Alison Morton

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About Alison Morton
Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough, but compassionate heroines. This springs from a deep love of Roman history, France, six years’ military service and a life of reading crime, adventure and thriller fiction.
The Historical Novel Society selected SUCCESSIO, AURELIA and INSURRECTIO as Editor’s Choices. AURELIA was a finalist in the 2016 HNS Indie Award. SUCCESSIO featured as Editor’s Choice in 'The Bookseller'. Two novellas and a collection of short stories complete the series so far.
Alison has misspent decades clambering over Roman sites throughout Europe, especially French ones. She holds an MA History, blogs about history, social media and writing. Alison now lives in Poitou in France, where part of her new contemporary thriller Double Identity is set and is writing a sequel as well as continuing her Roma Nova series.
To get the latest news, subscribe to her newsletter (https://alison-morton.com/newsletter/) and receive 'Welcome to Alison Morton’s Thriller Worlds’, a FREE eBook, as a thank you gift when you sign up to Alison’s monthly email newsletter.
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Blog postPreparing to march on York!
Hooray! Last weekend, after all the doubts about it happening, the festival celebrating Roman York was back. Romans everywhere, including a march through the city, kids staring goggle-eyed, adults fascinated by weapons, surveying, dyeing, medical practice, letter writing, cooking – all in the Roman way. And the sun shone on us.
Two days of fun, and two days of remembering the enormous impact of Roman life in Britannia. And two days of getting a hint2 days ago Read more -
Blog postI’ve been in York this weekend for the Eboracum Roman Festival. I’ll be blogging about that next but on the Friday before I indulged in some historical tourism and visited the Yorkshire Museum.
Eboracum was a fort in the Roman province of Britannia and, at its height, the largest town in northern Britain. The site was still occupied after the decline of the Western Roman Empire and ultimately developed into the present-day city York.
Celebrity connections
Emperor Hadrian6 days ago Read more -
Blog postOpening the email from cover designer Jessica Bell is exciting. But the moment I click to open the image file itself brings feelings of joy, fear, anticipation and hope. When it opens on the screen, I am enveloped in wonder and admiration. There’s the heroine. There’s her determination, her own fear, her courage.
Here is JULIA PRIMA, the first Julia destined to become one of the two founders of the dynasty which will rule Roma Nova for sixteen centuries.
Not that she has any i2 weeks ago Read more -
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Blog postYes, it’s the time of year the Romans invade York. Along with the governor of Britannia and the mighty marching men of six legions (escaping from their humdrum 21st century lives) come a load of riff-raff and camp followers including a bunch of scribblers.
But the good news is that these are nine of the best scribblers. They’ll be lurking in the Tempest Anderson Hall next to the Yorkshire Museum during Saturday and Sunday 10 am-4pm each day. If you’re not completely taken over by3 weeks ago Read more -
Blog postThe heroine – Julia Bacausa
Oh, the joy and the relief of finishing the first draft of a new book!
Along with a sense of achievement comes a feeling of numbness. You’ve completed the story. No more sitting at the keyboard ready to plunge into the book world and typing to find out what happens next. No more writing (hopefully sparky) dialogue for your characters, but no more looking up Roman roads, dalmaticae, wayside inns or political and religious issues of the late fourth ce2 months ago Read more -
Blog post‘Destruction’ by Thomas Cole, painted 1833–1836, part of a series ‘The Course of Empire’
Discussion of the the reasons for the ‘fall’ of the Western Roman Empire will go on forever and everybody will have their pet one. The classic book is The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, a six-volume work by the English historian Edward Gibbon.
Rome didn’t ‘fall’ it one cataclysmic day, week, month or year, nor was it all gone in one puff of smoke and was suddenly3 months ago Read more -
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Titles By Alison Morton
"Loyalty breaks as easily as a silken thread."
Misplaced trust, power hunger, emotional blackmail, and greed haunt twelve characters from post-Roman Britain to the present day. And betrayal by family, lover, comrade can be even more devastating.
Read twelve tales by twelve accomplished writers who explore these historical yet timeless challenges.
AD455—Roman leader Ambrosius is caught in a whirlpool of shifting allegiances
AD940—Alyeva and cleric Dunstan navigate the dangers of the Anglo Saxon court
1185—Knight Stephan fights for comradeship, duty, and honour. But what about love?
1330—The powerful Edmund of Kent enters a tangled web of intrigue
1403—Thomas Percy must decide whether to betray his sovereign or his family
1457—Estelle is invited to the King of Cyprus’s court, but deception awaits
1483—Has Elysabeth made the right decision to bring Prince Edward to London?
1484—Margaret Beaufort contemplates the path to treason
1577—Francis Drake contends with disloyalty at sea
1650—Can James Hart, Royalist highwayman, stop a nemesis destroying his friend?
1718—Pirate Annie Bonny, her lover Calico Jack, and a pirate hunter. Who will win?
1849/present—Carina must discover her ancestor’s betrayer in Italy or face ruin.
“I read this anthology from start to finish in a matter of days…. Each story is gripping.”– Discovering Diamonds Reviews
New Yorker Karen Brown is running for her life. She makes a snap decision to flee to Roma Nova – her dead mother’s homeland, and last remnant of the Roman Empire in the 21st century. But can Karen tough it out in such an alien culture? And with a crazy killer determined to terminate her for a very personal reason?
Stifled by the protective cocoon of her Roma Novan family, deceived by her new lover, she propels herself into a dangerous mission. But then the killer sets a trap – she must sacrifice herself for another – and she sees no escape.
A thriller laced with romance and coming of age, this is Roman fiction brought into the 21st century through the lens of alternative history and driven by a female protagonist with heart and courage.
"Eve Dallas meets Lindsey Davis’s Roman detective Falco meets The Hunger Games."
– B.R.A.G. Medallion honoree
– Shortlisted for the International Rubery Book Award
– Finalist in Writing Magazine Self-Published Book of the Year
"Grips like a vice – a writer to watch out for" – Adrian Magson
What readers say...
"But it's the originality that's off the scale." – Angelica Reads ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"Exciting and an intriguing pleasure for anyone with a fondness for Old Rome" – Vine Voice ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"5 stars doesn't do it justice. If I could give it 6 stars, I would." – London Lass ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"She'll be giving Marcus Didius Falco a run for his money in the Roman crime genre, even if the eras are two millennia apart." – Antoine ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
"I can't wait to see where this series goes next, and if a real Roma Nova ever emerges, sign me up." - Sîan ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Bringing back a traitor to face trial seems an easy job for young Roma Novan officer Carina Mitela, until she is catapulted into confrontation with the powerful head of the Praetorian Guard. Will she collapse in face of corruption at high level or risk disgrace and destruction in standing up for her principles?
Carina is still a young inexperienced officer in the Praetorian Guard Special Forces of Roma Nova when she is sent on her first overseas mission. North America isn't the continent we know in our timeline, but all she and her comrade-in-arms, Flavius, have to do is bring back a traitor from the Republic of Quebec. Under no circumstances must she risk entering the Eastern United States where she is still wanted under her old name Karen Brown.
But when she investigates further she discovers a conspiracy that reaches to the highest levels of Roma Nova. What price is personal danger against fulfilling the mission?
This part mystery, part detective novella is Roman fiction brought up to the 21st century through alternate history. Set in the time after INCEPTIO but before PERFIDITAS in the Roma Nova thriller series, this short military adventure reveals hidden parts of Carina's early life in Roma Nova.
A 'Discovered Diamond', Discovering Diamonds Historical Fiction Reviews
One dead body, two badly injured operatives and five crates of hijacked rifles.
In Rome, former French special forces intelligence analyst Mélisende des Pittones is frustrated by obnoxious local cops and ruthless thugs. Despite the backing of the powerful European Investigation and Regulation Service, her case is going nowhere. Then an unknown woman tries to blow her head off.
As Mel and fellow investigator Jeff McCracken attempt to get a grip on the criminal network as well as on their own unpredictable relationship, all roads point to the place she dreads – the arid and remote African Sahel – where she was once betrayed and nearly died. Can Mel conquer her fear as she races to smash the network and save her colleague’s life?
It’s three days since dual-national Mel des Pittones threw in her job as an intelligence analyst with the French special forces to marry financial trader Gérard Rohlbert. But her dream turns to nightmare when she wakes to find him dead in bed beside her.
Her horror deepens when she’s accused of his murder. Met Police detective Jeff McCracken wants to pin Gérard’s death on her. Mel must track down the real killer, even if that means being forced to work with the obnoxious McCracken.
But as she unpicks her fiancé’s past, she discovers his shocking secret life. To get to the truth, she has to go undercover—and finds almost everybody around her is hiding a second self.
Mel can trust nobody. Can she uncover the real killer before they stop her?
A stunning new thriller from the author of the award-winning Roma Nova series, fans of Daniel Silva, Stella Rimington or Chris Pavone will love Double Identity.
Slick and sophisticated, DOUBLE IDENTITY is an action-packed thriller that grabs the reader from the first page and doesn’t let go until the last. A cracking start to Morton’s new series!” – E.M. Powell, author of the Stanton & Barling medieval mysteries B.R.A.G. Medallion winner
Written by nine well-known authors to celebrate the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, the stories will take you on a journey through the wonderful ‘what ifs’ of England’s most famous year in history.
Suppose a last remnant of the old Roman Empire had struggled through to the 21st century – a tough little country surviving through history because of its tough, resourceful people?
Roma Nova has seen them all: the brave, the noble, the traitors, the chancers, the duty-bound, the grasping, the happy but above all pursuing their lives faithful to the Roman way.
Except... they're ruled by women.
Eight stories – four historical and four present day, and a little beyond – but they're all about the people of Roma Nova.
Apulius, a young tribune sent to a backwater in 370 AD for having the wrong religion, encounters the fiery Julia.
What does his lonely descendant, Silvia, labouring in the 1980s to rebuild her country, make of the Italian architect supervising the reconstruction?
Can imperial councillor Galla stop the Norman invasion of England in 1066?
And will Allegra, her 21st century Praetorian descendant fighting her emotions, find her way to her own happy ending?
Readers of INCEPTIO, PERFIDITAS, SUCCESSIO, AURELIA, INSURRECTIO, RETALIO, CARINA and NEXUS will be familiar with many of the characters in these short stories. But if you are new to Roma Nova, enjoy these eight ‘behind the scenes’ short stories and perhaps feel curious about exploring the longer novels…
Carina Mitela of the 21st century Praetorian Guard is in trouble. Falsely incriminated in a conspiracy, she must choose between being a great criminal or a great counterspy, and between two men. And can she save her beloved Roma Nova and her own life at the same time?
Proscribed and operating illegally, separated from her family and children, Carina risks being terminated by both security services and conspirators. Seeking help from a friend immersed in the world of crime could wreck her marriage to the enigmatic Conrad. As an intelligence agent, she's no mean detective, but betrayal mounts on betrayal.
Set in Roma Nova, the last Roman outpost in 21st century Europe, this part conspiracy thriller, part military fiction, part a story of love and personal betrayal is Roman fiction brought up to the 21st century. And a strong female protagonist with heart and courage leads the action.
"Sassy, intriguing, page-turning" – Simon Scarrow
“Surely I'm not the only one to think that these stories would make thrilling movie material?” – Amazon Top 500 reviewer
– B.R.A.G. Medallion honoree
– finalist in 2014 Writing Magazine Self-Published Book of the Year
Reviews
'...and I have found Alison's book invaluable for giving me a fascinating insight into the way that Aryan German women were regarded by themselves and by men in the Nazi state, the ways their role in Nazi society changed as the war progressed, and how they themselves experienced this difficult time - something which is normally hidden from British history.'
Anne Booth, author and children's literature and creative writing lecturer
Praise for the original dissertation…
‘Firstly, congratulations on a really good piece of historical writing. You demonstrate, most of all, what a thoroughly good researcher you are. Chapter 4 has particular strength as does Chapter 5 which identifies an important continuity in the history of German women.'
Dr Gary Thorn, author of End of Empires: European Decolonisation, 1919-80
'This student is to be congratulated on a very good bit of writing. It benefits from research in both British and German sources - good. The research also benefits from some oral testimony. It links well with debates over war and social change, responsibilities in war, feminism and ideologies. Good work - well done!'
Open University History Department MA Senior Assessor
Product information
Nearly 500,000 young German women served in uniform with the German armed forces in the Second World War yet their history is rarely recalled in Germany and is virtually unknown in the Anglophone world. Recruited into the military against Nazi ideological norms to meet a desperate shortage of manpower, the status of these Wehrmachthelferinnen (armed forces’ auxiliaries) remained questionable. Indispensable to military communications and administration, by the end of the war they also served in the front line in forward army groups and anti-aircraft batteries. Records indicate that around 25,000 were captured in the East alone and taken as forced labourers to the Soviet Union; only 5,000 returned home and then not until the early 1950s.
The Wehrmachthelferinnen’s technical civil status appeared theoretical at best; they performed many of the same tasks as Allied servicewomen in similar formations and conditions. The British WRNS, WRAF and ATS contribution to the war effort is well-known and celebrated, both officially and in popular culture. But what is known of their German counterparts? During a conversation with a German friend, the author was fascinated by an anecdote about her grandmother who had worn a German Army uniform in the war and wanted to find out more.
This study, which became a master’s dissertation, was the result of that curiosity.
A HWA Short Story Collection - Book One
"Greater than the sum of its parts... Rubicon has something for everyone: action, humour and historical insight." Michael Arnold
Ten acclaimed authors. Ten gripping stories.
Immerse yourself in Ancient Rome through a collection of thrilling narratives, featuring soldiers, statesmen and spies.
Read about some of your favourite characters from established series, or be introduced to new writers in the genre.
The stories in Rubicon are, like Rome, diverse and intriguing - involving savage battles, espionage, political intrigue and the lives of ordinary - and extraordinary - Romans, such as Ovid, Marcus Agrippa and a young Julius Caesar.
This brand new collection, brought to you by the Historical Writers' Association, also includes interviews with each author.
Find out more about their writing processes and what attracts them to the Roman world.
View Ancient Rome through fresh eyes.
Rubicon is a feast of moreish tales and a must read for all fans of historical fiction.
Authors & Stories Featured in Rubicon:
Nick Brown - Maker of Gold
Gordon Doherty - Eagles in the Desert
Ruth Downie - Alter Ego
Richard Foreman - A Brief Affair
Alison Morton - Mystery of Victory
Anthony Riches - The Invitation
Antonia Senior - Exiles
Peter Tonkin - The Roman
L.J. Trafford - The Wedding
S.J. Turney - The Praetorian
Praise for Rubicon:
"Rubicon is a declaration of intent to intrigue, inspire and entertain. For me, this collection of stories extols the camaraderie that exists amongst the historical fiction bother and sisterhood. It perfectly encapsulates a shared passion for the subject of Rome in all its abundance and varied manifestations, taking the reader on a guided tour through the familiar and the strange. Leading us wide-eyed through a genre which has never lost its lustre.
This is the fiction equivalent of a box of chocolates, a celebration of diverse Rome stories drawing upon all the riches of that most extraordinary and enduring of civilisations. It is a treasure trove of tales, showcasing a wealth of talent.
I have been entertained by authors whose work I know and love, and I’ve discovered new voices too, writers whom I look forward to getting to know better. Indeed, if the purpose of this collection is to delight, distract and to whet the reader’s appetite, leaving us eager for more, it is a resounding success.
Rubicon is a rare treat which I thoroughly enjoyed. I don’t know what the official collective noun for Roman short stories is, but in this case I think it’s a triumph." Giles Kristian.
Caius Tellus wants to seize power in Roma Nova and destroy a system that’s safeguarded its people for over fifteen centuries.
Aurelia Mitela, ex-Praetorian and chief imperial councillor, vows to stop him. But Caius is also on a personal vendetta – to destroy Aurelia herself.
But Roma Nova in the early 1980s is paralysed by a ruler afraid to rule. Old laws are choking reform. Fear sparks riots only to be exploited by the charismatic leader of a rising nationalist movement.
Aurelia fights to combat increasing panic engulfing Roma Nova. Founded at the dusk of the old Roman Empire the tiny state now faces total meltdown.
Part political thriller, part deadly personal rivalry, INSURRECTIO is Roman fiction brought into the 20th century through an alternate history lens with a strong female protagonist with heart and courage leading the action. If you enjoy reading mystery books for women with plenty of twists, this is for you!
“INSURRECTIO - a taut, fast-paced thriller and I enjoyed it enormously. Rome, guns and rebellion. Darkly gripping stuff.” – Conn Iggulden
– Historical Novel Society’s indie Editor’s Choice for Spring 2016
– B.R.A.G. Medallion
Recovering from a near fatal shooting, Aurelia Mitela, former foreign minister of Roma Nova, rages at her enforced exile. She barely escaped from Caius Tellus, who grabbed power in her beloved homeland. Aurelia’s duty and passion fire her determination to liberate its people despite her lover Miklós's desire to protect her. Then Caius sends a hit squad to murder her...
Caius's manipulations isolated her from her fellow exiles, leaving her ostracised and powerless . But without their trust and support Aurelia knows she will never see her beloved Roma Nova again.
Part political thriller, part deadly personal rivalry, part military adventure, this is Roman fiction brought up to the 20th century and delivers noble ideals, passionate love, desperate choices, sacrifice, constant twists and turns and dialogue with a dash of humour in a timeline not so different from our own...
“A classic tale of resistance and resilience – the only regret is when the action stops.” – Douglas Jackson
– B.R.A.G. Medallion
– Discovered Diamond, Discovering Diamonds Historical Fiction Reviews
– Bookmuse Recommended Read
– Historical Novel Society reviewed
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