Can’t-Wait Wednesday: The Running Wolf by Helen Steadman

Posted July 29, 2020 by Stephanie in can't-wait wednesday / 8 Comments

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and talk about the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read.

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The Running Wolf by Helen Steadman
Expected publication: September 12th 2020 by Impress Books

When a Prussian smuggler is imprisoned in Morpeth Gaol in the winter of 1703, why does Queen Anne’s powerful right-hand man, The Earl of Nottingham, take such a keen interest?

At the end of the turbulent 17th century, the ties that bind men are fraying, turning neighbour against neighbour, friend against friend and brother against brother. Beneath a seething layer of religious intolerance, community suspicion and political intrigue, The Running Wolf takes us deep into the heart of rebel country in the run-up to the 1715 Jacobite uprising.

Hermann Mohll is a master sword maker from Solingen in Prussia who risks his life by breaking his guild oaths and settling in England. While trying to save his family and neighbours from poverty, he is caught smuggling swords and finds himself in Morpeth Gaol facing charges of High Treason. Determined to hold his tongue and his nerve, Mohll finds himself at the mercy of the corrupt keeper, Robert Tipstaff. The keeper fancies he can persuade the truth out of Mohll and make him face the ultimate justice: hanging, drawing and quartering. But in this tangled web of secrets and lies, just who is telling the truth?

I’m always looking forward to a favorite author’s new book, especially if it’s historical fiction (also loving the era it’s set in!) but on top of sounding like an amazing story, I happen to also love the cover so much. I thought the covers of Helen’s other books were really pretty but this one takes the cake for me. This is just another reason that I’m highly anticipating September. I can’t wait to read this book!