The Play of Death - Couverture souple

"Pötzsch brilliantly juggles multiple story lines in his highly suspenseful sixth historical novel . . . The town’s creepy, oppressive atmosphere enhances the intricate plot." -- Publishers Weekly, starred review "The plot is layered and complex, every corner a surprise as danger hides in smoke-filled taverns, lurks along muddy trails and in the forested mountains . . . Another provocative mystery in an uncommon setting." -- Kirkus Reviews 

Praise for The Castle of Kings "Combine Princess Bride with Germanic history circa 1500, add a dash of Lord of the Rings, and there's a week of good fun in this 600-page-plus tome."—Kirkus Praise for The Poisoned Pilgrim "An atmospheric mystery with more twists and turns than a medieval labyrinth... Great stuff!"—Paula Brackston, bestselling author of The Witch's Daughter "Word-of-mouth popularity is richly deserved for Pötzsch’s historical series (after The Beggar King) about a Bavarian hangman and his family, based loosely on the author’s forebears. He creates an intoxicating mix with frenetic pacing, strong doses of adventure and wit, and 17th-century historical detail . . .  Vivid storytelling along the lines of Katherine Neville and William Dietrich."—Library Journal, starred review Praise for The Dark Monk "Swift and sure, compelling as any conspiracy theory, persuasive as any spasm of paranoia, The Dark Monk grips you at the base of your skull and doesn't let go." —Gregory Maguire, author of Wicked and Out of Oz "In this subtle, meticulously crafted story, every word is a possible clue, and the characters are so engaging that it’s impossible not to get involved in trying to help them figure the riddle out."—Oprah.com  

The mysterious sixth entry in the Hangman’s Daughter series It is 1670 and Simon Fronwieser is in the town of Oberammergau to bring his seven-year-old son to boarding school. As he bids his boy a tearful farewell, news comes of a shocking murder: the man who was to play the part of Christ in the town’s Passion Play has been found dead, nailed to the set’s cross. As there is no doctor in town, Simon is brought in to examine the body. The chance to spend more time with his son and to investigate the murder quickly convince him to stay. Soon he is joined by his father-in-law, Jakob Kuisl, the Schongau hangman, and the two begin piecing together the puzzle of the actor’s death. Was he murdered by a jealous rival? Are the recently arrived and unpopular immigrant workers somehow involved? Or is it a punishment from God for the villagers’ arrogance in trying to schedule the play four years earlier than prescribed by ancient custom? Once again, it looks like it is up to the Kuisls to unravel the mystery and bring a town’s dark secrets to light.