Book Review – David Ebsworth’s ‘The Assassin’s Mark’

David’s Ebsworth’s latest novel is creating something of a stir. Here, WordPlay member Lynda Kiss, gives her thoughts on his work.

I bought David Ebsworth’s novel, The Assassin’s Mark, for my Kindle after I had met him at a WordPlay Forum meeting. David had described how he had conducted some of his research for the novel and also how he went about preparing for and presenting his book at launch events. I’m in the process of writing a factual book about the place where I grew up, and so his advice was very apt for me to hear. The real reason I bought The Assassin’s Mark is that not only do I like reading about history – oh, how much we could learn from it – but I do like a good yarn.

From the outset it is clear the book has been very well researched. It is a novel that tempts the reader into touring the part of Spain in which the story is set, perhaps looking to contrast and compare the descriptions in David’s prose to present day vistas.

The plot builds slowly, with sub-plots of double dealing in a classic tale of espionage and intrigue. The hero, a journalist with strong socialist convictions, is intent on discovering the truth behind the Spanish Civil War – exactly what is going on and why? And so he books himself on one of Franco’s propagandist tour buses, and lands in the middle of a group of somewhat eccentric fellow passengers and a minefield of danger.

A passenger dies – but is it fair means or foul?

With every turn of the page my empathy for the protagonist grew, and I found myself fearing for his safety on more than one occasion. The novel takes you through one of Franco’s Battlefield Tours in Northern Spain, and like the journey itself the story gathers pace, embedding the reader in the lives of the tourists aboard the bus.

The story slowly squeezes harder, tightening its grip as it moves toward a thrilling crescendo of a finale. And the sex isn’t bad, either!

All in all a terrific read, and one that I would certainly recommend to all, but especially if you have a thirst for fiction wrapped around historic facts.

Why not visit David’s website, and discover more about him and his work? You’ll find the first chapter of The Assassin’s Mark available to read, as well as free giveaways and the opportunity to join an exclusive mailing list.