The Ruffler’s Child

Get ready for the first adventure in the fabulous Thomas the Falconer Tudor mystery series from John Pilkington. A must-read for fans of C. J. Sansom and Andrew Taylor.

‘A truly fine historical series’ - Library Journal

BE YE HUNTER OR PREY?

Introducing Thomas Finbow – falconer to Sir Robert Vicary and Lady Margaret of Petbury, Berkshire. He keeps his mind sharp and his body primed as he goes about his duties with the diligent confidence of one who once served Queen and country.

When Nathaniel Pickering, Lady Margaret’s older brother is found murdered, Thomas takes her away to London, in search of gryfalcons. Lady Margaret being a keen lover of the sport of falconry herself, Thomas hopes it will help distract his mistress from her grief, however once they reach the city it becomes apparent that much bigger things are at play – and the murder of Master Pickering was just the beginning…

Thomas's astute mind is unable to ignore the clues, and in uncovering some dark secrets, he places himself - and his mistress - in grave danger. Now a target himself, Thomas must face some of London's most notorious criminals, in a battle of both brain and brawn.

Perfect for fans of Andrew Taylor and S. J. Parris.

Praise for the Thomas the Falconer series:

‘Larger-than-life characters and authentic 16th-century ambience… Pilkington successfully draws readers into his world and keeps them turning the pages.’ - Booklist

'The story moves at a great pace ... it made a welcome change to discover Elizabethan England through the eyes of a lesser mortal.' - The Historical Novels Review

‘A sturdy and entertaining historical for fans of Elizabethan mysteries’ Library Journal

Praise for The Ruffler's Child:

'The quality of the writing and evocation of the Elizabethan Age is right up there with C J Sansom - and that could be no higher recommendation. I devoured it with relish and a buzz of contentment! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

Brilliant! A master of descriptive prose! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

Interesting tale of intrigue, murder and mystery. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

I was gripped from start to finish. A very well crafted read which was unputdownable. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

Well-drawn characters in a colourful and dangerous world, drawn into a plot that will keep you guessing (and keep the pages flying by). Thoroughly recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

"The Ruffler’s Child" was written by John Pilkington.

A writer for over forty years, John Pilkington was born in Lancashire and worked at many jobs including laboratory assistant, farm worker, weaver, shipping clerk, picture frame-maker and cabaret musician before finding his true vocations. He has written plays for radio and theatre, television scripts for a BBC soap, a short-lived children’s series and numerous works of historical fiction, including several Elizabethan mystery series for award-winning publisher Boldwood Books.

He lives in a village on a tidal estuary in Devon with his long-term partner.

Yes, "The Ruffler’s Child" is part of the "The Thomas the Falconer Mysteries" series.