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Anglo-Norman Mysteries #1
Death Riddle
It is 1088 and England has been under Norman domination since the successful invasion of William of Normandy twenty-two years before. But William’s recent death has once again plunged the island kingdom into war as his two eldest sons strive against each other for the right to wear their father’s crown. The town of Rochester is at the centre of the conflict and, while the battle rages, two men, one a Norman soldier and the other a local pig farmer, are brutally murdered.
Godric, a young Englishman, is blamed for the slayings but manages to escape arrest by fleeing to the cathedral where, proclaiming his innocence, he claims sanctuary. Estrid, his widowed mother, is desperate to save her son but the only way to exonerate him is to discover the identity of the true murderer. Daughter of an English thegn killed at the Battle of Hastings, she is a woman of courage and determination but, when she begins to investigate the crime, she soon becomes entangled in a web of espionage, deceit and betrayal that places her own life in danger.
Godric, a young Englishman, is blamed for the slayings but manages to escape arrest by fleeing to the cathedral where, proclaiming his innocence, he claims sanctuary. Estrid, his widowed mother, is desperate to save her son but the only way to exonerate him is to discover the identity of the true murderer. Daughter of an English thegn killed at the Battle of Hastings, she is a woman of courage and determination but, when she begins to investigate the crime, she soon becomes entangled in a web of espionage, deceit and betrayal that places her own life in danger.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2015
245 people are currently reading
189 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Ash
28 books123 followersMaureen Ash was born in London, England, and has had a lifelong interest in British medieval history. Visits to castle ruins and old churches have provided the inspiration for her novels. She enjoys Celtic music, browsing in bookstores and Belgian chocolate. Maureen now lives on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 10, 2023
Good introduction to the series!
Since o addicted to medieval England & had exhausted 5 different series, I decided to try the Anglo-Norman Mysteried by Maureen Ash. I read the second book in the series & enjoyed so much that I then had to read the “origin story,” Death Riddle. I really enjoyed meeting the characters at the beginning of their journey! Enjoyed the action & twists! I am about to start the third book!
Since o addicted to medieval England & had exhausted 5 different series, I decided to try the Anglo-Norman Mysteried by Maureen Ash. I read the second book in the series & enjoyed so much that I then had to read the “origin story,” Death Riddle. I really enjoyed meeting the characters at the beginning of their journey! Enjoyed the action & twists! I am about to start the third book!
July 8, 2017
Truly wonderful story
I enjoyed reading this very interesting novel based on fact in the late 11th century. The book is written so well that the characters and situations feel familiar. I have never really thought much of how the Normans and Saxons lived and fought. The fact that there was an ongoing war over who should be king was well documented and explained in enough detail for this reader to follow without losing interest in the main plot. The plot is well done, full of excitement, suspense and a bit if adventure.
I definitely recommend to readers of historical fiction and those interested in a good riddle.
I enjoyed reading this very interesting novel based on fact in the late 11th century. The book is written so well that the characters and situations feel familiar. I have never really thought much of how the Normans and Saxons lived and fought. The fact that there was an ongoing war over who should be king was well documented and explained in enough detail for this reader to follow without losing interest in the main plot. The plot is well done, full of excitement, suspense and a bit if adventure.
I definitely recommend to readers of historical fiction and those interested in a good riddle.
August 15, 2021
Great Beginning to a New Series
This is a great beginning to what promises to be a very entertaining series. While it is a great story in its own right, the amount of historical detail takes you back and firmly plants you into 1088 in the city of Rochester. The characters are drawn with care and detail so they take on the flesh and blood realism which engages you from the outset and the story leaves you unable to resist turning page after page, until the end.
Maureen Ash has done an excellent job on this novel and hopefully will do the same with the other novels that are sure to follow.
This is a great beginning to what promises to be a very entertaining series. While it is a great story in its own right, the amount of historical detail takes you back and firmly plants you into 1088 in the city of Rochester. The characters are drawn with care and detail so they take on the flesh and blood realism which engages you from the outset and the story leaves you unable to resist turning page after page, until the end.
Maureen Ash has done an excellent job on this novel and hopefully will do the same with the other novels that are sure to follow.
October 21, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised by the setting in post-Norman invasion. The reader was given a vivid picture of life under the stress of the conquered English. I enjoy medieval mysteries and I am adding Maureen Ash to my list of preferred authors. I just finished Death Riddle and have the next two Riddle books ready to read. I had to take away part of a star in my rating making it 5- because of editorial oversights. I found 4 or 5 missing words in the text. No big thing but it is distracting for me.
March 31, 2024
Another excellent historical setting drawn by Maureen Ash. Around the story of the power struggle between Odo (brother of William the Conqueror) and Willian Rufus (now King and son of William) in the siege of Rochester and while all of this is happening there is a murder in the village and a mother sets out to prove her son innocent.
Loved the re-imaging of the power struggle but also loved the attention to detail of the life and efforts to survive for the 'ordinary' but truly important people that make life possible in the village.
Loved the re-imaging of the power struggle but also loved the attention to detail of the life and efforts to survive for the 'ordinary' but truly important people that make life possible in the village.
May 10, 2024
In 1088 in Rochester, Kent, King William the Conqueror has died and his son Rufus has inherited his English kingdom. His uncle, Odo, Bishop of Bayeaux and Earl of Kent has rebelled and Rochester is a rebel stronghold. Estrid's son Godric is accused of killing a Norman soldier. Godric has fled to the cathedral for sanctuary. Estrid must find the real killer in forty days or Godric will be killed. Ots of riddles to solve in a complex plot.
May 3, 2025
Quite good
I took a chance after reading the blurb. I like this sort of novel, so why not. It turned out to be quite good. It was a bit different from other book in a similar time period, but that turned out to be for the good. Who needs carbon copies of everything. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I took a chance after reading the blurb. I like this sort of novel, so why not. It turned out to be quite good. It was a bit different from other book in a similar time period, but that turned out to be for the good. Who needs carbon copies of everything. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.
October 24, 2018
Starts slowly but good characters
The book was slowly paced and I would have liked to see it move along, perhaps a bit more action. But I was rewarded by the interesting characters and the sense of being part of history. I look forward to the next book in the series.
The book was slowly paced and I would have liked to see it move along, perhaps a bit more action. But I was rewarded by the interesting characters and the sense of being part of history. I look forward to the next book in the series.
November 4, 2018
Nice read
Gets a little long as you feel the characters frustration in solving a riddle of both thievery and treason. Good development of characters and story line. I'll read another.
Gets a little long as you feel the characters frustration in solving a riddle of both thievery and treason. Good development of characters and story line. I'll read another.
March 8, 2019
Great story!
I love reading historical mysteries and this has been one of the better ones. No unnecessary words or description but enough to picture and imagine the scenes. Good character development and a great story!
I love reading historical mysteries and this has been one of the better ones. No unnecessary words or description but enough to picture and imagine the scenes. Good character development and a great story!
June 27, 2020
A good read and refreshing
It was nice to read a mystery set in far away times that had enough authentic time/place descriptions to set the mood without spoiling the characters. Held my attention.
It was nice to read a mystery set in far away times that had enough authentic time/place descriptions to set the mood without spoiling the characters. Held my attention.
June 24, 2023
fast paced
This is the first time I have read this author, and I’m delighted to have discovered her. The narrative leapt along, with some interesting twists, and came to a very satisfactory conclusion. I look forward to reading more.
This is the first time I have read this author, and I’m delighted to have discovered her. The narrative leapt along, with some interesting twists, and came to a very satisfactory conclusion. I look forward to reading more.
July 18, 2024
very good historical story and mystry
Good story with intrigue and honest puzzlement. I wished for more illustrations and maps though. Good history too and a hint at romance in the future.
Good story with intrigue and honest puzzlement. I wished for more illustrations and maps though. Good history too and a hint at romance in the future.
May 21, 2019
Excellent mystery
Excellent whodunit with likeable characters who work together to solve the mystery. The story also includes historical events and historical facts
Excellent whodunit with likeable characters who work together to solve the mystery. The story also includes historical events and historical facts
April 7, 2020
Well written with great attention to detail.
Allows the reader to imagine life nearly a thousand years ago, with a fair amount of suspense. No social distancing required.
Allows the reader to imagine life nearly a thousand years ago, with a fair amount of suspense. No social distancing required.
August 21, 2023
Interesting Historical Mystery
The main characters are instantly likeable. The storyline has enough twists to keep you interested without too many unnecessary side stories.
The main characters are instantly likeable. The storyline has enough twists to keep you interested without too many unnecessary side stories.
December 13, 2015
A very fine and enjoyable book by Maureen Ash which I hope will be the first of a series?
"It is 1088 and England has been under Norman domination since the successful invasion of William of Normandy twenty-two years before. But William’s recent death has once again plunged the island kingdom into war. The town of Rochester is at the centre of the conflict."
Godric, a young Englishman, is blamed for a crime and claims sanctuary. Estrid, his widowed mother,daughter of an English thegn killed at the Battle of Hastings is determined to exonerate him.
All of this is played out against Odo Earl of Kent's occupation of the town after his troops fell in battle against King William Rufus.
A fine thriller and even better period novel of the first few decades of Norman occupation.
I loved it! Just released and free on KindleUnlimited.
"It is 1088 and England has been under Norman domination since the successful invasion of William of Normandy twenty-two years before. But William’s recent death has once again plunged the island kingdom into war. The town of Rochester is at the centre of the conflict."
Godric, a young Englishman, is blamed for a crime and claims sanctuary. Estrid, his widowed mother,daughter of an English thegn killed at the Battle of Hastings is determined to exonerate him.
All of this is played out against Odo Earl of Kent's occupation of the town after his troops fell in battle against King William Rufus.
A fine thriller and even better period novel of the first few decades of Norman occupation.
I loved it! Just released and free on KindleUnlimited.
September 29, 2016
1088 - King Rufus vs Odo in town of Rochester People of the town have suffered under Norman rule. The central family in focus in this simple story is mother Estrid with youthful son who is in the wrong place at the wrong time. He gains sanctuary in Cathedral and it is up to his mother and her friends to investigate a brutal double murder to free her son of charges. There is a great deal of "explaining" - something I prefer to not be forced to read. Let the action speak for itself without tedious iterations of how people who cannot read figure out written clues. Otherwise, it had a respectable plot with a few unique characters and a tad of history thrown into the mix for an ok read for me. Likely another will follow as King Rufus exclaims he will utilize Estrid's ability to solve puzzles in future.
February 15, 2016
I bought this on my kindle because I was looking for something which had good ratings and I was back to the usual trips to London on the overcrowded train. The story is set in an olde English village where the murdered man is a pig farmer with a secret (no spoilers!). The action is quite slow to start, with details drawn out over a few chapters. I found this a little slow as a mystery, with details being hard to understand - this may have been deliberate on the authors part. The descriptive writing is very good, the characters drawn very well and the settings described in great detail. I just wanted a more complex and thorough mystery. That said it's a solid 3 stars and I'd read another mystery by the author as she brought a 'life' into her characters that I enjoyed.
November 8, 2016
After the 'what just happened?' opening, Death Riddle becomes a slow read until about 1/4 of the way thru when it becomes reasonably interesting, although none of the characters do. It is, no doubt, well researched and you are treated to lots of misc details I for one could have done without. Then, because the plot and the mystery don't seem to have much in common, the story becomes a bit limp although not really a riddle. However, there is a happy ending [except for the dead people] so all is well that ends.
April 21, 2017
A unremarkable medieval mystery.
Having been spoiled by more accomplished authors perhaps I'm a little harsh. Good storyteller and some good character development but light on some compelling drama and lacking a tightly written and clear read
Having been spoiled by more accomplished authors perhaps I'm a little harsh. Good storyteller and some good character development but light on some compelling drama and lacking a tightly written and clear read
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews