The Errant Hours

A headlong journey through the physical and spiritual dangers of Plantagenet Britain, in all its savage pageantry.

Welsh Marches, July 1284 - the uprising in Wales is over, the leader gruesomely executed, the dead are buried. But for Illesa Arrowsmith, the war's aftermath is just as brutal. When her brother is thrown into the Forester's prison on false charges, she is left impoverished and alone. All Illesa has left is the secret manuscript entrusted to her - a book so powerful it can save lives, a book so valuable that its discovery could lead to her death.

When the bailiff's daughter finds it, Illesa decides to run, and break her brother out of jail by whatever means. But the powerful Forester tracks them down, and Illesa must put herself and the book at the mercy of an unscrupulous knight who threatens to reveal all their secrets, one by one.

Inspired by the seductive art of illuminated manuscripts, The Errant Hours draws from the deep well of medieval legend to weave a story of survival and courage, trickery and love.

"Kate Innes's glorious first novel is a lyrical joy. Up there with the best of Pat Bracewell and Elizabeth Chadwick, it offers utter immersion in an intricate, plausible world. A must read for the autumn."

Manda Scott