'a terrific read ... thoroughly engaging'Â Gabrielle Kimm, author of His Last DuchessÂ
'Shadow On The Highway' is based on the real life and legend of heiress Lady Katherine Fanshawe, who eventually became a highwaywoman known as 'The Wicked Lady'. It is the first book in 'The Highway Trilogy' for teens and adults 14+
Abigail Chaplin, a young deaf girl, has lost her Roundhead father in the English Civil Wars.
With her family now in reduced circumstances, she is forced to work as a servant at the enemy Royalist household - the estate of Lady Katherine Fanshawe.
But Lady Katherine is almost a prisoner in her own home, and longs for freedom and adventure. When she persuades Abi to disguise her as a commoner, disaster strikes when she falls for Abi's rebellious brother, leading them both into deep danger.
Not only that, but Abi is soon caught up in a web of sinister secrets which surround the Fanshawe estate. Just where does her mistress, the feisty Lady Katherine, ride out to, late at night? Are any of them safe from the mysterious Silent Highwayman?
Historical notes from the author included at the end of the book.
Spirit of the Highway (Highway Trilogy II) and Lady of the Highway (Highway Trilogy III) are also available.
PRAISE FOR DEBORAH SWIFT
'There is no greater compliment than "Give me more!"' -Â Susanna Gregory
'realistic dialogue, an author's obvious love for history, and characters that leap off the pages' -Â Romance Reviews Today
'genuinely engrossing... with characters you can get interested in' -Â The Mum Website
Deborah Swift lives in a stunning part of the world, the English Lake District. She used to work as a costume designer for film and TV, and loves researching the background to her novels. She has an MA in Creative Writing, and is the author of four longer historical novels for adults:Â
'The Lady's Slipper', (shortlisted for the Impress Prize)Â
'The Gilded Lily'Â
'A Divided Inheritance'
'Pleasing Mr Pepys'
You can find out more about her on her website, deborahswift.com, or follow her on Twitter @swiftstory
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent publisher of digital books.
