Company of Liars

Company of Liars follows nine strangers who band together to escape the Plague ravaging England in 1348. The group travels north through the countryside, each member harboring dark secrets and telling lies about their true identities. A mysterious rune-reader joins their caravan and begins revealing truths about each traveler's past. As they journey through a landscape of fear and superstition, members of the company start dying under suspicious circumstances. The novel blends elements of historical fiction, medieval mystery, and supernatural folklore. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of actual historical events, including the arrival of the Black Death in England and the social upheaval it caused. The story explores timeless themes of truth versus deception, the power of secrets, and how fear of death and disease can transform human nature. Like its medieval setting, the novel exists in the shadows between documented history and dark mythology.

Readers describe the book as a dark medieval tale that blends historical fiction with supernatural elements. Many compare it to Canterbury Tales but with a grimmer tone. Readers appreciated: - Rich period details about life during the 1348 plague - Complex characters with layered backstories - Building sense of dread and mystery - Medieval folklore and superstition woven throughout Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the middle sections - Some plot threads left unresolved - Character motivations not fully explained - Too many coincidental meetings between characters Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (22,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.2/5 (1,200+ ratings) LibraryThing: 3.9/5 (900+ ratings) "Like Canterbury Tales meets The Walking Dead" - Goodreads reviewer "Strong start but loses momentum" - Amazon reviewer "The historical details transport you but the plot meanders" - LibraryThing reviewer

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🔹 The Black Death, which serves as the novel's backdrop, killed an estimated 60% of Europe's population between 1347 and 1351, making it one of history's deadliest pandemics. 🔹 Karen Maitland spent several years living in a medieval-style commune while researching her historical novels, immersing herself in traditional farming and crafting methods. 🔹 The practice of relic peddling (as done by the protagonist Camelot) was a genuine medieval profession, with sellers often carrying false certificates of authenticity from the Church. 🔹 Medieval England's plague years saw a surge in mysticism and supernatural beliefs, with many people wearing charms made from herbs like rosemary and lavender as protection against disease. 🔹 The novel's structure mirrors The Canterbury Tales, another medieval work featuring a diverse group of travelers sharing stories, though Chaucer's pilgrims were heading to Canterbury rather than fleeing from plague.