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
