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Thomas the Falconer Mystery #4
The Mapmaker's Daughter
Will Thomas survive this investigation? The jury is out.
In the year 1592, a series of terrible murders is spreading fear across the remote West Berkshire Downs. It is Thomas the Falconer who discovers the all the dead men once sat on an inquest jury. But who is now targeting the former jurymen? And why is the High Sheriff taking such an interest?
There are certainly some odd characters on the Downs this springtime, including a flamboyant travelling showman, whom Thomas befriends; and the arrogant mapmaker Christopher Mead, who is assisted by his beautiful daughter Grace. But after a while, even Grace's behaviour arouses Thomas's suspicions . . .
In this, his fourth mystery, Thomas must match wits with a most cunning and elusive adversary. Only after a desperate struggle on the wild downlands is justice finally done, and peace restored once again...
In the year 1592, a series of terrible murders is spreading fear across the remote West Berkshire Downs. It is Thomas the Falconer who discovers the all the dead men once sat on an inquest jury. But who is now targeting the former jurymen? And why is the High Sheriff taking such an interest?
There are certainly some odd characters on the Downs this springtime, including a flamboyant travelling showman, whom Thomas befriends; and the arrogant mapmaker Christopher Mead, who is assisted by his beautiful daughter Grace. But after a while, even Grace's behaviour arouses Thomas's suspicions . . .
In this, his fourth mystery, Thomas must match wits with a most cunning and elusive adversary. Only after a desperate struggle on the wild downlands is justice finally done, and peace restored once again...
256 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2005
110 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
John Pilkington
31 books74 followersJohn Pilkington wrote radio plays back in the 1980s before stepping things up a notch and scribbling down television scripts for the BCC. He then went onto write historical mystery novels for children.
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 4, 2021
It has been a space of time since I read the first three books in this series, but all the characters were memorable and the challenges admirably imagined. Thomas the Falconer remains a strong character and the times portrayed well when recusants were hunted and shunned. A murderer was abroad and it took Thomas to figure out what was behind the poisoning deaths. The mapmaker played a very small role, so not certain about the title chosen. Thomas gets some guidance from a mysterious man of dark arts traveling with a chimpanzee as part of his act. How will Thomas find the poisoner when he is assigned to various inane tasks and also has the challenge of a man from his soldiering past appearing.
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May 19, 2024
1592. A barn on fire reveals the ody of Simon Haylock, but is proven he was dead, poisoned, before the fire. Then another is dead. How many will die before a motive is discovered. Thomas Finbow, investigates.
An entertaining historical mystery
An entertaining historical mystery
September 20, 2013
I enjoy Elizabethan mysteries and I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Thomas the Falconer is an intriguing character. The social world and interrelationships are brought to life. I am looking forward to reading more in the series.
July 22, 2020
As with the previous books there are amazing characters, I loved Ned, Thomas's new assistant and can't wait to see how he develops as a character. Paulo Schweiz, the travelling conjuror was such a fun, interesting character, I really enjoyed reading about his antics and tricks and how I wasn't sure all the way through whether he could be trusted or not.
Thomas himself is also developing as a character throughout this series and I am really enjoying finding out more about him, he is a great lead character, it's also fun to learn about falconry and the birds themselves have their own personalities which emerge more as the series continues.
This is another fast paced mystery with an unexpected ending which I'd never guessed! The final twist was definitely a surprise but I won't give any spoilers.
Thomas himself is also developing as a character throughout this series and I am really enjoying finding out more about him, he is a great lead character, it's also fun to learn about falconry and the birds themselves have their own personalities which emerge more as the series continues.
This is another fast paced mystery with an unexpected ending which I'd never guessed! The final twist was definitely a surprise but I won't give any spoilers.
June 17, 2020
Getting better with each one
The fourth in the Thomas the Falconer series and what a joy. The slow burn of Thomas's character development, his sometimes taciturn subtlety and his deep loyalties are such a pleasure. There's some excellent dialogue and a marvellous scene of Thomas arriving at the tail end of a dinner party with Sir Robert & the High Sheriff, plus the acerbic quips of their spouses that positively crackles. Marvellous plot with delicious extra detail like the Mapmaker's dioptra and the travelling Swiss entertainer with his sidekick and the sidekick's monkey. Off to download number 5.
The fourth in the Thomas the Falconer series and what a joy. The slow burn of Thomas's character development, his sometimes taciturn subtlety and his deep loyalties are such a pleasure. There's some excellent dialogue and a marvellous scene of Thomas arriving at the tail end of a dinner party with Sir Robert & the High Sheriff, plus the acerbic quips of their spouses that positively crackles. Marvellous plot with delicious extra detail like the Mapmaker's dioptra and the travelling Swiss entertainer with his sidekick and the sidekick's monkey. Off to download number 5.
March 3, 2023
It kept me guessing …..
As always John Pilkington’s mysteries keep me guessing to the end. A complicated one too so there was much unravelling to be done. Plus there’s a couple of stories within which show the good side of human nature and there’s always reminders that all this was taking place in the late 16th century. I like the little stories which merge with the main plot making a very satisfying read. Highly recommended.
As always John Pilkington’s mysteries keep me guessing to the end. A complicated one too so there was much unravelling to be done. Plus there’s a couple of stories within which show the good side of human nature and there’s always reminders that all this was taking place in the late 16th century. I like the little stories which merge with the main plot making a very satisfying read. Highly recommended.
April 4, 2023
I gave this book an extra star because of the excellent display of a time in history. It gives a good picture of life in England when there are underlying tensions between Catholics and Anglicans, including an understanding of both sides. The title is odd because the mapmaker's daughter is a secondary character, though emblematic of the underlying dispute. I found the book easy to read, with the characters quickly and expertly drawn. There is a historical style but it doesn't get in the way.
May 30, 2020
In the fourth Thomas Finbow mystery, the setting is closer to Thomas' home estate in rural Berkshire. This is a terrific exploration of the religious and political tensions just below the harmonious surface of country life. Another cracking good read.
July 30, 2020
Another intriguing take from John Pilkington, with all the twists and turns you expect from him. The settings are well described and take you effortlessly back to Elizabethan England. You are kept guessing who was guilty of the crimes until the last couple of chapters, with many red herrings thrown in along the way.
September 15, 2020
Another round of hunting for the falconer
Another Falconer mystery solved after many twists which I feel has Miss Marple at his elbow who would have it solved much more sharply and entertaining.
L.K.
Another Falconer mystery solved after many twists which I feel has Miss Marple at his elbow who would have it solved much more sharply and entertaining.
L.K.
October 7, 2020
A tale of Tudor village mayhem and murder subtly told
Feudal serfdom was very much like slavery, and in a sleepy part of Berkshire dark deeds are revealed which the Falconer resolves in modest fashion. A great sense of time and place. An enjoyable read.
Feudal serfdom was very much like slavery, and in a sleepy part of Berkshire dark deeds are revealed which the Falconer resolves in modest fashion. A great sense of time and place. An enjoyable read.
November 26, 2020
Great mystery
I enjoyed this book a lot. The evocation of the historical setting was excellent. The main characters were interesting— I wanted to know what would become of them as the story evolved. I would recommend it. A. J. Fotheringham
I enjoyed this book a lot. The evocation of the historical setting was excellent. The main characters were interesting— I wanted to know what would become of them as the story evolved. I would recommend it. A. J. Fotheringham
October 31, 2021
Another excellent mystery
I thoroughly enjoyed yet the fourth in this excellent series of Faulkner mysteries. The twists and turns kept me riveted to the story. The only drawbacks were the numerous misspellings, repeated words and merging of words throughout the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed yet the fourth in this excellent series of Faulkner mysteries. The twists and turns kept me riveted to the story. The only drawbacks were the numerous misspellings, repeated words and merging of words throughout the book.
February 21, 2022
A misleading title, but still good
Oddly titled and a twisting tale that got a bit confusing at times, but love the main man along with other familiar characters, so a good read all told.
Oddly titled and a twisting tale that got a bit confusing at times, but love the main man along with other familiar characters, so a good read all told.
October 15, 2022
Great Read!
Each book in this series just seems to be more intriguing than the last. The characters are so real and the life and customs of the time are so informative and interesting. I have really enjoyed arch book in this series.
Each book in this series just seems to be more intriguing than the last. The characters are so real and the life and customs of the time are so informative and interesting. I have really enjoyed arch book in this series.
January 9, 2024
Another good tale.
This is a really good series of stories. Well researched and told the sort of things I will come back too again and again. I am concentrating on the Faulkner series at present.
This is a really good series of stories. Well researched and told the sort of things I will come back too again and again. I am concentrating on the Faulkner series at present.
March 11, 2020
Superb!
A really enjoyable series, I’ve read 3 of them, each better than the one before, and this one better than the others! Loved it.
A really enjoyable series, I’ve read 3 of them, each better than the one before, and this one better than the others! Loved it.
July 1, 2020
A good plot with interesting characters well put together. I look forward to reading the next book.
March 12, 2021
Another good story
Excellent read ... atmospheric and interesting story .john P doesnt disappoint!
Looking forward to the next book in the series
Excellent read ... atmospheric and interesting story .john P doesnt disappoint!
Looking forward to the next book in the series
July 15, 2021
I am enjoying this series.
September 16, 2022
Another good pilkington bopk
March 8, 2023
Multiple mysteries
Round and round they go as the bodies stack up. There are too many players to keep track. Thomas manages to figure out most with an interesting friend.
Round and round they go as the bodies stack up. There are too many players to keep track. Thomas manages to figure out most with an interesting friend.
Read
April 12, 2016A typical hist-myst. Solid story and characters, nice dose of Elizabethan history and Elizabethan Tudor setting and a juicy murder or rather murders to solve. The falconry episodes are different and add to the story.
The Falconer series is popular, readable, and well worth looking at. A pleasant read and well written too.
The Falconer series is popular, readable, and well worth looking at. A pleasant read and well written too.
November 16, 2024
Four books in and still worth reading, The sense of place and the dialect of the protagonists is very well portrayed, It is obvious that this is a good writer at work and so I'm looking forward to reading on!
March 7, 2016
I found this book enjoyable. The old English setting/culture/characters carried me along when the story got thin. I liked it enough to decide to read the series.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews