The Minstrel's Malady

by Keith Moray

Join Sir Richard Lee in another mysterious historical investigation! Perfect for fans of S D Sykes, E M Powell, Karen Maitland and S J Parris.Does an anchorite hear the voice of an angel … or a demon?1330, Yorkshire, EnglandEdmund of Woodstock, the Earl of Kent, is executed for High Treason against King Edward III. At his trial, it is claimed that a demon was conjured up by a monk versed in the Dark Arts, who told him that his brother, King Edward II, still lived. Keen to quell rumours of sorcery that could do untold damage to the royal house and to the country, Sir Richard Lee, Sergeant-at-Law, is instructed by Sir Roger Mortimer and Queen Isabella, the king’s mother, to seek out the monk who delivered the message. When a minstrel is struck down by a seizure before Sir Richard’s court, many believe the man to be possessed of a demon. Richard’s assistant, Hubert of Loxley, is given the task of riding to Cawthorne Priory to deliver the minstrel into the care of the monastery hospital. Also at the priory is the anchorite, Sister Odelina, blessed with visions and the power to heal the sick. But when a number of sinister deaths take place at the priory, blame falls upon the minstrel and the demon inside him.Are the deaths the work of evil spirits? Or is there a murderer in their midst…?With panic on the rise, can Sir Richard discover the truth before evil strikes again…?THE MINSTREL’S MALADY is the fifth book in the Sandal Castle Medieval Thriller historical murder mysteries set in Yorkshire.

Genres: Medieval

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2024

About the author

Pen name of Keith Moray Souter, also writes as Keith Souter and Clay More.

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Minstrel's Malady
A Sandal Castle Medieval Thriller
By Keith Moray
Reviewed May 19, 2024

Another adventure featuring Sir Richard Lee and his companion, Hubert of Loxley.

Murder, mayhem, political intrigue, and accusations of religious heresy fill the pages of this fast-paced medieval murder mystery set during the early years of Edward III's reign.

[Barefoot Gypsy Jimerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read always!!

Always the best from Keith Moray. The read held together all the way to the end. Sir.Robert is a excellent character. Ready for the next

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gruesome read in places but an intriguing one full of interesting twists and turns and set in a time period I don’t know much about. I appreciated that although there is talk of epilepsy and medieval treatments of it in the novel the author uses the notes at the back to correct some of the misconceptions and sets out pretty correctly how to aid someone having a seizure in our current times :). A 4.5* read for me the first book I’ve read by this author but it won’t be the last

[Di Paterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've enjoyed every one of the books in this series. It's a period of history I'm becoming more familiar with as I read these novels. It's an intriguing period, full of intrigue, and ripe for plenty of mysteries to develop. I enjoy Sir Richard Lee's pragmatism and Hubert's simpler view of life, both of which bring insight into solving each mystery.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1326 The Earl of Arundel and two associates are quickly executed. 1330 The Earl of Kent, uncle to Edward III, is executed for treason. Within the next few days three more men are dead. But events lead to Crawthorne Priory where previously sister Odelina became an anchoress and more deaths occur.
An entertaining historical mystery

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 5th in the Sandal Medieval Mysteries and another cracking romp. Dark dealings, political intrigue and mysterious murders. Sir Richard Lee employs his considerable talents to solving the crimes. Couldn’t put it down