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Sacrilege
Discover the gruesomely wicked medieval mystery from Kieth Moray, for fans of C. J. Sansom, Paul Doherty and E. M. Powell 🩸☠️🗡️ A nun is found dead.
A priest is horribly attacked.
An evil older than sin is loose in Yorkshire…
Marske, 1361. Sir Ralph de Mandeville with his assistants Peter and Merek have recently come from Reeth to hold a court session in Marske but are pulled away at the news of a most heinous crime having been discovered further down the River Swale.
A boat has been found, floating down the river. Inside is a truly horrifying scene - the body of a nun, her wrists cut and her hands fixed in the sign of benediction… As Ralph uses his astute skills of inspection, his mind asks a most difficult question - is this self-murder or murder most foul? Were her last moments spent in benediction prayer… or malediction warning? With both Marrick Priory and Easby Abbey within a stone’s throw of Marske, it appears something is not quite right in the house of God…
When the body of a priest is found mutilated as if by a wild animal, the villagers fear the nun's body has opened the gates and let loose a monster from Hell… but Ralph starts to wonder if something much more human is at the root of these evils.
As he follows the grim clues, he fears he knows where this miserable sacrilegious journey will end. The question is, can he catch the murderer and prevent more grisly deaths – his own included?
A gripping medieval mystery not for the faint hearted... 🩸☠️
Praise for Keith
'I would recommend it to any who enjoy historical fiction' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'Fast paced and gripping with plenty twists and turns which held my interest from the start' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'There is nothing better than a novel that you can look forward to picking up, this definitely was one of those' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
A priest is horribly attacked.
An evil older than sin is loose in Yorkshire…
Marske, 1361. Sir Ralph de Mandeville with his assistants Peter and Merek have recently come from Reeth to hold a court session in Marske but are pulled away at the news of a most heinous crime having been discovered further down the River Swale.
A boat has been found, floating down the river. Inside is a truly horrifying scene - the body of a nun, her wrists cut and her hands fixed in the sign of benediction… As Ralph uses his astute skills of inspection, his mind asks a most difficult question - is this self-murder or murder most foul? Were her last moments spent in benediction prayer… or malediction warning? With both Marrick Priory and Easby Abbey within a stone’s throw of Marske, it appears something is not quite right in the house of God…
When the body of a priest is found mutilated as if by a wild animal, the villagers fear the nun's body has opened the gates and let loose a monster from Hell… but Ralph starts to wonder if something much more human is at the root of these evils.
As he follows the grim clues, he fears he knows where this miserable sacrilegious journey will end. The question is, can he catch the murderer and prevent more grisly deaths – his own included?
A gripping medieval mystery not for the faint hearted... 🩸☠️
Praise for Keith
'I would recommend it to any who enjoy historical fiction' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'Fast paced and gripping with plenty twists and turns which held my interest from the start' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'There is nothing better than a novel that you can look forward to picking up, this definitely was one of those' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
343 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2026
About the author
Keith Moray
30 books50 followersPen name of Keith Moray Souter, also writes as Keith Souter and Clay More.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 23, 2026
I absolutely love anything medieval, whether it’s books, tv shows, or movies. Especially when it’s set here, in my own country of England. From the language, and the old ways, to the items of torture, and how they dealt with criminals, etc, just really interests me, and satisfies my blood lust, gore, and all things dark persona... Though anything to do with animals, and I’m a big, soppy sack of marshmallows. That said, there are are no animals harmed in this book, which was perfect 🥰
It is the year 1361, in Marske, which is now known as Yorkshire, England, and a nun has been found dead, presumed “felo de se” which is an archaic term for suicide (felon oneself). Shortly after, a priest has been found brutally attacked and killed. Ralph de Mandeville, is the Justice of the Peace, who on behalf of King Edward Ill, is responsible for arresting and punishing offenders of crime. Along with his trusted assistants Peter and Merek, he is tasked with investigating whether there’s any truth to the local villagers’ fear that, these deaths are caused by a monster, which has been released from Hell, or are they caused by murder most foul…
This is the second book in the Ralph de Mandeville series, though I didn’t read book one, but I’m definitely going to remedy that, and eventually read all (I think), four books, in this gripping medieval series.
Thanks to Keith Moray, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
4 ⭐️
Available: 10th April 2026
It is the year 1361, in Marske, which is now known as Yorkshire, England, and a nun has been found dead, presumed “felo de se” which is an archaic term for suicide (felon oneself). Shortly after, a priest has been found brutally attacked and killed. Ralph de Mandeville, is the Justice of the Peace, who on behalf of King Edward Ill, is responsible for arresting and punishing offenders of crime. Along with his trusted assistants Peter and Merek, he is tasked with investigating whether there’s any truth to the local villagers’ fear that, these deaths are caused by a monster, which has been released from Hell, or are they caused by murder most foul…
This is the second book in the Ralph de Mandeville series, though I didn’t read book one, but I’m definitely going to remedy that, and eventually read all (I think), four books, in this gripping medieval series.
Thanks to Keith Moray, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
4 ⭐️
Available: 10th April 2026
July 3, 2026
Excellent
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 Stars. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Sacrilege is an intriguing historical mystery that immerses the reader in Yorkshire in 1361. The plot was tense and well-constructed. The investigator, Ralph de Mandeville, has the position of Justice of the Peace. He is ably assisted by his two assistants, Peter and Merek. It is his duty to arrest and punish criminals through keen interviews and observations of the many suspects, and to conduct trials.
A nun has been found dead on a small boat, and her body has been cruelly slashed. The position of her injured hands makes it seem that they were arranged in a benediction or prayer, but another sign points to a malediction or warning. Those observing her bloody body believe her death was the work of demons. sending fear through the community. Ralph doesn't believe demons are loose, but that she was murdered by a human fiend, although many believe it was suicide, a sacrilege in a community with strict religious views. She cannot be buried in consecrated grounds because of her suicide.
Soon, a priest who is the local preacher is found brutally slashed to death and mutilated. The wounds appear to have been made by a wild animal, and many believe he was killed by demons set loose by the suicide of the dead nun. It is Ralph's role to dissuade the crowd that devils are attacking, but the fear still exists that a human serial killer may claim more victims.
The story is fast-paced and suspenseful, with twists. Much is written in the vernacular of the medieval setting, and some terms could only be guessed from context. As I was reading on my Kindle, I wasn't aware that a list of descriptions of unfamiliar terms was listed at the end of the book. I would have found this an excellent and useful resource if I had been aware of it.
This was a welcome change from modern mysteries with all their scientific additions to solutions. How was justice served centuries ago? I plan to read other books in the series and follow Ralph's detective work within deeply religious settings.
A nun has been found dead on a small boat, and her body has been cruelly slashed. The position of her injured hands makes it seem that they were arranged in a benediction or prayer, but another sign points to a malediction or warning. Those observing her bloody body believe her death was the work of demons. sending fear through the community. Ralph doesn't believe demons are loose, but that she was murdered by a human fiend, although many believe it was suicide, a sacrilege in a community with strict religious views. She cannot be buried in consecrated grounds because of her suicide.
Soon, a priest who is the local preacher is found brutally slashed to death and mutilated. The wounds appear to have been made by a wild animal, and many believe he was killed by demons set loose by the suicide of the dead nun. It is Ralph's role to dissuade the crowd that devils are attacking, but the fear still exists that a human serial killer may claim more victims.
The story is fast-paced and suspenseful, with twists. Much is written in the vernacular of the medieval setting, and some terms could only be guessed from context. As I was reading on my Kindle, I wasn't aware that a list of descriptions of unfamiliar terms was listed at the end of the book. I would have found this an excellent and useful resource if I had been aware of it.
This was a welcome change from modern mysteries with all their scientific additions to solutions. How was justice served centuries ago? I plan to read other books in the series and follow Ralph's detective work within deeply religious settings.
May 25, 2026
The author seems to have done a fair bit of research into the time period, into how monasteries and nunneries worked, how they interacted with their communities, and how the world worked. However, rather than feeling like de Mandeville lives in this world, it feels like he’s explaining it, equal parts tour guide and detective. For people less versed in the Middle Ages, they may need this exposition, but for others this may be a bit heavy handed.
One thing I like is the heavy emphasis on religion, because this was — for this time period — a giant and influential aspect of their lives, as much as social media is for us. It affected so much of the community, education, law, and so much more, so to see a book take that into account was nice. So if you’re not interested in reading a book with a heavy religious bent, you might want to find another series.
Ralph de Manderville — like almost all of the other characters, I’m afraid — is fairly flat. He’s more a role than a character, and a mouthpiece. Side characters are present, but limited to a handful of archetypes. The villain is (to me) obvious, and the mystery fairly straightforward. It’s well done, though, with solid writing and attention paid to the motivations of the characters involved. It just didn’t catch my imagination.
This book is at pains to include historic details in a way that is approachable for a more modern audience; the way they speak and think is diluted with more modern phrases and relaxed interactions making it easy to read. If you enjoy historic mysteries or books set in the Middle Ages, this is well worth giving a try. While this is book two in the series, I haven’t read the first one and found this to be able to read as a standalone.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
One thing I like is the heavy emphasis on religion, because this was — for this time period — a giant and influential aspect of their lives, as much as social media is for us. It affected so much of the community, education, law, and so much more, so to see a book take that into account was nice. So if you’re not interested in reading a book with a heavy religious bent, you might want to find another series.
Ralph de Manderville — like almost all of the other characters, I’m afraid — is fairly flat. He’s more a role than a character, and a mouthpiece. Side characters are present, but limited to a handful of archetypes. The villain is (to me) obvious, and the mystery fairly straightforward. It’s well done, though, with solid writing and attention paid to the motivations of the characters involved. It just didn’t catch my imagination.
This book is at pains to include historic details in a way that is approachable for a more modern audience; the way they speak and think is diluted with more modern phrases and relaxed interactions making it easy to read. If you enjoy historic mysteries or books set in the Middle Ages, this is well worth giving a try. While this is book two in the series, I haven’t read the first one and found this to be able to read as a standalone.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sacrilege is not what I expected. I thought I was in for a medieval Sherlock Holmes tale, and while it is a murder mystery, it completely fell flat for me.
This is the second book in the author’s Ralph de Mandeville trilogy and I did not read the first book.
Ralph is a justice of the peace investigating the death of a nun and priest. Townsfolk believe something evil is afoot while Ralph knows better and is determined to find the culprit responsible.
This book is highly tangential with antiquated and modern vernacular utilized interchangeably throughout the book… this greatly irritated me as I hold to the idea that one should use one or the either when writing historical fiction. There was much repetition that dragged the reader through the happenings several times over without new plot introduction until the conclusion of the book which felt rushed, out of place, and pardon me, but straight out of an ending from Scooby Doo.
I am an avid House of the Dragon (all things GoT) fan, and having an insufferable character named Crispin felt stolen and unoriginal.
We’re talking the Middle Ages folks, and the plague, specifically The Plague of Children, was mentioned yet not explored in the way it deserved.
I appreciate the author’s attention to geographical accuracy. I always enjoy reading about the history of a location yet want rich dialogue that accompanies the history.
I am sad this one fell short for me, but those who enjoy medieval history and murder mysteries with a heavy interest in religion might enjoy this book.
This is the second book in the author’s Ralph de Mandeville trilogy and I did not read the first book.
Ralph is a justice of the peace investigating the death of a nun and priest. Townsfolk believe something evil is afoot while Ralph knows better and is determined to find the culprit responsible.
This book is highly tangential with antiquated and modern vernacular utilized interchangeably throughout the book… this greatly irritated me as I hold to the idea that one should use one or the either when writing historical fiction. There was much repetition that dragged the reader through the happenings several times over without new plot introduction until the conclusion of the book which felt rushed, out of place, and pardon me, but straight out of an ending from Scooby Doo.
I am an avid House of the Dragon (all things GoT) fan, and having an insufferable character named Crispin felt stolen and unoriginal.
We’re talking the Middle Ages folks, and the plague, specifically The Plague of Children, was mentioned yet not explored in the way it deserved.
I appreciate the author’s attention to geographical accuracy. I always enjoy reading about the history of a location yet want rich dialogue that accompanies the history.
I am sad this one fell short for me, but those who enjoy medieval history and murder mysteries with a heavy interest in religion might enjoy this book.
April 12, 2026
Sacrilege is the second book in the Ralph de Mandeville historical mysteries. I've read the first book, so you can check out my review down at the bottom.
Sacrilege starts quicker than the first book, and our first encounter is with Ralph and his two assistants, Merek and Peter, as Ralph holds court in Marske, but the day quickly takes a turn when the body of a nun is found on the river. And so begins another very grizzly, high-body-count mystery that involves both a priory and an abbey, a nobleman, a queen, and the local villages, and is deeply rooted in the area, with its iron smelting and fast-flowing river.
The mystery is tightly plotted and filled with increasing tension as Ralph finds himself butting heads with an uptight nobility who don't want his interference, as well as a few jobs-worths along the way. And there are many people with secrets they don't want Ralph to uncover, as well as a brief appearance from Queen Phillipa.
This is an engaging, if sometimes slightly gruesome, read, with no end of peril for our main characters. It is written in such a way that it feels ye-olde-worldly, and the characters embody the thoughts of the day. You can tell Keith has a great deal of medical knowledge! It will certainly appeal to fans of the genre (me), and I do think it can be easily read as a standalone for anyone keen to jump right in with this second book in the series.
Sacrilege starts quicker than the first book, and our first encounter is with Ralph and his two assistants, Merek and Peter, as Ralph holds court in Marske, but the day quickly takes a turn when the body of a nun is found on the river. And so begins another very grizzly, high-body-count mystery that involves both a priory and an abbey, a nobleman, a queen, and the local villages, and is deeply rooted in the area, with its iron smelting and fast-flowing river.
The mystery is tightly plotted and filled with increasing tension as Ralph finds himself butting heads with an uptight nobility who don't want his interference, as well as a few jobs-worths along the way. And there are many people with secrets they don't want Ralph to uncover, as well as a brief appearance from Queen Phillipa.
This is an engaging, if sometimes slightly gruesome, read, with no end of peril for our main characters. It is written in such a way that it feels ye-olde-worldly, and the characters embody the thoughts of the day. You can tell Keith has a great deal of medical knowledge! It will certainly appeal to fans of the genre (me), and I do think it can be easily read as a standalone for anyone keen to jump right in with this second book in the series.
May 21, 2026
I haven't read the first book in this series, so I came into it blind. The character of Ralph is an interesting one, although I couldn't make up my mind if his interactions with his wife are just meant to be exploring grief, love and loss, or if there is a supernatural bent to the book. Exploring sacrilege certainly didn't help clear it up either, but there were things he *knew* that felt beyond his reasonable abilities.
There is a lot of internal thinking, a lot of the plot moving along by someone just thinking.
It starts good, really intriguing with the apparent self-murder of a nun. Things get stranger, hellish and horrible as time goes on. This book got *bloody* by the end of it. The bodies just kept piling up and up. It got a little ridiculous, in all honesty, and stopped feeling like a murder mystery and more just a spree killing. I wish it had been a little tighter in the mystery aspect rather than another body - or three - popping up every couple of chapters.
One of the key figures in the book is mentioned so infrequently that when the twist happened, I found myself just staring at the name, trying to work out who it was in the huge cast. It could have perhaps worked a little better with a smaller cast.
I will keep with this series because I like the three core characters and there is so much promise in this world.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
There is a lot of internal thinking, a lot of the plot moving along by someone just thinking.
It starts good, really intriguing with the apparent self-murder of a nun. Things get stranger, hellish and horrible as time goes on. This book got *bloody* by the end of it. The bodies just kept piling up and up. It got a little ridiculous, in all honesty, and stopped feeling like a murder mystery and more just a spree killing. I wish it had been a little tighter in the mystery aspect rather than another body - or three - popping up every couple of chapters.
One of the key figures in the book is mentioned so infrequently that when the twist happened, I found myself just staring at the name, trying to work out who it was in the huge cast. It could have perhaps worked a little better with a smaller cast.
I will keep with this series because I like the three core characters and there is so much promise in this world.
~Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advance reader copy of All opinions and comments are my own.
If you like your serial killer tales backed with some spot-on medieval storytelling then this is the book for you. Dexter, Jack the Ripper, and the Marquis de Sade would be so proud of the goings-on in Sacrilege, the second Ralph de Mandeville, Justice of the Peace outing, taking place in an agitated 1361. A dead woman (and the consequences of that prologue) set a whole lot of evil doings into motion, and Sir Ralph will soon have his hands full figuring it all out, explaining it to his audience and himself along the way; there’s plenty of internal dialog and exposition in this book, which may or may not be to everyone’s taste. All the blood and gore, that may not be to everyone’s taste either; but if you read the first Ralph de Mandeville book (Desolation, which you should have), then you know what you’re in for.
What readers are also in for is a dark and beguiling tale of vengeance, a village beset by thoughts of demons and demonic happenings, and secrets being kept from Sir Ralph which of course confuse the issue even more. Throw in a cruentation scene (that the dead can bleed after death if touched by their murderer) and Sir Ralph’s “discussions” with his late wife, well, there’s something for everyone, in Sacrilege.
If you like your serial killer tales backed with some spot-on medieval storytelling then this is the book for you. Dexter, Jack the Ripper, and the Marquis de Sade would be so proud of the goings-on in Sacrilege, the second Ralph de Mandeville, Justice of the Peace outing, taking place in an agitated 1361. A dead woman (and the consequences of that prologue) set a whole lot of evil doings into motion, and Sir Ralph will soon have his hands full figuring it all out, explaining it to his audience and himself along the way; there’s plenty of internal dialog and exposition in this book, which may or may not be to everyone’s taste. All the blood and gore, that may not be to everyone’s taste either; but if you read the first Ralph de Mandeville book (Desolation, which you should have), then you know what you’re in for.
What readers are also in for is a dark and beguiling tale of vengeance, a village beset by thoughts of demons and demonic happenings, and secrets being kept from Sir Ralph which of course confuse the issue even more. Throw in a cruentation scene (that the dead can bleed after death if touched by their murderer) and Sir Ralph’s “discussions” with his late wife, well, there’s something for everyone, in Sacrilege.
April 26, 2026
They say that sometimes the best review is the one where you forget to take notes because you were simply too immersed in the story to put the book down. This was exactly my experience with Keith Moray’s latest. In an era where "historical fiction" often feels like modern stories merely wearing period costumes, this book is a triumph of authentic atmosphere.
Set in 1361 Yorkshire, the story pulls you immediately into the cold, grim reality of the River Swale. Moray manages complete immersion in time and place; there isn't a single jarring anachronism, nor do modern mores or attitudes bleed into the 14th-century world. The result is a mystery that feels genuinely grounded in its era.
At the heart of the book is the wonderful dynamic between Sir Ralph de Mandeville and his assistants, Peter and Merek. They are a fantastic crime-fighting trio, each bringing distinct strengths and skills to the table. Their camaraderie and the way they play off one another make them incredibly likeable and give the dark, gruesome subject matter a much-needed human anchor.
From the chilling discovery of the nun to the atmospheric tension of the local abbeys, the plot is gripping and well-paced. If you are a fan of C.J. Sansom or Paul Doherty, this is a must-read. It is a brilliant addition to what promises to be a standout series. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
Set in 1361 Yorkshire, the story pulls you immediately into the cold, grim reality of the River Swale. Moray manages complete immersion in time and place; there isn't a single jarring anachronism, nor do modern mores or attitudes bleed into the 14th-century world. The result is a mystery that feels genuinely grounded in its era.
At the heart of the book is the wonderful dynamic between Sir Ralph de Mandeville and his assistants, Peter and Merek. They are a fantastic crime-fighting trio, each bringing distinct strengths and skills to the table. Their camaraderie and the way they play off one another make them incredibly likeable and give the dark, gruesome subject matter a much-needed human anchor.
From the chilling discovery of the nun to the atmospheric tension of the local abbeys, the plot is gripping and well-paced. If you are a fan of C.J. Sansom or Paul Doherty, this is a must-read. It is a brilliant addition to what promises to be a standout series. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
April 11, 2026
Sacrilege is another book‑I‑couldn’t‑put‑down, but this time the story moves with a sharper, darker edge, driven by a thread of revenge that coils through every chapter. The mix is still irresistible to me: historical fiction with the sweep of Dumas, a mystery that keeps shifting under your feet, a touch of gothic unease and a whisper of horror. The deaths are unsettling and symbolic, and the question is no longer simply whether the cause is human or something more sinister, but what kind of fury could drive someone to such extremes. Ralph de Mandeville’s investigation is steady, intelligent and deeply human, and watching him peel back layers of fear, superstition and long‑buried grudges is genuinely gripping. The atmosphere is thick with tension and the sense that past wrongs never stay buried. I enjoyed every moment, especially the way the plot tightens around the idea of vengeance and its consequences. I am very happy this is a series because I want more time with Ralph and his world. This is an exciting, absorbing and wonderfully dark historical thriller. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for the digital copy, all opinions are mine.
July 27, 2026
I read the first book and enjoyed that sufficiently to read the next one in the series. I’d say this started off quite well and I was kind of hooked on the story. I do quite enjoy a good historical crime novel and this seemed to fit my taste well.
The main character is believable, although the business with his dead wife and ‘seeing’ her felt a bit of a convenient way of him discovering who was responsible for the murders. There was also a bit of confusion, for me, regarding who the killer was when they were revealed. I think the story would have been better with fewer characters. When they were revealed I thought, who was that again?
I also thought the last few chapters were a bit rushed. It was almost as if the author had been told that they had a set number of words and they suddenly realised they had to wrap it all up.
Having said all that, I enjoyed the historical aspect to it, I felt that it was well researched. The main character was believable and I quite liked them on a personal level.
Overall, solid, but not spectacular.
The main character is believable, although the business with his dead wife and ‘seeing’ her felt a bit of a convenient way of him discovering who was responsible for the murders. There was also a bit of confusion, for me, regarding who the killer was when they were revealed. I think the story would have been better with fewer characters. When they were revealed I thought, who was that again?
I also thought the last few chapters were a bit rushed. It was almost as if the author had been told that they had a set number of words and they suddenly realised they had to wrap it all up.
Having said all that, I enjoyed the historical aspect to it, I felt that it was well researched. The main character was believable and I quite liked them on a personal level.
Overall, solid, but not spectacular.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A nun and a priest are found dead. Is it foul play? Suicide? Or a monster released from hell?
It is the year 1361, Medieval England, and the justice of the peace Ralph De Mandeville is in Marske to hold court sessions. Soon he and his trusted assistants Peter and Merek are pulled away from their duties to help with the case of a nun who was found with her wrists cut. It is believed that she may have committed suicide. But when a priest is found brutally mutilated and killed soon after, it is time for Ralph and his assistants to solve these crimes.
A fun, fast-paced murder mystery but set in the medieval times. You get to enjoy reading about those times and the use of medieval colloquialism was entertaining. I enjoyed Ralph's internal dialogues and musings.This book brought us vengeance, a village obsessed with demons, secrets and some blood and gore. What else can you ask for?
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
It is the year 1361, Medieval England, and the justice of the peace Ralph De Mandeville is in Marske to hold court sessions. Soon he and his trusted assistants Peter and Merek are pulled away from their duties to help with the case of a nun who was found with her wrists cut. It is believed that she may have committed suicide. But when a priest is found brutally mutilated and killed soon after, it is time for Ralph and his assistants to solve these crimes.
A fun, fast-paced murder mystery but set in the medieval times. You get to enjoy reading about those times and the use of medieval colloquialism was entertaining. I enjoyed Ralph's internal dialogues and musings.This book brought us vengeance, a village obsessed with demons, secrets and some blood and gore. What else can you ask for?
Thank you Netgalley and Boldwood Books for this eARC. All opinions are entirely my own.
April 27, 2026
This is an intriguing murder mystery
Set in 1361, reflecting the time and history.
With Sir Ralph de Mandeville appointed by the King
To help justice for his people to bring.
After a court session is brought dreadful news
Sir Ralph and his assistants the scene views.
A nun's body, her wrists cut, lies in a boat
By the riverbank, trapped there it does float.
Was this caused by herself or someone unknown?
The seeds of a mystery are soon sown.
When the body of a priest is later found
He hopes the killer to run to ground.
A intriguing murder mystery with twists galore
As Ralph and his assistants the clued start to explore.
There's danger in investigating the case
And more murders will be taking place.
This is a series that makes a great read
I hope it proves to be the next that you need!
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Set in 1361, reflecting the time and history.
With Sir Ralph de Mandeville appointed by the King
To help justice for his people to bring.
After a court session is brought dreadful news
Sir Ralph and his assistants the scene views.
A nun's body, her wrists cut, lies in a boat
By the riverbank, trapped there it does float.
Was this caused by herself or someone unknown?
The seeds of a mystery are soon sown.
When the body of a priest is later found
He hopes the killer to run to ground.
A intriguing murder mystery with twists galore
As Ralph and his assistants the clued start to explore.
There's danger in investigating the case
And more murders will be taking place.
This is a series that makes a great read
I hope it proves to be the next that you need!
For my copy of this book I say thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Another heinous murder investigated by Sir Ralph de Mandeville!
Sir Ralph, Justice of the Peace, appointed by King Edward, is going about his business in the countryside of Yorkshire when news of a nun who’d committed suicide reached him.
He’s duty bound to investigate.
This killing is only the first of a series of hideous deaths as though brought on by some creature from the gates of Hell.
Sir Ralph finds himself in conflict over who is in control with the local Lord and the Church.
The plot is complex and the deaths may well go as high as Queen Phillipa and her younger son Thomas if Sir Ralph can’t solve the conundrum
A fascinating, yet diabolical medieval murder mystery from Moray set in the 1360’s.
A Boldwood Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Sir Ralph, Justice of the Peace, appointed by King Edward, is going about his business in the countryside of Yorkshire when news of a nun who’d committed suicide reached him.
He’s duty bound to investigate.
This killing is only the first of a series of hideous deaths as though brought on by some creature from the gates of Hell.
Sir Ralph finds himself in conflict over who is in control with the local Lord and the Church.
The plot is complex and the deaths may well go as high as Queen Phillipa and her younger son Thomas if Sir Ralph can’t solve the conundrum
A fascinating, yet diabolical medieval murder mystery from Moray set in the 1360’s.
A Boldwood Books ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
April 30, 2026
Ralph de Mandeville and has assistants Merek and Peter are holding court in Marske in the north of Yorkshire. They are horrified to find that a nun from a nearby order has been found dead, apparently suicide. Soon after the local priest is found murdered and rumours of witchcraft abound in the area. With danger at every corner, can the mystery be solved before Queen Philippa arrives.
This is the second medieval mystery by Keith Moray that I have read and I have really enjoyed both. Here there is much around the legal system of 14th century England as well as the superstitions of the locals in the area around devils etc. I love the setting as it is a part of North Yorkshire that I hold dear and know many of the places mentioned. The research and confidence in which Moray talks about everyday life means that the book has a more believable background that many in the genre.
This is the second medieval mystery by Keith Moray that I have read and I have really enjoyed both. Here there is much around the legal system of 14th century England as well as the superstitions of the locals in the area around devils etc. I love the setting as it is a part of North Yorkshire that I hold dear and know many of the places mentioned. The research and confidence in which Moray talks about everyday life means that the book has a more believable background that many in the genre.
April 22, 2026
This one just wasn’t for me.
I went in expecting a solid murder mystery, but the writing style made it hard to get into. It felt overly wordy in some places, oddly new-aged in a few spots, and the mix just didn’t flow well, making it hard to stay engaged. The pacing dragged in the beginning, and even as things picked up, the story still felt kind of flat for me. I never fully connected with the characters or got pulled into the mystery the way I wanted to.
There’s definitely a detailed world here, but overall it just wasn’t my vibe. I’m sure there are readers out there for this type of story, I am just not one of them.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author’s publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I went in expecting a solid murder mystery, but the writing style made it hard to get into. It felt overly wordy in some places, oddly new-aged in a few spots, and the mix just didn’t flow well, making it hard to stay engaged. The pacing dragged in the beginning, and even as things picked up, the story still felt kind of flat for me. I never fully connected with the characters or got pulled into the mystery the way I wanted to.
There’s definitely a detailed world here, but overall it just wasn’t my vibe. I’m sure there are readers out there for this type of story, I am just not one of them.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author’s publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A promising series! A thrilling plot, a likeable team investigating the (numerous) murders. This novel was gripping thanks to much action and blood (it could do with less!). What irritated me somewhat was Ralph's dead wife's "whispering" to him to give support. It doesn't work well in this novel. The author gives quite a lot of information about certain topics which are interesting and relevant. However, sometimes it gets too much and loses its relevance. Still, I enjoyed the mystery and the series which has potential to be better, according to my opinion.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
April 10, 2026
The second book about Ralph De Mandeville and his investigations. It takes place in Reeth after Ralph holds a session court. A nuns body is discovered and it it down to Ralph, Peter and Merek to discover the truth. Another fabulous book set in Medieval Yorkshire. Wonderful descriptions of places and events with well rounded characters. There is plenty of humour throughout the story as well as some darker themes. It is great spending time in the company of Ralph and his friends and the historical information is enthralling.
With thanks to the author,Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
With thanks to the author,Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.
May 4, 2026
This is the second in the Ralph de Mandeville Mysterious. I really enjoyed the first one and the second in the series was just as good.
It's a dark medieval mystery with lots of gruesome murders. I loved the mixture of historical details with an interesting range of characters from all levels of society.
Ralph de Mandeville is a strong character, and I love the concept of a ‘spiritual’ connection with his dead wife.
The inclusion of medieval concepts around faith and medicine were really interesting and added depth to the book.
I am very much looking forward to the next in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC
It's a dark medieval mystery with lots of gruesome murders. I loved the mixture of historical details with an interesting range of characters from all levels of society.
Ralph de Mandeville is a strong character, and I love the concept of a ‘spiritual’ connection with his dead wife.
The inclusion of medieval concepts around faith and medicine were really interesting and added depth to the book.
I am very much looking forward to the next in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC
May 2, 2026
3.5 stars.
Medieval murder mystery with a travelling King's Man dispensing justice during the times of the Black Death (the MC reminded me slightly of Vonvalt from the Richard Swan's Empire of the Wolf series, but without the magic. There is however a Prioress who seemingly sees the future using astrology).
I did enjoy this book more enthralling than the first in the series. Sir Ralph and his companions make for a great trio. This is the historical fiction I enjoy.
Medieval murder mystery with a travelling King's Man dispensing justice during the times of the Black Death (the MC reminded me slightly of Vonvalt from the Richard Swan's Empire of the Wolf series, but without the magic. There is however a Prioress who seemingly sees the future using astrology).
I did enjoy this book more enthralling than the first in the series. Sir Ralph and his companions make for a great trio. This is the historical fiction I enjoy.
June 2, 2026
A clever, macabre and well executed medieval murder mystery that had me alluded until the crux of the story- Sacrilege was an interesting, gripping and fast paced story which vividly intertwined both medicinal and religious aspects in all the right places adding depth and intrigue to the plot as a whole. This made for a uniquely different yet memorable read.
Thankyou to Net galley and Bold wood Books for an arc of this book.
Thankyou to Net galley and Bold wood Books for an arc of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
1361 Marske. While holding a court session Sir Ralph de Manderville, Justice of the Peace, is informed of the discovery of a Nun in a boat on the River Swale. But this is not the first death in recent years, and it will not be the last. Sir Ralph, with his assistants Marek and Peter Longwood, investigate. But what could be the possible motive for all the deaths and is there more than one killer.
An entertaining historical mystery with its interesting main characters. A good second book in this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
An entertaining historical mystery with its interesting main characters. A good second book in this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Intense and effective murder mystery with some fantastic plotting and some impeccable vibes, though at points the inconsistent vernacular weakens this one. 4 stars. thanks to Boldwood and Netgalley for the ARC.
April 13, 2026
Really great read as Ralph and his trusted team Peter and Merek set about to find the supposed death of a Nun ,and then a priest ,and others ,and attempted murder of there own Peter and Merek .
Set in 1361 is a thrilling story and even i didn't guess who the killers were .
Highly recommend .
Set in 1361 is a thrilling story and even i didn't guess who the killers were .
Highly recommend .
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A fairly serviceable mystery that is let down by the writing. There’s a feeling of clumsiness in the telling of it that diminishes the enjoyment.
July 19, 2026
A good read was mystified till the closing chapters in the book. How a good book should be
Well recommended.
Well recommended.
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