It has to be said that Brian's metamorphosis
into novel mode has been smoothly achieved. Martha Morgan becomes
a very real person and the books are a compulsive read, with
shades of Cordell and Cookson, although the author refutes outside
influences apart from the brooding presence of Carningli itself.
- Derek Rees, Western Telegraph, referring to the first
two "Angel Mountain" novels
Readers are swept
along on a roller-coaster of emotion, experiencing Martha's
passionate love for her family and their mountainside home to
her desire for truth and justice. The plot twists and turns
with murder, hidden treasure and romance all preventing the
reader from putting the book down until finished. I look
forward to further offerings from Brian John and his inspiring
heroine Martha Morgan." - Catherine Collins, County
Echo
This is a splendidly-imagined and well-told
tale of good triumphing over evil, set in the dramatic scenery
of Carningli near Newport, Pembrokeshire. ...the local colour
is brilliantly imagined and the incidental historical detail,
unobtrusively woven into the fabric of the narrative, is fascinating.
Here is an adventure story in which the narrative never flags.
The delineation of the main characters, especially the headstrong
and irresistible Mistress Martha, by turns spiritual and earthy,
is vivid and true. - Robert Anthony, Western Telegraph
This time the beauty (Martha Morgan) is swept
through a complex tale of murder, intrigue and romance. Mixing
grief and pathos, exuberance and humour in equal measure, the
whole narrative has a strong sense of place. - Dean
Powell, Western Mail
The beauty of the country and the day to
day business of farm life is set amidst intrigue and a collection
of compelling characters to make a wonderful winter read. -
Welsh Living
Martha Morgan, who is young and beautiful,
tells the story through entries in her journal, with many descriptions
of local characters and customs and so lyrical a response to
the beauty of the landscape that she might have been influenced
by Dorothy Wordsworth..... All this is satisfying and well told......
In terms of presentation other publishers might learn a few
tricks. - Richard Jones, Planet
Based on her diary, this novel, like its
predecessor, reaches out and pulls you into Martha's small world.....
Beautifully written, this book takes you on a journey which
you will never forget. If it is not made into a lavish period
drama for the television there is no justice! - Jo Barnes,
One Wales magazine
