Last Hours: A deadly plague is spreading across the land...

Minette Walters has been a master of crime fiction for nearly two decades. Now this extraordinary writer turns her talents in a bold new direction; a sweeping, utterly gripping historical novel set during the time of the Black Death in Dorset.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2018
Publisher: Allen & Unwin

England, 1348: The Black Death ravages the land, claiming thousands of lives. In Dorset, young Lady Anne assumes control of her estates, accompanied by her loyal steward, Thaddeus. Determined to protect her people from the deadly plague, Lady Anne establishes a quarantine on the estate, bringing in approximately two hundred serfs. However, the confined environment fosters conflicts as the serfs struggle to comprehend the world beyond the moated walls. Fearing both starvation and the disease, they grapple with the decision to leave the safety of their sanctuary. Amidst this uncertainty, a dreadful event threatens the fragile equilibrium, casting doubt on the security of all.

Lady Anne's compassionate nature drives her to alleviate the serfs' suffering. She endeavors to educate them about the outside world, providing them with knowledge and resources to navigate the challenges they face. Despite their initial skepticism, the serfs begin to understand the severity of the situation and the importance of cooperation.

However, their newfound understanding comes with a price. As the plague continues to spread, tensions rise within the quarantine. Some serfs become desperate and rebellious, seeking to escape the confines of the estate. They argue that their lives are more valuable than the safety of others and that they have a right to freedom.

Thaddeus, loyal to Lady Anne, struggles to maintain order amidst the chaos. He understands the serfs' concerns but also recognizes the need for strict quarantine measures to prevent the further spread of the disease. He employs his authority to enforce the rules and maintain discipline within the estate.

As the situation escalates, Lady Anne faces a moral dilemma. She values the lives of her serfs but cannot risk the spread of the plague. She must decide whether to sacrifice some of her people to save others or to maintain the quarantine and risk the wrath of those who believe their freedom is more important.

In the midst of this crisis, a glimmer of hope emerges. A group of scientists arrives at the estate, offering a potential cure for the Black Death. Lady Anne is skeptical at first, but after witnessing the devastation caused by the disease, she agrees to collaborate with the scientists.

Together, they work tirelessly to develop a vaccine that can protect the serfs and prevent the further spread of the plague. After months of arduous research, they succeed, and the estate is finally free from the grip of the Black Death.

The serfs, grateful for Lady Anne's leadership and compassion, celebrate their newfound freedom. They realize that their sacrifices during the quarantine were necessary to protect the lives of others and that their cooperation and understanding were key to their survival.

Lady Anne emerges as a hero, hailed for her courage and determination in the face of adversity. She demonstrates that even in the darkest of times, compassion and leadership can bring about change and save lives.

The Black Death of 1348 serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of disease and the importance of unity and cooperation in times of crisis. Lady Anne's story continues to inspire generations, reminding us that even in the most challenging circumstances, there is always hope for a brighter future.

Weight: 392g
Dimension: 179 x 150 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781760632144
Edition number: Main