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Of Blood Descended

An Anthony Blanke Tudor Mystery
3.79 goodreads logo

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( 91 ratings, 12 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Of Blood Descended by Steven Veerapen is a suspenseful crime thriller set in historical England. The story follows the brilliant barrister, Michael, as he delves into a dark legacy involving secrets, deception, and power. As he navigates through a web of intrigue, Michael uncovers unsettling truths that threaten to unravel everything he holds dear.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this gripping crime and thriller novel if you're intrigued by historical settings and intricate mysteries. Set against the backdrop of Tudor England, the story weaves a compelling narrative filled with suspense, political intrigue, and a dash of treachery. Perfect for fans of historical crime fiction who enjoy detailed storytelling and uncovering hidden secrets.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

At the court of Henry VIII a historian charged with proving the king's descent from King Arthur is found murdered, his body posed in a gruesome tableau.A reluctant Anthony Blanke is charged with investigating the crime, and his mission takes him through ancient monastic libraries and the back streets of London.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Summer, 1522. In a wave of pomp, Henry VIII's court welcomes the Imperial emperor, Charles V. Anthony Blanke, the son of the king's late 'black trumpet', John Blanke, is called to Hampton Court by his former employer, Cardinal Wolsey. The cardinal is preparing a gift for King Henry: a masque of King Arthur and the Black Knight. Anthony is to take centre stage.

The festive mood, however, quickly sours. Wolsey's historian, charged with proving the king's descent from King Arthur, is found murdered, his body posed in a gruesome tableau. A reluctant Anthony is charged with investigating the affair. His mission takes him on the path trod by the historian, through ancient monastic libraries and the back streets of London.

On a journey that takes him from Hampton Court to Windsor and Winchester, and which sees him lock horns with secretive monks, historian Polydore Vergil, and a new face at court, Anne Boleyn, he must discover the murderer, secure the great masque, and avoid King Henry's wrath.

Beautifully written...a unique tale told in a unique voice - S.G. Maclean

Series: The Anthony Blanke Mysteries

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  • Of Blood Descended
    Summer, 1522. In a wave of pomp, Henry VIII's court welcomes the Imperial emperor, Charles V. Anthony Blanke, the son of the king's late 'black trumpet', John Blanke, is called to Hampton Court by his former employer, Cardinal Wolsey. The cardinal is preparing a gift for King Henry: a masque of King Arthur and the Black Knight. Anthony is to...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • Of Judgement Fallen
    Spring, 1523. Henry VIII readies England for war with France. The King's chief minister, Cardinal Wolsey, prepares to open Parliament at Blackfriars. The eyes of the country turn towards London. But all is not well in Wolsey's household. A visiting critic of the Cardinal is found brutally slain whilst awaiting an audience at Richmond Palace. He will not be the...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Of Blood Descended by Steven Veerapen is widely praised for its vivid depiction of Renaissance-era London, merging historical detail with captivating storytelling. The protagonist is seen as compelling, echoing potential for future stories. Various reviewers commend it as a splendidly enjoyable and immersive historical thriller, with its refreshing language and rich atmospheric detail, making it a must-read for fans of Tudor mysteries.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781846976131

Publisher: Birlinn General

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 May 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polygon An Imprint of Birlinn Limited

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 270g

Pages: 384

About the Author

Steven Veerapen was born in Glasgow to a Scottish mother and a Mauritian father and raised in Paisley. Pursuing an interest in the sixteenth century, he was awarded a first-class Honours degree in English, focussing his dissertation on representations of Henry VIII's six wives.

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  • Of Judgement Fallen
    Spring, 1523. Henry VIII readies England for war with France. The King's chief minister, Cardinal Wolsey, prepares to open Parliament at Blackfriars. The eyes of the country turn towards London. But all is not well in Wolsey's household. A visiting critic of the Cardinal is found brutally slain whilst awaiting an audience at Richmond Palace. He will not be the...
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