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Domesday #11
The Elephants of Norwich
It is the juiciest piece of gossip the citizens of Norwich have heard for a long time. The two golden elephants that robber baron Richard de Fontenel was using to lure the beautiful Adelaide into marriage have been stolen. Also missing is de Fontenel's steward Hermer. Desperate to try and ignore this growing crisis are Domesday Commissioners Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret, who are keen to resolve a land dispute involving de Fontenel and Mauger - a man also, trying to woo Adelaide. De Fontenel, however, refuses to co-operate until the thief is found. But is Hermer the steward really missing or has something more sinister happened? In Ralph and Gervase's most baffling case yet, nothing is what it seems and no one is free from suspicion...
206 pages, Paperback
First published December 7, 2000
38 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Edward Marston
239 books466 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston
Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.
Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
A pseudonym used by Keith Miles
AKA A.E. Marston
Keith Miles (born 1940) is an English author, who writes under his own name and also historical fiction and mystery novels under the pseudonym Edward Marston. He is known for his mysteries set in the world of Elizabethan theatre. He has also written a series of novels based on events in the Domesday Book, a series of The Railway Detective and a series of The Home Front Detective.
Series contributed to:
. Malice Domestic
. Crime Through Time
. Perfectly Criminal
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 1, 2022
And so it ends - perhaps the strongest book in the series, though perhaps not quite the conclusion I expected.
I'll not repeat myself too much from my other reviews of the series; all the elements I like are very much still here - our likeable cast of heroes, some dastardly villains, some good plot twists, a couple of much less good plot twists, and a fun cast of red herrings and incidentals to keep the characters and the readers guessing.
This is definitely the strongest story of the series, as I've read it - the secondary cast are much more well fleshed out, especially our two chief suspects and subjects of the mystery, and the loop of conniving and contriving and backstabbing (and sometimes front stabbing!) involved are thoroughly enjoyable. As usual, the strangely grisly elements combined with the series' more laid back and jovial tone make for an entertaining combination.
However, I am firmly of the opinion that this series should stay away from sexual violence. It's the one "grim" element that the books' tone and style really do not and cannot treat or handle appropriately. But then, it is no worse for this than any others in the historical fiction genre, all told.
I was also surprised that this is the apparent finale, as it doesn't end very differently to any of the other books in the series. It feels very much like there could be more ... though as this book was first published in 2000, I very much suspect there won't be! I feel we could have done with more of a "finale" feel to certain elements (especially the running subplot here with Gervase and his wife, which I think is intended to give a sense of finale, but ... doesn't, really.)
All in all, despite its flaws as an individual text and as part of a series, this is still an enjoyable and deeply engaging read.
P.S. - Did anyone else find their paperback copy of this edition absolutely riddled with typos and grammatical errors? The copyeditor appears to have fallen asleep at the desk at several key points, which is not something I noticed in the rest of the series. No real reflection on the book, but quite surprising to see so many - and quite so severe - as they are!
I'll not repeat myself too much from my other reviews of the series; all the elements I like are very much still here - our likeable cast of heroes, some dastardly villains, some good plot twists, a couple of much less good plot twists, and a fun cast of red herrings and incidentals to keep the characters and the readers guessing.
This is definitely the strongest story of the series, as I've read it - the secondary cast are much more well fleshed out, especially our two chief suspects and subjects of the mystery, and the loop of conniving and contriving and backstabbing (and sometimes front stabbing!) involved are thoroughly enjoyable. As usual, the strangely grisly elements combined with the series' more laid back and jovial tone make for an entertaining combination.
However, I am firmly of the opinion that this series should stay away from sexual violence. It's the one "grim" element that the books' tone and style really do not and cannot treat or handle appropriately. But then, it is no worse for this than any others in the historical fiction genre, all told.
I was also surprised that this is the apparent finale, as it doesn't end very differently to any of the other books in the series. It feels very much like there could be more ... though as this book was first published in 2000, I very much suspect there won't be! I feel we could have done with more of a "finale" feel to certain elements (especially the running subplot here with Gervase and his wife, which I think is intended to give a sense of finale, but ... doesn't, really.)
All in all, despite its flaws as an individual text and as part of a series, this is still an enjoyable and deeply engaging read.
P.S. - Did anyone else find their paperback copy of this edition absolutely riddled with typos and grammatical errors? The copyeditor appears to have fallen asleep at the desk at several key points, which is not something I noticed in the rest of the series. No real reflection on the book, but quite surprising to see so many - and quite so severe - as they are!
September 15, 2013
This is the eleventh book in Edward Marston's Domesday Mystery series. Set in the era following the Norman Conquest, two Domesday Commissioners are sent to Norwich in order to adjudicate a land dispute between two wealthy and unscrupulous land owners. Coincidentally, the landowners, de Fontenel and Mauger, are wooing Adelaide, a beautiful and wealthy widow. In order to win the lady's hand, de Fontenel presents her with two dazzling, solid-gold elephant miniatures. Early in the story, the elephants are stolen, a brutal murder occurs and the two commissioners have a murder and theft to solve. The two suitors are at each other's throats, blaming each for the theft and the murder.
I have read Marston's work before, having enjoyed another of his mystery series, set in Restoration England. I must say that I prefer those books, The King's Evil and The Amorous Nightingale, to this one Perhaps, I would be happier with this effort if I had read any of the previous ten instalments. I learned very little about the relationship between the two commissioners, so I must assume that this aspect was dealt with in earlier books. The plot kept me interested, the villains were definitely nasty pieces of work, but I did not feel the urge to "press on"' to discover the identity of the guilty party. The book certainly highlighted the dislike and in some cases, the hatred felt by those whose land was confiscated by Norman conquerors, and their minions.
Four different women have important roles to play as the story unfolds. Marston does a fine job illustrating the different roles each woman has within the existing community and culture, as a reflection of thinking at the time, concerning how women of specific economic and social backgrounds should or would, behave.
The Elephants of Norwich is acceptable as a "stand" alone" read, but I suspect that reading the earlier books in the series would have significantly enhanced my enjoyment of this one, and may have increased the rating given. My loyalty lies, perhaps unfairly, with his other Restoration series.
I have read Marston's work before, having enjoyed another of his mystery series, set in Restoration England. I must say that I prefer those books, The King's Evil and The Amorous Nightingale, to this one Perhaps, I would be happier with this effort if I had read any of the previous ten instalments. I learned very little about the relationship between the two commissioners, so I must assume that this aspect was dealt with in earlier books. The plot kept me interested, the villains were definitely nasty pieces of work, but I did not feel the urge to "press on"' to discover the identity of the guilty party. The book certainly highlighted the dislike and in some cases, the hatred felt by those whose land was confiscated by Norman conquerors, and their minions.
Four different women have important roles to play as the story unfolds. Marston does a fine job illustrating the different roles each woman has within the existing community and culture, as a reflection of thinking at the time, concerning how women of specific economic and social backgrounds should or would, behave.
The Elephants of Norwich is acceptable as a "stand" alone" read, but I suspect that reading the earlier books in the series would have significantly enhanced my enjoyment of this one, and may have increased the rating given. My loyalty lies, perhaps unfairly, with his other Restoration series.
December 27, 2022
I have been a huge fan of this series since the very first book, and Edward Marston continues to entertain with the latest instalment in the Domesday series.
Travelling to Norwich to settle yet another land dispute, Gervase and Ralph are yet again sucked into the centre of a mystery - the disappearance of two golden elephants, intended as a betrothal gift by one of the disputants in their case. From the manors of the two lords involved in the dispute, the rambunctious lady plotting them against one another and a monastery locked in the middle of a moorland, the commissioners must try to solve this ever increasing mystery, which becomes more and more imperative as the bodies of those involve start to pile up.
A fantastic read, very entertaining and a pleasure to read. A great instalment in a fantastic series.
Travelling to Norwich to settle yet another land dispute, Gervase and Ralph are yet again sucked into the centre of a mystery - the disappearance of two golden elephants, intended as a betrothal gift by one of the disputants in their case. From the manors of the two lords involved in the dispute, the rambunctious lady plotting them against one another and a monastery locked in the middle of a moorland, the commissioners must try to solve this ever increasing mystery, which becomes more and more imperative as the bodies of those involve start to pile up.
A fantastic read, very entertaining and a pleasure to read. A great instalment in a fantastic series.
June 10, 2023
Aah....sad day!!! ....This is the last novel in this Domesday series.....and what a brilliant series of books it's been.I have absolutely loved them all,they are so addictive,so fascinating,so enjoyable!Once I start one I just can't put it down until I'm finished.Edward Marston is just so clever.The only books that come anywhere near to the excellence of these are the Crowner John novels by Bernard Knight.They are wonderful too and are very similar to these ones but of course each series have their own particular characters and locations.I cannot recommend them enough to anyone who has an interest in historical fiction ( although they are based on true events ) particularly medieval history.Please let there be another one ....and soon!!
October 26, 2021
Edward Marston seldom disappoints, and he's on great form with this book. As a devotee of Marson's other series', I did not take to the Doomsday series at first, mainly due to the rudeness and irascibility of Ralph Delchard, However, as the series progressed, his character, while still basically choleric in nature, developed a sagacity that has completely redeemed him, and the latter books are really rather good mystery yarns, This one has a bit of everything, and while the final solution appeared to come from nowhere, it's well worth a read for all that.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free review copy of this book, given to me in return for an honest, unbiased review.
Thanks to Netgalley for the free review copy of this book, given to me in return for an honest, unbiased review.
December 28, 2023
I personally loved the book, I don't know specifically what it was about it but I was hooked. I had never read any of his books and did not realise there was a full series I had missed till after I finished the books but I had not realised at the time. It did not change my enjoyment however, and this quickly became one of my favourite books.
The story is simple yet brought to life by the fact it is well written. I would definitely recommend this book.
The story is simple yet brought to life by the fact it is well written. I would definitely recommend this book.
March 6, 2023
Set in the 11th century just twenty years after William the Conqueror and his Normans invaded and took over England, William’s grand survey of England is the backdrop for this historical mystery. Domesday Commissioners Ralph Delcahrd is a Norman soldier who fought at the Battle of Hastings while Gervase Bret is a talented lawyer who comes from mixed Saxon and Breton parentage. They have traveled to Norwich to settle several land disputes, the largest of which is a series of disputes between Richard de Fontenel and Mauger Livarot, bitter rivals in both the land disputes and their attempts to woo the beautiful widow lady Adelaide. Before Ralph and Gervase can get to the land disputes they are drawn into solving a theft and a murder. The golden elephants de Fontenel had offered to lady Adelaide as a wedding gift, if she agreed to marry him, have been stolen and the first suspect has shown up brutally murdered just outside the castle walls. As the investigation continues things take unexpected turns and suspects abound.
These are fascinating historical mysteries set in an unusual time period. Marston is a pseudonym for Keith Miles and the Domesday Mysteries is just one of several historical mystery series he has written. It is great to see these being reprinted
These are fascinating historical mysteries set in an unusual time period. Marston is a pseudonym for Keith Miles and the Domesday Mysteries is just one of several historical mystery series he has written. It is great to see these being reprinted
March 11, 2022
I have never read any of the previous books or even heard of this author before but I did enjoy this book.
I live in Norwich a beautiful and interesting city and I saw this book in Waterstones and literally chose it on it’s cover and title. Incidentally a different cover to the one above.
I wanted something light and fun and easy to read and this book was all three.
However I did find it took me a while to get into it and all the male characters seemed quite samey especially Ralph and Gervase.
The female characters were for me better drawn and more distinctive especially Olova the feisty Saxon landowner.
Their are some good and interesting descriptions of old Saxon Norwich with it’s market and Norman castle which dominates the city and I enjoyed them and mentions of other local villages and countryside.
Essentially this book is a murder mystery alongside a theft of the extremely valuable elephants and the interesting characters and backdrop made it an enjoyable read.
I think it would make a good film or TV series .
However I don’t feel interested enough in the main characters to continue to read the series hence my only marking it a three star .
I live in Norwich a beautiful and interesting city and I saw this book in Waterstones and literally chose it on it’s cover and title. Incidentally a different cover to the one above.
I wanted something light and fun and easy to read and this book was all three.
However I did find it took me a while to get into it and all the male characters seemed quite samey especially Ralph and Gervase.
The female characters were for me better drawn and more distinctive especially Olova the feisty Saxon landowner.
Their are some good and interesting descriptions of old Saxon Norwich with it’s market and Norman castle which dominates the city and I enjoyed them and mentions of other local villages and countryside.
Essentially this book is a murder mystery alongside a theft of the extremely valuable elephants and the interesting characters and backdrop made it an enjoyable read.
I think it would make a good film or TV series .
However I don’t feel interested enough in the main characters to continue to read the series hence my only marking it a three star .
October 15, 2025
My daughter introduced me to Edward Marston's books - and I am truly hooked. I have read the complete Doomsday Series and enjoyed all the stories.
Unfortunately, The Elephants of Norwich book that I have recently read, published by Allison & Busby ISBN 978-0-7490-2690-5, is the worst printed book I have come across. There are numerous typo errors throughout the book - missing apostrophes that changes the word and the sense of the meaning; 2 words joined together - loads of times throughout the book, names misspelled (Goile instead of Gold; Richard do Fonterel instead of Richard de Fonterel). Then I got confused whether there was one sheriff or more than one. If it was only one sheriff then the appostrophe was missing in front of the "s" when referring to the "sheriffs men". Although I enjoyed the story, it was mared and very frustrating coming across all those errors. I don't know if the typos are in just the publication that I have read, or whether the errors are in previous publications or whether they have been corrected in subsequent newer publications, if there have been any.
Unfortunately, The Elephants of Norwich book that I have recently read, published by Allison & Busby ISBN 978-0-7490-2690-5, is the worst printed book I have come across. There are numerous typo errors throughout the book - missing apostrophes that changes the word and the sense of the meaning; 2 words joined together - loads of times throughout the book, names misspelled (Goile instead of Gold; Richard do Fonterel instead of Richard de Fonterel). Then I got confused whether there was one sheriff or more than one. If it was only one sheriff then the appostrophe was missing in front of the "s" when referring to the "sheriffs men". Although I enjoyed the story, it was mared and very frustrating coming across all those errors. I don't know if the typos are in just the publication that I have read, or whether the errors are in previous publications or whether they have been corrected in subsequent newer publications, if there have been any.
August 2, 2022
I have read other books in this series but not all of them.
This did not affect my enjoyment of this book at all which is the measure of a great story teller.
Our heroes are in Norwich in their customary investigation into land disputes after the Norman Conquest and they become involved in a gruesome murder and the theft of some golden elephants.
I loved the way that we are put into a very different England, where people are looking for elephants and don't know what they look like!
As usual the calm level headed Normans help find fairness and peace in spite of some pretty nasty baddies.
This did not affect my enjoyment of this book at all which is the measure of a great story teller.
Our heroes are in Norwich in their customary investigation into land disputes after the Norman Conquest and they become involved in a gruesome murder and the theft of some golden elephants.
I loved the way that we are put into a very different England, where people are looking for elephants and don't know what they look like!
As usual the calm level headed Normans help find fairness and peace in spite of some pretty nasty baddies.
October 10, 2021
Ultimately I did quite enjoy this book but it took me a while to get into it though I don't suppose it helped that I hadn't read any previous ones in the serious. Set in the years following the Norman conquest it is the story of two Domesday Commissioners who go to Norwich to settle a land dispute between two men though this is never really tackled because of the other stuff that is going on. There is a theft and a brutal murder to be solved first.
It put my in mind of a Norman Sherlock Holmes.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It put my in mind of a Norman Sherlock Holmes.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 21, 2023
King William's Domesday Commissioners, Ralph Delchard and Gervase Bret, arrive in Norwich to settle more land disputes. As usual, things do not go as planned. Richard de Fontenel, one of the disputents, rides into the castle demanding that the Sheriff Roger Bigot immediately start a search for two gold elephants that have been stolen from his house. The next day Fontenel's man servant Hermer is discovered murdered. Of course the commissioners must help solve these mysteries before any hearings can be done. Another fascinating story ensues.
January 23, 2023
Elephants of Norwich
I have really enjoyed the Domesday Stories . This one, not as much. It was a great murder mystery, but what had been the most fascinating storyline, in previous books was not present here. Previous books have had a murder plot to attend to but, gave more of the deliberations re the Domesday itself. All wound up in the plot of course. I still look forward to the mystery murder plot. No
I have really enjoyed the Domesday Stories . This one, not as much. It was a great murder mystery, but what had been the most fascinating storyline, in previous books was not present here. Previous books have had a murder plot to attend to but, gave more of the deliberations re the Domesday itself. All wound up in the plot of course. I still look forward to the mystery murder plot. No
April 8, 2023
I enjoyed this book very much. Set at the time of the writing of the doomsday book, it follows two inspectors to Norwich, where they start out sorting out a land dispute between two volatile Norman nobles. They are also fighting over the hand of a rich widow who is not all she seems. This story involves two good elephants, a murder and an anchorite who helps to solve the mystery.
Typical me, I start with book 11 of 11!
Typical me, I start with book 11 of 11!
February 18, 2024
As in the other novels in this series, the royal commissioners are sidetracked from the main purpose (the Domesday book) into investigation of crimes that were committed [in this case murder and theft]. There are false leads, red herrings, pursued but finally justice is arrived at and the commissioners get on with the task that they came to Norwich in the first place.
I highly recommend this series as well as other series by this author. Edward Marston has a talent for historical mysteries.
I highly recommend this series as well as other series by this author. Edward Marston has a talent for historical mysteries.
January 16, 2020
I was looking to find another author who writes exciting and interesting Medieval mysteries and have found it in Edwards Marston's Domesday series. This first book has likeable characters and a good plot. I look forward to reading the next book.
September 28, 2021
Well done. The story didn't follow the usual pattern (grouchy host, Golde befriending suffering wife of grouchy host, etc.), which was refreshing and made the story more engaging. Great end to the series.
October 5, 2021
Another brilliant story to add to the series
This is another brilliantly crafted story that is a great addition to the series. The plot is one of mystery,that once again diverts the commissioners from their allotted task.
This is another brilliantly crafted story that is a great addition to the series. The plot is one of mystery,that once again diverts the commissioners from their allotted task.
October 20, 2021
I don't think that Edward Marston can write a bad book or a boring mystery and this novel was no exception.
Gripping, well written and highly entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Gripping, well written and highly entertaining.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 24, 2023
Very good.
Dawn,the series has finished,I grew to love the characters and stories.Though I find it hard to believe that so soon after the invasion there was intermarriage so romantic and wilful.oh well great stories all the same.
Dawn,the series has finished,I grew to love the characters and stories.Though I find it hard to believe that so soon after the invasion there was intermarriage so romantic and wilful.oh well great stories all the same.
March 11, 2024
These books are definitely my favorite mysteries , besides the 'Nicholas Bracewell' mysteries written by the same author. I cried when i finished this book because it's the last in the series. Such a great author.
January 14, 2025
I hadn't known this was one of a series, but having read it I found it worked as a standalone tale. An enjoyable medieval mystery, and I will be investigating the rest of the series.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
April 4, 2022
A straightforward mystery (3*) completely stuffed with typesetting errors. How can an author of over 100 books have so many errors?
May 23, 2022
Good story but there are so many typos in this book that took me out of the story and made it a hard read.
July 25, 2022
I wasn't aware this was one of a series but enjoyed it nonetheless. A medieval whodunnit, set in Norwich, it was well written and a good read.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
Thanks to the publisher for a review copy.
September 28, 2023
I'm bereft! There's nought left to read!
January 30, 2024
Great series well worth the read
June 1, 2024
Once I got over my disappointment that my pre-conception that there will be actual real elephants in Norwich, I enjoyed the book. Story went along at a good pace, with a couple of nice twists.
June 3, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this read
December 28, 2024
it was fine, nothing ground-breaking. the number of typos annoyed me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews