Dark Deceit [Kindle Edition]

This was a fast paced book that gave interesting insights into life in the times of King Stephen, not a period I was familiar with. The characters lived on the page and were intriguing. The plight of women, in particular, was fascinating. Not only the over-protected Alleyne, suddenly on her own and with no experience of the world making stupid mistakes, but also the poor women used and abused and cast aside by society. Lots of twists and turns, this kept me reading when I ought to have been doing other things.

If you like Historical Novels with believable characters, settings, conflicts and a touch of romance, I readily recommend this book.

This is the first book in what promises to be a memorable trilogy.

In Dark Deceit, Cathie Dunn has incorporated all the necessary characters, settings, conflicts and resolutions required to ensure a captivating and easy to read historical novel.

Set amidst the unrest of an a civil war c.1140's, the throne of England is up for grabs. King Stephen has been imprisoned Empress Matilda seeks to be crowned Queen in his place.

Following a battle at Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne, under-sheriff of Gloucester is on route to join the Empress on her route to London to secure the thrown. En-route, he and his men happen upon a knight under ambush. They enter the fray and rescue the stricken knight, but not before the final throw of an axe lands, striking what would become a fatal blow.

Geoffrey and his men are convinced that this was no ordinary ambush. He suspects the attackers to have been mercenaries, but who had ordered the attack and why?

Leaving the gravely injured knight in capable hands, Geoffrey sets out with his Sergent Guy to carry the news to the knights Daughter, Alleyne de Bellac, and to fulfil his promise to protect her and his estate until his return.

Expecting a damsel in distress, Geoffrey is captivated by the strength and beauty of the young woman he finds awaiting her fathers return. Alleyne is also captivated by the man who brings news of her fathers attack.

When news of her father's death arrives just days after Geoffrey, Alleyne is faced with an uncertain future. Un-married, she has no protector for her or her estates. Aware that Geoffrey is eager to join with the Empress on her procession to London and convinced that her neighbouring Lord is behind her fathers death, Alleyne sends word to the only man she feels she can trust, Will d'Arques. Alleyne had always considered him to be her fathers closest friend and secretly held thoughts of him becoming the perfect suitor.

Dark Deceit is a captivating read that draws you in the the plot of civil war, murder, confusion, intrigue and a sprinkling of romance, just for good measure.

An easy and enjoyable read...roll on book #2.

If asked which character I identified most with in Dark Deceit I would have to say it was with Geoffrey de Mortagne. What a patient man! Being rejected is not something that puts Geoffrey down for long. He is a strong character, a leader of men, true to his oaths, but has flaws-Alleyne de Bellac is his biggest. The fact that he is steadfast in protecting Alleyne through thick and thin is wonderful to read. Cathie Dunn portrays a very human hero in Goeffrey, and yet there is an aloofness that is totally in keeping for the hero in the Historical genre. As to the heroine I found her shallow-at first. She is a young woman who has a lot to learn about the harsh world of medieval times. From the outset her mind is made up about who carries blame and who is trustworthy- not easily swayed to change her mind. She makes some poor choices, especially in her trust of Will d'Arques, BUT she does learn as the story unfolds. Physical and moral support are not only given by Geoffrey, I look forward to the next book to see if supporting characters, Guy for example, has a story to tell. Dark Deceit is great read.