Set against the backdrop of Wisbech in the aftermath of the Great Flood of 1236, the story follows Roger of Abynton, tasked with investigating the murder of the town's most disliked figure, Alured. Amidst a fierce blizzard and a community haunted by past disasters and fears of divine retribution, Roger navigates a landscape filled with deception and turmoil. As he seeks the truth, the town's struggle between its dark history and a hopeful future unfolds, challenging its residents to confront their past in order to rebuild and move forward.
Diane Calton Smith Book order




- 2024
- 2023
The Charter of Oswy and Leoflede - A Fenland Mystery Set in the Twelfth Century
- 370 pages
- 13 hours of reading
Set against the backdrop of 12th-century Wisbech, a forgotten charter linking the manor to Ely Abbey resurfaces amidst a surge of violence and chaos. As a seneschal investigates a series of fires and thefts, he finds the truth increasingly elusive. The narrative weaves historical intrigue with a tense atmosphere, exploring themes of power, legacy, and the quest for truth amid turmoil. The unfolding mystery challenges the characters and the community, revealing the deep connections between past and present.
- 2021
The Lazar House
- 340 pages
- 12 hours of reading
In a gripping tale of intrigue, Lady Frideswide's poisoning sets off a chain of events that reveals dark secrets and hidden motives among the nobility. As suspicion swirls, characters are drawn into a web of deception, where alliances shift and true loyalties are tested. The story explores themes of betrayal and justice, as the quest to uncover the truth unfolds against a backdrop of social and political tensions. The investigation into her demise unearths both personal and societal conflicts, leading to shocking revelations.
- 2020
In the Wash
- 378 pages
- 14 hours of reading
Rufus of Tilneye embarks on an unwanted quest that begins with the haunting phrase, "Just find it." As he leaves the safety of Wisbech Castle, the significance of his mission deepens, challenging his resolve and leading him into unforeseen adventures. The narrative explores themes of duty, self-discovery, and the struggle against fate.