I am delighted to be taking part in this year’s Shrewsbury Festival of Literature in November 2019, most particularly because my event will also offer festival goers a rare opportunity to see the Brother Cadfael archives of Ellis Peters which are housed in Shrewsbury, as I discuss the influence of historical research on shaping my own novels.

A free e-short which unveils the dark historical context to Karen’s new novel, The Raven’s Head.

Alchemy. The word conjures up images of magic, mystery and dark dungeons full of bubbling potions, with shadowy figures poring over ancient manuscripts in pursui of the secret formula that will allow them to turn base metal into pure gold. And, for centuries, this image of alchemy was not far from the truth…

Take science and politics. Mix with desire and desperation. Leave to intensify. And you shall have the legendary world of the medieval alchemists, expertly drawn by the Queen of the Dark Ages.

*Includes real recipes devised by medieval alchemists

‘Sorry I’m late,’ a family member said, rushing breathlessly into the train station late the other night. ‘I was held up by a wallaby on the road.’

We may think that as a society we have outgrown beliefs in evil spirits and lucky amulets, but in fact most of us are still practising some of the superstitions of our medieval ancestors, without even knowing it.