Mad Blood Stirring
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  • Published: 7 February 2019
  • ISBN: 9781784162962
  • Imprint: Black Swan
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 480
  • RRP: $29.99

Mad Blood Stirring

Formats & editions
EBook
19 Apr 2018
Audiobook
19 Apr 2018
Paperback
7 Feb 2019
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Simon Mayo delivers the best of reading group fiction. A robust historical novel with a beating heart, MAD BLOOD STIRRING shines new light on one of life’s oldest truths; sometimes, in our darkest hour, it can be the most unlikely of things that see us through.

'The plot of Mad Blood Stirring grows from a kernel of historical truth, but his book dazzles not so much as fact than as fiction...Instructive as well as entertaining'
NEW YORK TIMES

1815: The war is over but for the inmates at Dartmoor Prison, peace - like home - is still a long way away.

On the eve of the year 1815, the captured sailors of the Eagle arrive at Dartmoor prison; bedraggled, exhausted, sustained only by a rumour heard along the way.

Joe Hill thought he’d left the conflict behind but it is clear there is a different type of battle here. As he announces the news of the end of the war, the guards bristle and the inmates stir. The powder keg was fixed to blow and Joe has just lit the fuse.

Elizabeth Shortland, the Governor’s wife, looks out at the unsettled crowd. The peace means the end is near, that she needn’t be here for ever. But suddenly, she cannot bear the thought of leaving.

Inspired by true events, Mad Blood Stirring is a story of hope and freedom, of loss and suffering. It is a story about how sometimes, in our darkest hour, it can be the most unlikely of things that see us through.

*

'Wonderful - a story I never heard before, told with style, pace, character, texture, and tension ... bliss.' Lee Child

'Bristling with energy, written with passion, Mad Blood Stirring is a joy to read.' John Boyne
  • Published: 7 February 2019
  • ISBN: 9781784162962
  • Imprint: Black Swan
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 480
  • RRP: $29.99
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About the author

Simon Mayo

Simon Mayo is a writer and broadcaster. He is the presenter of the podcast Simon Mayo’s Books of the Year, a daily host on Scala Radio and co-presenter of Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review for the BBC. His previous books include Mad Blood Stirring, Blame and the Itch trilogy, filmed for TV by ABC.

Knife Edge is his debut contemporary thriller.

portrait photo of Simon Mayo

Also by Simon Mayo

Tick Tock
Blame
Itchcraft
Itch Rocks
Homework Sucks!
Itch
Confessions
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Praise for Mad Blood Stirring

Mad Blood Stirring is an astonishing account of an explosive piece of neglected history. It's a rapid page turner with dark humour, intellectual heft, and a gallery of deeply human characters that shake our spirits.

Sir Kenneth Branagh

Bristling with energy, written with passion, Mad Blood Stirring is a joy to read.

John Boyne

Wonderful - a story I never heard before, told with style, pace, character, texture, and tension ... bliss.

Lee Child

If you like your historical thrillers dark and emotional, you’ll absolutely love getting swept up in this one

Sarah Hughes, Heat

A spirited read inspired by true events

Woman & Home

Well researched and full of action, Mayo brings a forgotten moment in history to life ****

Sun

Fascinating . . . it has genuine energy and drive

Sunday Times