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A Ralph de Mandeville Mystery #1
Desolation
The Black Rood of Scotland, stolen.
A coroner of York, murdered.
An evil worse than plague itself, at large…
1361, York. As the country recovers from the war with France, and whispers that the pestilence has returned to England grow louder, fear is in the heart of every nobleman and commoner alike. Sir Ralph de Mandeville, ex-solider and newly appointed Justice of the Peace is sent to Langbarugh, just outside York, to investigate the murder of Coroner Sir Boderick de Whitby.
More deaths quickly follow, and while these are swiftly dealt with as plague victims, Sir Ralph and his two assistants Merek and Peter soon uncover something altogether more horrifying… A greater evil is at large in the northern wapentakes.
As panic escalates and the lines between plague and murder blur, Sir Ralph is thrust into a desperate race against time. Every shadow hides a potential killer, every cough could be a death knell. Can he unmask a murderer lurking in the terrifying shadow of the Black Death before they’re all consumed by a terror more sinister than any plague?
A gruesomely wicked medieval mystery.
A coroner of York, murdered.
An evil worse than plague itself, at large…
1361, York. As the country recovers from the war with France, and whispers that the pestilence has returned to England grow louder, fear is in the heart of every nobleman and commoner alike. Sir Ralph de Mandeville, ex-solider and newly appointed Justice of the Peace is sent to Langbarugh, just outside York, to investigate the murder of Coroner Sir Boderick de Whitby.
More deaths quickly follow, and while these are swiftly dealt with as plague victims, Sir Ralph and his two assistants Merek and Peter soon uncover something altogether more horrifying… A greater evil is at large in the northern wapentakes.
As panic escalates and the lines between plague and murder blur, Sir Ralph is thrust into a desperate race against time. Every shadow hides a potential killer, every cough could be a death knell. Can he unmask a murderer lurking in the terrifying shadow of the Black Death before they’re all consumed by a terror more sinister than any plague?
A gruesomely wicked medieval mystery.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2025
117 people are currently reading
835 people want to read
About the author
Keith Moray
23 books45 followersPen name of Keith Moray Souter, also writes as Keith Souter and Clay More.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 20, 2025
If you enjoy historical mysteries, you'll welcome the new Ralph de Mandeville series by Keith Moray.
Set in England in the mid-14th Century, the novel pulls in many of the uncertainties of the time. England and France are at a tenuous peace with one another, but continuing conflict remains on the horizon. Reports of a new outbreak of plague are circulating, and with the last outbreak still in the personal memories of older adults, people are falling once again into distrust of one another and are preparing to flee or to hide behind whatever protective resources are available. The new Justice of the Peace legal system is beginning to replace adjudication by the local Lord, which offers the possibility of more consistent rulings and consequences, but individual Lords still assume that they hold the right to dole out punishment as they see fit. Life is tenuous. There are all sorts of ways to die via robbery, arguments begun in pubs, and hostilities among different communities—and a recurrence of war—but something as simple as a cut on the hand can lead to infection and death all too quickly.
Justice of the Peace Ralph de Mandeville is an interesting character. He has that ability to "think outside the box" that seems to be an essential quality of many fictional Medieval "detectives." Not surprisingly, his two assistants work together well, but at times lack de Mandevilles perceptiveness. They *are* smart, just a bit less flexible in their thinking.
The plotting was complex enough to offer some surprises and is made more complex due to the time Moray takes in depicting the murders the book is built around before placing de Mandeville on the scene, who painstakingly unravels these complexities for readers as well as himself.
I'll have an eye out for the next volume in this series and expect it may become a favorite.
I received an electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
Set in England in the mid-14th Century, the novel pulls in many of the uncertainties of the time. England and France are at a tenuous peace with one another, but continuing conflict remains on the horizon. Reports of a new outbreak of plague are circulating, and with the last outbreak still in the personal memories of older adults, people are falling once again into distrust of one another and are preparing to flee or to hide behind whatever protective resources are available. The new Justice of the Peace legal system is beginning to replace adjudication by the local Lord, which offers the possibility of more consistent rulings and consequences, but individual Lords still assume that they hold the right to dole out punishment as they see fit. Life is tenuous. There are all sorts of ways to die via robbery, arguments begun in pubs, and hostilities among different communities—and a recurrence of war—but something as simple as a cut on the hand can lead to infection and death all too quickly.
Justice of the Peace Ralph de Mandeville is an interesting character. He has that ability to "think outside the box" that seems to be an essential quality of many fictional Medieval "detectives." Not surprisingly, his two assistants work together well, but at times lack de Mandevilles perceptiveness. They *are* smart, just a bit less flexible in their thinking.
The plotting was complex enough to offer some surprises and is made more complex due to the time Moray takes in depicting the murders the book is built around before placing de Mandeville on the scene, who painstakingly unravels these complexities for readers as well as himself.
I'll have an eye out for the next volume in this series and expect it may become a favorite.
I received an electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.
August 31, 2025
Out October 17th, 2025
This series kicks off a gritty new medieval mystery series featuring Sir Ralph de Mandeville, a former soldier turned Justice of the Peace. It’s 1361 in York, and the country’s still reeling from war with France while rumors of the plague’s return stir up dread. When the local coroner, Sir Boderick de Whitby, turns up dead, Ralph is sent to investigate—but what starts as a murder case quickly spirals into something far darker. With his trusty assistants Merek and Peter by his side, Ralph realizes this isn’t just about one death… it’s about a creeping evil that’s hiding in plain sight.
As bodies pile up, everyone’s quick to blame the plague. But Ralph isn’t convinced. The deeper he digs, the more twisted the truth becomes. There’s talk of the stolen Black Rood of Scotland, a sacred relic that might be tied to the chaos. And with fear spreading faster than disease, Ralph’s race against time becomes a battle not just for justice, but for survival. Every shadow could be hiding a killer, and every cough might mean death—not from illness, but from something far more sinister.
Moray blends historical grit with classic whodunnit vibes, making Desolation feel like CSI: Medieval Edition. It’s packed with tension, eerie atmosphere, and just enough gallows humor to keep things sharp. If you’re into plague-era paranoia, ancient relics, and sleuths who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, this one’s got your name all over it. First in the Ralph de Mandeville Mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood for this ARC!
This series kicks off a gritty new medieval mystery series featuring Sir Ralph de Mandeville, a former soldier turned Justice of the Peace. It’s 1361 in York, and the country’s still reeling from war with France while rumors of the plague’s return stir up dread. When the local coroner, Sir Boderick de Whitby, turns up dead, Ralph is sent to investigate—but what starts as a murder case quickly spirals into something far darker. With his trusty assistants Merek and Peter by his side, Ralph realizes this isn’t just about one death… it’s about a creeping evil that’s hiding in plain sight.
As bodies pile up, everyone’s quick to blame the plague. But Ralph isn’t convinced. The deeper he digs, the more twisted the truth becomes. There’s talk of the stolen Black Rood of Scotland, a sacred relic that might be tied to the chaos. And with fear spreading faster than disease, Ralph’s race against time becomes a battle not just for justice, but for survival. Every shadow could be hiding a killer, and every cough might mean death—not from illness, but from something far more sinister.
Moray blends historical grit with classic whodunnit vibes, making Desolation feel like CSI: Medieval Edition. It’s packed with tension, eerie atmosphere, and just enough gallows humor to keep things sharp. If you’re into plague-era paranoia, ancient relics, and sleuths who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, this one’s got your name all over it. First in the Ralph de Mandeville Mysteries.
Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood for this ARC!
September 3, 2025
The mystery was interesting indeed! However, I felt that the plot could have been a bit more refined. Particularly the beginning when I wondered what I was getting into. It definitely got better when Ralph arrived. I enjoyed the three main characters (Ralph, Peter and Mereke) and their different abilities and personalities. I will be happy to read the next book in the series.
I received a digital advanced copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital advanced copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
October 6, 2025
This series is set during the reign of King Edward III of England when the country was at war with France - the Hundred Years War. The Black Death - or Plague - made its return - it would claim at least 20% of the population. The Justices of the Peace Act was introduced, which created a new national role for justices of the peace (JPs) who were responsible for enforcing labor laws enacted in response to the economic changes caused by the Black Death.
The first in a new series wherein a number of local deaths is set firmly at the door of the plague - afterall, who in their right mind would look too closely at the putrefying corpse of a plague victim. However, it is the murder of a coroner and the theft of one of Scotland's most revered relics, that sets Ralph de Mandeville and his assistants on the trail of something more sinister.
There are many themes tackled in this tome - law and order, religion and superstition, necromancy and alchemy, doomsday preachers, murder, spite, and local jealousies and history.
Moray writes in an engaging manner, which slowly draws the reader in, setting the scene before our trio arrive to begin their investigations. A gentle history lesson to ensure the reader has a grasp of events and social customs of the period, is woven into the narrative - it is a subject not unknown to this author.
Looking forward to the next installment in this new series.
The first in a new series wherein a number of local deaths is set firmly at the door of the plague - afterall, who in their right mind would look too closely at the putrefying corpse of a plague victim. However, it is the murder of a coroner and the theft of one of Scotland's most revered relics, that sets Ralph de Mandeville and his assistants on the trail of something more sinister.
There are many themes tackled in this tome - law and order, religion and superstition, necromancy and alchemy, doomsday preachers, murder, spite, and local jealousies and history.
Moray writes in an engaging manner, which slowly draws the reader in, setting the scene before our trio arrive to begin their investigations. A gentle history lesson to ensure the reader has a grasp of events and social customs of the period, is woven into the narrative - it is a subject not unknown to this author.
Looking forward to the next installment in this new series.
November 25, 2025
[3.5 stars rounded down]
A medieval murder mystery and a stolen piece of the True Cross, Desolation follows Ralph de Maundeville (a Justice of the Peace for the King) and his two assistants as they investigate the murders of two of the King’s men, one suspicious friar begging for sanctuary in a nearby priory, and the seeming return of the plague that ravaged England over a decade ago. Rotating between multiple POVs (from both the protagonists and antagonists) we follow Ralph as he tries to solve this case in a time of so much fear and change for England.
We learn a lot pretty much right off the bat. I’m glad for this, as I hate when a mystery book with the suspects’ POVs find contrived ways to keep the reader in the dark about things. Faked deaths due to the plague, monks that maybe aren’t who they say they are, and promises of an elixir of life are all features that we find out about pretty quickly. On top of that, the author still knows to keep plenty of things secret. It’s, in part, a large and widespread conspiracy involving lots of players, so there’s still a lot to be uncovered as the book goes on.
You have to be willing to read through some historical background inelegantly explained by various characters throughout the novel. On one hand, yes it is important and necessary to explain how the various courts of England and the Justice of the Peace act works at this time, but on the other hand, it is a bit tedious. I always enjoy learning about medieval England so these parts weren’t too bad for me, but if you just want to dive into a murder mystery without all this then this book probably isn’t for you. It lets up after the halfway point but until then I started to feel like I was getting a history lesson every few chapters.
We kinda wander around for a bit before Ralph de Mandeville even shows up. What was a cold opener turns into several chapters of me wondering whether or not the plot’s started up yet. I think it worked out in the end for the most part and I’m glad we spent time with these other characters up front, but it's just a bit too much time spent on the front end of things.
It wasn’t the deepest or most high concept mystery ever, but I also didn’t figure everything out by the time things got revealed. It’s a perfectly fine historical mystery with decent characterization and good tension and pacing. Lots of good here though definitely faltering in too many important places for me to really love it.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
A medieval murder mystery and a stolen piece of the True Cross, Desolation follows Ralph de Maundeville (a Justice of the Peace for the King) and his two assistants as they investigate the murders of two of the King’s men, one suspicious friar begging for sanctuary in a nearby priory, and the seeming return of the plague that ravaged England over a decade ago. Rotating between multiple POVs (from both the protagonists and antagonists) we follow Ralph as he tries to solve this case in a time of so much fear and change for England.
We learn a lot pretty much right off the bat. I’m glad for this, as I hate when a mystery book with the suspects’ POVs find contrived ways to keep the reader in the dark about things. Faked deaths due to the plague, monks that maybe aren’t who they say they are, and promises of an elixir of life are all features that we find out about pretty quickly. On top of that, the author still knows to keep plenty of things secret. It’s, in part, a large and widespread conspiracy involving lots of players, so there’s still a lot to be uncovered as the book goes on.
You have to be willing to read through some historical background inelegantly explained by various characters throughout the novel. On one hand, yes it is important and necessary to explain how the various courts of England and the Justice of the Peace act works at this time, but on the other hand, it is a bit tedious. I always enjoy learning about medieval England so these parts weren’t too bad for me, but if you just want to dive into a murder mystery without all this then this book probably isn’t for you. It lets up after the halfway point but until then I started to feel like I was getting a history lesson every few chapters.
We kinda wander around for a bit before Ralph de Mandeville even shows up. What was a cold opener turns into several chapters of me wondering whether or not the plot’s started up yet. I think it worked out in the end for the most part and I’m glad we spent time with these other characters up front, but it's just a bit too much time spent on the front end of things.
It wasn’t the deepest or most high concept mystery ever, but I also didn’t figure everything out by the time things got revealed. It’s a perfectly fine historical mystery with decent characterization and good tension and pacing. Lots of good here though definitely faltering in too many important places for me to really love it.
Thank you to the publisher for the advanced copy of the ebook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
October 25, 2025
Fans of CJ Sansom and Andrew Taylor will be completely gripped by Keith Moray’s Desolation.
14th Century York and no sooner has the country recovered from the war with France that an even bigger threat looms large uniting both nobleman and pauper: the Plague. All over the land, people are scared and terrified of what the future might hold. Sir Ralph de Mandeville, newly appointed Justice of the Peace, is sent to Langbarugh, just outside York, to investigate the murder of Coroner Sir Boderick de Whitby. As the body count continues to increase, Sir Ralph is aided by his two assistants, Merek and Peter, who certainly have got their work cut out for them – especially when an evil greater evil is discovered.
As panic escalates and the lines between murder and plague begin to blur, Sir Ralph is thrust in a race against time. Will he uncover a deadly killer before the Black Death gets to him? Can Sir Ralph solve this case? Or is he up against an enemy he simply cannot defeat?
Desolation is a terrific historical mystery by Keith Moray that will keep readers guessing. Brilliantly evocative, wonderfully researched and packed with shocking revelations and twists and turns to keep readers glued to its pages, Desolation is a first-class crime novel by Keith Moray that is a struggle to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
14th Century York and no sooner has the country recovered from the war with France that an even bigger threat looms large uniting both nobleman and pauper: the Plague. All over the land, people are scared and terrified of what the future might hold. Sir Ralph de Mandeville, newly appointed Justice of the Peace, is sent to Langbarugh, just outside York, to investigate the murder of Coroner Sir Boderick de Whitby. As the body count continues to increase, Sir Ralph is aided by his two assistants, Merek and Peter, who certainly have got their work cut out for them – especially when an evil greater evil is discovered.
As panic escalates and the lines between murder and plague begin to blur, Sir Ralph is thrust in a race against time. Will he uncover a deadly killer before the Black Death gets to him? Can Sir Ralph solve this case? Or is he up against an enemy he simply cannot defeat?
Desolation is a terrific historical mystery by Keith Moray that will keep readers guessing. Brilliantly evocative, wonderfully researched and packed with shocking revelations and twists and turns to keep readers glued to its pages, Desolation is a first-class crime novel by Keith Moray that is a struggle to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 20, 2025
The middle of the 14th century was a dark and dangerous time as England was still reeling from the effects of the war with France and only just recovering from the aftermath of the great pestilence in 1348, people are naturally cautious and fearful of an unknown future.
In 1361, Sir Ralph de Mandeville is a newly appointed Justice of the Peace, who has been sent to Langbarugh, near York, to investigate the untimely death of Coroner Sir Broderick de Whitby. This is an uneasy time as not only has the death left the locals feeling uneasy but there is also the very real fear that the deadly plague has once more resurfaced, and with a series of unexplained deaths everyone, it seems, has something to fear.
This is an interesting medieval mystery with an authentic sense of time and with a complex and rather dark mystery at its core. The medieval setting is imaginatively described so that I felt like I was placed within the small Yorkshire villages watching as the mystery deepened. The characterisation is flawless, I especially enjoyed watching how Ralph de Mandeville, and his companions, set about solving the murder mystery and by the end of the story I was already looking forward to seeing how they would go forward in future stories.
Desolation is an atmospheric and well written historical murder mystery.
September 19, 2025
Desolation is the first book I've read by Keith Moray. I think the cover is fabulous and very evocative.
The story is intriguing, with a wide cast and it takes quite some time until we finally meet Ralph de Manville because there are so many other characters to meet first. I do hope that in later books in the series, Ralph will enter the narrative a little quicker.
It is quite a complex plot, because the narrative switches between characters so much. The reader does have to work to make sense of what's happening. We are told certain things, but not others - so we know what's happening but not necessarily who is doing it. The body count is HUGE!
When Ralph finally begins to make sense of what's happening, the resolution comes quite quickly, and the ending is certainly satisfying.
I read a lot of mysteries. If I don't work out 'who did it' I am always impressed, although with Desolation there are so many people implicated, it does feel as though there are a lot of people to guess. I worked out some elements, but not others, and I did very much enjoy the mystery element of the story.
The story is intriguing, with a wide cast and it takes quite some time until we finally meet Ralph de Manville because there are so many other characters to meet first. I do hope that in later books in the series, Ralph will enter the narrative a little quicker.
It is quite a complex plot, because the narrative switches between characters so much. The reader does have to work to make sense of what's happening. We are told certain things, but not others - so we know what's happening but not necessarily who is doing it. The body count is HUGE!
When Ralph finally begins to make sense of what's happening, the resolution comes quite quickly, and the ending is certainly satisfying.
I read a lot of mysteries. If I don't work out 'who did it' I am always impressed, although with Desolation there are so many people implicated, it does feel as though there are a lot of people to guess. I worked out some elements, but not others, and I did very much enjoy the mystery element of the story.
October 17, 2025
Moray offers a twisted story set in England in the dangerous times post-plague when survivors lived in fear of the pestilence returning and good men could be forced to do unspeakable things by persuasive, megalomaniacal evil-doers.
Moray does an excellent job of conveying the sheer terror people felt when faced with the possibility of the pestilence returning. Protecting themselves and what family that remained was paramount, and Moray communicates that very well. However, he also demonstrates the opposite effect of a world-shifting event like the Plague on people who become so used to death that taking a life becomes no big thing. While this is an historical mystery, the author writes a fascinating commentary on how people respond to a terrible, life-changing event.
Fans of historical mysteries will appreciate Moray’s seamlessly blended research with well-developed characters who will make your skin crawl. The story will suck you in right away and keep hold as you plow through the plot because you have to know what happens and who gets their comeuppance. There are some gross descriptions, but overall this is a good one.
Recommended.
Moray does an excellent job of conveying the sheer terror people felt when faced with the possibility of the pestilence returning. Protecting themselves and what family that remained was paramount, and Moray communicates that very well. However, he also demonstrates the opposite effect of a world-shifting event like the Plague on people who become so used to death that taking a life becomes no big thing. While this is an historical mystery, the author writes a fascinating commentary on how people respond to a terrible, life-changing event.
Fans of historical mysteries will appreciate Moray’s seamlessly blended research with well-developed characters who will make your skin crawl. The story will suck you in right away and keep hold as you plow through the plot because you have to know what happens and who gets their comeuppance. There are some gross descriptions, but overall this is a good one.
Recommended.
September 9, 2025
Really enjoyed this one. Reminded me of Susanna Gregory books.
In this one, the fear is very prominent that the plague is returning especially when Bailiff Osbert Flood is seriously ill with it and his young son dies from it while away from home. Someone is taking advantage of the fear by trying to create plague victims in a small village near York to cover murder and spread terror among the villagers. Sir Ralph de Mandeville, JP, is called in with his assistants Peter and Merek to investigate that and deal with the travelling friars preaching about the end of the world, and the theft of Black Rood, an ancient relic. There is a lot going on and the pace suits the story with plenty of suspense and peril and there are many interesting characters who will hopefully develop further in the series.
I will definitely read more.
In this one, the fear is very prominent that the plague is returning especially when Bailiff Osbert Flood is seriously ill with it and his young son dies from it while away from home. Someone is taking advantage of the fear by trying to create plague victims in a small village near York to cover murder and spread terror among the villagers. Sir Ralph de Mandeville, JP, is called in with his assistants Peter and Merek to investigate that and deal with the travelling friars preaching about the end of the world, and the theft of Black Rood, an ancient relic. There is a lot going on and the pace suits the story with plenty of suspense and peril and there are many interesting characters who will hopefully develop further in the series.
I will definitely read more.
October 25, 2025
1361. Rumours of the return of the pestilence is spreading causing fear and friars are moving from village to village preaching that the pestilence is returning because they are not worshipping enough and prophesying doom to all. The village of Axeton in Yorkshire seems to be particularly hard hit with several villagers being infected and dying quickly. Meanwhile Justice of the Peace Sir Ralph de Mandeville is tasked with investigating the murder of the Coroner Sir Broderick de Whitby. Aided by Peter and Marek, he finds that his investigation leads him to Axeton, where they find themselves dealing with many other murky problems as well.
A really engrossing, well written story with plenty of blind alleys, truthful and not so truthful witnesses, lots of bodies and a little bit of spookiness!
Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an ARC for my honest review.
A really engrossing, well written story with plenty of blind alleys, truthful and not so truthful witnesses, lots of bodies and a little bit of spookiness!
Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an ARC for my honest review.
November 10, 2025
This is an interesting book. It seems to be a book of two halves. The half where Ralph de Mandeville searches for the murderer and the half about the villains and what they are doing. I preferred the Ralph de Mandeville sections as I felt the other bits didn't flow in the same way. From a historical point of view it was fascinating that the medical practices weren't that much different from not so long ago. The ending was a little bit clichéd for my liking. It was like watching a nineteen forties movie at times. I did struggle to finish it but that may be because I had a tight time restraint and couldn't really sit and enjoy it as much as I would have liked. All in all I did enjoy the book but not as much as some others set in the same time period. With thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
November 11, 2025
Sent to investigate the murder of a local coroner, Sir Ralph discovers more evil afoot. A valuable relic has been stolen, there's talk of alchemy and necromancy across the north, and worse still the plague appears to be back. It's 1361 and England is at peace with France and Scotland but in one corner of Yorkshire seems to be suffering from more than it's fair share of deaths. As Ralph and his team investigate further it seems that it is more like murder.
This is supposedly the start of a new series of novels and so there is a fair amount of time given over to backstories here. The plot itself is a bit messy - the idea of a stolen relic and a chance to ignite war with Scotland is great. The alchemy is interesting but some of the murders seem a little gratuitous and not really linked in. Good sense of time and place though
This is supposedly the start of a new series of novels and so there is a fair amount of time given over to backstories here. The plot itself is a bit messy - the idea of a stolen relic and a chance to ignite war with Scotland is great. The alchemy is interesting but some of the murders seem a little gratuitous and not really linked in. Good sense of time and place though
September 26, 2025
An intriguing story of gruesome murders set in the 14C in Yorkshire. Amidst fears of a second onslaught of plague, the Magister, a fake alchemist and necromancer, spreads panic and murder in his determination to gain power. Sir Ralph de Mandeville, Justice of the Peace, is tasked with seeking the truth and uncovering a complex plot.
Great characters – both heroes and villains. There is a fair amount of historical explanation at the start of the book, which does help as the story unfolds. This is the first Keith Moray book I have read and I look forward to the next in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC
Great characters – both heroes and villains. There is a fair amount of historical explanation at the start of the book, which does help as the story unfolds. This is the first Keith Moray book I have read and I look forward to the next in this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC
October 17, 2025
This is a book-I-couldn't-put-down as it's a mix of Alexander Dumas' historical fiction, mystery, a pinch of gothic and a pinch of horror
Twisty, full of surprises, intriguing. with a fundamental question: are some death cause by the Plague or is the cause human ?
A rabbit hole that will bring you to face an evil-very-evil.
I had fun and thoroughly enjoyed this book, happy it's the start of a series as I want to read another by Ralph de Mandeville mystery.
Go and read it, it's an exciting and entertaining historical thriller
Highly recommended.
Many thanks Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
Twisty, full of surprises, intriguing. with a fundamental question: are some death cause by the Plague or is the cause human ?
A rabbit hole that will bring you to face an evil-very-evil.
I had fun and thoroughly enjoyed this book, happy it's the start of a series as I want to read another by Ralph de Mandeville mystery.
Go and read it, it's an exciting and entertaining historical thriller
Highly recommended.
Many thanks Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine
October 18, 2025
A dark, immersive mystery set in plague-ridden 14th-century England, Desolation combines historical accuracy with chilling suspense. Keith Moray brings the age of the Black Death vividly to life, weaving murder, superstition, and politics into a gripping story. Ralph de Mandeville makes for a fascinating lead—methodical, moral, and caught in a web of secrets. An excellent start to what promises to be a compelling historical mystery series.
Thank you Boldwood Books, NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing me an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you Boldwood Books, NetGalley, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing me an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
October 17, 2025
I thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance reader copy of Desolation. All opinions and comments are my own.
There’s a little bit of everything in this book (the first in a new series), including -- trigger warning -- a lot of violent death, eagerly described by author Keith Moray. What look to be plague deaths ravishing the countryside’s populace and the practice of the science of “alchemy” are all catalysts in a plot to overthrow the English throne, and never mind the theft of a priceless religious artifact. You may think that Justice of the Peace Sir Ralph de Mandeville may have his hands full and then some sorting all this out, which includes the death of the local coroner, but it will turn out to be all in a day’s work (more or less, there are plenty of twists and turns) for Sir Ralph and his able assistants.
If this sounds like a medieval mash-up, you’d wouldn’t be far off. The author keeps it pretty well under control, even if the gruesome murders were a little too much for me. Obviously, the plan is to find plenty for Sir Ralph to do in future books, and hopefully grisly plague deaths will be far down the list.
There’s a little bit of everything in this book (the first in a new series), including -- trigger warning -- a lot of violent death, eagerly described by author Keith Moray. What look to be plague deaths ravishing the countryside’s populace and the practice of the science of “alchemy” are all catalysts in a plot to overthrow the English throne, and never mind the theft of a priceless religious artifact. You may think that Justice of the Peace Sir Ralph de Mandeville may have his hands full and then some sorting all this out, which includes the death of the local coroner, but it will turn out to be all in a day’s work (more or less, there are plenty of twists and turns) for Sir Ralph and his able assistants.
If this sounds like a medieval mash-up, you’d wouldn’t be far off. The author keeps it pretty well under control, even if the gruesome murders were a little too much for me. Obviously, the plan is to find plenty for Sir Ralph to do in future books, and hopefully grisly plague deaths will be far down the list.
November 2, 2025
reading it I thought this was a well researched book written probably by a historian that is finding their writing legs. Turns out it is a seasoned writer. and that was a bit dissapointing as I found the stile a bit formulaic and lacking in nuance. Not a bad read but my search for a CJ Samson substitute continues.
October 4, 2025
1361 Justice of the Peace Sir Ralph de Mandeville is sent to Langbarugh to investigate the murder of a coroner, Sir Boderick de Whitby. But has the plague returned to the area, as people are dying in the village of Axeton. But these are not the only deaths. And the Black Rood of Scotland has been stolen to complicate matters. But why.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting characters. An excellent start to this new series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting characters. An excellent start to this new series
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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