Description

Shakespeare fed us the myth of the Macbeths as murderous conspirators. But now Val McDermid drags the truth out of the shadows, exposing the patriarchal prejudices of history. Expect the unexpected . . .

A thousand years ago in an ancient Scottish landscape, a woman is on the run with her three companions – a healer, a weaver and a seer. The men hunting her will kill her – because she is the only one who stands between them and their violent ambition. She is no lady: she is the first queen of Scotland, married to a king called Macbeth.

As the net closes in, we discover a tale of passion, forced marriage, bloody massacre and the harsh realities of medieval Scotland. At the heart of it is one strong, charismatic woman, who survived loss and jeopardy to outwit the endless plotting of a string of ruthless and power-hungry men. Her struggle won her a country. But now it could cost her life.

Publisher Review

‘A hugely enjoyable heart-stopping afternoon in the company of Queen Macbeth and her three wise women. I *love* the Darkland tales!’ — Damian Barr ‘a page-turning tale of adversity and adventure, laughter and love, death and defiance’ — Janet Christie * The Scotsman * ‘Among the most exciting series of books of recent years’ * SNACK Magazine * ‘A wondrous tale of subterfuge, courage, and resolve set among Kings and Queens, war and passion in eleventh century Scotland’ — Liz Robinson * Lovereading * ‘a historical romance seen from the perspective of a strong and determined woman fighting for life and love, — Andy Beaven * Mail on Sunday * ‘In the fifth book in the critically acclaimed ‘Darkland Tales’ series from Polygon Val McDermid plunges into medieval Scotland. Overturning Shakespeare’s propaganda, the reader will encounter a new Lady Macbeth amidst a web of vicious intrigue’ * GoodReading Magazine Australia * ‘This gripping entry in the Darkland Tales series of fictional retellings of Scottish history finds the mighty Val McDermid interpret the story of Lady Macbeth with searing feminist power’ * Waterstones Says * ‘A powerful, moving, timely retelling of the story of a legendary queen’ — Life_of_reilly_76 ‘successfully dismantled my blood-soaked Shakespearean assumptions about Lady Macbeth’ — Libby Brooks