The Hammer of the Scots Read online

  The Heart of the Lion

  At the age of thirty-two, Richard the Lionheart has finally succeeded Henry II to the English throne. Now he must fulfil his vow to his country to win back Jerusalem for the Christian world. Leaving England to begin his crusade, Richard’s kingdom is left in the hands of his brother, John, who casts covetous eyes on the crown.

  AVAILABLE IN ARROW IN THE TUDOR SERIES

  Uneasy Lies the Head

  Jean Plaidy

  In the aftermath of the bloody Wars of the Roses, Henry Tudor has seized the English crown, finally uniting the warring Houses of York and Lancaster through his marriage to Elizabeth of York.

  But whilst Henry VII rules wisely and justly, he is haunted by Elizabeth’s missing brothers; the infamous two Princes, their fate in the Tower for ever a shrouded secret. Then tragedy strikes at the heart of Henry’s family, and it is against his own son that the widowed King must fight for a bride and his throne …

  AVAILABLE IN ARROW IN THE TUDOR SERIES

  Katharine, the Virgin Widow

  Jean Plaidy

  The young Spanish widow, Katharine of Aragon, has become the pawn between two powerful monarchies. After less than a year as the wife of the frail Prince Arthur, the question of whether the marriage was ever consummated will decide both her fate and England’s.

  But whilst England and Spain dispute her dowry, in the wings awaits her unexpected escape from poverty: Henry, Arthur’s younger, more handsome brother – the future King of England. He alone has the power to restore her position, but at what sacrifice?

  IF YOU LOVE GEORGETTE HEYER’S HISTORICAL NOVELS, LOOK OUT FOR HER WONDERFUL CONTEMPORARY MYSTERIES

  A Blunt Instrument

  Ernest Fletcher, a man liked and respected. So when he is found bludgeoned to death, no one can imagine who would want him dead. Enter Superintendent Hannasyde, who slowly uncovers the real Fletcher, anything but a gentleman, and a man with many enemies. But the case takes a gruesome twist when another body is found …

  Behold, Here’s Poison

  Gregory Matthews, patriarch of the Poplars is found dead. Imperious Aunt Harriet blames it on the roast duck he ate, but a post-mortem determines it’s a case of murder by poison. Suspicion falls immediately on his quarrelsome family, and it is up to Hannasyde to sift through their secrets and lies before the killer strikes again.

  Death in the Stocks

  When the body of Andrew Vereker is found locked in the stocks on the village green, Hannasyde soon realises that this may be his toughest case yet. Vereker was not a popular man, his corrupt family are uncooperative, and the suspects are many.

  They Found Him Dead

  The morning after his sixtieth birthday party, Silas Kane is found dead at the foot of a cliff. The coroner rules death by misadventure, but when Kane’s nephew and heir is found murdered, a new and sinister case develops for Hannasyde to investigate.

  Table of Contents

  Cover

  About the Book

  Title

  Copyright

  About the Author

  Praise for Jean Plaidy

  Further titles available in Arrow by Jean Plaidy

  I: The King Comes Home

  II: Exit Henry Enter Alfonso

  III: The Welsh Prince and the Demoiselle

  IV: The Return of Joanna

  V: The Sicilian Vespers

  VI: The Prince of Wales

  VII: Joanna’s Marriage

  VIII: Exodus

  IX: The Queen’s Crosses

  X: Joanna Defiant

  XI: The King’s Bride

  XII: The Adventures of William Wallace

  XIII: Betrayal

  XIV: The Death of the King

  Bibliography