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Roger the Chapman #20
The Midsummer Crown
The new Roger the Chapman mystery - In the sultry midsummer of 1483, as Richard of Gloucester begins his bid for the English crown, Roger returns home to Bristol, glad to be out of the capital. But almost immediately, the Duke recalls him to London to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a young boy whose tutor has been found murdered, apparently in a locked room. It is an investigation which has as its background an ancient British legend, and which will imperil Roger’s life as never before.
252 pages, Hardcover
First published June 1, 2011
7 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Kate Sedley
37 books105 followersBrenda Margaret Lilian Clarke, known by her pen name Kate Sedley, was an English historical novelist best known for her Roger the Chapman mystery series. Born in Bristol in 1926, she also published as Brenda Honeyman and Brenda Clarke.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 16, 2021
It is May 1483, and Roger the Chapman is getting out of London as fast and as covertly as he can. Why? In solving some mysteries for his wife’s relatives, he stumbled on plot led by Lord Hastings against the Lord Protector, Richard of Gloucester. While Roger admires Richard, who in turn thinks highly of Roger and his investigative skills, he does not want the latter to command him to stay in London to investigate the conspiracy. You see Roger is an independent man who loves the open road—sometimes even more than he loves his family.
When Roger reaches home in Bristol, not only are his wife and children waiting for him, but also Timothy Plummer—Richard’s spymaster. It seems Richard does not need him to investigate the Hastings conspiracy, but wants him to solve the mystery of the abuduction of a boy and the murder of the boy’s tutor. The boy, Francis Lovell’s ward, came to London to become a companion to the new boy king. Before he could join the king at the Tower, he was at Baynard’s Castle where he disappeared and his tutor was found dead with a knife in his back in a locked room.
Roger is able to solve how the murder took place, but before he can identify the perpetrator(s) he has to figure out the reason why the boy was abducted. The kidnappers were not interested in just any boy—they targeted this specific boy who seems unremarkable. As in the other mysteries in this series, Roger’s reaches his solution as a result of divine guidance rather than through deductive reasoning. When Roger left the monastic life in favor of that of a peddler, God had a plan to use him to right some wrongs by solving crimes—or at least so Roger believes. Chance encounters and strange dreams lead him to the solutions. Thus, at the beginning of the novel Roger encounters an odd family living off the beaten path. Those people wind up playing a part in the mystery. Unbelievable coincidence, some might say, but the reader understands that Roger’s steps were directed by God. And God sends Roger an important clue when he dreams of the Dowager Duchess of York rattling off the names of all of the kidnapped boy’s numerous uncles and brothers. (Roger did witness such a scene, amazed at the duchess's ability.)
The solution involves a pagan cult—not too dissimilar to the mystery in another book in the series,The Green Man. What makes this book of particular interest is that it gives us Roger witnessing the crucial events leading to Richard’s accession to the throne. Roger arrives in London on June 13–the day of the famous council meeting—and he doesn’t leave until after Richard’s coronation on July 6. Although admiring Richard as a man of honor and principle, he has noted a certain ruthlessness in him since accompanying him on the Scottish campaign. (See The Green Man.). When hearing the news that Hastings has been summarily executed, Roger is uneasy. Roger remains so even when Plummer assures him that Hastings is under arrest awaiting trial. There’s not any difference between no trial and a trial with a predetermined verdict, he muses. Then, Richard summons him not so much for a progress report on the case as to sound him out as a sort of Everyman. What would Roger think if he deposes his nephew and assumes the throne? Well, Roger is disturbed, and believes that the move would not be a popular one. Roger witnessed the angelic-looking, fair-haired boy riding into London and the women, their maternal instincts awakened, drooling over the little darling. Although Roger believes that Richard is the rightful king since he investigated the issue of Edward IV’s legitimacy for him, there is no definitive proof of that and Roger is skeptical of the pre-contract claim. Richard should refer the matter to an episcopal court, in any case. As for continuing threats to the duke’s life, Richard should just appeal to the “people” for support.
In the end, Richard comes to Roger’s rescue when the latter has finds the kidnapped boy who is about to be done in by his abductors. Thanking him for his service, Richard adds that “this time you have also saved the life of a young boy, a very precious thing.” Words that Roger will cause to reflect on in the future. But for the immediate future, Roger will rejoice at Richard’s coronation, and enjoy the feast that follows before heading home.
When Roger reaches home in Bristol, not only are his wife and children waiting for him, but also Timothy Plummer—Richard’s spymaster. It seems Richard does not need him to investigate the Hastings conspiracy, but wants him to solve the mystery of the abuduction of a boy and the murder of the boy’s tutor. The boy, Francis Lovell’s ward, came to London to become a companion to the new boy king. Before he could join the king at the Tower, he was at Baynard’s Castle where he disappeared and his tutor was found dead with a knife in his back in a locked room.
Roger is able to solve how the murder took place, but before he can identify the perpetrator(s) he has to figure out the reason why the boy was abducted. The kidnappers were not interested in just any boy—they targeted this specific boy who seems unremarkable. As in the other mysteries in this series, Roger’s reaches his solution as a result of divine guidance rather than through deductive reasoning. When Roger left the monastic life in favor of that of a peddler, God had a plan to use him to right some wrongs by solving crimes—or at least so Roger believes. Chance encounters and strange dreams lead him to the solutions. Thus, at the beginning of the novel Roger encounters an odd family living off the beaten path. Those people wind up playing a part in the mystery. Unbelievable coincidence, some might say, but the reader understands that Roger’s steps were directed by God. And God sends Roger an important clue when he dreams of the Dowager Duchess of York rattling off the names of all of the kidnapped boy’s numerous uncles and brothers. (Roger did witness such a scene, amazed at the duchess's ability.)
The solution involves a pagan cult—not too dissimilar to the mystery in another book in the series,The Green Man. What makes this book of particular interest is that it gives us Roger witnessing the crucial events leading to Richard’s accession to the throne. Roger arrives in London on June 13–the day of the famous council meeting—and he doesn’t leave until after Richard’s coronation on July 6. Although admiring Richard as a man of honor and principle, he has noted a certain ruthlessness in him since accompanying him on the Scottish campaign. (See The Green Man.). When hearing the news that Hastings has been summarily executed, Roger is uneasy. Roger remains so even when Plummer assures him that Hastings is under arrest awaiting trial. There’s not any difference between no trial and a trial with a predetermined verdict, he muses. Then, Richard summons him not so much for a progress report on the case as to sound him out as a sort of Everyman. What would Roger think if he deposes his nephew and assumes the throne? Well, Roger is disturbed, and believes that the move would not be a popular one. Roger witnessed the angelic-looking, fair-haired boy riding into London and the women, their maternal instincts awakened, drooling over the little darling. Although Roger believes that Richard is the rightful king since he investigated the issue of Edward IV’s legitimacy for him, there is no definitive proof of that and Roger is skeptical of the pre-contract claim. Richard should refer the matter to an episcopal court, in any case. As for continuing threats to the duke’s life, Richard should just appeal to the “people” for support.
In the end, Richard comes to Roger’s rescue when the latter has finds the kidnapped boy who is about to be done in by his abductors. Thanking him for his service, Richard adds that “this time you have also saved the life of a young boy, a very precious thing.” Words that Roger will cause to reflect on in the future. But for the immediate future, Roger will rejoice at Richard’s coronation, and enjoy the feast that follows before heading home.
August 2, 2019
Roger the Chapmann gets to solve that classic mystery, a murder in a locked room, with the days leading up to Richard of Gloucester taking the throne playing out in the background. Good historical who done it, as usual from this author.
December 9, 2018
Roger is not surprised by much in this book. However the reason It is not for the resins he anticipates. It is disappointing when he is infidelitynv again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 30, 2019
Not all medieval mysteries turn my fancy. Like books in any genre. Thus one did not.
February 8, 2020
The story was OK but this installment is not Sedley's best writing. Lots of typos and misplaced punctuation.
April 25, 2016
I was attempting to read this series in order. The only reason for doing that is to keep the adventures of Roger the Chapman in chronological order. The only way to accomplish that is by copyright date and/or reading the fly-leaf to see if there is an historical date given. I couldn't find the next one on the library shelves, so I just grabbed this one.
What a disappointment. Honestly, I couldn't finish it. I'm quite certain the 20th century profanity has no place in 15th century England fiction. Roger in the previous books I read, had a believable and delightful amount of sarcasm. This one started out with him appearing to hate everybody.
What a disappointment. Honestly, I couldn't finish it. I'm quite certain the 20th century profanity has no place in 15th century England fiction. Roger in the previous books I read, had a believable and delightful amount of sarcasm. This one started out with him appearing to hate everybody.
November 9, 2011
I think I've read all of the other Roger the Chapman mysteries. For some reason this one took me a little longer to get into than the others. This one takes place soon after the death of King Edward IV and before the crowning of the new king. A young man mysteriously goes missing and Prince Richard sends the Spymaster General Timothy Plummer to fetch Roger from his home and look into the mystery. It involves the seventh son of a seventh son and an underground group of woman who hate men, as well as several attempts on Rogers life before he solves the mystery.
April 11, 2015
It is the glorious days of 1483 and Richard, Duke of Gloucester, is very close to declaring himself King of England. Roger, our friendly chapman who has managed to solve a few mysteries for the Duke, has only just returned to his home, wife and children in Bristol, when the Duke's spymaster once again comes seeking him at Richard's behest.
The mystery in this one got to be just plain silly after a bit, and definitely had to suspend disbelief to read on, but I still enjoy these light historical mysteries with the wonderful characters and depiction of the times.
The mystery in this one got to be just plain silly after a bit, and definitely had to suspend disbelief to read on, but I still enjoy these light historical mysteries with the wonderful characters and depiction of the times.
November 2, 2011
Note to self: Reading Kate Sedley and Pat McIntosh in sucession is just a bit too historically confusing. However, English history here is careening towards some unbearably fascinating bits and I kept hoping Roger Chapman would take part...seems Sedley wants us to keep Richard from becoming the III a little longer. It's worth it to get this locked room and then some mystery. Lovely, lovely as usual.
January 26, 2012
Yet another good installment of the Roger the Chapman mystery series by Kate Sedley. I started reading these a few years ago and anxiously await each new book. I had most things figured out in this one, but there were a few twists that threw me. But that's OK! It's one of the reasons I like these books so much. If you have not read any of the books in this series, and you like medieval mysteries, I can't recommend these books highly enough.
August 20, 2020
Another in a line of very enjoyable medieval murder mysteries. Roger Chapman trudges the country selling his wares and solving mysteries as he goes. This one was very good and although I did work out who did what in the last chapter it did keep me guessing for a long time. I love all the historical detail and look forward to the next novel. I wonder it Roger will be able to shed any light on what happened to the little princes in the tower!
October 15, 2023
I always enjoy Roger the Chapman stories. This was no exception. The mayhem depicted in the overcrowded castles and towns is vivid and sets the tone for this book.
As a re-read I wouldn't rate it as highly, a 3 second time around. Too much detail about the politics of king making, I was lost in that part. Also the ending is anti-climatic. Roger faints and the resolution of the mystery is kind of muddled and then the book is over. Unsatisfying end, I thought.
As a re-read I wouldn't rate it as highly, a 3 second time around. Too much detail about the politics of king making, I was lost in that part. Also the ending is anti-climatic. Roger faints and the resolution of the mystery is kind of muddled and then the book is over. Unsatisfying end, I thought.
August 24, 2011
This series has now progressed to the point of Richard III's ascension to the throne. Having just read Daughter of Time, it was particularly interesting, but if you don't know your history it might be a bit difficult to follow. Roger is up to his usual detecting.
September 11, 2011
I knew Piers was a bad one, but Roger was fooled. Meantime, Richard of Gloucester has taken the throne and Roger is going to have to make some hard choices in the next couple of books...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2012
The historical correctness got in the way of the story
April 5, 2013
Haven't read all the series in the correct order need to do so!
February 7, 2014
I like these books, they are interesting with just enough history to be fun.
April 17, 2016
a good read - just like all the others in this series
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews