Political intrigue and ancient superstition loom large in this excellent mystery…History buffs as well as mystery fans will be amply rewarded.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“This fascinating blend of history and fiction by the author of is sure to engage fans of both Bernard Cornwell and Ellis Peters. Highly recommended.”—Library Journal (starred review)
“Hays turns a time-honored historical legend on its head, creating a new mystery series steeped in Arthurian mythology…The popularity of both historical mysteries and new twists on the Arthurian tales will provide a tailor-made audience for this promising newries.”—Booklist
“This may be the first historical mystery set in a credible Dark Age Arthurian world based upon the earliest surviving records…an impressive (and suspenseful) start to a new series.”—The Historical Novels Review
“Earthy, densely plotted and likely to have readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A well-crafted, fine historical mystery.”—Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine
“Many of the familiar faces from classic Arthuriana are here — Arthur, Guinevere, Kay, Bedevere, Merlin, and others — but Hays puts his own spin on their personalities and places them all in a gritty post-Roman setting fraught with political infighting and external threats. With his sharp intellect, dry wit, and skepticism about pretty much everything, Malgwyn makes for entertaining company .”—Historical Novel Review
“There's nothing like seeing an old story through new eyes. So, how about a murder mystery set in Camelot? King Arthur, Guinevere, Merlin and the rest of the gang are all here, but Tony Hays brings them to life anew, in a tale filled with twists and turns and surprises on every page. The joy of discovery—and re-discovery— will keep you reading long into the night.”—William Martin, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Constitution
“An unusual Arthurian murder mystery set against an evocative 5th Century background that is more genuine than the usual Arthurian fare. This author knows his history and produces a first class, page turning tale. We shall doubtless hear much more of Tony Hays.”—Peter Tremayne, author of A Prayer for the Damned
“Well-written and crafted, Hays has the talent of passing on historical details and information without clogging the narrative…a compelling and suspenseful book.”—Brenden DuBois, author of Twilight
“Where Hays shines is in the area where Steven Saylor does: with characters and relationships. The mystery is well created, the political manuevering is plausible, and we can expect future volumes to take us through Arthur's struggles against the Saxons and his rivals among the Britons…A more-than-respectable entry in the tradition of Arthurian novels.”—Orson Scott Card, on his Rhinotimes.com website
“In creating this vivid and original detective story, Tony Hays makes thorough and intelligent use of modern research. Yes, it might actually have been like that.”—Geoffrey Ashe, leading Arthurian scholar and author of The Discovery of King Arthur
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