Saxons in huge battles. Unfortunately, the horrendous wipe outs of whole villages had become common place but it was the individual stories of the soldiers that really sold me especially with one particular good man. It is through him that the story in the future is made.
When Chester Bentley arrives at a remote boarding school that is steeped in its own history going back 1000 years, he gets the funny feeling that something special is going to happen. An adventure that is brought to life with a special word. It is here that no one in the past has been able to solve an age old riddle but there is great danger in this school of secrets.
There are such great moments in this book, from the battles I loved to the schools super sleuths where at times boys were scared and girls were daring. I had such a heart in my mouth moment regarding an unusual way to get up trees, brilliant but definitely not to be tried at home. This book would make a great read in school. The children would be riveted to it. Loved it and this is only book one in the series. Highly recommended.
The story of the invasion of Britain was superbly told as it brings to life the different fighting skills and strategies of both Normans and Saxons in huge battles. Unfortunately, the horrendous wipe outs of whole villages had become common place but it was the individual stories of the soldiers that really sold me especially with one particular good man. It is through him that the story in the future is made.
When Chester Bentley arrives at a remote boarding school that is steeped in its own history going back 1000 years, he gets the funny feeling that something special is going to happen. An adventure that is brought to life with a special word. It is here that no one in the past has been able to solve an age old riddle but there is great danger in this school of secrets.
There are such great moments in this book, from the battles I loved to the schools super sleuths where at times boys were scared and girls were daring. I had such a heart in my mouth moment regarding an unusual way to get up trees, brilliant but definitely not to be tried at home. This book would make a great read in school. The children would be riveted to it. Loved it and this is only book one in the series. Highly recommended.
January 5, 2017
Absolutely epic- the ultimate adventure page turner!
The Last Treasure of Ancient England is the most exciting historical mystery quest adventure fiction I've ever read.
A bit similar to the genre style of Dan Brown mixed with the youngsters with a mystery to solve of Enid Blyton and with a bit of the Hardy Boys thrown in.
I loved the fact that the adventures on a 'quest of discovery' were boarding school children, rather than the typical professional academic/ police or federal agent on a trail chase.
Brilliant writing from authors Mark Colenutt & Jacqueline Wood!
Super descriptive narrative and very informative about the Norman period of history.
A fabulous plot accompanied by very lively, fascinating writing and richly portrayed three dimensional characters.
Extraordinary storytelling that perfectly masters so many different fiction genres: Young Adult, adventure, mystery and historical.
I am really looking forward to reading more titles from these two authors.
The Last Treasure of Ancient England is the most exciting historical mystery quest adventure fiction I've ever read.
A bit similar to the genre style of Dan Brown mixed with the youngsters with a mystery to solve of Enid Blyton and with a bit of the Hardy Boys thrown in.
I loved the fact that the adventures on a 'quest of discovery' were boarding school children, rather than the typical professional academic/ police or federal agent on a trail chase.
Brilliant writing from authors Mark Colenutt & Jacqueline Wood!
Super descriptive narrative and very informative about the Norman period of history.
A fabulous plot accompanied by very lively, fascinating writing and richly portrayed three dimensional characters.
Extraordinary storytelling that perfectly masters so many different fiction genres: Young Adult, adventure, mystery and historical.
I am really looking forward to reading more titles from these two authors.
April 25, 2017
As a highschool teacher I read this book for a colleague with the aim of evaluating the book for potention use in the classroom. I think that 'The Last Treasure of Ancient England' would make excellent reading for the high school level young adult reader.
The book is set at an English private boarding school where a group of friends stumble across a series of historical clues/mysteries that lead them off on an adventure. A sub-plot, intricately connected the main plot, is the Norman invasion of England which is vividly portrayed and adds a dimension of historical excitement to the book.
The book is fast paced, fun, and light reading most suitable to the high school reader. There are a liberal and generous scattering of historical and literary allusions giving the book extra depth beyond the classic Harry Potter type children's/young adult's lit.
The book is set at an English private boarding school where a group of friends stumble across a series of historical clues/mysteries that lead them off on an adventure. A sub-plot, intricately connected the main plot, is the Norman invasion of England which is vividly portrayed and adds a dimension of historical excitement to the book.
The book is fast paced, fun, and light reading most suitable to the high school reader. There are a liberal and generous scattering of historical and literary allusions giving the book extra depth beyond the classic Harry Potter type children's/young adult's lit.
March 10, 2017
An interesting start to a series starring a bright schoolboy. This time he is on the trail of some Norman/Anglo-Saxon treasure. I'm fairly local to where this was set so I appreciated the good local detail and inclusion of the Exeter Book. Also enjoyed the use of Latin in the clues. I did find this quite slow to get into though - I felt a lot of the adventure didn't really start until halfway through. One that older children might enjoy.
December 27, 2016
You’ve probably heard a book claim to be the next so-and-so. You know the next Narnia, or new Lord of the Rings, or next Nancy Drew. Well I often dismiss those claims. Especially since I’ve been let down so many times because the comparision didn’t live up. However, I will dare to make a comparission here… This Chester Bentley Mystery is the closest I’ve come to reading something that captures, as an adult, the feelings I had when reading Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys as a child.
There is a real sense of wonder, mystery and discovery as you read this book. I felt like I was going on the adventure with Bentely, Montague, Iona, Zara and Q. The pace is much slower than a traditional mystery, yet there is a palpable sense of urgency building through out the book.
The book has three separate story lines that all take part in different times. I was really impressed with the one following the Norman invasion of 1066. I have read multiple books about this time period and never had a Norman character that was as compelling as Richard. Usually the Normans are all cast as bad guys with a serious case of blood lust, and there are those characters too, but Richard is not like them. It was nice to see a character that was three dimensional, and thoughtful.
The only problem I had with the book is what I call the “Harry Potter Effect,” where the book basically praises and reward children for breaking the rules. In fact, if they didn’t repeatedly break the rules the mystery would never have been solved. Add to that, the fact that some of the adults are bumbling and clueless and others are out to get the children, and you have a bad mix. This is just one of my pet peeves. I want to see books set a better example and for writers to find more creative ways to move the plot ahead.
Bottom Line:
A really good book that mixes a historical fiction of the Norman invasion with a mystery at a boarding school. The mystery had plenty of surprises (in fact I had not guessed which “particular item” it was that disappeared,) the characters were warm and likable, and the pace well thought out. I hope to read more of Bentley’s adventures in the future.
NOTE: I received this book free from the author.
There is a real sense of wonder, mystery and discovery as you read this book. I felt like I was going on the adventure with Bentely, Montague, Iona, Zara and Q. The pace is much slower than a traditional mystery, yet there is a palpable sense of urgency building through out the book.
The book has three separate story lines that all take part in different times. I was really impressed with the one following the Norman invasion of 1066. I have read multiple books about this time period and never had a Norman character that was as compelling as Richard. Usually the Normans are all cast as bad guys with a serious case of blood lust, and there are those characters too, but Richard is not like them. It was nice to see a character that was three dimensional, and thoughtful.
The only problem I had with the book is what I call the “Harry Potter Effect,” where the book basically praises and reward children for breaking the rules. In fact, if they didn’t repeatedly break the rules the mystery would never have been solved. Add to that, the fact that some of the adults are bumbling and clueless and others are out to get the children, and you have a bad mix. This is just one of my pet peeves. I want to see books set a better example and for writers to find more creative ways to move the plot ahead.
Bottom Line:
A really good book that mixes a historical fiction of the Norman invasion with a mystery at a boarding school. The mystery had plenty of surprises (in fact I had not guessed which “particular item” it was that disappeared,) the characters were warm and likable, and the pace well thought out. I hope to read more of Bentley’s adventures in the future.
NOTE: I received this book free from the author.
March 31, 2017
This book drew me back to the kind of mystery/adventure stories I read as a child and to my own child. Written in the vein of C S Lewis, Marjorie Phillips and in some ways J K Rowling (Harry Potter series) it is one of those tales which can be equally enjoyed by a teenager and an adult. There is a wonderfully old-fashioned feel of 'good and bad' about the story. It is also remarkably packed with historical facts, many of which are intriguing.
The story is divided into three sections time-wise, the first part set around the Norman conquest and subsequent events, the main part in the twentieth century - nineteen eighties - and the third which peppers the main part, is set in the nineteen thirties. They blend together extremely well.
The plot centres around a schoolboy and his friends attempting to solve a mystery. In the beginning, though, we are led through the first part of that mystery which takes place in the eleventh century, the final twist being pushed into the third section. Odd, ghostly or supernatural happenings are well described as they enter the plot, and the story never lingers for too long on anything.
The school in which the main section is set is a remarkably old-fashioned private school with which the author is extremely familiar. The majority of the action takes place in Devon, although the area around Hastings and Norman France have been well researched and are beautifully described.
This book is very well-written and I enjoyed it. I must comment though, that as an older adult reading it, the school setting was amusing but much of the school-type adventure would, I feel, be more appealing to a far younger reader. This is simply a personal view, and not exactly a criticism, but I have deducted a star from my rating as I felt the book's audience was not really me! Would I read it again? I might.
The story is divided into three sections time-wise, the first part set around the Norman conquest and subsequent events, the main part in the twentieth century - nineteen eighties - and the third which peppers the main part, is set in the nineteen thirties. They blend together extremely well.
The plot centres around a schoolboy and his friends attempting to solve a mystery. In the beginning, though, we are led through the first part of that mystery which takes place in the eleventh century, the final twist being pushed into the third section. Odd, ghostly or supernatural happenings are well described as they enter the plot, and the story never lingers for too long on anything.
The school in which the main section is set is a remarkably old-fashioned private school with which the author is extremely familiar. The majority of the action takes place in Devon, although the area around Hastings and Norman France have been well researched and are beautifully described.
This book is very well-written and I enjoyed it. I must comment though, that as an older adult reading it, the school setting was amusing but much of the school-type adventure would, I feel, be more appealing to a far younger reader. This is simply a personal view, and not exactly a criticism, but I have deducted a star from my rating as I felt the book's audience was not really me! Would I read it again? I might.
April 27, 2017
As a highschool teacher I read this book for a collegue with the aim of evaluating the book for potention use in the classroom. I think that 'The Last Treasure of Ancient England' would make excellent reading for the high school level young adult reader.
The book is set at an English private boarding school where a group of friends stumble across a series of historical clues/mysteries that lead them off on an adventure. A sub-plot, intricately connected the main plot, is the Norman invasion of England which is vividly portrayed and adds a dimension of historical excitement to the book.
The book is fast paced, fun, and light reading most suitable to the high school reader. There are a liberal and generous scattering of historical and literary allusions giving the book extra depth beyond the classic Harry Potter type children's/young adult's lit.
The book is set at an English private boarding school where a group of friends stumble across a series of historical clues/mysteries that lead them off on an adventure. A sub-plot, intricately connected the main plot, is the Norman invasion of England which is vividly portrayed and adds a dimension of historical excitement to the book.
The book is fast paced, fun, and light reading most suitable to the high school reader. There are a liberal and generous scattering of historical and literary allusions giving the book extra depth beyond the classic Harry Potter type children's/young adult's lit.
April 28, 2017
From the 1066 Battle of Hastings Richard secretly takes something. A millennium later, a mystery engages Chester Bentley on an adventurous treasure hunt…
Introduction
The Chester Bentley Mysteries #1
Richard, a French farmer who has lost everything, is forced to fight for the man who was responsible for the murder of his parents: William, Duke of Normandy. This is the man who will become William the Conqueror having crossed the English Channel with his army in a bid to wrest the throne from Anglo-Saxon King Harold. Richard refuses to resort to gratuitous cruelty and when providence degrees he has an opportunity to save William, he finds himself in close proximity to The Conqueror from that time onward. This is 1066 and the place is Hastings. In the present, however, 12-year-old Chester Bentley is not looking forward to entering boarding school at Buckland House. Would you believe it if I told you the connection between the events in 1066 and today is an ancient treasure?
Storyline
The French army makes camp around Hastings and William orders the men to slaughter all the inhabitants of nearby villages. His goal is to attract King Harold’s attention and force the English army to fight on the Hastings’ battlefield. Only Richard refuses to take part in these atrocities and thereby risks receiving a beating or even losing his life. However, when Richard saves William’s life, all seems forgiven and he is duly rewarded. If William had known that Richard took the very thing he needed to make his claim to the English throne indisputable … what outcome then? More than a thousand years later gardener Joe is desperate to find the treasure, hidden in or around the Manor house and promises his son Titch riches once they find it. Joe hopes Isabella, the Lady of the Manor, will help but then a tragic accident happens .. or was it an accident? From then on, the Manor seems haunted.
The presence of a ghost is Buckland House’s secret mystery and Chester Bentley has only one year to find out! Together with his newfound friend the very cool Montague, respected by teachers and pupils alike, he stumbles upon a mysterious map. Chester Bentley would not be who he is if he was not extremely curious and determined to find out all he can about Buckland House’s secret passageways, the ghost stories and most of all, the hidden treasure, if there is one in fact! The clock is ticking as he has to make progress in locating the treasure, even if it means putting himself in dangerous situations. On top of that, some pupils are downright interfering and there is one, Ralph, who is determined to get Chester Bentley. Chester, however, trusts his luck to ‘serendipity’: every time he utters the word, something cool and adventurous is about to happen. Follow Chester Bentley and his friends on a daring and dangerous treasure hunt!
My Thoughts
The first part of this suspenseful young adult thriller is filled with beautiful descriptive sentences and vividly painted pictures of the Battle of Hastings leaving no mistake about the horrors. At the same time, it makes us realise that even in violent circumstances people are able to stay true to themselves – like Richard. I admired his character, how he struggled with the injustice and still kept his honour. Chester Bentley is introduced to the reader as the boy who does not want to go to boarding school but is given no choice. The novel is divided into three parts and despite the dangers surrounding Chester and his friends in the third part, the tone of the book is lighter and simply entertaining. I loved Chester Bentley! He is such an adorable character and once he feels he is on the right track, not even his fears can stop him! The combination of historical facts with boarding school mysteries (who hasn’t devoured those?!) and exciting adventures make this book, suitable for teenagers, young adults and all adults, a brilliant thriller!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/the-la...
Introduction
The Chester Bentley Mysteries #1
Richard, a French farmer who has lost everything, is forced to fight for the man who was responsible for the murder of his parents: William, Duke of Normandy. This is the man who will become William the Conqueror having crossed the English Channel with his army in a bid to wrest the throne from Anglo-Saxon King Harold. Richard refuses to resort to gratuitous cruelty and when providence degrees he has an opportunity to save William, he finds himself in close proximity to The Conqueror from that time onward. This is 1066 and the place is Hastings. In the present, however, 12-year-old Chester Bentley is not looking forward to entering boarding school at Buckland House. Would you believe it if I told you the connection between the events in 1066 and today is an ancient treasure?
Storyline
The French army makes camp around Hastings and William orders the men to slaughter all the inhabitants of nearby villages. His goal is to attract King Harold’s attention and force the English army to fight on the Hastings’ battlefield. Only Richard refuses to take part in these atrocities and thereby risks receiving a beating or even losing his life. However, when Richard saves William’s life, all seems forgiven and he is duly rewarded. If William had known that Richard took the very thing he needed to make his claim to the English throne indisputable … what outcome then? More than a thousand years later gardener Joe is desperate to find the treasure, hidden in or around the Manor house and promises his son Titch riches once they find it. Joe hopes Isabella, the Lady of the Manor, will help but then a tragic accident happens .. or was it an accident? From then on, the Manor seems haunted.
The presence of a ghost is Buckland House’s secret mystery and Chester Bentley has only one year to find out! Together with his newfound friend the very cool Montague, respected by teachers and pupils alike, he stumbles upon a mysterious map. Chester Bentley would not be who he is if he was not extremely curious and determined to find out all he can about Buckland House’s secret passageways, the ghost stories and most of all, the hidden treasure, if there is one in fact! The clock is ticking as he has to make progress in locating the treasure, even if it means putting himself in dangerous situations. On top of that, some pupils are downright interfering and there is one, Ralph, who is determined to get Chester Bentley. Chester, however, trusts his luck to ‘serendipity’: every time he utters the word, something cool and adventurous is about to happen. Follow Chester Bentley and his friends on a daring and dangerous treasure hunt!
My Thoughts
The first part of this suspenseful young adult thriller is filled with beautiful descriptive sentences and vividly painted pictures of the Battle of Hastings leaving no mistake about the horrors. At the same time, it makes us realise that even in violent circumstances people are able to stay true to themselves – like Richard. I admired his character, how he struggled with the injustice and still kept his honour. Chester Bentley is introduced to the reader as the boy who does not want to go to boarding school but is given no choice. The novel is divided into three parts and despite the dangers surrounding Chester and his friends in the third part, the tone of the book is lighter and simply entertaining. I loved Chester Bentley! He is such an adorable character and once he feels he is on the right track, not even his fears can stop him! The combination of historical facts with boarding school mysteries (who hasn’t devoured those?!) and exciting adventures make this book, suitable for teenagers, young adults and all adults, a brilliant thriller!
Read the review on my website: https://www.bitsaboutbooks.net/the-la...
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