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Released: 28/05/2018

ISBN: 9781788034562
eISBN: 9781788034852

Format: Paperback/eBook

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The Distant Hills

by Judith Thomson

The next enthralling standalone novel, based on true events, from Judith Thomson’s Philip Devalle series

1689. England is about to be plunged into a war with France. To say this does not suit half-French Philip Devalle would be an understatement. With King William III now ruling England, Philip, whose efforts during the ‘Glorious Revolution’ have helped put William there, is secure - for the moment. But his scheming has made him unpopular with many. William and Mary have no children, and with Mary’s sister, Anne, heir to the throne, Philip fears his future may yet be uncertain.

When he receives an invitation to meet with King Louis, the French King he has served in the past, Philip is intrigued. A gambler at heart, he risks the consequences and travels to Versailles, in the hope that it might be to his advantage. He believes he has no enemies in France. He is wrong.

Now with his life in peril, Philip must learn who wants him dead - and seek retribution. For this adventure to end well, no-one can be above suspicion... not even Louis himself.

A fantastic addition to the engaging and educational Philip Devalle series, this standalone novel will appeal to those fascinated by history’s political intrigues and larger-than-life characters, as well as those who enjoy a deft plot based on true events, where murder and scandal is rife and where players hide their motives in shadows.

Author news

I shall be at Waterstones in Eastbourne on Saturday February 2nd, between 2 - 4 p.m, signing copies of my fifth Philip Devalle adventure,The Distant Hills and also copies of my first two books, in the series, Designs of a Gentleman: The Early Years and Designs of a Gentleman: The Darker Years. both of which have been recently republished by Troubador.

I shall be signing copies of all five of my books at Waterstones in Haywards Heath on Saturday March 14th between 11- 2 p.m.

I shall also be signing copies of all five of my books at The Rye Bookshop on Saturday March 23rd between 11 -3 p.m.

I will be taking part in the U.K. Southern Book show at Field Place in Worthing on Sunday April 28th between 10 â€“ 3 p.m.
and The Brighton and Hove Book Fayre on Saturday 8th June and Saturday 23rd November, both at the Unitarian Church, Brighton 10 - 4 p.m.

Would love to meet you at any of these events!

Judiththomsonsite.wordpress.com

Press Coverage

That's Books

France Magazine

Discovering Diamonds

Female First

Book Reviews

The Distant Hills - Reviews

5.0 out of 5 starsA real page turner
ByAmazon Customer Maryon 4 March 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
The story is compelling, and so I read it in one sitting. I love that period, especially in France, and the character of Monsieur was very well drawn,since he really was a good soldier, who had to suppress his masculine side so as to be non threatening to his brother.
The story takes place in England, at the time of William of Orange. Also in France, where the Sun King reigns.
A story that draws the reader in very quickly and keeps them interested.

by Maryon

5.0 out of 5 starsAn excellent read.
ByDavid Lintonbon DOon 20 March 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
An exceptional good read. Judith Thomson's latest novel takes you back to the 17th century in such a way, that you can really believe you are there with Phillip himself.

by David Lintonbon

About the Author

Judith Thomson

Brought up in Lincolnshire, Judith studied Art in Leicester before moving to Sussex, where she still lives.

She is passionate about the seventeenth century and has gained much inspiration from visits to Paris and Versailles. She has written several stories based around actual events of the period, set in both England and France, and following the lives of some of the same characters.

She likes to paint, enjoys boating on the French canals and scuba diving in the Red Sea. She has helped on a local archaeological dig and enjoys exploring the ancient landscape of Britain as well as following Native American trails in the deserts of southwest U.S.A.

Judith has a blogsite, Judiththomsonblog.wordpress.com where she posts, amongst other things, a monthly blog entitled 350 years ago this month, based on the diaries of Samuel Pepys. She also has a website Judiththomsonsite.wordpress.com and is a Goodreads Author.