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Owen Archer #8
The Cross-Legged Knight
Will the death of a prominent knight lead to the Bishop of Winchester's downfall? Owen Archer investigates threats, scandal and murder after Sir Ranulf Pagnell dies in France.
York, 1371. William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, has made many enemies since York knight Sir Ranulf Pagnell died imprisoned in France while Wykeham negotiated his ransom. After escorting Sir Ranulf's body back to the city, Wykeham realises that his own life is in grave danger.
VENGEANCE IS COMING . . .
The bishop's woes increase when one of his properties in the city is set alight, with horrific consequences. Was it a thoughtless act of revenge or a deliberate murder? Why was someone searching for important documents in the house just before the fire, including those linked to the Pagnells?
A DEADLY DECEPTION.
As Owen investigates, he uncovers a shocking secret linked to Sir Ranulf's terrible fate. A secret someone is prepared to go to any lengths to keep hidden . . .
THE OWEN ARCHER MYSTERIES
1. The Apothecary Rose
2. The Lady Chapel
3. The Nun's Tale
4. The King's Bishop
5. The Riddle of St. Leonard's
6. The Gift of Sanctuary
7. A Spy for the Redeemer
8. The Cross-Legged Knight
9. The Guilt of Innocents
10. A Vigil of Spies
11. A Conspiracy of Wolves
12. A Choir of Crows
13. The Riverwoman's Dragon
14. A Fox in the Fold
York, 1371. William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, has made many enemies since York knight Sir Ranulf Pagnell died imprisoned in France while Wykeham negotiated his ransom. After escorting Sir Ranulf's body back to the city, Wykeham realises that his own life is in grave danger.
VENGEANCE IS COMING . . .
The bishop's woes increase when one of his properties in the city is set alight, with horrific consequences. Was it a thoughtless act of revenge or a deliberate murder? Why was someone searching for important documents in the house just before the fire, including those linked to the Pagnells?
A DEADLY DECEPTION.
As Owen investigates, he uncovers a shocking secret linked to Sir Ranulf's terrible fate. A secret someone is prepared to go to any lengths to keep hidden . . .
THE OWEN ARCHER MYSTERIES
1. The Apothecary Rose
2. The Lady Chapel
3. The Nun's Tale
4. The King's Bishop
5. The Riddle of St. Leonard's
6. The Gift of Sanctuary
7. A Spy for the Redeemer
8. The Cross-Legged Knight
9. The Guilt of Innocents
10. A Vigil of Spies
11. A Conspiracy of Wolves
12. A Choir of Crows
13. The Riverwoman's Dragon
14. A Fox in the Fold
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2002
133 people are currently reading
542 people want to read
About the author
Candace Robb
47 books509 followersStoryteller, mythweaver, author of the Owen Archer, Kate Clifford, & Margaret Kerr mysteries. Primary residence, medieval York.
I blog about writing, medieval history, writing women's stories, and feature new scholarship in my field at candacerobbbooks.com, and share loads of medieval news, folklore, and whimsy on my facebook page, Candace Robb
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 26, 2021
This amazing medieval mystery is the 8th volume of the astonishing "Owen Archer" series, from the US author, Candace Robb.
Story-telling is once again of a top-notch quality, the atmosphere of York itself and its people inhabiting the place come superbly off the pages, while all figures, whether great historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly and very lifelike to life within this great mystery.
At the beginning of the book you'll find well-drawn maps of 14th Century York, and certain spots that will play an important part in this astounding medieval story.
At the back you'll notice an Author's Note, and in there the historical details concerning this tale are superbly documented and explained by the author.
The book starts with a short prologue set in October, AD 1371, in which William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, escapes with his life after nearly being (deliberately) hit by falling debris from the scaffolding at York Minster.
After this incident Bishop William will get ever more frantic about his life, seeing enemies everywhere, especially Lancastrians, even the Lady Pagnell, widow of the late Sir Ranulf Pagnell, a Knight who died in France and who's heart has been brought by Bishop William to York, to be buried there, but when Bishop William's home in York gets burned down and a woman, Cisotta, is found murdered there, Owen Archer is summoned by Archbishop John Thoresby with the request to investigate this case and solve this murder as quickly as possible.
What is to follow is an intriguing and exciting mystery, and although having domestic problems with his wife, Lucie, due to their heartbreaking loss of their unborn child, problems that will certainly exhaust him, his investigations will take him towards various suspects, and after some twists and turns that is followed with a very convincing plot the culprit will finally be revealed of the murder of the woman called, Cisotta, a woman who was very dear to both Lucie and Owen, and justice be done.
Highly recommended, for this series is getter better all the time, and what this episode is concerned, I like to call it: "A Magnificent Owen Archer Medieval Mystery"!
Story-telling is once again of a top-notch quality, the atmosphere of York itself and its people inhabiting the place come superbly off the pages, while all figures, whether great historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly and very lifelike to life within this great mystery.
At the beginning of the book you'll find well-drawn maps of 14th Century York, and certain spots that will play an important part in this astounding medieval story.
At the back you'll notice an Author's Note, and in there the historical details concerning this tale are superbly documented and explained by the author.
The book starts with a short prologue set in October, AD 1371, in which William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, escapes with his life after nearly being (deliberately) hit by falling debris from the scaffolding at York Minster.
After this incident Bishop William will get ever more frantic about his life, seeing enemies everywhere, especially Lancastrians, even the Lady Pagnell, widow of the late Sir Ranulf Pagnell, a Knight who died in France and who's heart has been brought by Bishop William to York, to be buried there, but when Bishop William's home in York gets burned down and a woman, Cisotta, is found murdered there, Owen Archer is summoned by Archbishop John Thoresby with the request to investigate this case and solve this murder as quickly as possible.
What is to follow is an intriguing and exciting mystery, and although having domestic problems with his wife, Lucie, due to their heartbreaking loss of their unborn child, problems that will certainly exhaust him, his investigations will take him towards various suspects, and after some twists and turns that is followed with a very convincing plot the culprit will finally be revealed of the murder of the woman called, Cisotta, a woman who was very dear to both Lucie and Owen, and justice be done.
Highly recommended, for this series is getter better all the time, and what this episode is concerned, I like to call it: "A Magnificent Owen Archer Medieval Mystery"!
October 21, 2024
Quando ero ormai a metà libro, ed ero curiosa di scoprire l'evoluzione della storia, ho scoperto che è parte di una serie. Sicuramente per quanto concerne "il caso" può essere letto indipendentemente dagli altri volumi però forse mi sono persa delle vicende riguardanti la vita privata dei protagonisti.
Punto di forza l'ambientazione e i dettagli storici e sociali di fondo. Ci troviamo a York nel 1371, quindi siamo di fronte a un giallo medievale e la vita dell'epoca viene descritta in maniera coinvolgente.
Non deve essere facile costruire un buon giallo di fantasia attorno a così tante persone ed eventi storici reali, ma l'autrice fa un ottimo lavoro.
Mi piacerebbe leggere qualche altro volume, ma mi spaventa la lunghezza della serie.
Punto di forza l'ambientazione e i dettagli storici e sociali di fondo. Ci troviamo a York nel 1371, quindi siamo di fronte a un giallo medievale e la vita dell'epoca viene descritta in maniera coinvolgente.
Non deve essere facile costruire un buon giallo di fantasia attorno a così tante persone ed eventi storici reali, ma l'autrice fa un ottimo lavoro.
Mi piacerebbe leggere qualche altro volume, ma mi spaventa la lunghezza della serie.
May 11, 2021
I realised that I haven’t read any mysteries by Candace Robb recently, so I bought one of the Owen Archer mysteries! I’ve previously read The Apothecary Rose, which is the first book in the series, so while The Cross-Legged Knight was a bit of a leap forward (it’s the 8th book in the series), I enjoyed it very much.
The Cross-Legged Knight starts with the arrival of William of Wykeham, the Bishop of Winchester and the former Lord Chancellor of England. He came to return the remains of Sir Ranulf Pagnell and negotiate with his widow over a piece of land. However, his loss of power has affected him and he sees the shadow of the Duke of Lancaster everywhere. So when a fire is started in his townhouse and a murdered woman found in it, he becomes very worried and Captain Owen Archer is called to investigate.
One thing about jumping ahead in a series is that one tends to miss a lot. In this case, I was heartened to see many of the characters that appeared in Book 1, so while I was curious about all that happened between The Apothecary Rose and The Cross-Legged Knight, I wasn’t lost. Instead, it felt like seeing friends after a very long absence and observing the way that they changed.
The characters that stood out to me were Own and his wife Lucie. Owen is a meticulous and clever investigator, and it was a joy to see him slowly work through the case. Lucie is just as capable as Owen and I was really glad to see that he took her seriously and let her help in the investigation. I especially appreciated the way Owen and Lucie responded to a tragedy that happened just before the start of the book. While I don’t have personal experience with their tragedy, I thought the way that they reacted was very realistic (especially Lucie’s fears and how she overcame them), and that it was a testament to the depth of their relationship that Owen was also affected by it. It made the two of them feel very real to me.
As usual, this book was filled with details of medieval York. It was fascinating and made me want to revisit the city! The author’s note was also very illuminating because although I knew about John of Gaunt, I didn’t realise that he was the Duke of Lancaster that William of Wykeham had so much enmity with!
Overall, this is a great medieval mystery that I think would appeal to both fans of mysteries and fans of historical novels! I’m definitely going to go back and read the Owen Archer mysteries from Book 2 onwards.
This review was first posted at Eustea Reads
The Cross-Legged Knight starts with the arrival of William of Wykeham, the Bishop of Winchester and the former Lord Chancellor of England. He came to return the remains of Sir Ranulf Pagnell and negotiate with his widow over a piece of land. However, his loss of power has affected him and he sees the shadow of the Duke of Lancaster everywhere. So when a fire is started in his townhouse and a murdered woman found in it, he becomes very worried and Captain Owen Archer is called to investigate.
One thing about jumping ahead in a series is that one tends to miss a lot. In this case, I was heartened to see many of the characters that appeared in Book 1, so while I was curious about all that happened between The Apothecary Rose and The Cross-Legged Knight, I wasn’t lost. Instead, it felt like seeing friends after a very long absence and observing the way that they changed.
The characters that stood out to me were Own and his wife Lucie. Owen is a meticulous and clever investigator, and it was a joy to see him slowly work through the case. Lucie is just as capable as Owen and I was really glad to see that he took her seriously and let her help in the investigation. I especially appreciated the way Owen and Lucie responded to a tragedy that happened just before the start of the book. While I don’t have personal experience with their tragedy, I thought the way that they reacted was very realistic (especially Lucie’s fears and how she overcame them), and that it was a testament to the depth of their relationship that Owen was also affected by it. It made the two of them feel very real to me.
As usual, this book was filled with details of medieval York. It was fascinating and made me want to revisit the city! The author’s note was also very illuminating because although I knew about John of Gaunt, I didn’t realise that he was the Duke of Lancaster that William of Wykeham had so much enmity with!
Overall, this is a great medieval mystery that I think would appeal to both fans of mysteries and fans of historical novels! I’m definitely going to go back and read the Owen Archer mysteries from Book 2 onwards.
This review was first posted at Eustea Reads
November 27, 2024
3.5 ⭐
Tralasciando il fatto che è l'ottavo libro di una serie, funziona bene anche come autoconclusivo.
Sono riuscita a destreggiarmi tranquillamente tra personaggi e ambientazioni (tra l'altro ben costruite, tridimensionali e concrete) e non ho dubbi che, leggendo altri libri della serie, non avrò problemi ad ambientarmi perché mi sono rimasti impressi. Anche il giallo e le relative indagini hanno un buon ritmo, anche se - almeno per me, che ho familiarità con le serie investigative e poliziesche - niente di particolarmente innovativo, piuttosto inserito nei canoni del genere.
MA IL TITOLO??? Non c'entra assolutamente niente con la storia, non c'è nessun cavaliere assassinato (tranne quello che è morto all'inizio della storia e su cui NON ci si focalizza) oppure hanno incollato la copertina sbagliata su un libro che parlava d'altro.
A meno che non sia stato messo lì per intorbidire le acque e depistare, in tal caso alzo le mani.
E io che l'ho letto proprio perché volevo un giallo che ruotasse intorno all'assassinio di un cavaliere!
Tralasciando il fatto che è l'ottavo libro di una serie, funziona bene anche come autoconclusivo.
Sono riuscita a destreggiarmi tranquillamente tra personaggi e ambientazioni (tra l'altro ben costruite, tridimensionali e concrete) e non ho dubbi che, leggendo altri libri della serie, non avrò problemi ad ambientarmi perché mi sono rimasti impressi. Anche il giallo e le relative indagini hanno un buon ritmo, anche se - almeno per me, che ho familiarità con le serie investigative e poliziesche - niente di particolarmente innovativo, piuttosto inserito nei canoni del genere.
MA IL TITOLO??? Non c'entra assolutamente niente con la storia, non c'è nessun cavaliere assassinato (tranne quello che è morto all'inizio della storia e su cui NON ci si focalizza) oppure hanno incollato la copertina sbagliata su un libro che parlava d'altro.
A meno che non sia stato messo lì per intorbidire le acque e depistare, in tal caso alzo le mani.
E io che l'ho letto proprio perché volevo un giallo che ruotasse intorno all'assassinio di un cavaliere!
July 2, 2022
Another great book in this series. Not as many red herrings as in some of the previous books but considerably more character development involving both Owen and his wife, Lucie. Owen is a classic workaholic who consistently puts work ahead of home and family, to the point that he sometimes leaves his wife in dangerous situations because he is busy chasing down witnesses. It was nice to see Lucie finally get a chance to get involved in some of the sleuthing, but Owen seems to discount much of her work. The true history around which this story is built is remarkably interesting. It must be hard to build a good fictional mystery around so many actual historical people and events, but the author does a great job of it.
March 7, 2020
Nachdem ich vor einigen Monaten Band eins beendet hatte, beschloss ich, der Reihe noch eine Chance zu geben. Das Buch war damals für mich "ganz ok" gewesen - aber reicht das aus, um eine acht oder neun Bände lange Reihe zu lesen?
Antwort: nein.
Denn obwohl ich nun Band acht gelesen habe, hatte ich nicht das Gefühl, dass sich die Figuren gross weiterentwickelt haben. Sie schienen grösstenteils immer noch dieselben zu sein wie sieben Bücher zuvor. Deswegen war dieses Buch für mich sogar etwas weniger als ok.
Und das ist auch der Grund, weshalb ich diese Reihe definitiv nicht weiterlesen werde. Denn "ganz ok" reicht definitiv nicht dafür aus.
Antwort: nein.
Denn obwohl ich nun Band acht gelesen habe, hatte ich nicht das Gefühl, dass sich die Figuren gross weiterentwickelt haben. Sie schienen grösstenteils immer noch dieselben zu sein wie sieben Bücher zuvor. Deswegen war dieses Buch für mich sogar etwas weniger als ok.
Und das ist auch der Grund, weshalb ich diese Reihe definitiv nicht weiterlesen werde. Denn "ganz ok" reicht definitiv nicht dafür aus.
June 2, 2022
Another very good Owen the Archer mystery, set in York in 1371. It’s the background historical and social details and the plausible settings and relationships that make up for a mystery where information is gradually uncovered with suspects and observers often interrupted or hiding relevant detail which helps prolong the story. A woman is murdered immediately before a fire destroys the Bishop’s town house as ex-Chancellor Wykeham visits and the forces of Lancaster lurk. Some excellent characters, particularly Owen’s wife, Lucie, help engage.
November 23, 2016
I came to number eight in the series late due to cost. Then, finally, the two Owen Archer books I had yet to read became available on Kindle Unlimited. These books are rich in historic detail, something I appreciate. A death mixed with fire present complicated mystery to untangle for Owen and Lucie who is physically and emotionally hurting throughout the tale after a recent miscarriage.
May 14, 2022
Ho deciso, cosa mai fatta prima, di recensire insieme gli ultimi libri di questa serie. Il motivo è molto semplice: non ne posso più.
Per quanto brava, l’autrice mi ha esasperata, ha esaurito tutta la mia passione e pazienza di lettrice.
Basta, basta, basta!
Non se ne può più di questa storia trascinata fino allo spasmo.
Non sono casi distinti, come quelli di Hercule Poirot, qui è una telenovela infinita costellata di morti e casi sempre più improbabili e meno credibili.
Manca lo slancio, l’evoluzione dei personaggi, la fantasia creativa.
Molte parti dei libri sono descrizioni noiose e ridondanti, le scene d'azione hanno perso il loro effetto.
A un certo punto sembra che Candace Robb abbia scritto questi libri perché doveva scriverli e non perché voleva scriverli.
Li rileggerei? No.
Per quanto brava, l’autrice mi ha esasperata, ha esaurito tutta la mia passione e pazienza di lettrice.
Basta, basta, basta!
Non se ne può più di questa storia trascinata fino allo spasmo.
Non sono casi distinti, come quelli di Hercule Poirot, qui è una telenovela infinita costellata di morti e casi sempre più improbabili e meno credibili.
Manca lo slancio, l’evoluzione dei personaggi, la fantasia creativa.
Molte parti dei libri sono descrizioni noiose e ridondanti, le scene d'azione hanno perso il loro effetto.
A un certo punto sembra che Candace Robb abbia scritto questi libri perché doveva scriverli e non perché voleva scriverli.
Li rileggerei? No.
July 20, 2024
An ok read. Could have done with a glossary of terms as when I looked up scrip it says “writing” or “prescription” but it reads as if it’s a bag of sorts.
Felt sad for Cissota’s children as their dad was 40 years older than their mother so the chances are they would be orphaned in the near future.
Why was Lucie know by her former husband’s name, Wilton, when she was married to Owen Archer (or was she actually married)? This was my first book by this author so maybe that was answered in a previous book.
Lucie annoyed me “Alisoun has much to learn”. Give the girl a break, she is only 13! Maybe teach her yourself instead of sleuthing!
Also 2 characters named John! I know it happens in real life but still.
Felt sad for Cissota’s children as their dad was 40 years older than their mother so the chances are they would be orphaned in the near future.
Why was Lucie know by her former husband’s name, Wilton, when she was married to Owen Archer (or was she actually married)? This was my first book by this author so maybe that was answered in a previous book.
Lucie annoyed me “Alisoun has much to learn”. Give the girl a break, she is only 13! Maybe teach her yourself instead of sleuthing!
Also 2 characters named John! I know it happens in real life but still.
February 6, 2022
On the orders of Archbishop Thoresby, Owen Archer must protect the visiting Bishop William of Wykeham who has made powerful enemies. Owen must also deal with his wife, Luci Wilton's recent miscarriage. Luci suffers from depression and weakness from so much loss of blood. In the meantime there is a terrible fire in which Luci's friend, a midwife, is found dead. A badly burnt man servant is also found. The midwife was murdered and Owen must solve this quickly because too many innocent people are involved. Lots of historical references!
August 23, 2022
Another great installment in the Owen Archer/Lucy Wilton historical mystery series. In this book, Archer is tasked with protecting William of Wykeham, who has insulted and angered John of Gaunt, thus pitting him against the Lancaster faction. Wykeham is not a very likable character and Archbishop Thorsby hopes to have his visitor return to London safely.
But, of course, intrigue and violence ensue. Who's behind it?
But, of course, intrigue and violence ensue. Who's behind it?
January 1, 2023
I have a habit of picking up a series somewhere in the middle. This was the first Owen Archer book I read and it convinced me to give the rest of the series a try. I like books that introduce one to the way people lived. This one involves goldsmiths, a fire, leather workers, a midwife, an apothocary, loss of a child, merchants, the church, an elderly spy who died on foreign soil and his grieving family.
January 26, 2023
Man this was bad. I couldn't finish it. I tried three times and still only got a third of the way through. Turgid writing is the nicest way to phrase it. I think the author would rather write a textbook.
Out of curiousity I picked up a Cadfael for comparison. And laid out one page beside one of Robb's pages. The differences in writing jump out at you.
If you love Medieval stories maybe you can get by this, but I wouldn't recommend trying.
Out of curiousity I picked up a Cadfael for comparison. And laid out one page beside one of Robb's pages. The differences in writing jump out at you.
If you love Medieval stories maybe you can get by this, but I wouldn't recommend trying.
September 11, 2020
1371 William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester arrives in York with the remains of Sir Ranulf Pagnell. His arrivals brings tension to York, but soon the burning of one of his homes uncovers a dead female. Owen Archer investigates.
Enjoyable and well-written historical mystery
Enjoyable and well-written historical mystery
May 19, 2020
I always enjoy reading books by Candace Robb and this book was no different. The characters and story kept me reading without taking a break.
June 13, 2021
. . . A satisfying medieval mystery for those of us who enjoy getting lost in the complexities of another time, another place and a world equally complex as the one we inhabit.
Read
September 7, 2021Bello,ricco di suspense e come sempre pieno di riferimenti storici interessantissimi! Uno dei più belli della Robb.
February 23, 2023
Romanzo storico, ambientato nel medioevo scritto con garbo e con cognizione di causa.
February 28, 2017
I really enjoyed the help that Owen got in this book
I enjoyed the characters of York helping out in this book. Owen's family members and neighbor helped too. This was a big change from the last two. It was great to have Owen working at home.
I enjoyed the characters of York helping out in this book. Owen's family members and neighbor helped too. This was a big change from the last two. It was great to have Owen working at home.
March 19, 2013
I couldn't decide how to rate this one but choose to go with the high points as it did keep me reading at a quick pace, eager to see the conclusion. It was well researched, the historical points that have some question were decided clearly. I enjoyed a couple of the characters immensely, especially The Riverwoman, Magda. There was a bit too much physical description of nastiness for my taste but it surely put me right into the moment! The main trouble for me was Owen Archer himself...I'm not too sure I like him. He's quick enough, sure enough for his role but he seemed a very selfish man at times (aren't we all though?) and there was a bit of harping on his wife's illness...honestly he couldn't have solved things nearly so well without her! I read reviews on Amazon and see that this might not have been the best of the book series and will certainly give it a second go.
August 8, 2009
This book had been on my to-read list for so long, that I no longer have any recollection why it made it on there in the first place. Somebody must have recommended it to me, and I'm a bit puzzled as to why, as it turned out (half way through the book) that it's the 8th book in a series!!! Thankfully the books seem to be only very loosely connected, so the lack of a background didn't matter too much.
It was an okay story, but I'm really not big on whodunnits, so it only gets an "average" rating from me. I also felt that the climax and the conclusion were poorly done and not compelling enough to warrant 300 pages' worth of build-up.
While I may check out some of the author's other works, I doubt I'll be reading more in this series.
It was an okay story, but I'm really not big on whodunnits, so it only gets an "average" rating from me. I also felt that the climax and the conclusion were poorly done and not compelling enough to warrant 300 pages' worth of build-up.
While I may check out some of the author's other works, I doubt I'll be reading more in this series.
July 22, 2016
The Cross-legged Knight by Candace Robb in the 8th in the Owen Archer series. This is one of my favorite medieval mystery series because Candace Robb not only evokes the 14th c city of York in such detail, but has managed to create such interesting characters (both fictional and historic) who develop from one book to another.
The title comes from the legend that knights who have been on a Crusade were often depicted with crossed legs. As in her previous books, Robb manages to introduce history without being pedantic, as well as plot an intriguing mystery.
I've reviewed several of Robb's novels, and even if this is not my favorite, I continue to love this series.
Purchased.
Historic Mystery. Print length: 316 pages.
The title comes from the legend that knights who have been on a Crusade were often depicted with crossed legs. As in her previous books, Robb manages to introduce history without being pedantic, as well as plot an intriguing mystery.
I've reviewed several of Robb's novels, and even if this is not my favorite, I continue to love this series.
Purchased.
Historic Mystery. Print length: 316 pages.
September 28, 2015
Owen is home and has been for a while. Lucie has lost a pregnancy due to a fall and is quite depressed even some time later worrying most everyone. A friend's father has died in captivity after the ransom to the French went awry. The family blames the Bishop of Winchester and Owen is forced to protect him from unseen threats from the Lancastrian allies of the family. A fire at a home the bishop rents out kills a woman who once helped Lucie. Lucie and Owen are out of sync which is annoying given the last two books had them in different countries. Never really find out the whole motive. Not my favorite in the series
February 11, 2015
This is my first Owen Archer novel, although I think its the sixth in the series. I was able to jump right in without an issue; despite the fact that there was so much rich history behind these characters.
This was a very good medieval mystery with some raw emotion and some slow healing between the main characters. I found it fairly realistic and entertaining. Some characters were especially endearing (like Magda) and have obviously been part of the pre-existing storyverse.
This was a very good medieval mystery with some raw emotion and some slow healing between the main characters. I found it fairly realistic and entertaining. Some characters were especially endearing (like Magda) and have obviously been part of the pre-existing storyverse.
April 8, 2008
I love the Owen Archer mysteries and I can't remember the last time I read one. This one kept me guessing. It was a little depressing because Owen and Lucie go through some tough emotional times, but that adds to the realism.
The story takes place among the secular and sacred worlds of 14th-century York and weaves an interesting mystery.
The story takes place among the secular and sacred worlds of 14th-century York and weaves an interesting mystery.
March 8, 2012
This is a wonderful book. Well written and meticulously researched, with references at the end should the reader choose to spend some time with the source texts. The story is compelling and riveting and shows a good balance between the facts of life in the middle ages and the suspense and analysis involved in a good murder mystery. Definitely worth the time spent reading it!
May 5, 2014
Another recommendation from work I loved the characters and the historical details plus the fact that it's set in a city I know quite well and intend to visit again this summer. Managed to find the first in the series in a charity shop, will be taking on my trip to Cornwall next week. Did find the title rather amusing, visions of a desperate knight in his armour kept springing to mind :-D
November 28, 2015
I love Candace's historical fiction (as Emma Campion), and this book was likewise thoroughly researched and flawlessly situated in its historical context. The story didn't excite me, though. I gave it a try, but I am really not into mysteries.
January 22, 2008
Historical mystery set in York, 1371. Owen Archer is given the task of protecting a visiting bishop. There's a fire, death, deceit.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews