While I can’t be entirely certain of the historicity of Something Red other than this novel of historical fiction takes place in 13th Century England, I can say Douglas Nicholas can artfully narrate a story.  I was engaged from beginning to end.  This is a coming-of-age story, told through the eyes of 13-year-old Hob (Robert), who by the end has matured into the young man Molly and her granddaughter knew he would become when on their travels eighteen months before they met him in the monastery where he, an orphan, had been raised and tutored by Father Athelstan.  At this time he is apprenticed to Molly, who we learn much later is a former queen in her country Ireland, as also is her mysterious and enigmatic granddaughter Nemain, who is a year older than Hob.  He joins the troupe of healers and musicians—Molly, her lover Jack Brown, and her granddaughter Nemain—when they leave the monastery to resume their travels.

The troupe encounters many dangers on their journeys, not the least of which are bandits, wild animals, and other often supernatural occurrences which the travelers are hard-pressed to explain.  Thus, along the way they band together for safety with other travelers and take refuge and respite in inns and castles, for example.  Due in bookstores on September 18, 2012, Something Red is sure to be a best seller.