Once upon a time, there was a code of conduct to warfare - when battle had as much to do with chivalry and fair play as to winning over the enemy.  In THE SINNER'S TALE, Will Davenport pointedly reminds us of these chivalrous times by recounting the story of an English medieval knight, Sir Guy de Bryan and his internal religious and  moral battle as he woes the changing style of warfare on the battle field - from swords drawn at dawn to the colossal destruction of the cannon.

  Meanwhile, Davenport weaves in a modern tale of a young and emotionally detached foreign affairs advisor with great weight in British politics.   Beth Braddock has  dangerous and conservative opinions that could very well lead Britain into war against Iraq.  Several twists of fate bring Beth home
to her village, Slapton, incidentally the home of Sir Guy de Bryan, albeit 600 years prior.  While hiding out and waiting for her own  political scandal back in London  to blow over, Beth discovers the story of Sir Guy and also finds out some bombshells about her own family and heritage.  What she discovers, will change her and her opinions forever.

Categorizing Will Davenport's second novel as historical fiction really doesn't do it justice.  This is a deeply researched tale about a real Knight and his true story but also a great comment on today's foreign affairs.  It is a reminder that lessons can, and should be learnt from past battles, and that warfare without proper conduct and conscience, is always barbaric.