Listen free for 30 days
-
The Drowned City
- Treason. Lies. Conspiracy. One man must uncover the truth.
- Narrated by: Nathan Turner
- Series: Daniel Pursglove, Book 1
- Length: 16 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £19.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Traitor in the Ice
- Daniel Pursglove, Book 2
- By: K. J. Maitland
- Narrated by: Nathan Turner
- Length: 16 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Winter, 1607. A man is struck down in the grounds of Battle Abbey, Sussex. Before dawn breaks, he is dead. Home to the Montagues, Battle has caught the paranoid eye of King James. The Catholic household is rumoured to shelter those loyal to the Pope, disguising them as servants within the abbey walls. And the last man sent to expose them was silenced before his report could reach London. Daniel Pursglove is summoned to infiltrate Battle and find proof of treachery. He soon discovers that nearly everyone at the abbey has something to hide.
-
-
An interesting insight in to this period of history.
- By Gordon Newman on 20-05-22
-
The Eyes of the Queen
- An Agents of the Crown Novel, Book 1
- By: Oliver Clements
- Narrated by: Matthew Lloyd Davies
- Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After centuries locked in an endless cycle of poverty, persecution, and barbarity, Europe has finally emerged into the Age of Enlightenment. Scientists, philosophers, scholars, and poets alike believe this to be a new era of reason and hope for all. But the forces of darkness haven’t completely dissipated, as Spain hunts and butchers any who dare to defy its ironclad Catholic orthodoxy. Only one nation can fight the black shadow that threatens this new age, and that is Britain, now ruled by a brilliant young Queen Elizabeth I.
-
-
Wonderful start to the series
- By Jane Shepherd on 29-10-20
-
A Gathering of Ghosts
- By: Karen Maitland
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 13 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Pagans tackle the Knights of St John with terrible consequences in the new medieval thriller by Queen of the Dark Ages, Karen Maitland. Set on the wilds of Dartmoor, this is a ghostly tale for fans of The Essex Serpent or C. J. Sansom's Shardlake series, and fans who can't wait for The Burning Chambers by Kate Mosse. 1316. On the wilds of Dartmoor stands the isolated Priory of St Mary, home to the Sisters of the Knights of St John.
-
-
A thrilling and haunting Dartmoor story
- By TrickstersDaughter on 19-01-19
-
A Taste for Killing
- By: Sarah Hawkswood
- Narrated by: Matt Addis
- Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
January, 1145. Godfrey Bowyer, the best but least likeable bow maker in Worcester, dies an agonising death by poisoning. Although similarly struck down after the same meal, his wife, Blanche, survives. The number of people who could have administered the poison should mean a very short investigation for the sheriff’s men, Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin, but perhaps someone was pulling the strings, and that widens the net considerably.
-
-
More please. Loved it.
- By Mrs C Cowood on 15-05-22
-
City of Vengeance
- Cesare Aldo Series
- By: D. V. Bishop
- Narrated by: Mark Meadows
- Length: 13 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cesare Aldo, a former soldier and now an officer of the Renaissance city's most feared criminal court, is given four days to solve the murder: catch the killer before the feast of Epiphany - or suffer the consequences. During his investigations Aldo uncovers a plot to overthrow the volatile ruler of Florence, Alessandro de' Medici. If the duke falls, it will endanger the whole city. But a rival officer of the court is determined to expose details about Aldo’s private life that could lead to his ruin.
-
-
Great start to new series
- By V. O'Regan on 11-02-21
-
Magic in the Weave
- By: Alys Clare
- Narrated by: John Telfer
- Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
October 1604. Plague has hit London, and the theatres are closed. But the capital's loss is Plymouth's gain, when a London theatre troupe, the Company, arrive on their 'Plague Tour'. Country physician Gabriel Taverner is bewitched and unnerved by the Company's sexually charged staging of Othello. But when Gabriel's friend tells him of a dangerous whispered conversation overheard during a brief break, he is relieved the Company will soon be on their way. Then one of the actors collapses, and Gabriel finds himself caught in a waking nightmare, where nothing is as it appears.
-
Traitor in the Ice
- Daniel Pursglove, Book 2
- By: K. J. Maitland
- Narrated by: Nathan Turner
- Length: 16 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Winter, 1607. A man is struck down in the grounds of Battle Abbey, Sussex. Before dawn breaks, he is dead. Home to the Montagues, Battle has caught the paranoid eye of King James. The Catholic household is rumoured to shelter those loyal to the Pope, disguising them as servants within the abbey walls. And the last man sent to expose them was silenced before his report could reach London. Daniel Pursglove is summoned to infiltrate Battle and find proof of treachery. He soon discovers that nearly everyone at the abbey has something to hide.
-
-
An interesting insight in to this period of history.
- By Gordon Newman on 20-05-22
-
The Eyes of the Queen
- An Agents of the Crown Novel, Book 1
- By: Oliver Clements
- Narrated by: Matthew Lloyd Davies
- Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After centuries locked in an endless cycle of poverty, persecution, and barbarity, Europe has finally emerged into the Age of Enlightenment. Scientists, philosophers, scholars, and poets alike believe this to be a new era of reason and hope for all. But the forces of darkness haven’t completely dissipated, as Spain hunts and butchers any who dare to defy its ironclad Catholic orthodoxy. Only one nation can fight the black shadow that threatens this new age, and that is Britain, now ruled by a brilliant young Queen Elizabeth I.
-
-
Wonderful start to the series
- By Jane Shepherd on 29-10-20
-
A Gathering of Ghosts
- By: Karen Maitland
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 13 hrs and 58 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Pagans tackle the Knights of St John with terrible consequences in the new medieval thriller by Queen of the Dark Ages, Karen Maitland. Set on the wilds of Dartmoor, this is a ghostly tale for fans of The Essex Serpent or C. J. Sansom's Shardlake series, and fans who can't wait for The Burning Chambers by Kate Mosse. 1316. On the wilds of Dartmoor stands the isolated Priory of St Mary, home to the Sisters of the Knights of St John.
-
-
A thrilling and haunting Dartmoor story
- By TrickstersDaughter on 19-01-19
-
A Taste for Killing
- By: Sarah Hawkswood
- Narrated by: Matt Addis
- Length: 8 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
January, 1145. Godfrey Bowyer, the best but least likeable bow maker in Worcester, dies an agonising death by poisoning. Although similarly struck down after the same meal, his wife, Blanche, survives. The number of people who could have administered the poison should mean a very short investigation for the sheriff’s men, Hugh Bradecote, Serjeant Catchpoll and Underserjeant Walkelin, but perhaps someone was pulling the strings, and that widens the net considerably.
-
-
More please. Loved it.
- By Mrs C Cowood on 15-05-22
-
City of Vengeance
- Cesare Aldo Series
- By: D. V. Bishop
- Narrated by: Mark Meadows
- Length: 13 hrs and 55 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Cesare Aldo, a former soldier and now an officer of the Renaissance city's most feared criminal court, is given four days to solve the murder: catch the killer before the feast of Epiphany - or suffer the consequences. During his investigations Aldo uncovers a plot to overthrow the volatile ruler of Florence, Alessandro de' Medici. If the duke falls, it will endanger the whole city. But a rival officer of the court is determined to expose details about Aldo’s private life that could lead to his ruin.
-
-
Great start to new series
- By V. O'Regan on 11-02-21
-
Magic in the Weave
- By: Alys Clare
- Narrated by: John Telfer
- Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
October 1604. Plague has hit London, and the theatres are closed. But the capital's loss is Plymouth's gain, when a London theatre troupe, the Company, arrive on their 'Plague Tour'. Country physician Gabriel Taverner is bewitched and unnerved by the Company's sexually charged staging of Othello. But when Gabriel's friend tells him of a dangerous whispered conversation overheard during a brief break, he is relieved the Company will soon be on their way. Then one of the actors collapses, and Gabriel finds himself caught in a waking nightmare, where nothing is as it appears.
-
The Ashes of London
- By: Andrew Taylor
- Narrated by: Leighton Pugh
- Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
London, September 1666. The Great Fire rages through the city, consuming everything in its path. Even the impregnable cathedral of St. Paul's is engulfed in flames and reduced to ruins. Among the crowds watching its destruction is James Marwood, son of a disgraced printer and reluctant government informer. In the aftermath of the fire, a semi-mummified body is discovered in the ashes of St. Paul's, in a tomb that should have been empty. The man's body has been mutilated, and his thumbs have been tied behind his back.
-
-
Mystery and murder in 'the dunnest smoke of hell'
- By Rachel Redford on 27-04-16
-
Black Powder
- By: Ally Sherrick
- Narrated by: Charlotte Strevens
- Length: 7 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
England, 1605. Twelve-year-old Tom must save his father from being hanged. He falls in with a mysterious stranger, the Falcon, who promises to help him in exchange for his service. But on the long journey to London, Tom discovers the Falcon's true mission - a plot to blow up king and Parliament with barrels of black powder! Now Tom faces a terrible decision: secure his father's release or stop the assassination of the king....
-
The Wolves of Savernake
- Domesday, Book 1
- By: Edward Marston
- Narrated by: David Thorpe
- Length: 9 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Ralph Delchard, a soldier who fought at the Battle of Hastings, and Gervase Bret, a talented lawyer, have been commissioned by William the Conqueror to look into irregularities brought to light during the compilation of the Domesday Book. A man’s body is found mutilated in Savernake Forest and the residents of Bedwyn sleep uneasy at night, fearing a monster stalking the town. When Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret arrive, they discover that the locals are harbouring dark secrets and that the real killer may be a little closer to home....
-
-
Easy listening at its best.
- By K on 23-11-21
-
The Angel's Mark
- By: S. W. Perry
- Narrated by: Kris Dyer
- Length: 14 hrs and 22 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
LONDON, 1590. Queen Elizabeth I's control over her kingdom is wavering. Amidst a tumultuous backdrop of Spanish plotters, Catholic heretics and foreign wars threatening the country's fragile stability, the body of a small boy is found in the City of London, with strange marks that no one can explain. When idealistic physician Nicholas Shelby finds another body displaying the same marks only days later, he becomes convinced that a killer is at work, preying on the weak and destitute of London.
-
-
Excellent book
- By Kate on 28-10-18
-
The Vanishing Witch
- By: Karen Maitland
- Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble
- Length: 17 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The reign of Richard II is troubled, the poor are about to become poorer still and landowners are lining their pockets. It's a case of every man for himself, whatever his status or wealth. But in a world where nothing can be taken at face value, who can you trust? The dour wool merchant? His impulsive son? The stepdaughter with the hypnotic eyes? Or the raven-haired widow clutching her necklace of bloodstones? And when people start dying unnatural deaths and the peasants decide it's time to fight back, it's all too easy to spy witchcraft at every turn.
-
-
The Vanishing Interest
- By W on 26-10-15
-
A Conspiracy of Violence
- Adventures of Thomas Chaloner, Book 1
- By: Susanna Gregory
- Narrated by: Gordon Griffin
- Length: 16 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
harles II is well established at White Hall Palace, his mistress at hand in rooms over the Holbein bridge, the heads of some of the regicides on public display. London seethes with new energy, freed from the strictures of the protectorate, but many of its inhabitants have lost their livelihoods. One is Thomas Chaloner, a reluctant spy for the feared secretary of state, John Thurloe, and now returned from Holland in desperate need of employment.
-
-
Welcome Thomas Chaloner
- By Kindle Customer on 06-05-21
-
The Falcons of Fire and Ice
- By: Karen Maitland
- Narrated by: David Thorpe
- Length: 17 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
1564, Lisbon. The Inquisition displays its power and ruthlessly spreads fear. Heretics are tortured and burned. Isabela, daughter of the Falconer at the Royal Court, is about to be caught in the Church’s terrifying schemes. The slaughter of two of the King’s precious white falcons sees her father arrested and imprisoned. He and his family will be killed unless the birds are replaced. Isabela decides only she can save her father. These birds are impossibly rare, and she will have to travel far to strange lands to find them.
-
-
Incredibly Impressive
- By mollymoon1 on 30-09-13
-
The Leviathan
- By: Rosie Andrews
- Narrated by: Rupert Farley
- Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Norfolk, 1643. With civil war tearing England apart, reluctant soldier Thomas Treadwater is summoned home by his sister, who accuses a new servant of improper conduct with their widowed father. By the time Thomas returns home, his father is insensible, felled by a stroke, and their new servant is in prison, facing charges of witchcraft.
-
-
Immersive and beautifully crafted!
- By Cathy on 04-02-22
-
The Owl Killers
- By: Karen Maitland
- Narrated by: David Thorpe
- Length: 17 hrs and 45 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
England 1321: Deep in the countryside lies an isolate village governed by a sinister regime of Owl Masters. But their dark status quo is disturbed by the arrival of a house of religious women. Why do their crops succeed when village crops fail, their cattle survive despite the plague? Accusations of witchcraft and heresy run rife, while the Owl Masters rain down hellfire and torment on the women, who must look to their faith to save them from the lengthening shadow of evil... a shadow with predatory, terrifying talons.
-
-
Don't be put off by mixed reviews
- By sally on 28-03-12
-
The Adventures of Brother Cadfael
- A Collection of Chronicles
- By: Ellis Peters
- Narrated by: Sir Derek Jacobi
- Length: 17 hrs and 48 mins
- Abridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This collection of recordings about Brother Cadfael—a Benedictine monk and amateur sleuth in the 12th century—are performed here by the ideal actor. Sir Derek Jacobi, who portrayed Cadfael in several television adaptations, captivates listeners with his renderings of Monk's Hood, Saint Peter's Fair, The Heretic's Apprentice, The Potter's Field, The Summer of the Danes, and Brother Cadfael's Penance.
-
-
Good stories but sound quality a bit iffy
- By Grahamat78 on 15-05-22
-
The Bloodless Boy
- By: Robert J. Lloyd
- Narrated by: James Gillies
- Length: 12 hrs and 29 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The City of London, 1678. New Year’s Day. Twelve years have passed since the Great Fire ripped through the City. Eighteen since the fall of Oliver Cromwell and the restoration of a King. London is gripped by hysteria, and rumors of Catholic plots and sinister foreign assassins abound. When the body of a young boy drained of his blood is discovered on the snowy bank of the Fleet River, Robert Hooke, the Curator of Experiments at the just-formed Royal Society for Improving Natural Knowledge, and his assistant Harry Hunt, are called in to explain such a ghastly finding.
-
-
Didn't live up to the reviews
- By Liz on 02-12-21
-
State of Treason
- William Constable Spy Thriller Series, Book 1
- By: Paul Walker
- Narrated by: Edward Gist
- Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
William Constable, a physician and astrologer, is summoned to the presence of the Queen’s spymaster, Sir Francis Walsingham. He is charged to assist a renowned Puritan, John Foxe, in uncovering the secrets of a mysterious cabinet containing an astrological chart and coded message. Together, these claim Elizabeth has a hidden, illegitimate child (an “unknowing maid”) who will be declared to the masses and serve as the focus for an invasion.
-
-
Doesn’t stand out
- By The Curator on 05-02-21
Summary
Gunpowder and treason changed England forever. But the tides are turning and revenge runs deep in this compelling historical thriller for fans of C.J. Sansom, Andrew Taylor's Ashes of London, Kate Mosse and Blood & Sugar.
1606. A year to the day that men were executed for conspiring to blow up Parliament, a towering wave devastates the Bristol Channel. Some proclaim God's vengeance. Others seek to take advantage.
In London, Daniel Pursglove lies in prison waiting to die. But Charles FitzAlan, close adviser to King James I, has a job in mind that will free a man of Daniel's skill from the horrors of Newgate. If he succeeds.
For Bristol is a hotbed of Catholic spies, and where better for the lone conspirator who evaded arrest, one Spero Pettingar, to gather allies than in the chaos of a drowned city? Daniel journeys there to investigate FitzAlan's lead, but soon finds himself at the heart of a dark Jesuit conspiracy - and in pursuit of a killer.
Critic reviews
"A dark and enthralling historical novel with a powerful narrative. The mysterious Daniel Pursglove has all the qualifications for a memorable series hero." (Andrew Taylor)
"Spies, thieves, murderers and King James I? Brilliant." (Conn Iggulden)
"This gripping thriller shows what a wonderful storyteller Maitland is." (The Times)
"A dark and enthralling historical novel with a powerful narrative. The mysterious Daniel Pursglove has all the qualifications for a memorable series hero." (Andrew Taylor)
"A colourful, compelling novel which makes a fine opening to a promised series." (Sunday Times)
"Devilishly good." (Daily Mail)
More from the same
Narrator
What listeners say about The Drowned City
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Jane L A Bristow
- 20-04-21
The Drowned City
I thought this was a good story and as such it was a good listen. But I really didn’t like the style of the reader. The reading style was choppy and there was no difference between when something required emphasis and something was not disturbing or frightening. There were pauses in the middle of sentences and emojis on words where it was not required.
I only listened all the way through as the story was good and interesting. But I guess this might have just been me.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Amy
- 12-04-21
Good book, soothing narration!
Enjoyed this book! Resonant, calming narration that suited the text well. Best listened to on some decent headphones.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mr Nightingale
- 10-04-21
Unlistenable due to awful narration.
Terrible, aggressive and sloppy narration. The narrator bites off the ends of many words, so Fleet Street becomes Flee Stree, etc. Erratic and nervy pace, veering wildly between too fast and too slow. Returned.
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Ian Hardaker
- 01-05-21
A great start to a new series.
I love Karen Maitland's historical novels, I've not read a bad one. They are something to get your teeth into and she brings the past alive in all its gritty and harsh reality. Lots of twists and turns. One criticism was the narration wasn't quite right at times and you could hear where bits had been edited it in but it only slightly detracted from my overall enjoyment. I look forward to the next instalment.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- The Curator
- 07-04-21
Excellent start to new series
I hadn’t realised that this was by the Karen Maitland who wrote Company of Liars but had I known, that would have guaranteed I read it. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and characters and the particular setting. The Bristol flooding made a great backdrop to the story.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Rosie Brigham
- 22-08-21
eh, not as good as her other books
the story dragged considerably towards the last third, and some sections did not tie up. did not like the narration - very odd emphasis put on words that really affected it
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Dave Pollard
- 12-06-21
Good story, distracting reader
I'm a big fan of Karen Maitland's books - I'm currently re-listening to Company of Liars for the 3rd time(!), but of course, this has the benefit of the great David Thorpe to read it. Unfortunately, the Drowned City doesn't and I found the north western accent (notably hanging on the 'g's at the end of words) distracting. Similarly diverting was his habit of breaking sentences at odd places, where I would have thought it should have been linked rather better. All in all a good story, especially as we now have a new character, and hopefully, David will return for the second (we assume) in the series.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Karen and Stephen Ross
- 12-11-21
Sadly not for me.
Karen Maitland is for me the undisputed Queen of Medieval fiction. Unlike her other read and re read titles I have, I could not wait for this to end. maybe it was becasue it is set in the times of the Stuarts. The narration was very good but I could not immerse myself in this story like the others. Sorry.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Anneli Hukins
- 23-03-22
not a fan of Nathan's voices/accents
I couldn't finish this book, definitely not the right narrator. I love this author, I'm in sad not to get to the end of this story!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lizzy h
- 10-03-22
Jacobean murder mystery
Narrative set in Bristol after Tsunami. Explores political chaos of religious loyalties under King James.