Sinful Folk

A Novel of the Middle Ages

SINFUL FOLK, a medieval mystery set in 1377, by Ned Hayes, with illustrations by Nikki McClure.
* Starred * reviews from BookList, BookNote, Historical Novel Reviews.

“A pilgrim tale worthy of Chaucer, evocative, compelling and peopled with unforgettable characters artfully delivered by a master storyteller.”

Brenda Rickman Vantrease

New York Times bestselling author of The Illuminator

SINFUL FOLK is the story of a mother who carries a hidden secret and a terrible grief. In December of the year 1377, the village of Duns in northeast England suffered a great tragedy when five children died. The villagers demanded justice from the King.

SINFUL FOLK is the story of these villagers who undertook a desperate mid-winter journey with their dead children all the way across England to the King’s throne. Mear, a former nun who has lived for a decade disguised as a mute man, has her own reasons for going along on this quest. Yet one by one, all her secrets come out, and she finds the strength to claim her birthright, and accuse the murderer.

SINFUL FOLK begins in terror and heartache, and ends in triumph and redemption.

“Brilliantly conceived and beautifully executed, Hayes’ novel is woven through with a deep knowledge of medieval history, all conveyed in mesmerizing prose. At the center of the novel is Mear, a brave and heartbreaking character whose story of triumph over adversity is a joy to read.”

Joanne Wilkinson

Book Reviewer, BookList

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Author Interview

SINFUL FOLK, a medieval mystery set in 1377, by Ned Hayes, with illustrations by Nikki McClure.
* Starred * reviews from BookList, BookNote, Historical Novel Reviews.