Gallowglass (novel)

infobox Book |
name = Gallowglass
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption =
author = Barbara Vine (Ruth Rendell)
cover_artist =
country = United Kingdom
language = English
series =
genre = Crime / Mystery novel
publisher = Viking
release_date = March 1 1990
media_type = Print/Audiobook
pages = 304 (paperback)
isbn = ISBN 0140132058
preceded_by = The House of Stairs
followed_by = King Solomon's Carpet

"Gallowglass" is a 1990 novel by British writer Ruth Rendell, written under the name Barbara Vine.

Plot summary

When Sandor snatches little Joe from the path of a London tube, he makes it clear that Joe's life now belongs to him. Sandor begins to tell him a mysterious story and teaches Joe that he is a "gallowglass", the servant of a chief. Sandor is comes from a wealthy home and is highly educated. Joe, longing for a friend, falls under his spell. Some years ago, Sandor took part in the kidnapping of former model Nina. He now plans to kidnap her once again so they can live together. At present, Nina lives in a heavily guarded residence with her husband and many servants. Eventually, Joe's colourful stepsister Tilly is also dragged into the plot. However, things don't turn out as Sandor had hoped for. Most of the story is seen through the eyes of Joe but Paul Garnet, Nina's driver, tells part of the history.

Gallowglass was made into a miniseries for the PBS Series Mystery! in Fall 1995. Jacqueline Holborough wrote the screenplay. Michael Sheen plays the character of Joe. Paul Rhys plays the character of Sandor.