A deadly plague is spreading across the land...
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As the year 1349 approaches, the Black Death continues its devastating course across England. In Dorseteshire, the quarantined people of Develish question whether they are the only survivors.
Guided by their beloved young mistress, Lady Anne, they wait, knowing that when their dwindling stores are finally gone they will have no choice but to leave. But where will they find safety in the desolate wasteland outside?
One man has the courage to find out.
Thaddeus Thurkell, a free-thinking, educated serf, strikes out in search of supplies and news. A compelling leader, he and his companions quickly throw off the shackles of serfdom and set their minds to ensuring Develish's future - and freedom for its people.
But what use is freedom that cannot be gained lawfully? When Lady Anne and Thaddeus conceive an audacious plan to secure her people's independence, neither foresees the life-threatening struggle over power, money and religion that follows...
'Wonderful and sweeping, with a fabulous sense of place and history.' Kate Mosse on The Last Hours
"Wonderful and sweeping, with a fabulous sense of place and history" - Kate Mosse on The Last Hours
"An enthralling account of a calamitous time, and above all a wonderful testimony to the strength of the human spirit. I was caught from the first page." - Julian Fellowes on The Last Hours
"Atmosphere, imagination and narrative power of which few other writers are capable" - The Times
"A vividly-wrought and powerful story. With The Last Hours, Minette Walters has brought her impressive skill as a writer of psychological crime to create a dark and gripping depiction of Medieval England in the jaws of the Black Death." - Elizabeth Fremantle on The Last Hours
"Walters's skill and subtlety in portraying the suffering and disarray of a feudal society in which disease rampages and God has seemingly gone mad is masterly. And, as with her bestselling suspense novels, the psychological drama is gripping." - Elizabeth Buchan, Daily Mail, praise for The Last Hours
"Stunning " - Daily Express
"A must-read... eloquent, absorbing, absolutely fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable." - LoveReading
"a mammoth tale" - BBC History Magazine
