The Last Hours

I enjoyed The Last Hours by Minette Walters which is set in England in 1348 when the Black Death was spreading throughout the land.  In a feudal village the lord and his family have not yet been exposed when the story begins.  But when the lord visits another lord to barter the dowry for his daughter, he and many of his entourage contracts the disease and he tries to return to his home.  He and his remaining three "soldiers" are barred from entry as his wife, Lady Anne, assumes control and brings all her serfs inside.  Lady Anne has a spoilt daughter, Lady Eleanor, and she causes a lot of trouble.  Then there is a young "Heathcliffe-like" character Thaddeus who has leadership qualities and takes a group out to search for food.  There are lots of conflicts and arguments along the way.  A good story, particularly if you have an interest in the Black Death.  The book is 547 pages and I was disappointed there were so many "loose ends" - because there's a sequel.  4/5