Rogues' Haven

"Rogues' Haven" by Roy Bridges is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the character John Howe, a young man from a humble background who gets caught in a web of poaching and intrigue. After an unexpected encounter with Mr. Bradbury, a lawyer entwined with his family’s past, John finds himself entangled in a dangerous legacy linked to the wealthy Craike family. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to John Howe and his friend Tony Vining as they are caught poaching by Tim Kerrick, a keeper of local lord Chelton. Their escapade leads to an unexpected meeting with Mr. Bradbury, who takes an interest in John and decides to intervene on his behalf. Following a chaotic series of events, John is taken to Chelton Hall to face justice, where he comes to question his own origins and the secrets of his family. The opening also hints at a traumatic backstory, involving John's father, Richard Howe, and a conflict with an enigmatic uncle, setting the stage for a conflict that intertwines family loyalty, hidden identities, and potential betrayal as John learns about his true heritage and the sinister forces aligned against him.