The novel takes place in 1348 at the onset of the plague and follows nine ragtag strangers who unwillingly band together to try and outrun this mysterious disease ravaging the population.  Each member of the crew is fascinating in their own right: From the disfigured old peddler who sells religious relics at street fairs, to the “Swan Boy” who earns his keep by storytelling, to the strange child who reads Runes, none are what they seem and each hides a secret.

The History Channel refers to the Dark Ages as “600 years of degenerate, godless, inhuman behavior,” (best definition ever!) and after thoroughly enjoying Company of Liars I’m inclined to agree. I liked Ms. Maitland’s writing style, she used her own storytelling skills to transport me to the bleak and dank countryside where it rains day and night, mystery rules, and modern medicine is a long way off.

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You can read an excerpt of the book here.

You can listen to an excerpt of the audio book read by Maxwell Caulfield here. Takes a minute to load, so don’t panic.

Visit Ms. Maitland’s website to read the inspiration behind Company of Liars.