A Death of Innocence

Thomas Berrington #0.5

by David Penny

When thirteen-year-old Thomas Berrington is attacked by a group of boys on his way home he believes it is just another beating he must take—until one of the boys is found dead, and Thomas is accused of the murder. Fighting to save his reputation and his life Thomas is distracted by his feelings toward a girl his father would disapprove the pretty and resourceful Bel Brickenden. Together they uncover a web of deceit and lies to reveal the sad truth behind the murder. Meanwhile, another kind of death has come to Lemster—one that cannot be solved by reason alone. A Death of Innocence is the first of three prequels relating the story of how Thomas Berrington leaves England to begin his travels to Moorish al-Andalus.

Genres: Historical Fiction

184 pages, Paperback

Published April 9, 2020

About the author

Born in London in 1950, David Penny began writing at a tender age after moving to Mid Wales. Initially obsessed with all things science-fiction he read avidly and wrote even more. His first publications came at the age of seventeen in small fanzines. At the age of twenty-three a short story was accepted by Galaxy magazine – his first payment for writing. This was followed by appearances in the UK magazine Vertex. At the age of 24 his first novel, The Sunset People, was accepted for publication by Robert Hale and David was taken on by the Leslie Flood Literary Agency. Three other science fiction novels followed: Starchant, Out of Time and Sunshine 43.

David enjoyed a dissipated and wasteful (but not wasted) youth, doing little other than writing, growing his hair (a pursuit sadly no longer available to him) and following an alternative lifestyle. Into such an idyllic existence real life rudely interrupted, and David spent the next 35+ years in a variety of jobs, eventually running his own software company.
As the years wore on he missed writing more and more, and eventually returned to it.

The Red Hill is his first novel in 35 years and introduces the surgeon-detective Thomas Berrington.

Reviews

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this prequel dealing with Thomas as a teenager in England, a wholly different set of circumstances and geography than the novels set in Moorish Spain. From this book where he is accused of murder he did not commit and his blossoming love for Bel, it showed his first nudges towards the investigation of murder and his interest in healing. Very captivating short read.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1453 Lemster, The English Marshes. Thirteen year Thomas Berrington finds himself accused of murder. He must discover the guilty party to save himself.
Entertaining and well-written historical novella

[ELzabeth Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Having read all of the Thomas Barrington brilliant series I thoroughly enjoyed the introduction of him as a youth and hope there will be more!

[Ken Finlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thomas Berrington, 13, is on the cusp of manhood and marriage - "A Death of Innocence" is set in Medieval Britain when lives were shorter.
The second son of a local Squire Thomas is not your average yokel, spending his time reading and thinking. His father is less than impressed but others see potential in him.
His life is pretty much mapped out for him until it all falls apart - he's accused of murder and what evidence there is seems to point to him.
Can the local whore's daughter, Bel, and the somewhat enigmatic Brother Bernard help him find a way to save himself?
Considering that this novella is a prequel to a long series it is obvious that he survives - but the how is not what the reader expects.
It's been a while since I read historical fiction and reading David Penny's work I was reminded of how good it can be.
I'd recommend it - the writing style may take a little time getting used to but it will be time well spent.
4 Stars.

[Patrick Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this novel, relating the early history of Thomas Berrington as a young man. It shows the roots of his life's philosophy. I hope the young Berrington's story does not end here.

[Cathy Smyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Backstory

I really enjoy this prequel so that I could learn more about Thomas’ backstory. It has been mentioned in the stories, but it’s good to know the full content.

[John Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

vivid characters, absorbing story

Thomas Berrington is an engaging and relatable character. All of Penny’s characters are well crafted and have a ring of authenticity. I greatly enjoyed the book, and look forward to the next installment!

[Carol Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story covers when Thomas was a young boy. Interesting, but I felt redundant after reading all the other books on Thomas Berrington.