Picture a British storyteller who spins medieval murder mysteries with the grit and intrigue of a plague-ravaged world—meet S.D. Sykes! Hailing from the historic Weald of Kent, Sykes has carved a niche in historical fiction with her gripping Somershill Manor Mystery series. Her tales, led by the reluctant sleuth Oswald de Lacy, plunge readers into 14th-century England, where the Black Death’s shadow looms large and secrets unravel in thrilling whodunits.
With a knack for blending meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Sykes brings the Middle Ages to life—not as a dusty history lesson, but as a vibrant, chaotic world of superstition, power struggles, and resilience. Let’s dive into her journey, from a story-obsessed child to a celebrated author who’s redefining medieval mysteries.
The Making of S.D. Sykes
Born Sarah Sykes, S.D. Sykes grew up in Somerset before moving to South London and eventually settling in Kent. As a child, she was enchanted by fairy tales and the medieval landscapes of castles and forests, sparking a lifelong passion for the Middle Ages. She wrote her first book at six, demanding her parents type and bind it—a hint of the determined storyteller she’d become. After studying at Manchester University, Sykes earned an MA in Writing from Sheffield Hallam and honed her craft through scriptwriting for radio and screenplays with Arts Council funding. Her leap to novels came after a transformative course at Curtis Brown, where she penned her debut, Plague Land.
S.D. Sykes’s Unforgettable Stories
Sykes’s Somershill Manor Mystery series is her crowning achievement, a five-book saga set in the turbulent aftermath of the Black Death. The series follows Oswald de Lacy, a young monk-turned-lord thrust into managing Somershill Manor after his family succumbs to the plague. Unlike typical medieval heroes, Oswald is no gallant knight—he’s riddled with self-doubt, navigating murders and societal upheaval with wit and grit.
Her debut, Plague Land (2014), sets the tone as Oswald investigates the murder of a village girl amid rumors of demonic dog-headed men. The Butcher Bird (2015) delves darker, tackling superstitious hysteria over a dead infant. City of Masks (2017) takes Oswald to Venice, weaving a complex web of intrigue, while The Bone Fire (2019) traps him in a plague-threatened castle with a killer on the loose. The series finale, The Good Death (2021), ties up lingering secrets with a haunting confession. Sykes’s style—sharp, atmospheric, and layered with historical detail—evokes a medieval Raymond Chandler, earning praise for its vivid portrayal of 14th-century Kent.
Themes of class tension, religious fanaticism, and the collapse of feudalism run deep, reflecting the era’s chaos. Her research, from museum visits to PhD papers, ensures authenticity, though she admits to bending details for narrative flair, avoiding glaring anachronisms like characters smoking in 1350!
Why S.D. Sykes Matters
S.D. Sykes has revitalized historical mysteries, filling a gap between authors like Ariana Franklin and C.J. Sansom. Her ability to craft nuanced characters—neither stereotyped peasants nor glorified nobles—sets her apart. Oswald’s journey from a bumbling novice to a seasoned investigator resonates with readers, offering a fresh lens on a pivotal historical moment. Critics laud her for immersing readers in the “filth, squalor, and pestilence” of the era while delivering clever plots and emotional depth.
Beyond her novels, Sykes inspires aspiring writers, proving that passion and persistence can turn childhood dreams into acclaimed series. Her Kentish roots and love for gothic literature continue to shape her work, making her a standout voice in historical fiction.
- Pen Name: S.D. Sykes (Sarah Sykes)
- Key Works: Plague Land, The Butcher Bird, City of Masks, The Bone Fire, The Good Death
- Education: MA in Writing, Sheffield Hallam
- Influences: Gothic literature, medieval history, Kent’s historic estates
Snag Plague Land and dive into S.D. Sykes’s thrilling medieval mysteries—perfect for fans of history, suspense, and unforgettable characters!