The Maiden Bell: Discover a gripping historical whodunnit of betrayal, superstition and murder in Tudor England

Pick up the next adventure in John Pilkington's incredibly intriguing Thomas the Falconer Tudor mystery series! Perfect for fans of S. J. Parris and Andrew Taylor. 🩸🔍 'English history fans who don’t know the Thomas the Falconer series should get up to speed quickly.' Booklist

AN INSTINCT TO KILL!

In the isolated village of Lambourn there is great excitement when a family of itinerant bell-founders arrives to forge a new church bell. But excitement soon turns to terror when churchwarden Will Stubbs - a saintly old man - is found dead in the woods.

Thomas the Falconer is charged by his master to find answers, but instead finds himself trying to restore order in the community when the village constable is also found dead. Suspicion falls on many, and Thomas must battle ancient fears and hostilities in the hunt for a murderer.

As panic ensues, Thomas does what he does best - following the trail and hunting his prey. But will it take the raising of the great bell itself to allow the pieces to fall into place at last - and reveal the killer?

Praise for the Thomas the Falconer series:

‘Larger-than-life characters and authentic 16th-century ambience… Pilkington successfully draws readers into his world and keeps them turning the pages.’ - Booklist

'The story moves at a great pace ... it made a welcome change to discover Elizabethan England through the eyes of a lesser mortal.' - The Historical Novels Review

‘A sturdy and entertaining historical for fans of Elizabethan mysteries’ - Library Journal

‘This latest entry in Pilkington’s Thomas the Falconer series is a vigorous adventure featuring a likeable hero, an intriguing plot and a fine sense of period ambience.’ - Booklist

'The quality of the writing and evocation of the Elizabethan Age is right up there with C J Sansom - and that could be no higher recommendation. I devoured it with relish and a buzz of contentment! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

Brilliant! A master of descriptive prose! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

Interesting tale of intrigue, murder and mystery. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

I was gripped from start to finish. A very well crafted read which was unputdownable. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

Well-drawn characters in a colourful and dangerous world, drawn into a plot that will keep you guessing (and keep the pages flying by). Thoroughly recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review

© 2026 Boldwood Books (Ebook): 9781806009251

Release date

Ebook: 30 January 2026