I was really looking forward to reading this novel, the sequel to The Last Hours which I enjoyed. Sadly I was disappointed. The story was very slow and did not move forward, not enough action. There was something missing. You need to read the first book in the series, Last Hours to understand the times and the characters that have been well researched.

The Turn of Midnight is the second book in Minette Walters's new historical series. It is set in the 14th century, when the Black Death hit England with devastating consequences. I was desperate to get my hands on this book because I loved the first one in the series, The Last Hours, and I would recommend reading that one first to fully understand and appreciate the characters and their motivation.

At the end of 1348, the people of Develish have only survived the plague that devastated the rest of country by forcibly isolating themselves. When it seems the pestilence might have finally run its course, former serf Thaddeus Thurkell ventures outside the walls with a band of teenage boys to scout the surrounding villages for food and news of fellow survivors. But to enable Develish to continue to prosper and thrive in this new world, a deception will be necessary. Can Thaddeus pull it off? Because the penalty for his failure will be death...

The strength of these stories is in the characters. It is impossible not to root for their success and be completely gripped by their adventures. I particularly love Lady Anne, who uses her intelligence and cool logic to outsmart her enemies (usually men who underestimate her!), and former serf Thaddeus, who is determined to rise above his lowly status and is, in fact, far smarter than those who are supposedly his 'betters'. I also loved the way Thaddeus's band of surly teenagers have grown into mature soldiers.

I know very little about this time period and felt the author really brought it alive for me. I do hope someone turns it into TV series! My favourite scenes were when Thaddeus and his men finally see the sea, and their confrontation with one of the villains from the first book. The only negative was that I felt the scene set in Blandeforde went on for a bit too long - I was eager for Thaddeus to get onto his next adventure!

Thoroughly recommended, particularly for anyone who loves gripping, character-led historical fiction.


I was lucky enough to receive an early copy of The Turn of Midnight, which will be published in the UK on the 4th of October 2018.

Thank you to Minette Walters and Allen & Unwin for my copy of this book, which I requested from NetGalley and reviewed voluntarily.

This book is a fitting sequel to the first one in Minette Walters' trilogy about the Black Death. It is particularly fascinating to me as I live in the area. The extents to which people would act to avoid the plague and/or allocate blame for it are brought to life. It is fairly unusual for a book about this period of history to focus on the "serfs" rather than royalty and this is one of the strengths of the book. Highly recommended.

My thanks to Atlantic Books for an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

In addition, they had offered an ebook of the first book in this series, ‘The Last Hours’, which was appreciated as it does need to be read first to understand the setting and characters of its direct sequel.

‘The Turn of Midnight’ moved on from the gruesome and devastating events of the first book to focus on the beginnings of the local society’s rebirth even though the plague continued its progress through the country.

Certainly I found it readable and felt it was better than ‘The Last Hours’ in terms of pacing. I felt connected to the characters and wanted to know how things developed for them. I was especially heartened by the healing power of cats in one character’s life.

Yet as invested as I was I did start to feel a few too many situations and interactions were turning out positive and while I understand the appeal of a ‘feel good’ novel it just felt a bit incongruous given the themes and setting.

This time I was prepared for the anachronisms that I cited in my review of ‘The Last Hours’ though they continued to bother me. I recognise that I am likely in the minority on this but I do find it breaks my concentration as a niggling voice in my mind comments on them. Perhaps having Thaddeus make the flea/rat connection was useful for the plot but I felt it did a disservice to those researchers who proposed it centuries later.

Often authors will provide end notes where they state where they have used creative license in these matters. However, the ARC does not include such extras so I cannot know if this was noted.

I was so looking forward to reading this novel, the sequel to The Last Hours which I loved so much. Sadly I was so disappointed there was something missing It did not come alive for me as Last Hours did and frankly at times I found I was skim reading too much conversation and not enough action.

I read the first book and found it overlong, and things haven't changed here! The story is fascinating but it almost happens in real time in large sections - literally every thought and speech of about twenty characters makes it feel as though it will never end at times. I also found the main characters a bit too sugary, constantly forgiving the most evil of their enemies, when all I want is a good comeuppance :) It was fine, but I'm sort of hoping there won't be a third instalment!

This is a deliciously well-written sequel to the Last Hours. Boy, I really take a hat off when I writer nails it in different genres. Walters have written many mystery novels and now this historical piece of fiction is also so good. I'm particularly fond of novels around Black Death period so these two books were fantastic reads for me.
In this second book people of Develish are again very luck to have a clever Mistress like Lady Anne. Although it takes a slow start there is plenty of action in the story, and surprises to entertain and it's also very obvious that Walters made her research really well. A solid 4 stars. Will highly recommend for non-romance historical novel lovers, like myself.

*I would like to thank the Author, Atlantic Books and Netgalley for providing me generously with ARC in exchange for my honest review*
The Turn of Midnight is the second opening by Minette Walters which continues with the story of the Black Death in the 14th century England. The second novel begins when the first one ends, but focuses now on the social consequences of the demise of thousands of people. In 1349 the plague still kills people, however, other issues arise in the wake of it. The problems of food shortage and changes in the social structure are very well depicted through the story of people of Develish. Minette Walters's novel is a perfect read for anyone interested in the Middle Ages who would like to find out more about those times through fiction.

Minette Walters’ The Turn of Midnight explores the ravages of the 14th century Plague on the English medieval feudal system. With a large proportion of the surrounding desmenses abandoned due to the high number of fatalities, the survival of the remaining lords’, and their workers, livelihoods depends on selfless acts of bravery masking self-proclaimed subterfuge. Historical fiction at its best with plenty of thrills, a secret romance, the shock of incest and twists and turns throughout.

Having loved Minette Walters first book in the series. I was eager to to find out more about Develish and it's occupants. The book does continue as the previous ended with Thaddeus and his group is search of supplies. Lady Anne is still dealing with Lady Eleanor and the further secrets revealed by her regarding her father. We see more of the story centre around Thaddeus and the four boys who have grown before us into fine young men. We see this group move further out still looking for supplies. An incident occurs with Thaddeus fighting the men of Lord Bourne but over time becoming his ally. The story pulls you in and you fall in love with Thaddeus and Anne. There is danger and some very heart in throat moments in this book that leaves you wanting to read more. This book kept me sleep deprived, I struggled to put it down. The end leaves you hopeful that the Lord of Athelstan and Lady Anne will succeed in turning Develish and Blandeforde into a thriving demense. I hope Minette continues this series, I miss these characters once I put the book down and long for there to be a continuation.

I have recently read The Black Death which had me keenly anticipating this, the sequel, which proves to be a more than a worthy follow up as it explores the repercussions of the plague. Minette Walters is a marvellous story teller in this tense, full of intrigue and conflict from the medieval era. She supports the tale with her impeccable research, giving us rich descriptions of the period, evoking vivid atmosphere, and providing a thoughtful social and political commentary on the social hierarchy and attitudes prevalent of the time. The year 1349 is approaching, and under the compassionate, charismatic, progressive and knowledgeable guidance of Lady Anne, the loyal quarantined community in Dorsetshire at Develish have survived the worst ravages of the black death. However, what of the outside world? What lies in the world beyond?

Develish is running extremely low on food supplies, and there is nothing for it but to venture into the vast unknown in search of sustenance. Unsurprisingly, it is the resourceful, brave, bright and principled serf, Thaddeus Thurkell, a one of a kind man, that leads a motley group with him to face the challenges, dangers, intrigue and the unexpected that await them. The twisted and self serving thinking emanating from those at the upper end of the social strata and the Church, with its unconscionable blaming of the victims of the plague, with God punishing them for their sins, are pervasive and powerful. Lady Anne is a woman of science and logic, is more interested in the teachings and the examples set by Jesus Christ in his life. The concept of equality undermines the existing power structures, so the resistance to the idea is bound to be ferocious.

Walters has found a new and successful direction in which to take her writing, her historical fiction benefits considerably from her prior expertise and skills in delivering gripping storylines. I found this a brilliant, tense and suspenseful read, with great character development. The characters of Lady Anne, a unusually able and astute woman, and Thaddeus are so compelling and undoubtedly my favourites. Cannot recommend this novel highly enough, particularly to those who love historical fiction, but I do suggest reading the first in the series to get the most from this book. Many thanks to Atlantic Books for an ARC.

This is the sequel to The Last Hours, or possibly the second in a series, about a fourteenth century township which seeks to avoid a widespread plague devastating the country. To appreciate the background to this novel, it helps to have read the first, which thoroughly steeps the reader in the period and the horrors of overcoming the plague.

The Turn of Midnight follows on directly from the events of the first book and develops our understanding of Thaddeus Thurkell and his quest to explore the surrounding areas and salvage some life from the ravages of the plague. It also takes us deeper into the background of Develish and its widowed Lady of the Manor, Lady Anne, whose strength and resourceful intelligence have saved the town to this point. The book is absorbing and gripping throughout. Having established an affection for the characters, we are keen to discover more of their adventures and the outcome of their audacious plan for a new system of living. A thrilling read that is both accessible and informative about the period and resonant of the inequalities of recent times. Great stuff!

Following hard on the heels of The Last Hours I read these books one after another as I just wanted to stay with the characters and story. For full review see https://joebloggshere.tumblr.com/post/178100096611/the-turn-of-midnight-by-minette-walters-this-is

Having survived the Black Death the Devenish community led by Milady is left in a land denuded of most of its inhabitants. How they can exploit the opportunities that this provides gives rise to an audacious plan that involves blatant subterfuge to better their future prosperity. However their plans are threatened by an enemy who is determined to reveal all so as to bring their plans to nought. How Milady wins though so as to ensure a better future provides a most exciting and thrilling tale.

The Turn of Midnight is the follow up to The Last Hours and I'd strongly recommend that be read first.
The Last Hours chronicles the arrival and rapid spread of the Black Death, while The Turn of Midnight examines the aftermath of the plague and decimation of much of 14th century Dorsetshire.

The people of Develish have been more fortunate than most, thanks to the quarantine imposed by Lady Anne, an educated woman who understood that the plague was not a punishment from God, (if so, why did young children succumb?), but a contagious disease. Now, a small group from the manor must leave the safety of its protective moat and walls in search of supplies. They have no idea what they will find or what danger awaits them on the outside.

Not only is this an excellent piece of historical fiction, but it also gives us a factual insight into the social, political and religious issues that arose following the devastation wrought by the Black Death.

The book follows directly from The Last Hours and both cover the time around and immediately after the Black Death strikes England. The devastation of the country is so well portrayed here and the arrogance of the ruling Norman classes and the church. This leads the serfs to assume they themselves are responsible for the deaths. They are God’s judgement for sin. Lady Anne is motivated by science, in the sense that she knows the plague is a contagion and that it can be defeated by isolation. She also points out that innocent children died so casts doubt that it was punishment. This brings her into conflict with those clerics left alive. She is portrayed as a very charismatic figure, especially in comparison to others of the ruling class.

The writing puts us into the medieval mindset and brings the despair and devastation alive for the reader. The serf-born Thaddeus Thurkell is still, to me, an enigmatic figure and I long for another book to explain his origins. The Turn of Midnight is a fantastic read and I was glued to it. Thanks to Netgalley for an advance review copy.

The follow up to The Last Hours, and I am pleased that I had both titles to read consecutively. This is the better of the two I think, more action and better characterisation. The two would possibly have been better as one volume, there is much that could have been edited down to make a perfectly viable single volume. I had the chance to read this in advance of publication, so no spoilers from me here :) It will be available in October 18 for general readers.

Picking up where the cliffhanger ending The Last Hours left off Walters continues her well researched tale of the way the Black Death decimated and changed for ever the English countryside. The characters are well-drawn and I was glad to find out what happened next, my only criticism is that there wasn’t the suspense to this one that there was to the first instalment and tricky situations were evaded a little too easily. Having said that it’s such a brilliant depiction of medieval life that it’s well worth reading.

The Turn Of Midnight is the much anticipated follow up to Minette Walters The Last Hours. Book 1 announced the arrival of the dreaded Black Death which started in the coastal town of Melcombe and quickly spread through Dorsetshire and surrounding counties. The follow up examines the aftermath, bringing with it, it’s own unique set of problems.

As the year 1349 approaches, the people of Develish have been under quarantine for some time now, a measure taken by their beloved mistress Lady Anne. Here we have someone who is not only literate (very rare for a woman during this period in history) but she’s also blessed with a perceptive and caring nature, regardless of one’s station in life. Against all the odds she’s managed to keep her community safe from the dreaded plague, and her people wouldn’t hesitate to lay down their lives for her.

As the new year gets ever nearer, and with food supplies dwindling, it becomes clear that someone will have to venture beyond the confines of Develish, which is where Thaddeus Thurkell comes into his own. A common serf to all intents and purposes, he’s nevertheless well educated, fiercely independent and extremely courageous. Thaddeus sets off with a small group of young men, (well, just boys really ) who are unaware of the many trials and tribulations they are about to face, trials that will put each of them in great danger, and even with an astute and brave leader such as Thaddeus at the helm, they have no idea what the outside world will be like, and what threats they are likely to face!

There is no question that extensive research has been carried out to create this detailed historical account, not only pertaining to the Black Death, but also to the social and political structure of this period in history. Ms Walters has introduced us to an eclectic group of well developed characters, each with their own individual quirks, and after book 2, they’re beginning to feel like old friends. The narrative was suffused with tension throughout, and given the fact that the author is primarily a crime writer, it goes without saying that there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. Highly recommended!

* Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my ARC. I have given an honest unbiased review in exchange *

I think the previous book, The Last Hours' must be read before this, and I was lucky to be able to move seamlessly from one to the next, thanks to Netgalley. This book continues the story of a demesne during the plague in the 14th century. The historical details are fascinating, and the characters are complex. This is a great book.