Falconer's Crusade

William Falconer #1

by Ian Morson

Set in the year 1264, this murder-mystery follows Regent Master William Falconer of Aristotle College, Oxford University, a progressive teacher and amateur detective, as he tries to solve the murder of Master John Fyssh's French servant girl. Falconer’s students are under suspicion and Falconer is drawn into a world of heresy, magic, violence and the political entanglements of Thirteenth-century Oxford.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Historical Mystery, Crime, Medieval, Fantasy

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

Born in 1947 in the Midlands town of Derby into a working class family whose members either worked for Rolls-Royce or on the railways. Educated at the local grammar school with high academic standards. The school was one of the first to start teaching Russian. Won a scholarship to Oxford University in 1965, and studied Russian. At Oxford, developed a love of folk music, and regularly performed at clubs and pubs. Was president of the Heritage Society. Almost met Bill Clinton (same college, wrong year). Fell in love with Oxford.
Obtained a grant to research into Folk-life studies at Leeds University for a year in 1968/69. Wrote a thesis on Folk and Music-hall songs. Had to look for a real job at the end of it.
Started work in London as a library assistant in Harrow, and progressed to a senior post in public libraries over the next twenty years. Got married (twice) and now lives in Mevagissey, Cornwall. Became interested in conservation, and spends a lot of time doing voluntary work for the National Trust. Also directs and performs for St Austell Players - local am-dram group.
Started writing for real at the age of 42, after having dabbled in (unperformed) radio plays and (unpublished) poetry. First Falconer novel published at the age of 47.

Reviews

[Berengaria · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

Not as good as Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael or Peter Tremaine's Sister Fidelma, but better than most modern-people-dressed-up-in-medieval-garb "light" historical mysteries.

Which this isn't exactly, but it comes close.

What "Falconer's Crusade" does do, is make full use of the traditional Oxonian Town vs Gown antagonism, the King Henry vs Simon de Montfort clashes, medieval English antisemitic attitudes and a host of real historical figures from the annals of Oxford University to flesh out what is essentially a textbook mystery.

Nice for a few hours' light reading, but not unique or engaging enough for anything more than 3 stars.

[Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the second book in the series in a used book store, and I loved it. So I looked for the first entry in the series, “Falconer’s Crusade,” and I loved it. Being a fan of historical novels, I thought it had a clever premise, good characterization, and a plot that kept one engrossed. Ian Morson’s “Falconer’s Crusade” is the first in a series that improves as it develops as a series (I read book 2 first). Morson seems to have a firm grasp of the setting of his mysteries and many of the historical details that make reading this sort of mystery enjoyable. What a delightful way to discover history; here we discover some of the conflicts that resulted in the monarchy of Edward I, the English king of Braveheart fame.

The mystery is set during the thirteenth-century at Oxford University, in 1264; the savage murder of a young girl kindles a frenzy of suspicion between Oxford’s privileged students and the poor townspeople. One of Falconer's students literally stumbles over the fresh corpse of a beautiful young girl and narrowly escapes from being beaten to death by an irate mob of townspeople by hiding in the Jewish ghetto. Regent Master Falconer rushes to his young student’s defense and begins what becomes a dangerous investigation. During the course of the mystery, we also discover that young Prince Edward, weak King Henry III's son, is being wooed by rebellious barons.

Ian Morson introduces an intriguing sleuth, Regent Master William Falconer of Aristotle College, Oxford University, who calls himself a "deductionist." The characters are believable and well developed, as is the discrimination between the students and the “town folks” as well as between Christian and Jew. I especially appreciated the subplot involving the Jewish quarter of Oxford and issues related to the prejudices of medieval times which are sadly not so different from today. The plot is cleverly crafted and well thought out. Often in mysteries, the reader can predict the way the story might go, but Morson puts some nice twists and unexpected turns into the plot which made it challenging. This mystery is enjoyable; Morson appears to have researched the historical details about the life and times of Medieval England.

[Sensitivemuse · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty short mystery to read through. Looks can be deceiving though. Despite being short, it’s packed in with some heavy duty stuff.

The setting for example. Very rich in detail and gives you a sense on how it was back then in William Falconer’s time. Add in some political intrigue, a Jewish Quarter, and some rioting and it gets pretty exciting. I really can’t get over how great the setting is. It’s so descriptive you can feel the darkness and the dampness that permeates throughout the novel. Morson also does an excellent job to stay close to historical accuracy here in this novel as well. Forensic pathology is frowned upon, and you even get to see Falconer try on a strange contraption that looks a lot like Medieval opera glasses at the time. :)

The plot is pretty straight forward although there is not much of a secret mystery element in it. The suspect list is not extensive (thankfully! You’ll see why as you read further into this review) and when revealed it’s not much of a surprise or an a ha! Moment. There isn’t much personality to the characters except Falconer and his student Thomas. Thomas is a particular dolt. A Farmer boy who managed to be gifted and chosen to study and be a Scholar, well, for all the idiotic moves he makes, you have to wonder how the University chose this guy to let him attend their school. He fumbles and stumbles at the worst times and always manages to get himself into some life threatening situations (and doesn’t learn from it). It was funny the first few times, but after a while it gets annoying and you want to slap this boy upside the head. (You don’t deserve Hannah’s attention, you twit).

I’m going to assume it will get better with other books in this series, and this one serves as an introduction to the series. Since I really do love the historical aspect I will stick with this series and see where it takes me. Historical mystery lovers will love the setting and theme of this book, the mystery part, not so much.

[Ed Mestre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ellis Peter’s Cadfael series doesn’t have a lot to worry about, but the William Falconer series definitely has some potential. This short book opens up 13th century Oxford the way Cadfael did Medieval monastic life. When I visited Oxford, some years ago, I heard about the tensions in the past between town and gown. They are definitely at the forefront here. The epilogue actually made this novel even more intriguing, revealing the main characters and even several minor ones, were actually real historical figures, including Oxford Regent, William Falconer. The way the epilogue summed up what happened to everyone also feels like Ian Morson hadn’t planned on writing any more. Since I have 8 more books on my digital bookshelf, I’d say the plan failed. In summary, the books are good enough and short enough, for me to eventually get to the rest.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

#1 in the William Falconer medieval mystery series. Falconer is in his 40's and the Regent Master of Aristotle's Hall at Oxford University. He has a fascination for the obscure with an interest in scientific experiments whose hobby is solving murders. He is considered an eccentric who suffers from poor eyesight and used Aristotle's deductive reasoning methods to solve mysteries. Prior to becoming an academic, he was a mercenary who traveled a lot.

1264. England is in turmoil as the barons prepare to challenge King Henry III. Falconer works to solve the murder of a French girl, servant to another master. In the process, others are killed,. Falconer joins forces with Oxford town constable Peter Bullock to solve the case.

[Mark Higginbottom · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first in a series of novels featuring Regent Master William Falconer in thirteenth century England.This was a great introduction...set in Oxford it concerns murders set around the College's and involves Jews plus the visit of Prince Edward to the University.I really enjoyed it as it reminded me very much of Susanna Gregory's books,Bernard Knight 's Crowner John books plus Edward Marston's Doomsday crime series which are all excellent.I look forward to the rest of the series as this was a terrific beginning.

[Verity Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clunky

This could have been an interesting story, but the writing was simply too clunky for me enjoy it. The point of view bounces unexpectedly from character to character, and it takes a long time before the characters become more than superficially different from each other, with the result that the flow of the story is sometimes confusing. And the historical context is not very well delineated.

I guess I should have known better than to pick up a book that calls itself "unputdownable" in the subtitle.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This view of the beginnings of Oxford University was very enlightening. I found the depictions of interactions among academics, townspeople, and outsiders to be solid. The desire to figure out who was committing the murders kept me going even when I found many of the characters to be unlikeable. When I read the end notes explaining what is historically known of each of them, I was surprised as I hadn't realized so much was based on real people and events.

[Timothy Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really three and a half stars. I really liked the character of Falconer, who I met once in the first Medieval Murderers collection, and for such a short book there isn't really any thing regarding the story that I would change. No, I had to knock down half a point because of the editing. The story would change points of view in mid paragraph! One second I'm following Falconer then without any warning I'm with his student Thomas. I hope this gets cleaned up in the next book.

[Colin Mitchell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first part of a cheap box set on Kindle. William Falconer is a master of a college in Oxford in c1274. He has a penchant for detection and sets to work when the body of a servant woman is found in the street. Steady detection and the help or hindrance of his new pupil, Thomas Symon, see him through.

The book is short, and at points, the paragraphs do not flow well together. Otherwise, this is a reasonable read. The characters? Well, they are quite good. 2 stars.

[Pogo Dragon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is ... OK. It's a by the numbers, vaguely early medieval set, 'detective' novel. There are some interesting touches but I'm very glad I'm not an early medieval specialist.

I'll read at least the next one or two. I expect them to be entertaining enough but not particularly substantial.

[Cindie · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I have no desire to pick up the book to read, I know that the book is not very engaging. Forced myself to read this one, not reading another. This book was disjointed and the characters were not enjoyable. Moving on.

[Alessandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un giallo snello e affascinante, ambientato nel XIII secolo con atmosfere che richiamano "Il nome della rosa". Accurato inoltre anche nella ricostruzione storica. Un protagonista dedito alla logica deduttiva aristotelica. Lettura super consigliata.

[Gill · Rating 3 out of 5]

OK, but not sure I'll bother with more. There's a strong sense of thirteenth century Oxford, but a rather anachronistic assumption that academics would have "piles" of books, which I find a bit grating. Sensitive depiction of Oxford Jewry.

[Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was well written with a series of deaths and clear steps revealing the murderer. I liked the style, which combined description of people and localities with dialogues and didn't drag. Good book and I am looking forward to read another mystery solved by Master William Falconer.

[Ma'lis Wendt · Rating 3 out of 5]

William Falconer is a Master Regent at Oxford College in 1264, he is expecting his new pupil Thomas Symon. Before Thomas arrives in Oxford a young girl is found murdered and the townspeople are up in arms. Falconer has a reputation of solving mysteries and involves Tom in his investigation.

[Frances · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first in a series set in Medieval Oxford, this was an enjoyable debut.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

An Oxford University professor uses reason and logic to determine what really happened in the case of mysterious deaths. Not compelling enough for me to read more.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting but very simple tale of murder in Oxford in the 13th century.

[David Stimpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a Bad start ..it kept Me interested and I liked the Characters. .I shall look forward to Book 2

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light historical murder mystery. Not as good as Ellis Peters though.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good introduction to the series and it kept me guessing until the big reveal.

[Logan Truesdell · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5. Not well detailed and didn’t tie up many, if any loose ends. It felt a bit like I was reading Sword in the Stone by Disney but with an extra murder.

[Sheila Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good solid historical mystery, engagingly written, good historical detail

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oxford 1264. When Margaret Gebetz, servant to Master John Fyssh is murdered Regent Master William Falconer Investigates using Aristotelian Logic.
An enjoyable historical and well-written mystery with its likeable main character. A good start to this series.

[Lia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sinceramente, non sono riuscita a finirlo. Mi aspettavo molto, ma forse il modo di scrivere mi ha allontanato dalla storia, un continuo andirivieni dalla testa di un personaggio all'altro. Peccato.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Falconer is scholar in Oxford in the 13th century, just at the time of Simon de Montfort the younger's revolt against Henry III. He investigates the death of a young servant girl, which leads to several other deaths. They turn out to be linked to a Cathar Bible and Earl Simon's father's leadership of the Albigensian Crusade which destroyed the Cathars, or more exactly, created the political framework for their destruction. The hero is rather self-consciously progressive for his era, believing in dissection of victims (early CSI), tolerance for Jews, and the roundness of the earth --the last was in fact much less controversial at the time than this book suggests. His naive young pupil has an incipient romance with a Jewish maiden which would probably have been fatal in real life.

[Meg Morden · Rating 3 out of 5]

My sister gave me this book a long time ago and I just found it while I was packing up my books for moving.
William Falconer is the Master of Aristotle House in Oxford in the year 1264, the year of the student riot at Smith Gate. England is plunged in civil war and a young maidservant is murdered on the streets of Oxford.
It is a good glimpse into medieval university life and that was what I found most compelling. also interesting is the portrait of the Jewish population of Oxford as the mystery takes place before the expulsion of the Jews in 1290 CE. Not the best mystery but I will look up the other books in this series.

[Deirdre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Master William Falconer tinkers with bird skeletons in a vain attempt to understand the princeples of flight in 1264 while Simon de Montfort prepares to challenge the authority of Henry III. Things are uneasy in Oxford and theres a lot of politics making some very strange bedfellows.

When a servant girl is savagely murdered and Thomas Symon is a serious suspect as well as Falconer's student he feels it necessary to investigate and what he finds brings in heresy and a lot of politics.

It's an interesting read, full of interesting characters and the politics are quite detailed.

[Sumi · Rating 2 out of 5]

The setting for this mystery is 13th century Oxford. Regent Master William Falconer is the amateur detective using Aristotelian logic to solve his cases.

Descriptions of 'collegiate life' of the time are very interesting and the mystery itself wasn't bad, but I wasn't as taken by this book as I was hoping to be.

For fans of the genre of medieval mysteries, it's worth trying and I will probably read a couple more in the series before I come out with a definitive 'yea' or 'nay' on it.