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To The Fair Land

In 1789 struggling writer Ben Dearlove rescues a woman from a furious Covent Garden mob. The woman is ill and in her delirium cries out the name “Miranda”. Weeks later an anonymous novel about the voyage of the Miranda to the fabled Great Southern Continent causes a sensation. Ben decides to find the author everyone is talking about. He is sure the woman can help him – but she has disappeared.

It is soon clear that Ben is involved in something more dangerous than the search for a reclusive writer. Who is the woman and what is she running from? Who is following Ben? And what is the Admiralty trying to hide? Before he can discover the shocking truth, Ben has to get out of prison, catch a thief, and bring a murderer to justice.

Awesome Indies approved, a Discovering Diamonds Book of the Month

 

 

Find out about the history behind the book

A Continent of Great Extent: ‘Writing To the Fair Land’ is a short Powerpoint presentation (ten minutes) which looks at the history behind the story, as well as some of the myths.

You can view the presentation and read the transcript on Substack.

All the posts and presentations on my Substack are free, and there’s no charge for subscribing either.

 

Buy now

Series: Fiction

Formats available: Paperback, Ebook

First published: 14/07/12

Reviews for To The Fair Land

It’s well written, the descriptions are graphic and engaging, the writing is tight and well done, and the story is a page turner. Boyce brings the period to life with excellent dialogue and fast paced action. An excellent read and an author I’ll be watching out for.

Read the full review here.

Robyn Pearce, Discovering Diamonds

A sharp, daring, original story of forbidden love, good and evil, betrayal and murder. It dazzles with vigour, holding the suspence from the beginning to the last pages.

 

Chez Maximka

Manages to maintain suspense to the end, as well as surprising the reader with some unexpected twists…full of historical mysteries, fascinating characters and peril.

 

Northern Reader

An engrossing and well-written mystery…one of the most interesting and original pieces of historical fiction I have read in a long time.

 

Ceri’s Lil Blog

Transported me straight back into an epic land of romance, adventure, and historical fiction all in an epic mysterious search for a reclusive writer.

 

The Story Scribbler

Every scene is painted with vivid detail and the characters seem to jump off the page…an expertly crafted tale you won’t want to put down!

 

Rev Rebecca Writes: Read, Write, Pray

It’s an intriguing story that feels part fantasy, part history and part inspiration that is just so enjoyable and relaxing.

 

Proud Book Reviews

The story was gripping and definitely a page turner. Especially pleasing to me was the fact that I did not guess the plot twists and turns…Highly recommended.

 

Riva Shaw


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