What do you think?
Rate this book
Medieval Mystery #11
Satan's Lullaby
It is the autumn of 1278. The harvest is in. The air is crisp. Dusty summer breathes a last sigh before the dark seasons arrive.
For Prioress Eleanor, dark times arrive early in Norfolk. Abbess Isabeau, the head of her order, has sent Father Etienne Davoir from its headquarters in France to inspect all aspects of Tyndal Priory from its morals to its roofs. Surely the Abbess would not have chosen her own brother for this rare and thorough investigation unless the cause was serious and she had reason to fear intervention from Rome. Prioress Eleanor knows something is terribly amiss.
The situation turns calamitous when Davoir's sick clerk dies from a potion sent by Sister Anne, Tyndale's sub-infirmarian. Is Sister Anne guilty of simple incompetence - or murder? Or, Davoir asks, did Prioress Eleanor order the death to frighten him away before he discovered the truth behind accusations she is unfit for her position? When Davoir himself is threatened, the priest roars for justice. Even expectant father Crowner Ralf, the local representative of the king's justice, has lost all objectivity. The most likely suspects are Anne, the woman Ralf once loved, the prioress he respects, and the Tyndal monk, Thomas, who is his closest friend. Who among the French and English assembled at Tyndal has succumbed to Satan's lullaby?
For Prioress Eleanor, dark times arrive early in Norfolk. Abbess Isabeau, the head of her order, has sent Father Etienne Davoir from its headquarters in France to inspect all aspects of Tyndal Priory from its morals to its roofs. Surely the Abbess would not have chosen her own brother for this rare and thorough investigation unless the cause was serious and she had reason to fear intervention from Rome. Prioress Eleanor knows something is terribly amiss.
The situation turns calamitous when Davoir's sick clerk dies from a potion sent by Sister Anne, Tyndale's sub-infirmarian. Is Sister Anne guilty of simple incompetence - or murder? Or, Davoir asks, did Prioress Eleanor order the death to frighten him away before he discovered the truth behind accusations she is unfit for her position? When Davoir himself is threatened, the priest roars for justice. Even expectant father Crowner Ralf, the local representative of the king's justice, has lost all objectivity. The most likely suspects are Anne, the woman Ralf once loved, the prioress he respects, and the Tyndal monk, Thomas, who is his closest friend. Who among the French and English assembled at Tyndal has succumbed to Satan's lullaby?
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 3, 2015
42 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Priscilla Royal
27 books124 followersPriscilla has a degree in world literature from San Francisco State University, where she discovered the beauty of medieval literature. She is a theater fan as well as reader of history, mysteries, and fiction of lesser violence. She lives in Northern California and belongs to the California Writers Club and Sisters in Crime.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 9, 2015
This is the eleventh book in Priscilla Royal’s medieval mystery series featuring Prioress Eleanor and Brother Thomas. It’s intriguing to watch how a writer keeps a long running series fresh and fully engaging. In Satan’s Lullaby she manages to knock Eleanor and Thomas to the sidelines where they can only indirectly advise their friends how to unravel the mystery. New players must step to the forefront. Royal has also raised the stakes—both Eleanor and Thomas stand to lose all in this book. One of my favorite of Royal’s themes crops up also: the lack of compassion that the religiously fanatical display in the name of their supposed goodness.
Royal introduced a new character in her last book and she continues to develop Gracia, the orphan who becomes Eleanor’s maid, with a resonating personality and set of talents. Gracia is clever at uncovering people’s secrets and observing the small, telling details. But she’s also determined and not always willing to do as she has been told for her own safety—such a good mixture for exciting problems.
The sources of villainy in this book will surprise you and, as is frequently the case in these nuanced, intelligent books, the “bad” guys come with complicated motives that sometimes make the bad and the good difficult to distinguish. I highly recommend the latest in Priscilla Royal’s excellent series.
Royal introduced a new character in her last book and she continues to develop Gracia, the orphan who becomes Eleanor’s maid, with a resonating personality and set of talents. Gracia is clever at uncovering people’s secrets and observing the small, telling details. But she’s also determined and not always willing to do as she has been told for her own safety—such a good mixture for exciting problems.
The sources of villainy in this book will surprise you and, as is frequently the case in these nuanced, intelligent books, the “bad” guys come with complicated motives that sometimes make the bad and the good difficult to distinguish. I highly recommend the latest in Priscilla Royal’s excellent series.
March 15, 2017
This is one of my favorite mystery series, and I hoard the author's books until her next one comes out (I know--it's a really bad habit). The actual mysteries in the series are somewhat secondary to the quality of the author's research in the time period and her ability to reflect medieval attitudes on various topics without 21st century judgment.
In this book, the two main characters of the series have to deal with a bishop-to-be who is "auditing" the religious house. This religious house is unusual in that it is run by women, and it is clear that the bishop-to-be is less than thrilled by the fact that women are in charge (since women are naturally inferior, of course).
I enjoyed reading about how deftly this character's obstinacy and sense of superiority were dealt with in order to solve the murder. The fact that the two main characters were to some extent sidelined gave the author more opportunities to round out the secondary characters in the series, which only adds to the series's depth.
This is yet another solid addition to the series. If you like mysteries set in medieval times, this is definitely not to be missed! (The series is best read in order.)
In this book, the two main characters of the series have to deal with a bishop-to-be who is "auditing" the religious house. This religious house is unusual in that it is run by women, and it is clear that the bishop-to-be is less than thrilled by the fact that women are in charge (since women are naturally inferior, of course).
I enjoyed reading about how deftly this character's obstinacy and sense of superiority were dealt with in order to solve the murder. The fact that the two main characters were to some extent sidelined gave the author more opportunities to round out the secondary characters in the series, which only adds to the series's depth.
This is yet another solid addition to the series. If you like mysteries set in medieval times, this is definitely not to be missed! (The series is best read in order.)
April 22, 2017
I personally did not like the title of this book, but I can see why the publisher decided upon this title. Another fascinating mystery. I really enjoyed reading this book, and read it fairly quickly considering what work was doing at the time.
October 30, 2018
Review of SATANS LULLABY by Priscilla Royal
(Medieval Mystery, #11)
Priscilla Royal possesses a delightful gift for bringing to life the Medieval Era in England (with reference to Wales and France as well, in this particular novel). She draws the period in such a way as to vivify her characters (all of them) and to bring the setting gloriously to life. She also uses medieval terminology (which inspires me to find definitions and further research) and reading her Medieval Mystery series has reignited my lifelong interest in the Middle Ages.
The Medieval Mystery Series focuses on Prioress Eleanor and Brother Thomas of the Tyndal Priory near the North Sea, a dual priory (monks and nuns, separate) of the Order of Fontevraud in France. Close friends as well as Prioress and Confessor, the two are compassionate and talented individuals, and one of their talents is solving mysteries so that justice might be administered while yet tempered with mercy. In SATANS LULLABY the priest who is brother of the founder of the Order and a close advisor to the King of France arrives to investigate the Tyndal Priory, with disastrous results, including a horrible accusation and death. Constrained by his order from investigating, Prioress Eleanor must consider a way around Father Davoir's restrictions in order to free the innocent and identify the guilty.
(Medieval Mystery, #11)
Priscilla Royal possesses a delightful gift for bringing to life the Medieval Era in England (with reference to Wales and France as well, in this particular novel). She draws the period in such a way as to vivify her characters (all of them) and to bring the setting gloriously to life. She also uses medieval terminology (which inspires me to find definitions and further research) and reading her Medieval Mystery series has reignited my lifelong interest in the Middle Ages.
The Medieval Mystery Series focuses on Prioress Eleanor and Brother Thomas of the Tyndal Priory near the North Sea, a dual priory (monks and nuns, separate) of the Order of Fontevraud in France. Close friends as well as Prioress and Confessor, the two are compassionate and talented individuals, and one of their talents is solving mysteries so that justice might be administered while yet tempered with mercy. In SATANS LULLABY the priest who is brother of the founder of the Order and a close advisor to the King of France arrives to investigate the Tyndal Priory, with disastrous results, including a horrible accusation and death. Constrained by his order from investigating, Prioress Eleanor must consider a way around Father Davoir's restrictions in order to free the innocent and identify the guilty.
January 25, 2022
The mysteries keep getting more intricate and the characters have more depth! In this installment, Prioress Eleanor and Brother Thomas must contend with the arrogant brother of the head of their order, Father Etienne and his clerks, as he conducts an inspection of all the buildings, accounts and people at the Priory. Only, with the company from France came a murderer with hiding in the group. We are given fascinating look into more of early medicines, the background of both Prioress Eleanor, her sub prioress and Brother Thomas, along with other our favorite characters, like the Crowner Ralf and now pregnant wife Gytha, and a the Prioress's new clever assistant Gracia.
I was fascinated with how well the Prioress kept her cool, Gracia innocently asked probing questions and Brother Thomas unraveled the second mystery, while working to free accused Sister Anne from jail.
I was fascinated with how well the Prioress kept her cool, Gracia innocently asked probing questions and Brother Thomas unraveled the second mystery, while working to free accused Sister Anne from jail.
April 10, 2025
One of the pleasures of binging on a series is perceiving from one book to the next how the author is developing skill in plotting, creating tension, and surprising the reader (or listener) with the eventual solution.
The Tyndal Abbey is being investigated by a delegate from the mother house in France. When he arrives, his hosts struggle to maintain courtesy. Bishop Davoir is haughty, narrow minded, mysoginistic, and has made up his mind in advance about the accusations which brought him to England.
When one of the clerks who traveled with him is found poisoned, the visitor imprisons the hospital staff he deems responsible and generally upends the daily routines of the Abbey.
I really enjoy this series.
The Tyndal Abbey is being investigated by a delegate from the mother house in France. When he arrives, his hosts struggle to maintain courtesy. Bishop Davoir is haughty, narrow minded, mysoginistic, and has made up his mind in advance about the accusations which brought him to England.
When one of the clerks who traveled with him is found poisoned, the visitor imprisons the hospital staff he deems responsible and generally upends the daily routines of the Abbey.
I really enjoy this series.
July 22, 2017
An obnoxious priest comes to Tyndal Priory from the mother house in France to check up on things and to investigate the reported affair between Prioress Eleanor and Brother Thomas. Soon after arriving, one of the priest's clerks (his favorite one) dies of poison. Sister Anne is accused because she sent a remedy for the clerk's illness. Neither Eleanor nor Thomas can investigate because it will look like they are covering up something. Crowner Ralf and young Gracia (a homeless child from the previous book) do what's necessary and the culprit is found. The priest even learns some humility (but not much).
November 27, 2016
This book takes the reader back in time to the autumn of 1278. Father Davoir has arrived with instructions to inspect all aspects of Tyndal Priory. The situation becomes worse when Davoir's clerk dies from a potion that supposedly was sent by Sister Ann. Was it murder and who was responsible? Then Davoir's life is also threatened and he demands justice. The story is rich in details of life in a religious community during this period of time. The characters are interesting and must use their wits to solve this crime that threatens to destroy the abbey.
July 11, 2021
I generally like the books in this series when they take place away from The Priory and focus on Prioress Eleanor and Brother Thomas. But in this book they are at The Priory and the two main characters are under investigation and as a result must work behind the scenes. But, I really liked this book. Background on the Church hierarchy and the foibles of their religious is excellent. It is all the imperfections and the lack of awareness for some and the desire to hide for awareness for others that makes the characters worth caring about.
July 29, 2024
Fun and quick but unspectacular. When I grabbed this book, I didn't realize it was one in a series which - while they can be read independently - would be more entertaining if I had read previous stories and had a better feel for the characters.
I would certainly read more of Royal's works as this one story out of context was entertaining, but it probably wasn't the best entry point into the world medieval literary world Royal has built.
I would certainly read more of Royal's works as this one story out of context was entertaining, but it probably wasn't the best entry point into the world medieval literary world Royal has built.
September 11, 2024
Satan's Lullaby
A French priest arrives to audit Tyndale priory. He has other plans too. A false accusation has been made against Elinore and Thomas. Then one of the clerks of the French is poisoned. Who killed him? Who is trying to kill the visiting priest? Sister Ann is arrested for murder. Can they prove her innocent in time to deliver Gytha's baby? A great read.
A French priest arrives to audit Tyndale priory. He has other plans too. A false accusation has been made against Elinore and Thomas. Then one of the clerks of the French is poisoned. Who killed him? Who is trying to kill the visiting priest? Sister Ann is arrested for murder. Can they prove her innocent in time to deliver Gytha's baby? A great read.
April 28, 2020
I love this series. The characters really come to life and are so interesting. The author includes a bibliography of her research at the end of the book and I believe that it is this research that makes her writing so believable.
May 6, 2020
Excellent and intriguing. The mystery was a bit weak, but the character development and the characters themselves made up for that. I think this was much more of a character study than anything else. But for fans of Prioress Eleanor and Brother Thomas it’s a great book!
February 3, 2021
Up to usual high standards
I love this series and I loved this book. Ms Royal knows her history and knows how to make it come alive in a way that I'd be interested in reading. The mystery is actually a little light in this book, but I love visiting among old friends.
I love this series and I loved this book. Ms Royal knows her history and knows how to make it come alive in a way that I'd be interested in reading. The mystery is actually a little light in this book, but I love visiting among old friends.
April 27, 2018
Very interesting story
June 1, 2020
Father Etienne Davoir has arrived at the Tyndal Priory in Norfolk England late 1278 to investigate rumors that had come to the head abbey in France. I enjoyed this enough to read more in the series.
March 11, 2024
Well done. One of the better installments in the series.
March 16, 2025
One of my favorite historical novel/mysteries. So well cemented in the religiosity of the age.
August 15, 2025
Arrogance.misogynist, spoilt brat, madness, ecclesiastic law, redemption.
December 3, 2025
Still enjoying the series
January 8, 2025
1278. Father Etienne Davoir has been sent to investigate the Tyndal Priory and its prioress. But soon there is a death and a sister accused.
An entertaining historical mystery
An entertaining historical mystery
May 8, 2016
Priscilla Royal's new mystery, "Satan's Lullaby: A Medieval Mystery" is the 11th book in her Medieval Mystery series. I've read all the series books over the years and this latest is an excellent return to Prioress Eleanor, Brother Thomas, and the others - both religious and secular - at Tyndal Priory in Norfolk. Eleanor is the leader of the Priory, which supports both male and female religious. It is one of the few houses where a woman is the leader of the order.
"Satan's Lullaby" does not really have much of a plot. The order is being "visited" by Father Etienne Davoir, who is the brother of Abbess Isabeau, of the Fondevraud Abbey in France, which is the "mother" house of Tyndal Priory. He's come with some aides to check out the finances and structural strength of the Priory, along with the rumor of impropriety between two members of the clergy, One of his clerks - with whom Father Etienne has a close relationship - is found dead during the visit. Etienne suspects the young man has been poisoned and points out Sister Anne, the chapter's sub-infirmarian who is a whiz with natural medicines, as the probable killer. Anne is tossed into confinement, not allowed to practice her healing ways. There are also some odd characters skulking around the grounds and, as usual, some people are not who they seem to be.
Father Etienne is a blustering bully, Prioress Eleanor is diplomatic, Crowner Ralf is investigative, Gytha is pregnant, and Brother Thomas is still a hunk. Other reoccurring characters are included and as with any good series, the reader is brought up-to-date with the lives of these characters. The story is brought to an end in somewhat desultory fashion - remember, you're probably not reading it for the plot. But Priscilla Royal is a whiz at creating both interesting characters and interesting settings. Her writing is often moody when describing the physical world of Norfolk, where the winters are bleak and the summers not much better.
A well-written historical novel can teach as well as entertain. Novels, while fiction, can stir up in a reader an interest in the subject or era and prompt further reading. Royal has an afterword where she writes about some of the interests she had before writing "Satan's Lullaby" and how she included them in the story. If you're a fan of the series, or just have an interest in 13th century England, you'll enjoy this 11th book.
"Satan's Lullaby" does not really have much of a plot. The order is being "visited" by Father Etienne Davoir, who is the brother of Abbess Isabeau, of the Fondevraud Abbey in France, which is the "mother" house of Tyndal Priory. He's come with some aides to check out the finances and structural strength of the Priory, along with the rumor of impropriety between two members of the clergy, One of his clerks - with whom Father Etienne has a close relationship - is found dead during the visit. Etienne suspects the young man has been poisoned and points out Sister Anne, the chapter's sub-infirmarian who is a whiz with natural medicines, as the probable killer. Anne is tossed into confinement, not allowed to practice her healing ways. There are also some odd characters skulking around the grounds and, as usual, some people are not who they seem to be.
Father Etienne is a blustering bully, Prioress Eleanor is diplomatic, Crowner Ralf is investigative, Gytha is pregnant, and Brother Thomas is still a hunk. Other reoccurring characters are included and as with any good series, the reader is brought up-to-date with the lives of these characters. The story is brought to an end in somewhat desultory fashion - remember, you're probably not reading it for the plot. But Priscilla Royal is a whiz at creating both interesting characters and interesting settings. Her writing is often moody when describing the physical world of Norfolk, where the winters are bleak and the summers not much better.
A well-written historical novel can teach as well as entertain. Novels, while fiction, can stir up in a reader an interest in the subject or era and prompt further reading. Royal has an afterword where she writes about some of the interests she had before writing "Satan's Lullaby" and how she included them in the story. If you're a fan of the series, or just have an interest in 13th century England, you'll enjoy this 11th book.
June 29, 2015
I was fortunate enough to win a signed copy of this title from the author and I am thrilled I did so. This is the 11th book in the series.
This is a mystery set in the medieval thirteenth century in Norfolk, England at Tyndal Priory run by Prioress Eleanor. Fall is approaching and with the colder weather comes an unexpected visit from Father Etienne Davoir who has been sent by Abbess Isabeau, head of the order in France to investigate the running of the Priory and allegations that have been leveled against Eleanor and one of her most trusted friends and advisers, Brother Thomas. But this is not just any priest, this is Abbess Isabeau's brother who is on the way to becoming a bishop. With the possibility of being found unfit to run the Priory, Eleanor needs to keep her wits and patience in order to survive Davoir's take on what is and is not becoming of a woman in charge.
Under these circumstances anything could prove her downfall but when Davoir’s sick clerk dies from a potion sent by Sister Anne, Tyndale’s sub-infirmarian things become even more dangerous. For now there is a murderer in their midst and though Sister Anne is locked up as the culprit with Father Davoir accusing her of murder to silence him or worse incompetence, Prioress Eleanor knows that the real culprit is still unfettered and disguised as one of the pilgrims, soldiers, or clerks that have arrived at the Priory. With suspicion hanging over her and Father Thomas they are unable to investigate themselves and have to rely on their comrades to gather the proof they need to convince Farher Davoir that not only is Sister Anne not guilty but that the longer he keeps her locked up the closer he himself comes to death. Satan has his hooks in someone's soul and their only goal is to send Father Davoir straight to hell.
This is a mystery set in the medieval thirteenth century in Norfolk, England at Tyndal Priory run by Prioress Eleanor. Fall is approaching and with the colder weather comes an unexpected visit from Father Etienne Davoir who has been sent by Abbess Isabeau, head of the order in France to investigate the running of the Priory and allegations that have been leveled against Eleanor and one of her most trusted friends and advisers, Brother Thomas. But this is not just any priest, this is Abbess Isabeau's brother who is on the way to becoming a bishop. With the possibility of being found unfit to run the Priory, Eleanor needs to keep her wits and patience in order to survive Davoir's take on what is and is not becoming of a woman in charge.
Under these circumstances anything could prove her downfall but when Davoir’s sick clerk dies from a potion sent by Sister Anne, Tyndale’s sub-infirmarian things become even more dangerous. For now there is a murderer in their midst and though Sister Anne is locked up as the culprit with Father Davoir accusing her of murder to silence him or worse incompetence, Prioress Eleanor knows that the real culprit is still unfettered and disguised as one of the pilgrims, soldiers, or clerks that have arrived at the Priory. With suspicion hanging over her and Father Thomas they are unable to investigate themselves and have to rely on their comrades to gather the proof they need to convince Farher Davoir that not only is Sister Anne not guilty but that the longer he keeps her locked up the closer he himself comes to death. Satan has his hooks in someone's soul and their only goal is to send Father Davoir straight to hell.
January 22, 2015
I've been reading Priscilla Royal's Medieval Mysteries for about a year now. Below are the eleven books in order:
Wine of Violence
Tyrant of the Mind
Sorrow without End
Justice for the Damned
Forsaken Soul
Chambers of Death
Valley of Dry Bones
A Killing Season
The Sanctity of Hate
Covenant with Hell
Satan's Lullaby
I've read seven now, including her latest, Satan's Lullaby. It was a surprise to find Satan's Lullaby offered by NetGalley; previously, I've either purchased the ebooks or checked out library copies.
It goes without saying that I have enjoyed the series, so I was excited to get the latest one for free, but I do need to catch up on the ones I've missed.
Plot: Tyndale Priory is a double house (more information about this is included in my review of Wine of Violence). The Prioress Eleanor Wynethrop is informed that the Abbess Isabeau has sent her arrogant brother Father Etienne Davoir to inspect the priory "from its morals to its roofs." Eleanor knows there is a reason for this inspection to be carried out by someone as eminent as the Abbess' brother, but she is unable to discover what that reason may be. Then Father Davoir's favorite secretary is murdered....
If you enjoy historical mysteries, you may enjoy this series which gives a great deal of insight into the life of the religious during the tumultuous 13th century. Royal does an excellent job with characters and historical information.
Read in November. Blog post scheduled for Jan. 22, 2015.
NetGalley/Poisoned Pen Press.
Medieval Mystery. Feb. 3, 2015.
Tyrant of the Mind
Sorrow without End
Justice for the Damned
Chambers of Death
Valley of Dry Bones
A Killing Season
The Sanctity of Hate
Covenant with Hell
I've read seven now, including her latest, Satan's Lullaby. It was a surprise to find Satan's Lullaby offered by NetGalley; previously, I've either purchased the ebooks or checked out library copies.
It goes without saying that I have enjoyed the series, so I was excited to get the latest one for free, but I do need to catch up on the ones I've missed.
Plot: Tyndale Priory is a double house (more information about this is included in my review of Wine of Violence). The Prioress Eleanor Wynethrop is informed that the Abbess Isabeau has sent her arrogant brother Father Etienne Davoir to inspect the priory "from its morals to its roofs." Eleanor knows there is a reason for this inspection to be carried out by someone as eminent as the Abbess' brother, but she is unable to discover what that reason may be. Then Father Davoir's favorite secretary is murdered....
If you enjoy historical mysteries, you may enjoy this series which gives a great deal of insight into the life of the religious during the tumultuous 13th century. Royal does an excellent job with characters and historical information.
Read in November. Blog post scheduled for Jan. 22, 2015.
NetGalley/Poisoned Pen Press.
Medieval Mystery. Feb. 3, 2015.
June 24, 2015
Prioress Eleanor and Brother Thomas are back in “Satan’s Lullaby”, the eleventh installment in Priscilla Royal’s Medieval Mysteries series. Combining religious and secular aspects, “Satan’s Lullaby” appeals to both a religious or non-religious readers as Royal delivers a satisfying historical mystery.
Much like the darkness creeping into late summer days, dark times await those at the Tyndal Priory in the autumn of 1278. The Tyndal Priory in Norfolk is turned upside-down when a clerk, who happens to be a close confidant of Father Etienne, is found murdered. Before Father Etienne wrongly accuses any more Sisters or Brothers of murder, Prioress Eleanor, Crowner Ralf, and Brother Thomas must find this unholy perpetrator fast!
Royal perfectly interweaves history and murder in “Satan’s Lullaby”. Although this book is the eleventh in Royal’s Medieval Mysteries series, reading the preceding books is not necessary to understand “Satan’s Lullaby”. But, if this book is any indicator of the quality of the series, I recommend reading the entire series!
I recommend this book for anyone who loves a good solid mystery novel, or history buffs looking for some medieval “Whodunit” action.
Reviewer: Krista Jenkins is a self-diagnosed eclecticist. Growing up in Atlanta sparked her interest for R&B and noisy lifestyles, but after moving to Nashville she fell in love with country music and the atmosphere in a quiet coffee shop. She loves books and will read anything from graphic novels to classic literature.
Killer Nashville's Review of Satan's Lullaby (Medieval Mystery, #11)
Killer Nashville's Past Book Reviews
Much like the darkness creeping into late summer days, dark times await those at the Tyndal Priory in the autumn of 1278. The Tyndal Priory in Norfolk is turned upside-down when a clerk, who happens to be a close confidant of Father Etienne, is found murdered. Before Father Etienne wrongly accuses any more Sisters or Brothers of murder, Prioress Eleanor, Crowner Ralf, and Brother Thomas must find this unholy perpetrator fast!
Royal perfectly interweaves history and murder in “Satan’s Lullaby”. Although this book is the eleventh in Royal’s Medieval Mysteries series, reading the preceding books is not necessary to understand “Satan’s Lullaby”. But, if this book is any indicator of the quality of the series, I recommend reading the entire series!
I recommend this book for anyone who loves a good solid mystery novel, or history buffs looking for some medieval “Whodunit” action.
Reviewer: Krista Jenkins is a self-diagnosed eclecticist. Growing up in Atlanta sparked her interest for R&B and noisy lifestyles, but after moving to Nashville she fell in love with country music and the atmosphere in a quiet coffee shop. She loves books and will read anything from graphic novels to classic literature.
Killer Nashville's Review of Satan's Lullaby (Medieval Mystery, #11)
Killer Nashville's Past Book Reviews
March 8, 2016
3.5 stars - I've read every book in this series and have enjoyed them to varying degrees; sometimes the plotting seemed slow, or the characters felt one-dimensional, or the mystery was rather obvious, as in this outing. Two things make me want to read every new book - Priscilla Royal's in-depth research that brings medieval England to life for the reader, and the character of Prioress Eleanor. She's smart, strong, diplomatic, and a natural leader with a warm heart and a dry sense of humor and a fiery temper when fighting an injustice - all of which makes her very human and inspires love and loyalty from her fellow religious at Tyndal Priory.
In this outing the younger brother of the head of Eleanor's order has come on a tour of inspection; Father Etienne Davoir is supposed to look into every nook and cranny of not just the buildings and grounds of Tyndal, but the morals and souls of it's inhabitants as well. The good father is rude, pompous and self-righteous, soon setting everyone on edge; when his favorite clerk dies after taking a remedy prepared by Sister Anne, he accuses her of murder through her incompetence. He also reveals the true reason for his visit of inspection, scurrilous accusations against Eleanor herself. Under suspicion already, Eleanor must investigate behind the scenes to free Sister Anne and clear her own name.
While it was nice to visit with Eleanor and the recurring characters that make this series special, this outing was rather plodding and slow in places, unlike the excellent last two books, "Covenant with Hell" and "Sanctity of Hate". I would still recommend for fans of the series and those readers interested in medieval mysteries.
In this outing the younger brother of the head of Eleanor's order has come on a tour of inspection; Father Etienne Davoir is supposed to look into every nook and cranny of not just the buildings and grounds of Tyndal, but the morals and souls of it's inhabitants as well. The good father is rude, pompous and self-righteous, soon setting everyone on edge; when his favorite clerk dies after taking a remedy prepared by Sister Anne, he accuses her of murder through her incompetence. He also reveals the true reason for his visit of inspection, scurrilous accusations against Eleanor herself. Under suspicion already, Eleanor must investigate behind the scenes to free Sister Anne and clear her own name.
While it was nice to visit with Eleanor and the recurring characters that make this series special, this outing was rather plodding and slow in places, unlike the excellent last two books, "Covenant with Hell" and "Sanctity of Hate". I would still recommend for fans of the series and those readers interested in medieval mysteries.
March 8, 2015
I have never read a medieval mystery by Priscilla Royal before. This particular novel is the 11th in a series about Priorewss Eleanor and Brother Thomas and others in the cast. Although this is a series, I do not think you need to read them in any particular order. The author did a pretty good job of sprinkling in small tidbits of past history should it be necessary to the plot.
The story's setting is Tyndal Priory in Norfolk during the 13th century. The priory is a joint male/female religious house, with Eleanor at its helm.
The basic plot is about Father Etienne Davoir, who is the brother of an Abbess in France who is in charge of the priory. He is there to oversee the priory to ensure the finances and its running is in accordance with the abbess's dictates. When he uncovers a rumor about some improprieties between two members, and he discovers a clerk murdered, the story really takes off.
The story has several shady, but fascinating characters, lots of twists, and an interesting plot. The author is knowledgeable and comfortable in this particular medieval period, so the book is informative as well as entertaining. This book was an excellent read and I will definitely follow up by reading some of the earlier books in the series.
The story's setting is Tyndal Priory in Norfolk during the 13th century. The priory is a joint male/female religious house, with Eleanor at its helm.
The basic plot is about Father Etienne Davoir, who is the brother of an Abbess in France who is in charge of the priory. He is there to oversee the priory to ensure the finances and its running is in accordance with the abbess's dictates. When he uncovers a rumor about some improprieties between two members, and he discovers a clerk murdered, the story really takes off.
The story has several shady, but fascinating characters, lots of twists, and an interesting plot. The author is knowledgeable and comfortable in this particular medieval period, so the book is informative as well as entertaining. This book was an excellent read and I will definitely follow up by reading some of the earlier books in the series.
April 25, 2015
It's not often that you get to read about early medicines and how the Priories were hospitals, orphanages, the grinders of the local wheat, and the savior of the areas souls. This particular story is about life of intrigue and how one's standing was one you were born to uphold. Of course, in the event of a murder they would have to exam in not just the physical cause but be concerned about being damned to hell. It's a wonder more didn't go insane back then.
This story is about a man that is murdered and the nun who must sit awaiting judgement, even though she was not allowed to exam her "patient" but just hear what his symptoms were and then have him die of being poisoned even though no one knew who had administrated the "cure".
The story grabs you from the beginning and has you sitting back every now and again pondering what it would have been like to live in such times. Where your soul was actually seen as being in great peril of being overtaken by demons for something as simple as sneezing. (and why we still say, "God bless you!" to those that sneeze.
An enjoyable journey back in time. If you like Medieval stories then you will totally enjoy reading this book.
This story is about a man that is murdered and the nun who must sit awaiting judgement, even though she was not allowed to exam her "patient" but just hear what his symptoms were and then have him die of being poisoned even though no one knew who had administrated the "cure".
The story grabs you from the beginning and has you sitting back every now and again pondering what it would have been like to live in such times. Where your soul was actually seen as being in great peril of being overtaken by demons for something as simple as sneezing. (and why we still say, "God bless you!" to those that sneeze.
An enjoyable journey back in time. If you like Medieval stories then you will totally enjoy reading this book.
May 12, 2015
Chapter One. Paragraph One. That is all it takes to draw you in to this latest medieval mystery, Satan’s Lullaby, by Priscilla Royal.
Tyndal Priory is turned upside down when Abbess Isabeau’s brother is sent for an investigation into the priory’s business. The death of his favorite clerk leads to innuendos, accusations, and dark secrets. No one in the priory is safe. With their hands tied, how will Eleanor and Thomas save the priory, their friends, and themselves?
Father Davoir seems set on destroying everyone. But why? Where is his information coming from? Why is he so insistent? Why is he intent on bringing down the priory? Is this revenge gone horribly wrong or has Satan darkened souls and left them on the priory’s doorstep?
Through twists and turns, ups and downs, Royal has spun another superb tale. The storyline is fresh and detailed. There is always something to learn about life in and around Tyndal Priory.
Tyndal Priory is turned upside down when Abbess Isabeau’s brother is sent for an investigation into the priory’s business. The death of his favorite clerk leads to innuendos, accusations, and dark secrets. No one in the priory is safe. With their hands tied, how will Eleanor and Thomas save the priory, their friends, and themselves?
Father Davoir seems set on destroying everyone. But why? Where is his information coming from? Why is he so insistent? Why is he intent on bringing down the priory? Is this revenge gone horribly wrong or has Satan darkened souls and left them on the priory’s doorstep?
Through twists and turns, ups and downs, Royal has spun another superb tale. The storyline is fresh and detailed. There is always something to learn about life in and around Tyndal Priory.
January 14, 2015
A really intricate and surely historical Medieval Mystery #11 for Priscilla Royal. It was not a quick read so pay attention to the details ( my kindle makes it harder to leave backwards)! Very very fine author's notes are included regarding Normand and Fontevraud Abbey.
Prioress Eleanor, Ralf and Brother Thomas and some other regulars all took turns finding themselves on the hot seat as "Abbess Isabeau, has sent Father Etienne Davoir( her own brother) from its headquarters in France to inspect all aspects of Tyndal Priory from its morals to its roofs."
A baby coming at this time and more than one mysterious death lend intensity to this mystery. If you are a fan then you must order now and also if you like a good Medieval read mystery or not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews