"Political intrigue and ancient superstition loom large in this excellent mystery from Hays (Murder in the Latin Quarter), the first in a new series set in Dark Age Britain, when the Arthurian legend was born. Lord Arthur ap Uther asks Malgwyn ap Cuneglas, a clerk who has lost an arm battling Saxon invaders, to investigate the brutal slaying of Eleonore, a servant girl whose body is found outside the home of Arthur’s former teacher, Merlin, with Merlin’s bloody knife nearby. Malgywn must find the real killer fast, because the lords from all the local tribes have come to Castellum Arturius to choose a new leader, and ambitious contenders could seize on Arthur’s connection to a murderer to discredit him. One of the book’s many strengths is the way Malgywn, whose wife has died at Saxon hands, evolves from a bitter drunkard into a respected and valued adviser. History buffs as well as mystery fans will be amply rewarded." Publisher's Weekly (Starred Review!)
"In fifth century Britain, Arthur, a powerful knight, is about to be elected high king when a young woman is butchered and Merlin is arrested. Arthur calls upon Malgwyn, a former soldier and now a drunken scribe, to find the culprit. Tackling the Arthurian legend, this original series debut is full of suspenseful action played out against a backdrop of Druids seeking to reestablish their influence over the people and powerful men playing politics and dabbling in treason. This fascinating blend of history and fiction by the author of Murder in the Latin Quarter 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. As young Lord Arthur hones his reputation as both a warrior and a diplomat, his formidable enemies stand poised and ready to pounce on any perceived weakness or transgression. When Merlin is accused of murdering a young servant girl, it provides the anti-Arthur faction with an excuse to challenge his ascension to the throne. In order to solve the mystery, Arthur calls upon the one man he trusts above all others—Malgwyn ap Cuneglas, a cunning warrior with a keen mind. Though a one-armed Malgwyn has been nursing a grudge against his lord since Arthur rescued him from a preferred death on the battlefield, he finds it difficult to resist the mental challenge of the investigation. The popularity of both historical mysteries and new twists on the Arthurian tales will provide a tailor-made audience for this promising new series.”—Booklist
"Earthy, densely plotted and likely to have readers eagerly awaiting the next installment." -- Kirkus Reviews
"It was only a matter of time before historical mysteries discovered King Arthur. Modern mysteries occasionally feature Excalibur and the Grail; and, like the medieval romances, fantasies sometimes deploy magic to help uncover crimes. This, however, may be the first historical mystery set in a credible Dark Age Arthurian world based upon the earliest surviving records.
Merlin stands accused of murder, and Arthur's prospects of being chose high king will be dashed if his favourite counsellor is condemned. To investigate, Arthur turns to Malgwyn, a former warrior who has sunk into drunkenness after losing an arm in battle. Fortunately, his wits and powers of observation remain keen enough to uncover the culprits among Arthur's enemies, be they lords aspiring to the high kingship themselves, or hostile Saxons. And what about the sinister druids gathering in surprising numbers for the council meeting to choose Ambrosius' successor?
Malgwyn's personal struggle with the bitterness of loss, first of wife, then arm, and to reconcile himself with his surviving family, add human interest as he searches deperately for the killers in this impressive (and suspenseful) start to a new series. Historical Novels Review
"In The Killing Way (Forge, $24.95), Tony Hays reaches back to the beginnings of the Arthurian era and a time when Christianity and Druidism still battled for hearts and minds. There is no glamorous Camelot here, no queenly Guinevere, nor masterful Merlin, nor chivalrous Lancelot. (In fact, Lancelot is not on the scene at all for reasons the author makes clear in an afterword.) Arthur is on the road to kingship, but there are hazards in his path and the prize could elude him. Guinevere is indeed Arthur's love, but one that he cannot openly acknowledge, and Merlin is a cantankerous old man given to considering himself a sorcerer.
The unlikely hero is Malgwyn ap Cuneglas, who has gone from farmer to fearsome soldier to pathetic, one-armed drunk and scribe. It was the death of a woman that turned Malgwyn from farmer to soldier. He became one of Arthur's advisers, and it was Arthur who saved Malgwyn's life when the latter lost an arm in battle. But the injury deeply embitters Malgwyn. He learns to be a scribe during his convalescence, and it is a skill that allows him to earn enough to stay drunk as often as possible.
Hays sets up his tale quickly and expertly so that the stakes are clear and the difficulties manifold. A murderer kills Malgwyn's young sister-in-law, whose lifeless body is found with a bloody knife that belongs to Merlin. Arthur is caught in a dilemma. If he allows the evidence to convict Merlin, he loses an old friend and mentor. If he allows Merlin to go free, he gives his enemies ammunition to challenge his reputation for truth and justice. If Malgwyn can focus his once-sharp mind to conduct an independent investigation, perhaps he can both prove Merlin innocent and find the guilty party.
Fans of Arthurian legends will find many familiar characters-such as Kay, Mordred, and Tristan-playing both minor and major roles. This is a story of the factions that fought and plotted for supremacy, and it is the story of how one man, Malgwyn, is able to reclaim a life and dignity that seemed lost forever. Above all, it is a well-crafted, fine historical mystery." Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine
"Readers will experience the gritty reality of life in England after the Romans left and the Saxons invaded. Malgwyn is a complicated protagonoist whose faults and virtues ring true .... Fans of historical mysteries will enjoy this ...." Romantic Times Book Review
"A juicy mystery." The Gumshoe Review.
"Not in recent years has an author brought to life the Arthurian legend like Tony Hays does in The Killing Way. With realistic description and a well-wrought plot reminiscent of Umberto Eco, the novel carries readers at a fast pace through political machinations, familial relationships and ethical dilemmas. Hard to put down. Exciting to read. It belongs on the shelf with The Once and Future King." -- James A. Grimshaw, Jr., author of Understanding Robert Penn Warren and The Flannery O'Connor Companion.
“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 will keep you reading long into the night.” --William Martin, New York Times Best Selling author of The Lost Constitution.
`This author knows his history and produces a first class, page turning tale. We shall doubtless hear much more of Tony Hays.' - Peter Tremayne, bestselling author of the Sister Fidelma mysteries
“True to the magic of the Arthurian legend. The Killing Way is a
beautiful tale rich in character and atmosphere, and dark with
emotions old as time.” —HOWARD BAHR, AUTHOR OF PELICAN ROAD
"A vivid and original detective story, The Killing Way is an unusual
Arthurian murder mystery set against an evocative fifth century
background that is more genuine than the usual Arthurian fare.
Yes, it might actually have been like that.”
—GEOFFREY ASHE, LEADING ARTHURIAN SCHOLAR AND AUTHOR OF
MERLIN: THE PROPHET & HIS HISTORY.
“An exciting, suspenseful murder mystery, The Killing Way is an
excellent read.” —RICHARD TUERK, AUTHOR OF OZ IN PERSPECTIVE
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