A Psalm for Falconer

William Falconer #4

by Ian Morson

An old friend's promise of access to some rare texts of Aristotle takes William Falconer to remote Furness Abbey. While crossing the shifting sands of Lancaster Bay with a local guide, he witnesses the recovery of a body from the sandbanks. It turns out that it may not have been an accident.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Medieval, Crime, Fiction, Historical Mystery

220 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1997

About the author

Born in 1947 in the Midlands town of Derby into a working class family whose members either worked for Rolls-Royce or on the railways. Educated at the local grammar school with high academic standards. The school was one of the first to start teaching Russian. Won a scholarship to Oxford University in 1965, and studied Russian. At Oxford, developed a love of folk music, and regularly performed at clubs and pubs. Was president of the Heritage Society. Almost met Bill Clinton (same college, wrong year). Fell in love with Oxford.
Obtained a grant to research into Folk-life studies at Leeds University for a year in 1968/69. Wrote a thesis on Folk and Music-hall songs. Had to look for a real job at the end of it.
Started work in London as a library assistant in Harrow, and progressed to a senior post in public libraries over the next twenty years. Got married (twice) and now lives in Mevagissey, Cornwall. Became interested in conservation, and spends a lot of time doing voluntary work for the National Trust. Also directs and performs for St Austell Players - local am-dram group.
Started writing for real at the age of 42, after having dabbled in (unperformed) radio plays and (unpublished) poetry. First Falconer novel published at the age of 47.

Reviews

[Degenerate Chemist · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up at a thrift store. It looked interesting and cost a dollar so I went for it.

This is an interesting little historical mystery novel where an Oxford scholar and his love interest investigate two different murders- the death of a nun and a murder of a priest that happened 15 years earlier.

At 220ish pages this was a quick, easy read. I wouldn't mind reading more novels in this series.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1268. The promise to view rare books takes William Falconer to Conishhead Prior in the North. But all is not calm in the prior and soon a death occurs. Meanwhile Ann Segrim enters the Godstow nunnery to help Constable Peter Bullock as there has been a murder. Can they both solve their respective crimes and survive.
Another enjoyable historical mystery in this series.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Medieval mystery. This is the second book in this series that I've read this week and, like many series, my enjoyment was enhanced as I read the second book because I was familiar with the principal character and his environment.

The previous story I read took place in Oxford and this story placed the scholary William Falconer travelling to a remote monastery to study some rare books. Ian Morson has a gift for characterization and the community of monks he created was interesting and well executed.

Readers interested in exploring "the Dark Ages" will enjoy this series. I always enjoy reading about characters who struggle to thrive in a restrictive society or limiting environment and this series certainly provides that.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

#4 in the William Falconer medieval mystery series. Falconer is in his 40's and the Regent Master of Aristotle's Hall at Oxford University. He has a fascination for the obscure with an interest in scientific experiments whose hobby is solving murders. He is considered an eccentric who suffers from poor eyesight and used Aristotle's deductive reasoning methods to solve mysteries. Prior to becoming an academic, he was a mercenary who traveled a lot.

1268. En route to visit an old friend at remote Furness Abbey, Falconer witnesses the recovery of a body from Lancaster Bay. When the victim is identified as a monk who disappeared years earlier, Falconer sets out to uncover a long-hidden treachery.

[David Stimpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good series and some very interesting Characters and stories.

[Kurry Swigert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one - it was fun following the two story lines.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one, and I enjoyed the split stories.

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A Psalm for Falconer" is the fourth in the "Falconer" Medieval Mystery by Ian Morson, and it is one of the better ones to date. Oxford's Regent Master William Falconer leaves 13th Century Oxford in order to travel to the remote Conishead Priory on Lancaster Bay with the intention of studying the scientific manuscripts in the remote Priory's Library. While crossing the shifting sands of Lancaster Bay with a local guide, he witnesses the recovery of a body from the sandbanks, all of which leads to a 15 year old mystery and the body of a missing monk. Meanwhile, back in Oxford, a nun is discovered murdered at the nearby Godstow Abbey. Falconer's old friend Constable Peter Bullock is faced with investigating the murder without even being allowed into the Abbey to question witnesses. He enlists the help of Ann Segrim who is able to gain entrance into the Abbey. Strange things are occurring within the Abbey's walls at night, and together Bullock and Segrim must attempt to use Falconer's methods to solve the mystery at Godstow Abbey. Meanwhile, back at the Priory, Falconer discovers a Priory full of secrets and mystery and death.

Ian Morson has a strong gift for characterization and developing local color. The inner workings of the Abbey and the community of monks at Conishead Priory were interesting and realistic. The plot for "Psalm for Falconer" was fairly involved as is moved back and forth between the two mysteries. The mystery itself is intriguing, and the description of the remote abbey adds to the mysteriousness of the story. It is a delightful historical mystery, and I do recommend the series. I will be reading more.

[Maren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two mysteries for the price of one! Took a little bit to get going, but both were entertaining.

[William N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another

Another great tale. This one told three ways, and all the better for it. Good development, good drama. Good characters, all making a great book.