The Needle in the Blood

January 1067. Charismatic bishop Odo of Bayeux decides to commission a wall hanging, on a scale never seen before, to celebrate his role in the conquest of Britain by his brother, William, Duke of Normandy. What he cannot anticipate is how utterly this will change his life - even more than the invasion itself. His life becomes entangled with the women who embroider his hanging, especially Gytha - handmaid to the mistress of the fallen Saxon king and Odo's sworn enemy. But against their intentions they fall passionately in love; in doing so Odo comes into conflict with his king and his God, and Gytha with Odo's enemies, who mistrust her hold over such a powerful man. Friends and family become enemies, enemies become lovers; nothing in life or in the hanging is what it seems. 'A story of love, war and the tangled truths of Britain's birth, crafted with as much care and skill as the famous tapestry at its heart.' Sarah Bryant, author of The Other Eden and Sand Daughter 'Truly compelling . . . so vivid, intriguing and masterfully portrayed.' Susan Fletcher