This author became renowned for her compelling historical novels for young readers. Her works are characterized by a deep immersion into the past, where she brings historical figures and events to life with a keen sense for period detail and psychological depth. Although her stories are set in the past, they resonate with universal themes of family, courage, and the search for identity, making them timeless. Her ability to transport readers to different times and cultures is masterful, cementing her status as an influential figure in children's literature.
Set against the backdrop of Roman-occupied Judea, the story follows Daniel bar Jamin, a young man driven by a fierce desire for vengeance after his father's murder. As he navigates the complexities of loyalty, friendship, and resistance, Daniel becomes entangled with a group of zealots fighting against Roman oppression. The novel explores themes of sacrifice, the struggle for freedom, and the moral dilemmas faced in the pursuit of justice.
Kit Tyler must leave behind shimmering Caribbean islands to join the stern Puritan community of her relatives. She soon feels caged, until she meets the old woman known as the Witch of Blackbird Pond. But when their friendship is discovered, Kit herself is accused of witchcraft!
Left alone to guard the family's wilderness home in eighteenth-century Maine, a boy is hard-pressed to survive until local Indians teach him their skills.
When the body of England's leading batsman, Kenneth Fleming, is discovered in the burnt-out shell of a country cottage, it looks like a clear-cut case of arson. Further investigation reveals an almost embarrassing multitude of suspects for murder: from Fleming's lover to his son, nearly everyone in contact with Fleming seems to have a motive - and an opportunity. Inspector Lynley and his partner, Barbara Havers, are called in from Scotland Yard to help the local police force. They find a torment of twisted familial relationships and broken dreams - and as he brings the murderer to justice, Lynley must bear the weight of his own conscience.
Author's style compared to P. D. James and Ruth Rendell.