Death and the Devil - by Frank Schatzing (Paperback)

About the Book

The author of the #1 international bestseller "The Swarm" returns with a gripping and historically rich thriller set in medieval Germany.

From the Back Cover

In the year 1260, a great cathedral, the most ambitious ecclesiastical building in all of Christendom, is rising high above the bustling city of Cologne under the supervision of the architect Gerhard Morart. Far below the soaring spires and flying buttresses, a bitter war rages between the archbishop and the city's ruling merchant families--a deadly conflict that claims Morart as the first of its many victims. But there is a witness to the murder of the unfortunate architect, pushed to his death from the cathedral's scaffolding. A cunning, street-smart, politically naive petty thief called "Jacob the Fox" has seen it all--and seeing has made him the target of a relentless and ruthlessly efficient assassin who's been stripped of his humanity by dark, hidden secrets. Ensnared in the strangling vines of a terrifying conspiracy, the Fox must now run for his life. But who--and what--is he running from?

Review Quotes

"Versatile in language and with much feeling for historical flair, tension and wit." - Rheinische Post
"Versatile in language and with much feeling for historical flair, tension and wit." - Koelnische Rundschau
"A crime story which fascinates through its detailed historical flair." - Flug Magazine NRW
"...story of the battle for supremacy at the top of Society, far beyond all other historical writings." - Schuess Bonn
"...a work of compelling originality ...a thriller that makes history not only palatable but quite entertaining. Strongly recommended..." - Library Journal
"Strong action sequences and a dramatic look at a time and place unfamiliar to most readers should help solidify Schatzing's reputation as a versatile storyteller." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Strong action sequences...should help solidify Schatzing's reputation as a versatile storyteller." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"The author achieved something remarkable...a thrilling crime drama in which he almost playfully delivers historical information." - Geschichte von Koeln
"...splendidly researched crime story...explosive writing style. A highly intricate thriller..." - EKZ
"This crime story is perfect for those who love tension packed thrills... For all devotees of intelligent crime stories..." - Neues Leben
"...author's fluid writing...signifies a special gift for storytelling, but tells also of a profound joy for imagining a story." - Compact Magazine