What do you think?
Rate this book
Discover the BRAND NEW gruesomely gripping Medieval mystery from Keith Moray, for fans of C. J. Sansom, Paul Doherty and E. M. Powell.A man possessed.
A woman ravished.
There be demons in this place…
Malton, 1361. Justice of the Peace Sir Ralph de Mandeville arrives in the walled town of Malton and is instantly plunged into a twisted web of brutal murder, forbidden romance and dark superstitions.
What starts as a routine session of the peace turns into a much darker, more complicated state of affairs. One suspected count of self-murder quickly followed by a formal plea of mayhem is enough to keep Ralph and his assistants Peter and Merek on their toes, but tension erupts into outright terror when a string of gruesome, theatrical murders rocks the Ryedale wapentake.
As panic spreads and terrified townsfolk blame the horrific deaths on a ‘revenant’ – a vengeful, undead spirit rising from the grave to spread the pestilence – Sir Ralph refuses to let fear overrule logic. Instead, guided by his beloved wife’s locket around his neck, he must follow a bloody trail of clues to expose the superstitions from the very human monsters living in plain sight.
Praise for Keith Moray's Ralph de Mandeville
'As many bodies as a Clint Eastwood movie! The plotting is clever and the characters likeable, well, the good guys!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'If you like your serial killer tales backed with some spot-on medieval storytelling then this is the book for you.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'An exciting, absorbing and wonderfully dark historical thriller' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'Dark and gripping!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
A woman ravished.
There be demons in this place…
Malton, 1361. Justice of the Peace Sir Ralph de Mandeville arrives in the walled town of Malton and is instantly plunged into a twisted web of brutal murder, forbidden romance and dark superstitions.
What starts as a routine session of the peace turns into a much darker, more complicated state of affairs. One suspected count of self-murder quickly followed by a formal plea of mayhem is enough to keep Ralph and his assistants Peter and Merek on their toes, but tension erupts into outright terror when a string of gruesome, theatrical murders rocks the Ryedale wapentake.
As panic spreads and terrified townsfolk blame the horrific deaths on a ‘revenant’ – a vengeful, undead spirit rising from the grave to spread the pestilence – Sir Ralph refuses to let fear overrule logic. Instead, guided by his beloved wife’s locket around his neck, he must follow a bloody trail of clues to expose the superstitions from the very human monsters living in plain sight.
Praise for Keith Moray's Ralph de Mandeville
'As many bodies as a Clint Eastwood movie! The plotting is clever and the characters likeable, well, the good guys!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'If you like your serial killer tales backed with some spot-on medieval storytelling then this is the book for you.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'An exciting, absorbing and wonderfully dark historical thriller' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
'Dark and gripping!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Reader Review
- GenresHistorical Fiction
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2026
About the author
Keith Moray
25 books51 followersPen name of Keith Moray Souter, also writes as Keith Souter and Clay More.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
October 13, 2026
Once again, our hero, and Justice of the Peace, Sir Ralph de Mandeville fights hard to get the bad guys, in this medieval mystery.
It’s 1361, and Sir Ralph de Mandeville has just arrived in the walled town of Malton, with his faithful companions, his clerk Peter, and his bodyguard Merek. In his first session of the peace, he is interrupted by an apprentice from the ‘Leather Guild’, hollering that his master has been found hanging in his workshop. What is first suspected of ‘felo de se’ (self murder) soon becomes a crime of murder by someone else. Soon, more men from various guilds are turning up dead. Could this be the work of a ‘revenant’, (a recently dead person, risen from the grave), of which the frightened villagers all believe, or as Sir Ralph de Mandeville suspects is the evil, which men can do.
This is the third book in this fantastic series, and this kept me guessing, and on my toes throughout, never expecting who the real murderer is. The ending completely threw me, as it was so unexpected. As always, I highly recommend this gripping medieval mystery, along with the rest of the series, though I’m still to read, book one.
5 ⭐️
Thanks to Keith Moray, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: NOW
It’s 1361, and Sir Ralph de Mandeville has just arrived in the walled town of Malton, with his faithful companions, his clerk Peter, and his bodyguard Merek. In his first session of the peace, he is interrupted by an apprentice from the ‘Leather Guild’, hollering that his master has been found hanging in his workshop. What is first suspected of ‘felo de se’ (self murder) soon becomes a crime of murder by someone else. Soon, more men from various guilds are turning up dead. Could this be the work of a ‘revenant’, (a recently dead person, risen from the grave), of which the frightened villagers all believe, or as Sir Ralph de Mandeville suspects is the evil, which men can do.
This is the third book in this fantastic series, and this kept me guessing, and on my toes throughout, never expecting who the real murderer is. The ending completely threw me, as it was so unexpected. As always, I highly recommend this gripping medieval mystery, along with the rest of the series, though I’m still to read, book one.
5 ⭐️
Thanks to Keith Moray, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: NOW
October 7, 2026
I thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced reader copy of Mayhem. All opinions and comments are my own.
How quickly superstition and ignorance are used as the ‘explanation’ for gruesome death -- and how easily they are then accepted as truth -- is part and parcel of the events in Mayhem, in which justice of the peace Sir Ralph de Mandeville and his cohorts, Merek and Peter, are tasked to solve murders and bring law to medieval Malton, in the Year of Our Lord 1361.
Integral to the story is the reprisal of a cuckolded husband, whereby jealousy and rage make for the mayhem of our title. Sir Ralph announces a verdict, only for a more sinister plan to form, involving a village full of frightened people eager to blame the supernatural for all and sundry. Author Keith Moray offers this up in a bold fashion, pulling no punches in explaining how the idea grabs hold and infects a people eager to believe the worst.
Our backstory involves Merek the bodyguard, who holds memories from his childhood in Malton. Not the most pleasant times, readers learn. Later on, he faces a moral dilemma, and must make a decision.
Keith Moray infuses his characters with real presence, and the social conventions, dialog and situations reflect a medieval time where justice is hard fought and religious beliefs often override rational thought. Sir Ralph finds a way to the truth (with a little ‘help’ from somewhat of a mystical source itself), but not before we’re reminded that revenge as a response exists in many forms, and can take a circuitous path.
A satisfying read. Looking forward to more studies in medieval jurisprudence, as Sir Ralph, Peter the very intelligent clerk and Merek the enigmatic bodyguard travel the North Riding, bringing law and order.
How quickly superstition and ignorance are used as the ‘explanation’ for gruesome death -- and how easily they are then accepted as truth -- is part and parcel of the events in Mayhem, in which justice of the peace Sir Ralph de Mandeville and his cohorts, Merek and Peter, are tasked to solve murders and bring law to medieval Malton, in the Year of Our Lord 1361.
Integral to the story is the reprisal of a cuckolded husband, whereby jealousy and rage make for the mayhem of our title. Sir Ralph announces a verdict, only for a more sinister plan to form, involving a village full of frightened people eager to blame the supernatural for all and sundry. Author Keith Moray offers this up in a bold fashion, pulling no punches in explaining how the idea grabs hold and infects a people eager to believe the worst.
Our backstory involves Merek the bodyguard, who holds memories from his childhood in Malton. Not the most pleasant times, readers learn. Later on, he faces a moral dilemma, and must make a decision.
Keith Moray infuses his characters with real presence, and the social conventions, dialog and situations reflect a medieval time where justice is hard fought and religious beliefs often override rational thought. Sir Ralph finds a way to the truth (with a little ‘help’ from somewhat of a mystical source itself), but not before we’re reminded that revenge as a response exists in many forms, and can take a circuitous path.
A satisfying read. Looking forward to more studies in medieval jurisprudence, as Sir Ralph, Peter the very intelligent clerk and Merek the enigmatic bodyguard travel the North Riding, bringing law and order.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mayhem is a fun medieval mystery with plenty of drama, romance, murder, and a protagonist who feels a little like Sherlock Holmes dropped into the Middle Ages.
Ralph has an uncanny ability to notice details everyone else misses, draw conclusions no one else can, and poke around in other people’s business without getting himself killed. His position close to the king certainly helps, because without that protection, I’m not sure everyone would tolerate quite so much investigating.
I really enjoyed the medieval setting, pacing, and the number of subplots running alongside the central mystery. Ralph’s companions, Merek and Peter, have romantic and personal dramas of their own, so the story never feels completely confined to the investigation.
One character choice I had mixed feelings about was Ralph frequently speaking to his deceased wife through the locket he wears against his chest. At first, I found it idiosyncratic and thought it gave us another way to understand his grief and personality. As the book went on, though, he consulted the locket so often that the device started to feel overused. I wish the author had given Ralph a subtler habit or coping mechanism instead. Some of the side characters also felt very one-note with some character traits that were similarly prevalent.
I also had mixed feelings about the women in the novel. The book acknowledges the limited rights and choices available to women in this period, which I appreciated, but many of the female characters are still primarily defined by their relationships with men via unhappy marriages, forbidden romances, or longing for someone they cannot have. Ralph’s deceased wife is held up as something of an ideal, which made the contrast even more noticeable.
The historical medical detail was one of my favorite parts. Whenever the story turns to apothecaries, treatments, injuries, examinations, or early forms of autopsy, the writing becomes especially specific and confident. Those moments helped make the medieval world feel tangible rather than simply decorative.
Overall, Mayhem was an entertaining read. It has a likable medieval setting, plenty of interpersonal drama, strong pacing, and a detective who almost always manages to be the smartest person in the room. Some of its character quirks are pushed a little too far for me, but if “medieval Sherlock Holmes with court intrigue, medicine, murder, and romance” sounds fun, there is a lot to enjoy here.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ralph has an uncanny ability to notice details everyone else misses, draw conclusions no one else can, and poke around in other people’s business without getting himself killed. His position close to the king certainly helps, because without that protection, I’m not sure everyone would tolerate quite so much investigating.
I really enjoyed the medieval setting, pacing, and the number of subplots running alongside the central mystery. Ralph’s companions, Merek and Peter, have romantic and personal dramas of their own, so the story never feels completely confined to the investigation.
One character choice I had mixed feelings about was Ralph frequently speaking to his deceased wife through the locket he wears against his chest. At first, I found it idiosyncratic and thought it gave us another way to understand his grief and personality. As the book went on, though, he consulted the locket so often that the device started to feel overused. I wish the author had given Ralph a subtler habit or coping mechanism instead. Some of the side characters also felt very one-note with some character traits that were similarly prevalent.
I also had mixed feelings about the women in the novel. The book acknowledges the limited rights and choices available to women in this period, which I appreciated, but many of the female characters are still primarily defined by their relationships with men via unhappy marriages, forbidden romances, or longing for someone they cannot have. Ralph’s deceased wife is held up as something of an ideal, which made the contrast even more noticeable.
The historical medical detail was one of my favorite parts. Whenever the story turns to apothecaries, treatments, injuries, examinations, or early forms of autopsy, the writing becomes especially specific and confident. Those moments helped make the medieval world feel tangible rather than simply decorative.
Overall, Mayhem was an entertaining read. It has a likable medieval setting, plenty of interpersonal drama, strong pacing, and a detective who almost always manages to be the smartest person in the room. Some of its character quirks are pushed a little too far for me, but if “medieval Sherlock Holmes with court intrigue, medicine, murder, and romance” sounds fun, there is a lot to enjoy here.
I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
On paper, Keith Moray's Mayhem has everything going for it. It boasts a wonderfully accurate 1361 setting, a solid grasp of medieval justice, and a complete absence of glaring historical anachronisms (barring the occasional linguistic hiccup like "rouncey pony"). Yet, despite this promising bedrock, the book proves to be a profoundly frustrating read because it treats storytelling as an exercise in administration rather than art.
The fundamental flaw of Mayhem is that it is a masterclass in "tell, don’t show." The author does not show us a mystery; he simply reads us a list of occurrences. We are told repeatedly that Sir Ralph’s clerk, Peter, is incredibly reliable, yet Ralph must explicitly nod at him to do his job in almost every scene. We are told that Merek and Alice are deeply in love, yet their stilted, passionless dialogue makes them feel like strangers, culminating in a parting scene so unimaginative it reads: "They parted, both in tears."
This lack of emotional inflection leaves the book feeling entirely flat, like a script being read by a bored actor. The third-person omniscient perspective causes severe narrative confusion, making it incredibly difficult to track the separate lines of logic or even identify whose italicized thoughts we are reading. Worse, the author keeps all clues inside Sir Ralph’s head, denying the reader any agency in solving the crime.
When the final denouement arrives, it collapses under its own lack of structure. The dramatic poisoning of a character is dismissed in a single, un-graphic sentence "he convulsed and then was still", and the entire mystery is solved not through clever deduction, but because Ralph suddenly announces he read the answers in some administrative rolls. If the solution was sitting in the paperwork the entire time, the characters wasted days running in circles.
From repetitive tropes (the heroes are trapped in a burning building twice in a row) to bizarre logical omissions (corpses are kept above ground indefinitely without a single mention of decay), Mayhem simply fails to hang together. A good historical mystery requires drama, pacing, and human emotion. Sadly, Mayhem has none of these, leaving the reader with a flat statement of occurrences rather than a living, breathing story. This is as surprising as it is disappointing, as the previous book was very good, with none of these failings. One wonders what happened with this book, since Mr Moray can clearly write when he is ready.
The fundamental flaw of Mayhem is that it is a masterclass in "tell, don’t show." The author does not show us a mystery; he simply reads us a list of occurrences. We are told repeatedly that Sir Ralph’s clerk, Peter, is incredibly reliable, yet Ralph must explicitly nod at him to do his job in almost every scene. We are told that Merek and Alice are deeply in love, yet their stilted, passionless dialogue makes them feel like strangers, culminating in a parting scene so unimaginative it reads: "They parted, both in tears."
This lack of emotional inflection leaves the book feeling entirely flat, like a script being read by a bored actor. The third-person omniscient perspective causes severe narrative confusion, making it incredibly difficult to track the separate lines of logic or even identify whose italicized thoughts we are reading. Worse, the author keeps all clues inside Sir Ralph’s head, denying the reader any agency in solving the crime.
When the final denouement arrives, it collapses under its own lack of structure. The dramatic poisoning of a character is dismissed in a single, un-graphic sentence "he convulsed and then was still", and the entire mystery is solved not through clever deduction, but because Ralph suddenly announces he read the answers in some administrative rolls. If the solution was sitting in the paperwork the entire time, the characters wasted days running in circles.
From repetitive tropes (the heroes are trapped in a burning building twice in a row) to bizarre logical omissions (corpses are kept above ground indefinitely without a single mention of decay), Mayhem simply fails to hang together. A good historical mystery requires drama, pacing, and human emotion. Sadly, Mayhem has none of these, leaving the reader with a flat statement of occurrences rather than a living, breathing story. This is as surprising as it is disappointing, as the previous book was very good, with none of these failings. One wonders what happened with this book, since Mr Moray can clearly write when he is ready.
October 13, 2026
This review includes the three books thus far in the Ralph de Mandeville mystery series, Desolation, Sacrilege, and Mayhem. A fourth book, Malice, is due out in 2027. I enjoyed the twenty volumes of the Brother Cadfael mystery series by Edith Parteger and was looking for something along those lines involving medieval Europe when I discovered the Ralph de Mandeville series. The Cadfael books are set in the twelfth century (starting 1137) while the de Mandeville mysteries are set during the fourteenth century (starting in 1361).
My main objection to these mysteries is the lack of character arcs for de Mandeville, his secretary, Peter, or his bodyguard, Merek. What little character development that occurs happens before the series starts. De Mandeville’s wife has died of the plague, thus he wears “memento mori,” a dagger and a locket she gave him, the locket containing locks of their intertwined hair. Merek was beaten and left his home to fight in Europe, was again beaten and briefly listed as an outlaw. Peter was a serf’s child who showed unusual intelligence, so was trained to be a secretary. The reader sees no further character growth from the three. That said, what this series does well is capture the fourteenth century. Moray’s descriptions of the conflicts between church and king, the superstitions that govern behaviors, and the state of medicine at the time (largely herbal remedies of questionable use). Trephination (the drilling of a hole in the skull to release a blood clot is accurate to this physician and the process is still performed today, albeit under sterile conditions. Be aware that the de Mandeville mysteries are considerably bloodier than the Cadfael series which are more of the “cozy” mystery type, and bodies pile up with abandon and there are a lot of suicide or what appears to be suicide.
My main objection to these mysteries is the lack of character arcs for de Mandeville, his secretary, Peter, or his bodyguard, Merek. What little character development that occurs happens before the series starts. De Mandeville’s wife has died of the plague, thus he wears “memento mori,” a dagger and a locket she gave him, the locket containing locks of their intertwined hair. Merek was beaten and left his home to fight in Europe, was again beaten and briefly listed as an outlaw. Peter was a serf’s child who showed unusual intelligence, so was trained to be a secretary. The reader sees no further character growth from the three. That said, what this series does well is capture the fourteenth century. Moray’s descriptions of the conflicts between church and king, the superstitions that govern behaviors, and the state of medicine at the time (largely herbal remedies of questionable use). Trephination (the drilling of a hole in the skull to release a blood clot is accurate to this physician and the process is still performed today, albeit under sterile conditions. Be aware that the de Mandeville mysteries are considerably bloodier than the Cadfael series which are more of the “cozy” mystery type, and bodies pile up with abandon and there are a lot of suicide or what appears to be suicide.
October 10, 2026
1361. Sir Ralph de Mandeville, accompanied by his scribe Peter and bodyguard Merek, has arrived in Malton for his latest Justice of the Peace sessions. Everything appears well organised, but it doesn’t take long for chaos to erupt. The master leathersmith has apparently committed suicide and soon after several more men are found murdered. Superstition is never far below the surface in the town and bubbles over when the murders are discovered, with the townfolk blaming the leathersmith as he is said to have returned as a ‘revenant’. Following the death of his son from a brutal beating Sir Digby requests a plea of mayhem which is rejected when heard and this sets his village against the town.
Sir Ralph, Peter and Merek need to use all their skills to uncover the truth of the murders, very difficult when so many secrets abound in the town and few people tell the truth.
Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an ARC for my honest review.
Sir Ralph, Peter and Merek need to use all their skills to uncover the truth of the murders, very difficult when so many secrets abound in the town and few people tell the truth.
Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an ARC for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A good, entertaining mystery with quite a bit of action! I enjoyed the historical context which particularly illustrates the legal system under Edward III as well as the justice in church law. This was interesting.
The three main characters felt relatable, with a strong relationship based on integrity. Two facts bothered me (as well as the previous books in the series) though: explanations written in italics which were absolutely unnecessary; and Ralph's dead wife "murmuring" to him. For me this don't fit at all.
I think this series is promising, even though I would definitely remove the points mentioned above.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
The three main characters felt relatable, with a strong relationship based on integrity. Two facts bothered me (as well as the previous books in the series) though: explanations written in italics which were absolutely unnecessary; and Ralph's dead wife "murmuring" to him. For me this don't fit at all.
I think this series is promising, even though I would definitely remove the points mentioned above.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Well written and fast paced with lots of adventure along the way, as Sir Ralph, Peter and Merek are faced with an intriguing case involving potential suicide. It brings them in conflict with the local monastery as they argue about burials. Meanwhile, the court is in session and the local bailiffs are also trying to assert their authority, and the local Lord is struggling with the loss of his son which he blames one of the bailiffs for. The plot moves quickly and appropriately as various mysteries unravel.
Another good addition to this historical series.
Another good addition to this historical series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Mayhem is a brilliantly atmospheric and grisly medieval mystery that keeps you guessing from the start. Keith Moray weaves a dark, tense tale as Sir Ralph de Mandeville fights to separate genuine human malice from the intense town superstition of a "revenant."The historical details of 1361 Malton are incredibly vivid, and the author's medical background shines through in the clever, theatrical nature of the crime scenes. It is a fast-paced, highly entertaining procedural that fans of historical fiction and traditional whodunits will love.
October 14, 2026
The latest installment of the Ralph de Mandeville tales. This time we go to Malton and once again murder follows. I really do enjoy reading about Ralph, his clerk Peter and bodyguard Merek. With a subtle humour the story drifts along, examining the evidence while trying to stop further unrest happening. It seems as if murder and mayhem follow Ralph, but I wouldn't have it any other way. The historical elements help the story along. Thoroughly recommended. With thanks to the author and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Malton, 1361. Justice of the Peace Sir Ralph de Mandeville holds a routine session of the peace when a formal plea of mayhem is instigated. But another death, and rumours of revenants abound. Sir Ralph and his assistans must separate superstitions from the evil humans.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable and interesting main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is book three of the ‘A Ralph de Mandeville Mystery’ series which is a series I've read and enjoyed.
Set in Malton, North Yorkshire in the 14th century, the story revolves around court procedures and the medieval belief in revenants.
It was an interesting and exciting blend of superstition and bizarre murder. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed myself.
Due to be published 10th October
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC
Set in Malton, North Yorkshire in the 14th century, the story revolves around court procedures and the medieval belief in revenants.
It was an interesting and exciting blend of superstition and bizarre murder. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed myself.
Due to be published 10th October
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC
October 22, 2026
An entertaining read . The historical details are interesting and authentic .
I thought the ending , although it brought together all the threads of the story , was a bit rushed .
I thought the ending , although it brought together all the threads of the story , was a bit rushed .
October 29, 2026
Worth it
I usually just give star ,this is well written and conveys a sense of what times might have been like,thoroughly enjoyed.
I usually just give star ,this is well written and conveys a sense of what times might have been like,thoroughly enjoyed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Mayhem by Keith Moray is the third novel in the Ralph de Mandeville Mystery series, but can also be read by itself without knowledge of the other books. I've thoroughly enjoyed this medieval murder mystery set in England in the XIV century; a journey through superstition, murder, revenants and mysteries, seen through and the shrewd eyes of Ralph de Mandeville, trying to solve the case. The plot was intriguing and well built, as were the character. I kept on guessing the solution to the mystery but couldn't get it right! I'll definitely go back to read the prior books in the series that I have missed.
Mayhem by Keith Moray is the third novel in the Ralph de Mandeville Mystery series, but can also be read by itself without knowledge of the other books. I've thoroughly enjoyed this medieval murder mystery set in England in the XIV century; a journey through superstition, murder, revenants and mysteries, seen through and the shrewd eyes of Ralph de Mandeville, trying to solve the case. The plot was intriguing and well built, as were the character. I kept on guessing the solution to the mystery but couldn't get it right! I'll definitely go back to read the prior books in the series that I have missed.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews