Editorial: Bu Classics Books
Deep within the ancient roots of a gnarled ash tree lies a sinister secret that haunts the inhabitants of an English manor. This chilling tale explores the intersection of nature and the supernatural, where past sins take on a terrifying physical form. M. R. James weaves a masterclass in atmospheric dread, ensuring every rustle of a branch feels like a ghostly touch.
'Right up there with C J Sansom... A brilliant historical thriller' Philip Gwynne Jones'The twists and turns are brilliantly done' Sarah Ward'A joy for the senses... see the smoke and grime of Tudor London' Chris Lloyd 1558: The body of Thomas Seymour is found hanging naked in an oak tree at Hatfield House, the home of Elizabeth Tudor, the Queen’s sister. But Thomas Seymour was supposedly beheaded nine years to the day on Tower Hill. How did he return from the dead, only to die again? Doctor John Dee and Margaretta, assisted by his pupil Christopher, are charged with unravelling the mystery. But then there is a kidnapping, a ransom threat and more bodies appear. Amongst secrets and rumours, the scandal of the Seymour Affair threatens to resurface. Elizabeth’s road to the throne could be ruined and with that comes the fall of the Tudor Dynasty. Can John Dee keep Elizabeth’s secret before it casts a shadow over them all? 'Thrilling and intriguing' S. W. Perry'A joy to read. Well researched and fast paced' Leslie Scase'G J Williams knows how to keep a reader hooked' Adele Jordan'This is a fabulous mystery, pacy, tense and very atmospheric' Historical Novel Society'An intriguing story skilfully woven into the fabric of real history' Crime TimeVer libro
'The fourth book in G J Williams's Tudor Rose Murders series is, like its predecessors, a fast-moving and enjoyable mystery' The Sunday Times, May 2026 'The Tudor Rose series has already firmly established itself as one of the best historical crime series today, and The Assassin's Mark has set the standard even higher' Chris Lloyd 'Another absolute gem of a novel. Williams paints a vivid gripping picture of life – and death – in Tudor times. Don't let anyone prise it from your grasp until it's done' Zoe Sharp 'G J Williams brings her fascinating wealth of knowledge about Tudor England to another cracking mystery' Guy Jenkin It is March 1570 and Elizabeth’s court has just crushed the Northern rebellion that sought to throw her from the throne in favour of Mary Queen of Scots. Relief is shattered when a body is found near the palace. The ritualistic killing, a cloven hoof-print, a calling card, and the terrifying message daubed on the wall, point to a long-forgotten pagan deity linked to the Templars. John Dee and Margaretta must navigate a community under threat, a pattern of poisoning, a City in fear of a spectre, and the dark arts of rival queens as they race between England and the courts of France to uncover an assassin known only as Baphomet. 'Compelling and meticulously researched, you're drawn into the dark heart of a disturbing crime. The Assassin's Mark is another triumph for G J Williams' Sarah Ward 'A masterly and compelling historical mystery and a real page-turner' Mark Ellis 'This fast paced and thoughtful adventure already makes me impatient for Williams' next book' Adele JordanVer libro
