Death and the Devil : A Novel
Author(s): Frank Schatzing
In the year 1260, a great cathedral, the most ambitious ecclesiastical building in all of Christendom, is rising high above the bustling city of Cologne under the supervision of the architect Gerhard Morart. Far below the soaring spires and flying buttresses, a bitter war rages between the archbishop and the city's ruling merchant families—a deadly conflict that claims Morart as the first of its many victims. But there is a witness to the murder of the unfortunate architect, pushed to his death from the cathedral's scaffolding. A cunning, street-smart, politically naive petty thief called "Jacob the Fox" has seen it all—and seeing has made him the target of a relentless and ruthlessly efficient assassin who's been stripped of his humanity by dark, hidden secrets. Ensnared in the strangling vines of a terrifying conspiracy, the Fox must now run for his life. But who—and what—is he running from?
Review(s):
“Strong action sequences…should help solidify Schatzing’s reputation as a versatile storyteller.”
“…a work of compelling originality ...a thriller that makes history not only palatable but quite entertaining. Strongly recommended…”
“Versatile in language and with much feeling for historical flair, tension and wit.”
“…splendidly researched crime story…explosive writing style. A highly intricate thriller…”
“Versatile in language and with much feeling for historical flair, tension and wit.”
“The author achieved something remarkable...a thrilling crime drama in which he almost playfully delivers historical information.”
“A crime story which fascinates through its detailed historical flair.”
“This crime story is perfect for those who love tension packed thrills… For all devotees of intelligent crime stories…”
“…author’s fluid writing…signifies a special gift for storytelling, but tells also of a profound joy for imagining a story.”
“…story of the battle for supremacy at the top of Society, far beyond all other historical writings.”
ISBN: 9780061646614