The royalist - Stephen Deas

William Falkland is a dead man.

A Royalist dragoon who fought against Parliament, he is currently awaiting execution at Newgate prison. Yet when he is led away from Newgate with a sack over his head, it is not the gallows to which they take him, but to Oliver Cromwell himself.

Cromwell has heard of Falkland's reputation as an investigator and now more than ever he needs a man of conscience. His New Model Army are wintering in Devon but mysterious deaths are sweeping the camp and, in return for his freedom, Falkland is despatched to uncover the truth.

With few friends and a slew of enemies, Falkland soon learns there is a dark demon at work, one who won't go down without a fight. But how can he protect the troops from such a monster and, more importantly, will he be able to protect himself?

S.J. Deas was born in 1968. He once set fire to Wales. Well, one bit of Wales. Twice. When not burning principalities he managed to study theoretical physics at Cambridge, get a job at BAE, marry and have two children. He now lives in Essex.

A page-turning novel, unpredictable and suspenseful, haunted by intriguing twists and turns... The characters are vividly portrayed, three-dimensional and convincing
Historical Novels Review

Deas writes at a furious pace... It is his wonderful descriptions and his creation of a powerfully charged atmosphere that really capture the reader
We Love This Book

I take my hat off to the author for his ability and desire to portray all of this horror and dirt . . . Highly recommended
Parmenion Books