Tony Reynolds

St. Nicholas Owen tells what we know about the life of a little known and yet highly important figure in the underground Church of Elizabethan England. Owen was a skilled joiner who turned his skills with wood into a valuable resource for his cause. He became a builder of priest-holes, hidden places in buildings where priests could hide when the authorities came for them. Because during Nicholas's time, to be a Catholic priest incurred an automatic death sentence the moment he set foot on English soil. Nicholas gave up everything to work with the Jesuit mission in England and he was very, very good at what he did. But, as is wont to happen, the authorities eventually caught up with him and he died while being racked in the Tower. He is numbered among the 40 Martyrs of England and Wales.

A gripping story of sacrifice and faith. Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Elizabethan England, the recusant Church, or the lives of the saints.… (mehr)

"That Which Was So Fair" by Tony Reynolds is a wonderful novel in the gothic tradition that builds slowly and seductively and totally immerses you in the atmospheric surroundings of the bleak Fenn countryside and the claustrophobic Southwell Hall.

When young Catherine Greencliffe arrives at the Hall as tutor to the Master's young son, she is immediately informed that his mother abandoned the child over a year ago and took off with a band of traveling gypsies, with one of whom she formed a romantic liason.

From this auspicious beginning, events begin to unfold as Catherine tries not to succumb to strange compulsions and horrific visions. Throughout her ordeal Catherine is shaken, but remains stalwart, and slowly and inexorably we are drawn to the sad and compelling conclusion.

Mr. Reynolds has done a superb job with this little gem of a ghostly, gothic tale. This book ranks right up at the top of the finest in this genre.… (mehr)