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Historical Mysteries Collection #3
The Flame Eater
Intrigue, Romance and Adventure, the ideal escape when curled up with a good book.
Nicholas, now heir to the earldom, has no desire to marry his dead brother’s cast-off mistress. And Emeline has no desire to marry the brutal monster who murdered his brother, the man she loved and hoped to marry.
This arranged marriage is a disaster, it would seem that it can’t get any worse. But it does. Fire rages through the castle and takes over the wedding night, and any hopes of reconciliation.
But not everything is as it seems. Murder and arson are destroying more than just one alliance, and the culprit is unknown.
But there are other matters to consider. It is 1484 and Richard III is England’s monarch. The king entrusts many of his lords with responsibilities in the service of their country, and Nicholas is charged with the undercover investigation into two desperately important situations, which involves travel to the south of England.
Emeline joins with her younger sister and others of the household, determined to discover who is responsible for the disasters which have now entirely disrupted their lives. But the suspects are so many. It is therefore a group of eager but desperate women of various ages, characters and capabilities who attempt to solve the mystery.
Meanwhile, Nicholas learns that he has a wife to admire and to adore. But is he a murderer? Is her mother? Her nurse? And will England’s political turmoil threaten their peace and cause even greater uncertainty? Life will never be the same. But perhaps that is just as well.
Nicholas, now heir to the earldom, has no desire to marry his dead brother’s cast-off mistress. And Emeline has no desire to marry the brutal monster who murdered his brother, the man she loved and hoped to marry.
This arranged marriage is a disaster, it would seem that it can’t get any worse. But it does. Fire rages through the castle and takes over the wedding night, and any hopes of reconciliation.
But not everything is as it seems. Murder and arson are destroying more than just one alliance, and the culprit is unknown.
But there are other matters to consider. It is 1484 and Richard III is England’s monarch. The king entrusts many of his lords with responsibilities in the service of their country, and Nicholas is charged with the undercover investigation into two desperately important situations, which involves travel to the south of England.
Emeline joins with her younger sister and others of the household, determined to discover who is responsible for the disasters which have now entirely disrupted their lives. But the suspects are so many. It is therefore a group of eager but desperate women of various ages, characters and capabilities who attempt to solve the mystery.
Meanwhile, Nicholas learns that he has a wife to admire and to adore. But is he a murderer? Is her mother? Her nurse? And will England’s political turmoil threaten their peace and cause even greater uncertainty? Life will never be the same. But perhaps that is just as well.
ebook
Published February 9, 2016
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About the author
Barbara Gaskell Denvil
43 books63 followersI was born approximately two hundred years ago (It sometimes feels that way) in Gloucestershire, England, right in the heart of the Cotswolds. After a few years, I moved to London and fell in love with the history which oozes through the old stones, and the medieval atmosphere leaks from the beautiful old buildings. For many years, I walked the old cobbled lanes and researched the 15th century from original sources, and the books in the British Museum. I worked there in the Department of Ancient Documents, a place which I adored, full of scrolls illuminated by medieval monks, and hordes of informative parchments.
My father was an academic and playwright, my mother was a retired teacher, and my sister was an author of fantasy. I had no other passion except the arts, and books
Already a passionate reader half-crazed by the avid consumption of literature, I had grown out of Enid Blyton when I was about six. Next came a passion for Georgette Heyer, although far too young to understand romance. Once again it was the historical details I loved and I moved quickly onto Shakespeare, Dorothy Dunnett, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and a host of others.
I started writing. Nonsense naturally! But I kept it up and eventually write articles and short stories for current magazines and newspapers. I was also a tutor for scriptwriting, and a reviewer for Books and Bookmen. That kept me busy until I married. A husband and three little girls (including identical twins) were a full-time job, and for most of the time I also worked at secretarial jobs, keeping the threat of starvation at bay and paying for the baked beans.
After leaving my husband, I started writing again but this time I was distracted by something different, as I had a wonderful 18-year romance with a man who lived on his yacht in the Mediterranean, sailing during spring, summer, and autumn, and exploring Europe by car in winter.
My partner died, and I was bereft, deciding to come to Australia for a change instead of sitting around in stagnant tears. Writing again, and seriously this time, I wrote full length books in all my favourite genres. I was accepted by one of the big top 5 publishers, and two of my historical crime/mysteries were published in the traditional manner. However, although I was reasonably well paid and sold reasonably well, I also found myself disliking the control system. I had to write as commanded, insert bucket loads more romance, accept covers I hated, and generally do as I was told.
Now, happy and free, I self-publish, and enjoy every minute of my writing. I live in Australia, adore the weather, the birds and the wildlife, and live a placid life during the day and a wonderfully exciting one in my dreams at night.
I have written fantasy and historical fiction. Very different genres, but all are crime mysteries in one way or another. I have almost finished my children’s series (Bannister’s Muster series, for middle-grade children), no crime here, but a vibrant mixture of history and fantasy. After this is complete I am moving onto a series of modern crime mysteries, and I’m looking forward to that.
Writing is and always has been my passion, now that I am able to do this full time, I am in my element and life couldn’t be better (a little more sunshine might help though).
My father was an academic and playwright, my mother was a retired teacher, and my sister was an author of fantasy. I had no other passion except the arts, and books
Already a passionate reader half-crazed by the avid consumption of literature, I had grown out of Enid Blyton when I was about six. Next came a passion for Georgette Heyer, although far too young to understand romance. Once again it was the historical details I loved and I moved quickly onto Shakespeare, Dorothy Dunnett, Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and a host of others.
I started writing. Nonsense naturally! But I kept it up and eventually write articles and short stories for current magazines and newspapers. I was also a tutor for scriptwriting, and a reviewer for Books and Bookmen. That kept me busy until I married. A husband and three little girls (including identical twins) were a full-time job, and for most of the time I also worked at secretarial jobs, keeping the threat of starvation at bay and paying for the baked beans.
After leaving my husband, I started writing again but this time I was distracted by something different, as I had a wonderful 18-year romance with a man who lived on his yacht in the Mediterranean, sailing during spring, summer, and autumn, and exploring Europe by car in winter.
My partner died, and I was bereft, deciding to come to Australia for a change instead of sitting around in stagnant tears. Writing again, and seriously this time, I wrote full length books in all my favourite genres. I was accepted by one of the big top 5 publishers, and two of my historical crime/mysteries were published in the traditional manner. However, although I was reasonably well paid and sold reasonably well, I also found myself disliking the control system. I had to write as commanded, insert bucket loads more romance, accept covers I hated, and generally do as I was told.
Now, happy and free, I self-publish, and enjoy every minute of my writing. I live in Australia, adore the weather, the birds and the wildlife, and live a placid life during the day and a wonderfully exciting one in my dreams at night.
I have written fantasy and historical fiction. Very different genres, but all are crime mysteries in one way or another. I have almost finished my children’s series (Bannister’s Muster series, for middle-grade children), no crime here, but a vibrant mixture of history and fantasy. After this is complete I am moving onto a series of modern crime mysteries, and I’m looking forward to that.
Writing is and always has been my passion, now that I am able to do this full time, I am in my element and life couldn’t be better (a little more sunshine might help though).
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 24, 2017
Man, I love the writing style of this author! The words flow with a beauty seldom seen anymore. While some of the plot-points seemed a bit far-fetched, this is one story that keeps the reader guessing - and reading - until that last page is finished!
November 8, 2023
A story of a young girl, Emeline, who is forced to marry a man whom she thinks murdered his brother-the brother she was originally intended to marry and she loved. Of course, after they have sex Emeline falls in love with the man, Nicholas, and he with her. What a surprise-not! Her husband, Nicholas, is supposed to be the black sheep of the family, but it turns out he is the only honorable one in a disreputable family. His murdered brother, Peter, is revealed to be a cad. Nicholas has worked as an agent for the new King Richard III. A fire sweeps through the castle on their wedding night, and Nicholas is badly burned trying to save his drunken lout of a father. Interestingly, Peter’s murderer had started a fire engulfing his body. Soon after the wedding, Emeline’s father is also murdered along with his mistress, and fire engulfs their love nest. Emeline’s father is also a worthless hypocrite.
After Nicholas recovers from his burns, sort of, he is exposed to the plague and takes refuge in a London tenement where he is nursed by his loyal squire. Emeline seeks him out, and her younger sister, Avice, and Nicholas’s young cousin Sissy (who also loved Peter) decide to have an adventure and run away to find the murderer or murderers. Emeline’s mother follows them. This part of the novel is entertaining as a farce. Avice is a sassy little sister who can trade barbs with her big sister but who also retains the romantic notions of a teenage girl. Sissy is lost in some romantic dream who thinks Peter was without sin and is now in heaven sitting at the right hand of God. Emeline’s mother, the baroness, has been liberated by her husband’s death both to spend the money and to express her own witty self. However, fun this is it doesn’t seem to jive with the cold-blooded murders that have occurred. Maybe the author could make it light of the murders, because the victims are portrayed as vile and deserving of their fate.
Meanwhile, Nicholas is given a commission by the king to help the Marquis of Dorset to escape from France. The first attempt failed the year previously, and this attempt fares no better. Nicholas is also charged with intercepting a message carried by Christopher Urswick to the Earl of Northumberland. This mission seems to be more successful. This seems to be almost a throwaway aspect of the plot and is not very engaging and not well integrated to the rest of the novel. Along with the farce and the brutal murders, this political intrigue makes this a disjointed story.
While reading this novel, I was thinking I would give it 3 stars because of the interesting characters and the humor, but it just kept going on and on. Emeline ends up getting up exposed to the Plague, but this serves to bring the story to a halt as she has to be isolated in a room at a country inn. Nicholas makes love to her and then goes down to the public rooms to talk everything over with all the other characters who have gathered at the inn. Repeat. Repeat again. Finally, everyone ends up in London, where there are not one, not two, but three attacks on Nicholas by enemies, foreign and domestic. Yes, Emeline proves to be the spunky heroine who comes to her husband’s rescue, but at this point I just wanted to be put out of my misery. The identity of the murderer is not revealed until the very end.
After Nicholas recovers from his burns, sort of, he is exposed to the plague and takes refuge in a London tenement where he is nursed by his loyal squire. Emeline seeks him out, and her younger sister, Avice, and Nicholas’s young cousin Sissy (who also loved Peter) decide to have an adventure and run away to find the murderer or murderers. Emeline’s mother follows them. This part of the novel is entertaining as a farce. Avice is a sassy little sister who can trade barbs with her big sister but who also retains the romantic notions of a teenage girl. Sissy is lost in some romantic dream who thinks Peter was without sin and is now in heaven sitting at the right hand of God. Emeline’s mother, the baroness, has been liberated by her husband’s death both to spend the money and to express her own witty self. However, fun this is it doesn’t seem to jive with the cold-blooded murders that have occurred. Maybe the author could make it light of the murders, because the victims are portrayed as vile and deserving of their fate.
Meanwhile, Nicholas is given a commission by the king to help the Marquis of Dorset to escape from France. The first attempt failed the year previously, and this attempt fares no better. Nicholas is also charged with intercepting a message carried by Christopher Urswick to the Earl of Northumberland. This mission seems to be more successful. This seems to be almost a throwaway aspect of the plot and is not very engaging and not well integrated to the rest of the novel. Along with the farce and the brutal murders, this political intrigue makes this a disjointed story.
While reading this novel, I was thinking I would give it 3 stars because of the interesting characters and the humor, but it just kept going on and on. Emeline ends up getting up exposed to the Plague, but this serves to bring the story to a halt as she has to be isolated in a room at a country inn. Nicholas makes love to her and then goes down to the public rooms to talk everything over with all the other characters who have gathered at the inn. Repeat. Repeat again. Finally, everyone ends up in London, where there are not one, not two, but three attacks on Nicholas by enemies, foreign and domestic. Yes, Emeline proves to be the spunky heroine who comes to her husband’s rescue, but at this point I just wanted to be put out of my misery. The identity of the murderer is not revealed until the very end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 12, 2018
💘Love Born From 🔥 Fire
In her short life, Emeline💃💋 has been through one traumatic event after another. Her first husband, Peter was murdered. Her second husband, Nicholas🐺🍆🌋🔪, is the brother of her first husband. Nicholas🐺🍆🌋🔪 was badly burned in the arson fire🔥 which almost destroyed their castle🏰 on their wedding night Then he comes down with the pestilence and nearly dies.
Meanwhile, he sends Emeline👰💋 off to stay with relatives after the fire🔥, since the castle🏰 needs to be rebuilt.
Much of the book📑 has the two of them split apart, as Nicholas🐺🍆🌋🔪 chases down the people who started the fire🔥 and killed his brother.
ARC Received.
I also got The book with KU.
This is a wonderfully written book📑! It's an historical romance, as well as an arson and murder mystery. It's a testimony to the fragility of life in the dark ages. Now, if I Just had the recipe for Apple codlings that Emeline👰💋 loves, I'd be all set!
Highly recommend. This book has an extensive story line which riveted me to its pages, all the way through!
In her short life, Emeline💃💋 has been through one traumatic event after another. Her first husband, Peter was murdered. Her second husband, Nicholas🐺🍆🌋🔪, is the brother of her first husband. Nicholas🐺🍆🌋🔪 was badly burned in the arson fire🔥 which almost destroyed their castle🏰 on their wedding night Then he comes down with the pestilence and nearly dies.
Meanwhile, he sends Emeline👰💋 off to stay with relatives after the fire🔥, since the castle🏰 needs to be rebuilt.
Much of the book📑 has the two of them split apart, as Nicholas🐺🍆🌋🔪 chases down the people who started the fire🔥 and killed his brother.
ARC Received.
I also got The book with KU.
This is a wonderfully written book📑! It's an historical romance, as well as an arson and murder mystery. It's a testimony to the fragility of life in the dark ages. Now, if I Just had the recipe for Apple codlings that Emeline👰💋 loves, I'd be all set!
Highly recommend. This book has an extensive story line which riveted me to its pages, all the way through!
May 6, 2016
This story is such an odd combination of historical romance, mystery, suspense and comedy that is almost slapstick at times!
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 15, 2021
I wasn't as impressed with this one as I was with the first in the series. It had a much slower start to it, and whilst I understand the setting up of characters and situations needed to be done, I felt it might've added more of a hook by adding some foreshadowing or something along those lines. I kept putting it down but kept going back to it because I'm stubborn. Another reader might well be inclined to give up more easily.
It did get better - much better - but was a little confusing as to which era I was viewing. The first book was set during the death of his brother then succession to the throne of Richard III. However, these books are advertised as being standalone and readable in any order, which doesn't have to mean during a similar period. No dates were presented to aid orientation and the looming death of Queen Anne could equally apply to the Stuart Queen as much as Anne Neville - wife of Richard III. As I stuttered my way through the first few chapters, I realised that it seemed earlier than the Stuarts, thus positioning the story during the last year of Plantagenet rule. But I know something of this period, where other readers may not and may lose the significance of the political connotations and their meanings.
That hurdle cleared, the story did pick up the pace and become more interesting, and I'm glad I stuck with it. I was a little irked by the multiple chance meetings on the roads and in the inns of the various journeys, as they were far too convenient to lend credibility, and did become a little farcical by the end. Perhaps if the inn where everyone met had been at a destination rather than along the route, it might've flowed a little better?
All things considered, it was an enjoyable read despite these niggles, and I'll probably go on to read the others in the set.
It did get better - much better - but was a little confusing as to which era I was viewing. The first book was set during the death of his brother then succession to the throne of Richard III. However, these books are advertised as being standalone and readable in any order, which doesn't have to mean during a similar period. No dates were presented to aid orientation and the looming death of Queen Anne could equally apply to the Stuart Queen as much as Anne Neville - wife of Richard III. As I stuttered my way through the first few chapters, I realised that it seemed earlier than the Stuarts, thus positioning the story during the last year of Plantagenet rule. But I know something of this period, where other readers may not and may lose the significance of the political connotations and their meanings.
That hurdle cleared, the story did pick up the pace and become more interesting, and I'm glad I stuck with it. I was a little irked by the multiple chance meetings on the roads and in the inns of the various journeys, as they were far too convenient to lend credibility, and did become a little farcical by the end. Perhaps if the inn where everyone met had been at a destination rather than along the route, it might've flowed a little better?
All things considered, it was an enjoyable read despite these niggles, and I'll probably go on to read the others in the set.
April 11, 2018
Thrilling Historical Romance
Simply gorgeous character development. Young Emma loses her oh so handsome and gallant fiance in a tragic fire, and her father is forcing her to marry the man who would have been her brother in law. A man with a scarred face, who she was told is cruel and vicious.
After Nicholas's idiot brother gets himself killed, Nicholas is forced to marry the ridiculous little girl with romance in her mind. The girl that his brother spoke of, in vivid detail. When she seems too frightened of him, he shrugs and falls asleep.
On their wedding night, Emma wakes to find her new home is aflame. Her new husband rushes to save her and the rest of the castle. He winds up with serious burns across his body. The two newlyweds wind up entangled in a conspiracy and a rash of murders.
Simply gorgeous character development. Young Emma loses her oh so handsome and gallant fiance in a tragic fire, and her father is forcing her to marry the man who would have been her brother in law. A man with a scarred face, who she was told is cruel and vicious.
After Nicholas's idiot brother gets himself killed, Nicholas is forced to marry the ridiculous little girl with romance in her mind. The girl that his brother spoke of, in vivid detail. When she seems too frightened of him, he shrugs and falls asleep.
On their wedding night, Emma wakes to find her new home is aflame. Her new husband rushes to save her and the rest of the castle. He winds up with serious burns across his body. The two newlyweds wind up entangled in a conspiracy and a rash of murders.
July 20, 2023
The year is 1484. In England, Queen Anne has just died and King Richard III's throne is threatenend by the machinations of Henry Tudor and his followers. Nicholas Chatwyn, second son of the eral of the same name, is a secret agent for the king and also a newlywed. His bride is a girl once meant for his now dead brother, whom many believe he had killed. Murders, fires and intrigue swirl all around the new husband and his lady, yet despite the odds they are forging a partnership. In defense of his king, and also to uncover the real murder, Nicholas embarks on an adventure, his lady by hisside. This late medieval murder mystery has lots of period detail and a terrifying twist at the end.
August 14, 2019
Another awesome story.
From the first page I was swept up into the role of Richard III’s England. All the characters are written so realistically that you smile and cry with them. The world building is so well done that you could all most smell the stench of London. A truly delightful tale blending real facts with well written fiction. Highly recommend.
From the first page I was swept up into the role of Richard III’s England. All the characters are written so realistically that you smile and cry with them. The world building is so well done that you could all most smell the stench of London. A truly delightful tale blending real facts with well written fiction. Highly recommend.
April 29, 2022
Plenty of Action, Intrigue and Lust
Death by throat slashing and fire by an unknown assailant is both frightening and freeing for the characters in this novel. Plenty of violence, family fighting and not a lot of unraveling till the very end of the novel as to who and why the murders take place. An excellent read and some sections impossible to put down.
Death by throat slashing and fire by an unknown assailant is both frightening and freeing for the characters in this novel. Plenty of violence, family fighting and not a lot of unraveling till the very end of the novel as to who and why the murders take place. An excellent read and some sections impossible to put down.
June 1, 2017
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
"Set in Richard III’s brief kingship this entertaining tale rattles along, with dangers and revelations throughout, punctuated by very likeable (and very dislikeable) characters."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"Set in Richard III’s brief kingship this entertaining tale rattles along, with dangers and revelations throughout, punctuated by very likeable (and very dislikeable) characters."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
November 15, 2019
I liked it.
Not a conventional love story. Though the heroine went from hate to love fast. The story was magical in some ways. The hero took a beating throughout the book. But he keep moving forward, good characters.
Not a conventional love story. Though the heroine went from hate to love fast. The story was magical in some ways. The hero took a beating throughout the book. But he keep moving forward, good characters.
July 4, 2020
The plot is not too bad but painfully delivered with an obvious twist. Parts of it are farcical, I half expected Brian Rix to make an appearance. What ruins it, again, are the far too detailed sex scenes that add nothing to the book. I will not bother reading any more of her work.
August 1, 2021
Another page turner from Barbara Haskell Denvil
Filled with rich characters, drama, intrigue, envy, mystery and love. I am addicted to this author for her free flowing prose and humor intertwined within her story. A must read!
Filled with rich characters, drama, intrigue, envy, mystery and love. I am addicted to this author for her free flowing prose and humor intertwined within her story. A must read!
August 13, 2025
Odd main character
Strange premise, odd characters, much confusion, excessive romance (hmm!), rampant accusations, lots of action, and a surprise ending that I was NOT expecting. Good read!
Strange premise, odd characters, much confusion, excessive romance (hmm!), rampant accusations, lots of action, and a surprise ending that I was NOT expecting. Good read!
May 23, 2017
Delighted to announce The Flame Eater by Barbara Gaskell Denvil has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award
www.chillwithabook.com
www.chillwithabook.com
February 26, 2019
Good mystery story line, the rest of it not as good. . . .
June 21, 2019
A medeval bodice ripper
Difficult to get into but persisted and had a pleasing twist at the end. Won't bother with the next one.
Difficult to get into but persisted and had a pleasing twist at the end. Won't bother with the next one.
July 24, 2019
Fantastic read
Wow what a fantastic read, I could barely put it down. I always knew that the killer wasn’t a member of the family but was very close to it.
Wow what a fantastic read, I could barely put it down. I always knew that the killer wasn’t a member of the family but was very close to it.
April 3, 2020
Good read
I enjoyed this story. It had a couple of slow spots but it picked up. I’m looking forward to reading more of this author
I enjoyed this story. It had a couple of slow spots but it picked up. I’m looking forward to reading more of this author
October 17, 2019
Great story however too much graphic sexual content that seemed to be drawn out to fill pages..if you liked Fifty Shades that's ok. But this wasn't for me in a historical novel.
September 30, 2016
The Flame Eater by Barbara Gaskell Denvil is a historical fiction novel set in Medieval London that offers the reader a daring adventure into the past. The story tells a tale of love, hate, and betrayal – all elements birthing from a murder mystery. The love story involves the two main characters, Nicholas and Emeline. The last remaining son of an Earl, Nicholas is forced to marry Emeline, the heiress negotiated for his now dead brother. Nicholas goes into the marriage believing he is marrying his brother’s mistress. These characters are constantly looking for new horizons in a time of difficulty and challenge.
The characters are constantly looking for new horizons in a time of difficulty and challenge. Flame Eater captures medieval history with vivid scenes and rich descriptions of the setting, such as ‘the great black emptiness of the night sky had turned a scorched and virulent orange, as if the clouds themselves were burning’ (P.g 18).
Characters are realistically portrayed for the time period. Each one of them has a description that reminds me of historical figures from the fifteenth century. They are constructed so their reactions and behaviors come across as genuine to the reader, leaving an impression of cultures and traditions of the time.
The dialogue sometimes struggles to progress the plot, however this is only the only drawback to the construction of the characters as the plot and scenes are clear for the reader’s understanding. The book gives an insight into the middle ages, like the constant struggle of finding access to healthcare and the more limited understanding of medical knowledge.
There are more apparent differences between classes. The wealthy have better access to resources, creating more of a disparity between the classes. The upper classes only married to those who are of a similar social status. This doesn’t mean that love marriages weren’t accepted, but it seems like they were a disadvantage to the families.
Flame Eater provides the reader insights about the medieval world’s conservative views around marriage. The nobility and the wealthy – as Denvil shows in Flame Eater – were married to each other for political reasons and as a way to form alliances between families during times of conflict. Another striking feature is it captures the time period with the religious imagery, this gives the reader the impression religion is important to the everyday rituals and ceremonies.
Showing the brutality and injustice being portrayed in the era, interestingly, Flame Eater doesn’t cause the reader to contrast the time period with modern society. The author’s language shows the immense research that went into the writing of this novel. With its consistency to the genre and style, I have no hesitation recommending this novel to those interested in facts about medieval history. Flame Eater gives a detailed description of the medieval lifestyle, which what made it feel authentic.
Review written by Senaj Alijevski for Backstory:
http://www.backstoryjournal.com.au/20...
The characters are constantly looking for new horizons in a time of difficulty and challenge. Flame Eater captures medieval history with vivid scenes and rich descriptions of the setting, such as ‘the great black emptiness of the night sky had turned a scorched and virulent orange, as if the clouds themselves were burning’ (P.g 18).
Characters are realistically portrayed for the time period. Each one of them has a description that reminds me of historical figures from the fifteenth century. They are constructed so their reactions and behaviors come across as genuine to the reader, leaving an impression of cultures and traditions of the time.
The dialogue sometimes struggles to progress the plot, however this is only the only drawback to the construction of the characters as the plot and scenes are clear for the reader’s understanding. The book gives an insight into the middle ages, like the constant struggle of finding access to healthcare and the more limited understanding of medical knowledge.
There are more apparent differences between classes. The wealthy have better access to resources, creating more of a disparity between the classes. The upper classes only married to those who are of a similar social status. This doesn’t mean that love marriages weren’t accepted, but it seems like they were a disadvantage to the families.
Flame Eater provides the reader insights about the medieval world’s conservative views around marriage. The nobility and the wealthy – as Denvil shows in Flame Eater – were married to each other for political reasons and as a way to form alliances between families during times of conflict. Another striking feature is it captures the time period with the religious imagery, this gives the reader the impression religion is important to the everyday rituals and ceremonies.
Showing the brutality and injustice being portrayed in the era, interestingly, Flame Eater doesn’t cause the reader to contrast the time period with modern society. The author’s language shows the immense research that went into the writing of this novel. With its consistency to the genre and style, I have no hesitation recommending this novel to those interested in facts about medieval history. Flame Eater gives a detailed description of the medieval lifestyle, which what made it feel authentic.
Review written by Senaj Alijevski for Backstory:
http://www.backstoryjournal.com.au/20...
August 3, 2016
I'm a fire-starter, an evil fire-starter! But who am I exactly, is at the heart of this medieval tale of murder, mystery, treason and spies?
Emeline was due to marry Peter Chetwynd, eldest son of the earl, but following his death in a fire, she finds herself betrothed to his younger brother Nicholas, a coward and wastrel for whom no one has a good word. Fire rages again on their wedding night and the marriage looks doomed almost before it has started. Nicholas is continually rude to her and prone to disappearances without explanation. Only her younger sister and Nicholas' cousins, Adrian and Sysabel show her any sympathy. But having been brought up by her tyrannical father, Emma is prepared to 'do her duty' to her husband and he is not quite as he seems.
Slowly and with many doubts, she learns to think better of him, but then her father is killed in the arms of his (unknown) mistress and their bodies badly burned in another fire.
At last the family realises that the deaths are connected and Nicholas is a prime suspect. But, as they put their heads together more suspects emerge and one candidate in particular. Meanwhile, Nicholas is off on another of his 'missions'.
Set in the middle of the brief kingship of Richard III, this tale fairly rattles along, with dangers and revelations throughout, punctuated by likeable (and dislikeable) characters. But, like many such mysteries, it does rather rely upon coincidences and fortunate appearances at just the right moment. Yet the ending has enough of a surprise element to ignore all of that.
However, I regret to say that the presentation of this book needs some criticism: The paragraph indentations are too deep, looking to be about twice the size of the norm, there were a large number of typos in my copy and I feel there should be a blank line – if not a new chapter - inserted whenever the scene and point of view changes – which happens a lot. I also don't like a different type face being used for just the first letter of a new chapter, but that might just be me.
I would hope that these criticisms can be addressed by a thorough proof reading because I immensely enjoyed the story and the growing relationship between Emma and Nicholas
(for the Historical Novel Society)
Emeline was due to marry Peter Chetwynd, eldest son of the earl, but following his death in a fire, she finds herself betrothed to his younger brother Nicholas, a coward and wastrel for whom no one has a good word. Fire rages again on their wedding night and the marriage looks doomed almost before it has started. Nicholas is continually rude to her and prone to disappearances without explanation. Only her younger sister and Nicholas' cousins, Adrian and Sysabel show her any sympathy. But having been brought up by her tyrannical father, Emma is prepared to 'do her duty' to her husband and he is not quite as he seems.
Slowly and with many doubts, she learns to think better of him, but then her father is killed in the arms of his (unknown) mistress and their bodies badly burned in another fire.
At last the family realises that the deaths are connected and Nicholas is a prime suspect. But, as they put their heads together more suspects emerge and one candidate in particular. Meanwhile, Nicholas is off on another of his 'missions'.
Set in the middle of the brief kingship of Richard III, this tale fairly rattles along, with dangers and revelations throughout, punctuated by likeable (and dislikeable) characters. But, like many such mysteries, it does rather rely upon coincidences and fortunate appearances at just the right moment. Yet the ending has enough of a surprise element to ignore all of that.
However, I regret to say that the presentation of this book needs some criticism: The paragraph indentations are too deep, looking to be about twice the size of the norm, there were a large number of typos in my copy and I feel there should be a blank line – if not a new chapter - inserted whenever the scene and point of view changes – which happens a lot. I also don't like a different type face being used for just the first letter of a new chapter, but that might just be me.
I would hope that these criticisms can be addressed by a thorough proof reading because I immensely enjoyed the story and the growing relationship between Emma and Nicholas
(for the Historical Novel Society)
May 20, 2016
My first impressions of Emma, the main female character, were that she was very whiny and clingy. If she had been the sole focus, I would have quit the book early on. Fortunately, the main male character, Nicholas, intrigued me from the get-go--partially because he was escaping a window while wearing a dress the first time we see him! While I found myself rolling my eyes at much of Emma's crybaby theatrics, Nicholas kept me interested in the story. I thoroughly enjoyed his sarcastic wit and self-deprecating humor.
I enjoyed the constant whodunit nature of the book. To be honest, I had no idea who our killer was up until it was revealed in the very last chapter. I had my suspicions--and this character was one of my guesses--but I could not have pinpointed it down. Everyone had a reason they could have been the killer, so it was fun to finally see who it was and why.
I found the length of the book to be too much for the story. It could have been edited down by probably 100 pages. Another aspect I felt needed some editing was the excess of dashes in the dialogue. I'd be curious to see a Word count of dashes because it was inexhaustible. Sometimes the dashes were used correctly, but a lot of the time, they weren't. Commas or ellipses would have been more appropriate.
At any rate, I felt this to be an enjoyable read, but it would be strengthened by an editor.
I enjoyed the constant whodunit nature of the book. To be honest, I had no idea who our killer was up until it was revealed in the very last chapter. I had my suspicions--and this character was one of my guesses--but I could not have pinpointed it down. Everyone had a reason they could have been the killer, so it was fun to finally see who it was and why.
I found the length of the book to be too much for the story. It could have been edited down by probably 100 pages. Another aspect I felt needed some editing was the excess of dashes in the dialogue. I'd be curious to see a Word count of dashes because it was inexhaustible. Sometimes the dashes were used correctly, but a lot of the time, they weren't. Commas or ellipses would have been more appropriate.
At any rate, I felt this to be an enjoyable read, but it would be strengthened by an editor.
April 29, 2016
In this historical mystery romance, you have the main male character of Nicholas, the second son of a usually drunk Earl of Chatwyn. Emmaline was supposed to marry the first son, Peter, but he died and so the arrangements are made for Nicholas to take his place.
In a series of murders, you are on the murderer's shoulder as the offences are committed, but you don't know who it is. As the story progresses, a multitude of names are mentioned, all with their own reasons and motives. Of course, whether one of these names is the correct one, I will leave for you to find out when you read it.
From out of murder and mystery, love grows between Nicholas and Emma(line); along with many adventures. These two characters are wonderful and I am so glad they start working together.
With a grand supporting cast of characters, from the sublime to the ridiculous, this book will keep you entertained and occupied. Well written, with only a few minor errors that definitely do not distract from the story itself, this is a very enjoyable book, with great insight into daily lives. Definitely recommended.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
In a series of murders, you are on the murderer's shoulder as the offences are committed, but you don't know who it is. As the story progresses, a multitude of names are mentioned, all with their own reasons and motives. Of course, whether one of these names is the correct one, I will leave for you to find out when you read it.
From out of murder and mystery, love grows between Nicholas and Emma(line); along with many adventures. These two characters are wonderful and I am so glad they start working together.
With a grand supporting cast of characters, from the sublime to the ridiculous, this book will keep you entertained and occupied. Well written, with only a few minor errors that definitely do not distract from the story itself, this is a very enjoyable book, with great insight into daily lives. Definitely recommended.
* Verified Purchase on Amazon *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
March 14, 2016
Another Denvil entry into the 15th century, this time in 1484-85. Nicholas Chatwyn and Emeline Wrotham are married under duress, since her betrothed, Nicholas's brother, had been murdered. A murderer/arsonist is on the loose, preying on the Chatwyn family. With Denvil's trademark flair, the reader is steeped in life in the 15th century--the food, the filth, the disease, medical treatment (or lack of), and awful living conditions for rich and poor alike. The black death plays a significant role in the story, always stalking the characters much like the murderer. Although his family thinks Nicholas is a useless ne'er do well, he actually works undercover for the king. In this very long novel, family secrets are revealed, treason is uncovered, and the hero and heroine fall in love. The dialog is very good, especially between Emeline's mother and her daughters. The novel ends with the quiet before the storm of Henry Tudor's invasion of England. The reader finally learns the identity of the murderer, but the protagonists don't, so there may be a sequel.
April 9, 2018
I found this to be an interesting story, that, at times, I found a little tedious as the story got bogged down with a bit too much dialogue.
I did enjoy the progress in the characters with Nicholas starting off as arrogant & definitely not happy with his arranged marriage, Emeline one of the most naive people that god ever put on this earth detesting the man she is married to because of his dead brother's description of him. She did make me laugh.
Emeline certainly came into her own once she escaped the oppression of a father that I'm finding hard to find words to describe, polite ones that is. lol
The story kept me guessing who the murderer was & loved the twist at the end, I didn't see that coming.
I did enjoy the progress in the characters with Nicholas starting off as arrogant & definitely not happy with his arranged marriage, Emeline one of the most naive people that god ever put on this earth detesting the man she is married to because of his dead brother's description of him. She did make me laugh.
Emeline certainly came into her own once she escaped the oppression of a father that I'm finding hard to find words to describe, polite ones that is. lol
The story kept me guessing who the murderer was & loved the twist at the end, I didn't see that coming.
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September 12, 2017Really good book!
I very much enjoyed reading this book. So many lies and misunderstanding.... So much sorrow and happiness. And a wonderful plot filled with history of the era in 1485 England under King Richard's reign.
The character Nicholas is an enigma as it develops, and the family is bizarre and comical at times.
The ending is a surprise! One I hadn't expected.
Just have to tell readers to find out for themselves and read this highly entertaining, adventure filled story.
I very much enjoyed reading this book. So many lies and misunderstanding.... So much sorrow and happiness. And a wonderful plot filled with history of the era in 1485 England under King Richard's reign.
The character Nicholas is an enigma as it develops, and the family is bizarre and comical at times.
The ending is a surprise! One I hadn't expected.
Just have to tell readers to find out for themselves and read this highly entertaining, adventure filled story.
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