Released: 28/01/2021
ISBN: 9781838595272
eISBN: 9781800467682
Format: Paperback/eBook
For four hundred years between the 13th and 17th centuries, the Border Reivers terrorised people on both sides of the border. Often encouraged by the respective crowns, Reivers, or Raiders, showed no mercy to those they were attacking. Murder, arson and theft were commonplace and victim’s families were said to have been ‘bereaved’. Then, as the countries united, offenders were threatened with execution or deportation, and things slowly calmed down. Raids within the border lands became a thing of the past.
Interestingly different. What an intriguing story. Lovely to have a new talented author from Cumbria. A definite Christmas stocking filler. I will look forward to the next book.
by Jenny Brown
Really enjoyed this would highly recommend it.
by Rachel
The fact that this story is woven around true events lends credibility to the battle between the two, very believable, central characters. The author clearly knows Carlisle and the Borderlands meaning he is able to ensure the action happens in real settings, many of which can still be seen today. This helps the local reader visualise things in a way that lends a vivid reality to events. A must for anyone interested in finding out about the history of the area through a well presented spy thriller.
by A.A.from Carlisle
Probably not the best book from a purely writing perspective but a cracking and highly believable story. You're straight into the action from the first page and events race along at a fair pace. Inspector Jack Johnstone, the habitual pipe smoker and wrestling champion, is a wonderful character as is his arch foe, the German spy Heinrich Kohlmeir. Those of us of a certain age will remember fondly (or not) the historic settings for the book, many of which are now gone or have undergone significant change.
by Deborah, Carlisle
A well-paced, witty and action-packed novel.
by Cumbria Life
Mike Routledge was educated at Durham University. Since then he has at various times been both a primary and secondary school headteacher, school inspector and Associate Head of Education at a university college. His passion for the outdoors has taken him river canoeing in remote parts of Alaska, sea canoeing in Arctic Norway, trekking across glaciers in Svalbard and skiing throughout Europe. He has written several education texts but the 'The Reiver’ is his first novel. A proud Cumbrian he lives with his family in Cumbria.
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