Review – The Heretic

Henry Vyner-Brooks in his new book "The Heretic" published by Lion Hudson introduces us to Brother Pacificus.

From the back cover:  1536 Who will survive the new world order?

In 1536 it seems the entire known world is changing–strange new lands are discovered and the Reformation is challenging Rome and its power. In England the king's declaration of a new church and dissolution of the monasteries overturns the customs and authorities of centuries. In the new world order, spies abound and no one can be trusted. To Brother Pacificus of the Abbey of St. Benet's in Norfolk, it looks like his abbey alone will be spared dissolution. But this last Benedictine house is mired in murder and intrigue. Then when Pacificus falls under suspicion, more than his own dark past comes to light, while the body count keeps rising. Pacificus's fate becomes entwined with that of three local children after their parents are arrested for treason and heresy. Protected only by this errant monk, a mysterious leper, and a Dutch eel-catcher, the children must quickly adjust; seeking their own identity, they soon find that neither parents nor protectors are quite what they seem. Based on historical events, this post-medieval mystery is laced with romance, fueled by greed, and punctuated with bouts of feasting, smuggling, and jailbreak. History, Christianity, Secrets, murder and family are just some of the ingredients that Mr. Vyner-Brooks has added to this extraordinary adventure that is "The Heretic". King Henry VII has declared himself head of the church and wants to wipe out any traces of Catholic monasteries, abbeys or churches. Brother Pacificus is more than a monk, he is an ex-knight and has agreed to oversee the safety of Elizabeth Fenton's children because she probably will be executed for heresy. There is a murder, then another murder that Pacificus has to solve. There is the issue of religion and being saved. All of this while trying to stay alive and keep the others that way as well. This is a great way to begin a new first-rate series. Mr. Vyner-Brooks has given us a unique action adventure that will keep you on the edge of your chair as you read and flip pages as fast as possible.  I recommend this book highly and look forward to the next book in this series.