The Hoodsman: Queens and Widows

In 1079, the Conqueror is critically wounded by Raynar in a skirmish at Gerberoi. With the Conqueror ill, Philip of France encourages rebellions against Norman rule. William placates Philip by choosing different sons to be the heirs of Normandy and of England. His favourite son Richard, is to be the next King of the English.

With William ill and rarely in England, Regent Odo and the rest of the Norman ruling class keep to the South. Raynar is in Scotland visiting Margaret when Northumbrian rebels kill the Bishop of Durham. In revenge Odo's army Harrows the North, yet again.

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While King Henry is busy securing and rebuilding the West Country after the Category 5 hurricane of August 10th, 1103, Queen Edith must rule the palace and the court of England. With the help of Raynar, Countess Lucy, and Countess Maud, she moves the court from Winchester to Westminster.

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About The Author

Skye Smith is my pen name. My ancestors were miners and shepherds near Castleton in the Peaks District of Derbyshire. I have been told by some readers that this series reminds them of Bernard Cornwell’s historical novels, and have always been delighted by the comparison.

This is the tenth of my Hoodsman series of books, and you should read the first “Killing Kings” before you read this book. All of the books contain two timelines linked by characters and places. The “current” story is set in the era of King Henry I in the 1100’s, while the longer “flashback” story is set in the era of King William I after 1066.

I have self-published twelve "The Hoodsman ..." books and they are:
1. Killing Kings
2. Hunting Kings
3. Frisians of the Fens
4. Saving Princesses
5. Blackstone Edge
6. Ely Wakes
7. Courtesans and Exiles
8. The Revolt of the Earls
9. Forest Law
10. Queens and Widows
11. Popes and Emperors
12. The Second Invasion