The running wolf inscription told the world that a Solingen blade was at its throat.

England, 1687. Hermann Mohll is a master sword maker from Solingen in Germany. He risks his life by breaking his guild oaths and settling in England. While trying to save his family and friends from poverty, he is caught smuggling swords and finds himself in Morpeth Gaol facing charges of High Treason.

Determined to hold his tongue and his nerve, Mohll finds himself at the mercy of the corrupt keeper, Robert Tipstaff. The keeper fancies he can persuade the truth out of Mohll and make him face the ultimate justice: hanging, drawing and quartering. But in this tangled web of secrets and lies, just who is telling the truth?

Based on the real-life adventures of the Shotley Bridge swordmakers.

Recommended for adults who enjoy historical fiction based on true life stories.

Helen Steadman