Are you intrigued by novels inspired by tiny snippets of historical events?
A sliver of history taken as a seed with enough facts to place it in a believable context can be a rich seam for a skilled author. In our latest book, Sinful Folk, Ned Hayes has not only recreated a seldom-covered period of British history, but has also taken little-known facts and wrapped them in a heart-wrenching tale of loss, vengeance, treachery and grief. Sinful Folk is not a happy read overall, and it shouldn't be, considering its topics. The flashes of joy, hope and friendship in the tale shine all the brighter for its harrowing setting.
In December of the year 1377, five children were burned to death in a suspicious house fire. A small band of villagers travelled 200 miles across England in midwinter to demand justice for their children's deaths.
A terrible loss. A desperate journey. A mother seeks the truth.
Sinful Folk is the story of a treacherous journey as seen by Mear, a former nun who has lived for a decade disguised as a mute man, raising her son quietly in this isolated village.
For years, she has concealed herself and all her secrets. But in this journey, she will find the strength to claim the promise of her past and find a new future. Mear begins her journey in terror and heartache, and ends in triumph and redemption.
The book's description tells you all you need to know about the story, but it is the research, careful crafting of language and moulding of historical events that really raises this novel above the rest. If you like your storytelling well-written, with a steady pace, full of richness and fleshed-out with believable characters and a living world, then Sinful Folk by Ned Hayes is a must read.
Nikki McClure's chapter-heading art adds to the atmosphere. The black and white, wood-block and pencil-sketch illustrations seem hewn from the source material itself. That's why we've included a selection of Nikki's beautiful sketches as digital extras in this Scarlet Ferret edition.
Ned has been kind enough to provide the entire first section of the novel, Book 1, free to download and read!
Sinful Folk
by Ned Hayes
In December of the year 1377, five children were burned to death in a suspicious fire. A small band of villagers travelled 200 miles in midwinter to demand justice for their deaths.
£4.99
Includes DRM-Free ePub & MOBI ebooks for all devices, including Kindle.
Ned Hayes
Ned Hayes is a novelist, journalist, technologist, and humanist who has authored books in many genres, published around the world in multiple languages - most recently the national bestseller The Eagle Tree, which was named one of the top 5 books about the autistic experience. His previous novels include the acclaimed historical novel Sinful Folk, illustrated by New York Times bestselling author/illustrator Nikki McClure, which was nominated for the Pacific Northwest Booksellers Award. He was educated at Stanford University and the Rainier Writing Workshop and has served on the boards of the Reading Foundation and Clarion West.