Countryside Books

Set in the 1960s, Detective Inspector Neil Webster thought he’d seen it all. Twenty five years of dealing with the lowest forms of criminal life in Manchester was to thank for that. Now he’s surrounded by wild moorland, farmers, hikers and… shee? e never imagined a single gunshot fired in the hills would lead to a case the likes of which he’d never experienced before. Mystery ensues deep in rural Derbyshire. With limited resources, it’s back to good old fashioned detective work. But will that be enough to solve a crime that has more questions than answers.

Le Great British Tour de Cake is aseries of 25 bike rides around the quiet country lanes of West Berkshire,Oxfordshire and Wiltshire. Designed for chatty cyclists, groups offriends, families and with specific ones for children the focus is onenjoyment, rather than endurance. Each ride features the very bestindependent coffee and cake stops that our beautiful villages have to offer. From cheese toasties in barns to cakes in thatched cottages - it is the mostcomprehensive guide you'll find to the region's perfect pitstops. Plus. It is funny. And quite unlike anyother guide book you will ever have read.

A beautifully illustrated guide with 24 carefully chosen routes across Yorkshire - from the high ground of the Yorkshire Dales to peaceful woodland, wildlife-rich Yorkshire Moors, historic towns and winding waterways. And of course, every walk comes with the promise of good coffee and homemade cake at the end. Highlightsinclude: Easy winter walks exploring part of the Cleveland Way, the environs ofbeautiful Harewood House and a riverside walkto Hardcastle Crags Spring takes in the historic buildings of Appletreewick and thebeautiful cobbled streets of Dent, with daffodils aplenty en route. Plus, of course, there's thepromise of a sea of bluebells at Bolton Abbey and in the woods around Ripley Admire summer's flower-rich meadows near Muker, the waterfalls atGayle and Hardraw, and the magentaheathered moors at Ilkley Stunning autumn colours await at Castle Howard and in thewooded valleys around Grassington. Plus, there'sa chance to see the steam locomotives on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Offering a fascinating celebration of Britain’s living heritage, TRADITIONS OBSERVED, by Anna Hallett is an engaging journey through more than 70 of Britain’s most ancient and enduring local customs and ceremonies.  In a richly detailed travelogue, the book explores the rituals, both famous and obscure, that continue to be celebrated across the UK today. From well-known events, such as well dressing, mummers, wassailing and pancake races to lesser known traditions such as Straw Bears, ‘Mock Mayors’ and the spectacle of Bun Throwing, together with a number of charitable events and civic ceremonies, plus a good smattering of both real horses and hobby horses included, the book captures the remarkable variety of customs that have survived into the twenty-first century. Different communities and associations have always had their own unique customs which have been passed down and preserved over the years. These are often rooted in the occupations and businesses of the local inhabitants or society members. Others are such as pancake races, Maypole dancing, wassailing and mummers are more universal and are celebrated throughout the year in multiple locations, albeit quite often with local interpretations. Not all events happen annually so waiting for the right year to come around to participate can sometimes take a while. In one particular case, it can be up to 21 years between the Chedozy Candle Auctions in Somerset! And the COVID pandemic has caused some disarray to the calendar in recent years. Describing some of the events that she witnessed and took part in, Anna said: ‘I’ve met straw bears, mock mayors, a warrener, a wren bearer and a Jack-in-the-Green.  I shook hands with a boy bishop, played the part of High Constable, acquired a hobby horse named Biscuit made by Stephen Rowley, a Cotswold artist and mummer, and only narrowly avoided falling into the Thames while trying to keep up with swan-upping Vintners. ‘Injudicious action (on my part) during a game of bottle-kicking in Hallaton, Leicestershire, could have led to serious injury.  I have been pelted with raid-sodden buns and presented with a wassail bowl on one occasion and a carrier bag filled with flour on another.  In London, I witnessed the payment of ‘quit rents’ in the Royal Courts of Justice and the testing of new coins of the realm in the Trial of the Pyx in Goldsmiths’ Hall – both in the presences of the Queen’s Remembrancer.’Anna Hallett is passionate about history, a love of which she has shared over the years with the students that she has taught at various educational institutions.  A combination of this, together with an interest in travel and a curiosity regarding exploring the unknown have contributed to the creation of this book.

'This author has a gift for weaving the ordinary into the uncanny, blending psychological insight with an unsettling gothic atmosphere, elegant prose and masterful pacing.' Woman's Weekly'You're drawn into the tense atmosphere straightaway, with dramatic twists to keep you on the edge of your seat - you might have to sleep with the light on!' best magazineThis gothic thriller delivers a masterclass in terror and suspense. Newlyweds Hugh and Lucy become property guardians of 'haunted' Rook House in rural Yorkshire, unfazed by local claims about its past. As Hugh puts it: 'What old house standing alone in the countryside doesn't have stories attached to it?'The young couple regard the house as a haven to rekindle their creative sparks in beautiful, tranquil surroundings. But it soon becomes clear that someone - or something - in Rook House has been waiting for its latest occupants... waiting to unfold a story that's been whispered down the years but gone unheard. Now a malevolent force awakens, exploiting the hidden darkness in two people who barely know themselves - let alone each other. Rook House has a story to tell. And if you listen too closely, you'll end up joining the ones who never left.

The Beowulf Manuscript, an ancient document housed in the British Museum, has been the subject of extensive study and translation by literary giants such as JRR Tolkien and Seamus Heaney. With new insights, Beowulf Revelations - The Forgotten Anglo-Saxon King now aims to bridge the gap between myth and reality, presenting a compelling case for the historical accuracy of the events described in the text. This meticulously researched work promises to unravel historical secrets and mysteries that have puzzled scholars for decades. The author, George W Jones, takes readers on a journey through the historical and geographical landscape of Anglo-Saxon England, uncovering remarkable connections to early Anglo-Saxon kings and even a real-life "dragon" that may once have roamed the hills of Sussex. The book explores the strong possibility of a precise location for Beowulf's death scene, the probable site of his burial mound, and even a museum where his burned bones and funerary urn may now rest, unknown to the curators. The ancient landscape of "Hamsey" is explored in depth, revealing its significance as a highly probable location for the lost meeting place of kings known as Clofesho. Additionally, the book examines the etymology of placenames in Sussex, such as "Beorhthelmestun" (Brighton) and "Ringmer," linking them to further characters and events within the Beowulf Manuscript. The author provides a thorough analysis of these names and their historical significance, offering readers a deeper understanding of the connections between the manuscript and the landscape of Sussex. With detailed descriptions, etymological insights, and a wealth of historical references, Beowulf Revelations - The Forgotten Anglo-Saxon King offers a fresh perspective on the legendary figure of Beowulf. It promises to reshape our understanding of early Anglo-Saxon history and provide readers with a fascinating glimpse into the past. Join us in celebrating the release of Beowulf Revelations - The Forgotten Anglo-Saxon King, which is sure to captivate historians, literary enthusiasts, and anyone intrigued by the mysteries of ancient history. This comprehensive work not only sheds light on the Beowulf Manuscript but also offers a fresh perspective on the rich culture of Anglo-Saxon Sussex. With licensed excerpts from translations of the Beowulf Manuscript by JRR Tolkien, Seamus Heaney and Professor RD Fulk.