The Colour of Poison

Sebastian Foxley Medieval Mystery #1

by Toni Mount

The narrow, stinking streets of medieval London can sometimes be a dark place. Burglary, arson, kidnapping and murder are every-day events. The streets even echo with rumours of the mysterious art of alchemy being used to make gold for the King.

Join Seb, a talented but crippled artist, as he is drawn into a web of lies to save his handsome brother from the hangman's rope. Will he find an inner strength in these, the darkest of times, or will events outside his control overwhelm him?

Only one thing is certain - if Seb can't save his brother, nobody can.


Interview with the Author

What makes the Sebastian Foxley Medieval Mystery Series special?

In my Sebastian Foxley Medieval Mystery Series, I’ve used my personal research of the medieval period to recreate the dark and dangerous London of the 15th century. These historical touches bring authenticity to my historical thrillers and mysteries, recreating the everyday life that my protagonist Sebastian Foxley would have experienced.

What order should the books be read in?

Each book is a stand-alone story, but in my first medieval mystery, The Colour of Poison, we are introduced to all of the main characters, when Sebastian is in the greatest need of help and support. The second in my mystery series, The Colour of Gold, is a short story which acts as a bridge between The Colour of Poison and the next full-length book in the series, The Colour of Cold Blood.

Why should readers give your medieval mysteries a try?

I have established a considerable reputation as a historian and writer of several non-fiction works, which look at both ordinary lives in medieval London, as well as the medicine of the period. With my professional scientific background and a detailed knowledge of art, I have been able to create thrilling situations populated with believable characters who can use the science and knowledge of the period to solve their mysteries. As you'll soon find out, you will be taken to a world from the past in my Sebastian Foxley Medieval Murder Mystery Series.

I hope you'll give the series a try!

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

338 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

About the author

Toni Mount is a writer, teacher and speaker, specialising in ordinary lives and fascinating characters from history. She has an MA by Research from the University of Kent. Diplomas in European Humanities, Literature and Creative Writing and a first class honours degree from the Open University.

Reviews

[Zain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The End.

This book has a very good ending. It also has a great beginning.

It begins with someone being hanged and quartered at Tyburn Way, then it stops and begins with Sebastian Foxley.

Sebastian and his brother Jude are writers and Seb is also an illustrator. They do everything by hand. The printing press is something that is very new and has not yet changed the world.

The brothers are employed by Matthew Bowen, who is later murdered. His death is a mystery that needs to be solved.

This is what most of the book is about. Solving the mystery of the murder. Will the murderer be found? There’s also a side mystery of an alchemist nature. Will gold be made?

The Colour of Poison is a great historical mystery with excellent references to the period of the 15th century. Lots of background information and some good activities that can occur during this period.

There’s a wonderful cast of supporting characters in this story. They help move the story forward and make it interesting.

This is a five star story. And I love it. 💫💫💫💫💫

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty good although the resolution could have been arrived at sooner, I feel. The characters in this were very well done and they appealed to me. There are hundreds of medieval murder mysteries out there, many of dubious quality, but this was one of the good ones!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to be careful about when I picked up this book because I knew that once I did there would be no going back. The captivating characters and nonstop drama of London during the reign of Edward IV was expertly done, from the stink and slime in the streets to the riches of Edward's court. Toni Mount is a noteworthy nonfiction writer, and her knowledge of the era is perfectly woven into the fictional story of the Foxley brothers.

This book takes off running, but once I was accustomed to the quickly changing scenes and points of view, I couldn't put it down. The main character, Sebastian Foxley, immediately drew me in and had me cheering for him. As a thoughtful, sensitive man who happened to have a hunchback, I couldn't help but think that he could be a young Matthew Shardlake. He struggles with confidence, his physical limitations, and his desires for a future that he is sure is out of reach for him. At the same time, he has integrity and an amazing faith that shines in the midst of tragedy and death.

Sebastian is paired with his older brother, Jude, who is handsome and popular but lacks the inner strength and beauty demonstrated by Sebastian. It is when Jude becomes wrapped up in scandal and is arrested that Sebastian is able to reach his full potential. With his brother no longer there to care for him (or bully him), Sebastian does more than he believes is possible when those that he loves need him most.

As wonderful as the personalities and relationships are in this novel, it is truly a murder mystery. The conspiracy stretches from a poor alchemist's apprentice all the way to the king, so the reader gets some fun scenes with Edward and his favorite brother, Richard of Gloucester, as well.

I am excited to have a new series to get caught up in and can't wait for the next installment to be released.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I generally can find something I love about most books. This is not to say that I’m not a critical reader, but for the most part I can take nearly any book at face value and enjoy it for the qualities it has as an individual work. What can I say? I’m a glass-half-full kinda gal! I understand what goes into every aspect of writing, from the plot imagining, to the drafting, editing, polishing, etc. It’s a tough, tough job when done well. With that in mind, I tend to write positive reviews of the books I read, because what’s the point of tearing apart someone’s hard work if what I have to say is merely subjective? And let’s be honest, most unfavorable reviews focus on the subjective. Not every book will please every reader. What might be one person’s negative could be another’s positive.

An odd way to start a review? Perhaps. But I wanted to set the stage for the positive review I am about to give for The Colour of Poison, to put it into perspective amongst the other positive reviews I write for books.

If this book was a rock band, I’d be a groupie. If this book was crack, I’d be an addict. I am generally a very responsible reader – when it’s time for bed, or when I have to leave to be somewhere on time, I can usually put a book down and go about the business of adulting. Not so with this book. While I was reading it, I couldn’t be trusted around it. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about reading it; when I was reading it, the real world ceased to exist, and I inhaled it.

So what about this book elicits such die-hard devotion? In no particular order: exquisite prose, sumptuous description, and multi-dimensioned, flesh-and-bones real characters.

I’m not sure how to review the exquisite prose. It’s simply expertly done. As a lover of words, I appreciate the masterful use of carefully chosen words. Several times throughout the book, Seb (the main protagonist) speaks so intelligently that he has to stop and translate himself to other characters, and no one more so than the charming yet rascally street urchin Jack Tabor.

As for the sumptuous description… I’m a sucker for it. Ms. Mount writes the lurid streets of 15th century London as if she is painting with vivid colors. She didn’t just research the history of domestic life and write a story around it, she wrote it as if she was intimately familiar with it, as if she had personally walked the streets and lived in its neighborhoods. There is a personal knowing in her approach to the city, and this makes her prose stand out.

Each character, whether prominent or secondary, was exquisitely drawn. Each is imbued with unique personalities distinct from the others: Jack, the street urchin, cheeky and resourceful, Dame Ellen, bold and confident, yet soft and affectionate in her way. Jude, the older brother with a fierce, yet oftentimes poorly communicated love for his younger brother. Sir Robert Percy, the well-placed bridge between the Foxley brothers and the highest ranks of nobility. And Emily Appleyard – the sweet, hard-working love interest.

One of my favorites was definitely Seb, the main protagonist. Born with significant skeletal deformities which make even the basic functions of every day life a challenge for him, she shines on the page. In any other situation, he would likely not have survived. But because of his loyal and supportive brother, he has been able to live a relatively normal life. He has been gifted with a brilliant mind, and he uses his finely honed intellectual abilities to help solve the mystery of the murders. Ms. Mount does a wonderful job detailing without overdoing it, the problems Seb faces, from his inability to dress himself to the abuse he receives from boys who torment him and mock him, to people who see his deformity as a judgment from God. Even so, on the outside Seb is hardened to this kind of treatment. He has experienced it all his life, and he readily expects it every time he steps out his door. His inner life, on the other hand, bears the scars. His relationships and interactions with others reflect his inner turmoil, and the first person narrative allows us to witness the inner misery Seb experiences. “I loathed my body. God – or the Devil – had created a mockery for others’ amusement and I had to live with it – if such an existence could be called ‘living’.”

Jude is a delightfully imperfect character. Seb is simultaneously terrified of his brother and indebted to him. “I cowered before my brother when he was like this. He loved me, cared for me, but… I stared, unfocused, at my hands. Why wouldn’t Jude let me alone, to wallow in my despair?”

Richard, Duke of Gloucester appears true to life, fair, and realistic. For history fanatics who know the controversial aspects of the man later in his life, know that this snapshot happens early in his life, so there is no controversy. All “sides” of the question of Richard’s character should find no fault in how he is written.

Is there anything I would have wished was done differently? Well, yes, though nothing substantial to impact my review or rating -- just some subjective things which have nothing to do with the suburb quality of the book but which would be on a personal wish list, so to speak. I will put those thoughts after the closing of my review, so only read them if you have read the book or else don’t mind knowing what will happen.

The plot is well devised, the pace perfect. For a medieval murder mystery you can’t go wrong. For a glimpse at life in 15th century London, I’ve yet to find anything to surpass the feast that this book has to offer. Highly recommended for lover of mysteries and historical fiction.

***SPOILER WARNING***

My critiques, for what they are worth:

I would have loved for the Duke of Gloucester to make some kind of private aside to Seb about the connection between the two of them regarding their mutual physical difficulties. Realistically though, I’m sure it’s not something the Duke would have ever talked about with someone of Seb’s social station, if anyone else EVER, for that matter. Even so, I kept hoping for that little personal connection even if it wasn’t realistic.

I can’t claim to know much about Francis Lovell, and what little I know of him comes from fiction. Even so, his character wasn’t what I expected. As a villain, he was very well done. His arrogant and flippant approach to those deemed below him was superb even if it was different than my previous internal image of him. He dripped with disdain for the lower classes.

This one is perhaps the biggest for me: I wish the author had done an author’s notes at the end to explain some of the historical detail. I love historical fiction authors who explain what parts of their book they drew directly from history and which parts were purely fiction. In the case of this book, there wasn’t much history beyond time and place, but it would have been an excellent opportunity to explain aspects of the life of people living a common existence in London.

Further to the idea of an author’s notes, I was fascinated by the author’s choice to have Seb’s physical condition be affected by Lovell’s attempt to kill him. The fact that he walked away from the experience with joints a little straighter was an applaud-worthy moment for me. But I am curious if there was some medical explanation behind this. I’m happy to accept it as fiction, but author’s notes would have been an opportunity to reveal intriguing behind the scenes research.

[Samantha Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

You'll all already be aware that I usually shy away from historical fiction as much as is humanly possible. For the most part, I've had bad experiences with it - badly researched and poorly written stories really don't make for good reading. But every so often there's a diamond hidden in the rough. That's what Toni Mount's "The Colour Of Poison" was - from the moment I picked the book up I just couldn't put it down!

It's a story full of murder and intrigue set within Medieval London. And Mount's descriptions of the dirty streets of Medieval London almost made me feel like I was there with the characters, trudging through the mud and hearing the jeers of the citizens towards the main character, Seb Foxley. As for the characterisation, each and every character had so much depth it was unreal. I found myself absolutely despising many of them (I won't give away spoilers, but there's one lady in the story who I couldn't stand from the moment I realised Seb's brother was sleeping with her) and fell in love with others. Seb, in particular, grew to be a bit of a crush. And I'm not even sorry to admit it. Seb Foxley - talented and kind despite his disability, all I wanted to do was hug the poor love and tell him everything was going to be okay.

The only thing I found a bit odd when I started to read this novel was the way in which Mount kept switching between first and third person narrative. Chapters from the point of view of anyone other than Seb were written in the third person, whilst Seb's was all in the first. It took me a while to get used to it, but I soon came to the realisation that it was actually a very clever tool used by Mount as a way of separating the story up so that readers can be clearer over who's telling that part of the story. It's not something that I feel everyone will like, however.

I really cannot fault this book at all. From start to finish I loved it and could not put it down. I honestly cannot wait for the next instalment of Seb Foxley's story, and urge everyone to pick up a copy of this book.

[Cassia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as I started it, I knew this was a great Renaissance murder mystery. The story, set at the time of the raise of Richard-Dickon, Duke of Gloucester at the court of his brother, Edward IV, includes the real nobility and fictional characters, a mix I adore in historical novels or romance.

A bit shocked, at first, because of the unusual structure of the narration. The author chooses an alternation of chapters in first person narrative -whenever the main character Sebastian is involved - and third person narrative for all the others. After a while, I was perfectly at ease with this new experience of reading.

The setting is extremely accurate, being the author an historian. The plot is engaging. I have now the whole series of Sebastian Foxley's mysteries in my wish list.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Colour of Poison
The First Book in the Sebastian Foxley Medieval Murder Mystery series
By Toni Mount
Reviewed May 27, 2022

I originally read this, the first in the Seb Foxley series, back in the summer of 2016. Back then I wasn’t writing reviews very often, so I had no review for this one. Since I recently read the next nine books, and it is still May – my self-proclaimed Sebastian Foxley Medieval Murder Mystery month – I thought I would go back, re-read this introductory opus to Seb and all the gang, and this time write a proper review. I didn’t remember all the details, but I see I gave it a 4-star rating so I obviously liked it.

The Colour of Poison begins with a prologue that tells of the execution of several ne’er do wells – a man guilty of clipping coins, a young lad guilty of horse theft (although the poor boy insists that he was only feeding the beast for his brother), and a man accused of murder. This third man we will later learn is Jude, who is desperately scanning the crowd for his brother’s face. Not really a spoiler here, as we will easily figure out less than halfway through the book who this is.

From there, we go back a few days and meet Sebastian Foxley – Seb to friends and family – a skilled artist who suffers from a disability that has left him crippled and prone to poor health. At this point, the book alternates between Seb’s 1st person narratives, then switching to 3rd person when the story doesn’t involve Seb personally.

There’s a short chapter that takes place in the Westminster Palace where we learn of King Edward’s attempts to enlist the aid of an apothecary in changing base metals (lead) to gold (which yes, will play an important part in the story). The king is planning an invasion of France and needs all the gold he can get his hands on. His youngest brother Richard cautions against such foolishness, but behind his back, Edward enlists the aid of one of Richard’s retinue, Francis Lovell with the strictest instructions that the duke is to know nothing about this.

Back with the Foxley brothers...a messenger from Richard, Duke of Gloucester pays a call. Duke Richard has heard of Seb’s skill and wants him to paint a triptych that will include images of his father and brother Edmund, both of whom died at Wakefield. In future stories, Duke Richard has become Seb’s patron, but it’s in this book that we learn how this came about. Initially reluctant to take on such a major undertaking, Seb eventually agrees.

Meanwhile Jude lives up to his namesake, St Jude – the patron saint of lost causes, and in so many ways, Jude is just that. He’s good at breaking commandments, including the 7th (adultery) and the 8th (theft). In fact, it’s the breaking of #7 that leads Jude into a world of hurt. Having been carrying on with the wife of his employer, Master Bowen, he is conveniently framed when the man is murdered. And unfortunately for Jude, he is observed leaving Mistress Bowen’s room by none other than Lord Lovell.

While Jude is bustled off to Newgate Prison to await his trial, Seb knows that he needs to do something to clear his brother’s name – but will he be able to find out in time? Aiding him in his search is Sir Rob Percy, one of Duke Richard’s knights.

Characters who will be staples in the series are here – gentle Sebastian Foxley, Dame Ellen, Emily Appleyard (who Seb eventually marries and who is much nicer than she turns out to be), scapegrace brother Jude, Tom Bowen, Jack Tabor, and the rest of the crew.

This is a mystery that has to do with alchemy and murder, of lords and kings and common folk, and is a great introduction to this series. There are twists and turns a-plenty, and Lord Lovell, who is usually portrayed in a positive manner, makes a delightful antagonist. And as I’ve said before, because Duke Richard shows up, the book gets an extra thumbs up from me.

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy historical mysteries, then this novel may be one to try. In "The Colour of Poison," author Toni Mount has penned a Medieval mystery featuring a protagonist who is a handicapped/ hunchbacked person named Sebastian Foxley. He is an artist; he has a gift for drawing, illustration, and illumination. Although virtually an outcast by most people, Sebastian is a very intelligent and sensitive young man. This gives a unique slant to the characterization of novel and thus the plot, both of which I certainly appreciate.

"The Colour of Poison," full of murder and intrigue, is set within Medieval London during the reign of Edward IV. The book seems to be well researched and carefully crafted bringing this period of history of the "haves and have nots" to life. Social stereotypes as well as various form of prejudice are carefully woven into the plot. Most of all, Mount's use of local color was amazing; the reader could almost smell the stink and slime in the streets or in the bowels of the dungeon, On the other hand, the reader could relish the glitz, glamour, and riches of the wealthy and the nobles of Edward's court. In particular in this book, the taunting and physical abuse of our protagonist Sebastian simply because he was crippled brings to light that sadly bullying" has been with mankind for a long time. These historical touches bring authenticity to these historical mysteries; it certainly recreates the everyday life that the protagonist Sebastian Foxley would have experienced.

The beginning of the book was confusing, primarily because the author chooses a changing point of view in the chapters; essentially an alternation of chapters in first person narrative - whenever Sebastian is involved - and third person narrative for all the others. Once I got on to this, it read more smoothly. A minor complaint for an excellent historical mystery. I will read more of the stories of Sebastian Foxley; in fact, I have already ordered the next one - "The Colour of Gold" - in the series for my Kindle; it is actually a short story.

[Martha R. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so disappointing. Framed as the first of a series to introduce us to the protagonists, there was little introduction. We meet Sebastian Foxley, apparently an extremely gifted artist and illuminator, and his extremely angry older brother, a likewise gifted scribe. They live together in poverty. No explanation of how they arrived at such a state. They are obviously well educated, as repeatedly demonstrated by Sebastian's vocabulary. How did they obtain this education? The only truly well-educated were members of the clergy, which these two definitely are not. We are more than halfway through the book before it's finally reported that Sebastian's mother died giving birth to him. A few pages afterward, we learn that he was previously apprenticed to another stationer. Finally, near the end of the book, we learn that his parents are dead. It's like these characters are dropped in from the ether without any history or motivation. Sebastian's brother, Jude, has serious anger management issues, even venting his violent tendencies on his brother. Yet there is no explanation for why this is so. Human nature is not that changed - Jude is violent and angry (and ungrateful, believing himself entitled) for a reason. I also found Sebastian's "cure" improbable. Seriously? Scoliosis cured by hanging from a hook? There was so much potential here, and I believe it failed utterly. I will not be reading further in the series.

[Kimmy C · Rating 3 out of 5]

As Recommended By Amazon…

After looking for a new Shardlake, having finished the series, Amazon recommended this to me - it bears similarities in location, a hunchbacked main character (and so viewed with suspiscion as being cursed), but I found it falling flat - the description of the time and place were very well done, but I found the story went on a bit too long, and I lost interest by the last few chapters.

[Carolyn Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was very happy to read this novel, as I have been admiring Toni Mount's writing on her many historical Pages on Facebook. The storyline of the novel is compelling, as in any good mystery, and the main characters are well rounded and interesting. I hope we see the further adventures of Sebastian, now that he can walk better!

[Beverley Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

This is a real gripping page turner, with an interesting plot and subplots that dance around each other. Toni brings medieval London alive, from sights and smells to gossip and the complicated relationships of those living cheek by jowl

[Nancy McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical mystery @ its best

A fascinating peek at some well known figures from English history. The portrayal of Richard of Gloucester is sympathetic and well researched. The period of time is also well researched and the story is well written & thoroughly enjoyable to read.

[Mary Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

Not only a well written mystery, but an accurate picture of medieval culture.
Awaiting with anticipation, the next book about Seb and Jude

[The Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can see the streets and rooms of medieval London in the vivid descriptions and colourful synonyms in this fascinating, well researched murder mystery

[Mary (Biblophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderfully written atmospheric medieval mystery with well-drawn characters and a plot that draws you in.

[MRS V JOHNSON · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

Really enjoyed this tale, felt as if I was there and would love to read more about Web Foxley and brother

[Maya Ch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Toni Mount “The colour of poison”

First book in the Sebastian Foxley fictional series by a historian Toni Mount introduces the main characters, that would appear in the following books of the series.
Bothers Foxley - elder dashing, brash Jude and younger timid, crippled Sebastian(Seb) - are apprentices at one of London’s books workshop in the 1470x in the reign of king Edward IV. Jude is a successful scrivener and Seb is a talented illuminator.
On the first glance, Jude appears rude and short-tempered, while Seb shown as weak and spineless. Then, they both bloom into 3-dimensional people, when Jude deeply cares for his younger brother and Seb shows stamina, which nobody, himself included, expected of him. In the course of the story life changing events happen to them, Seb finds his “hobbies”, as we would define today, since he was rarely paid for them, even in thankfulness. His activities will define his life and his character, giving strength and courage, compassion and love. Ending is setting Foxleys and other characters ready for the next story.
When I first started to read Seb Foxley series, I was fascinated with the storytelling which brought imagination closer to one of my favorite periods in England’s history.
Richard of Gloucester, still just younger king’s brother, was paralleled to Seb and King Edward - to Jude, allowing the relationship between brothers to evolve out of historical restrictions on real personnages.
Additional treat is just being in the midst of medieval city, so vividly and detailed author describes everyday life of the period. How food was cooked, house maintained, clothes worn and cleaned, books copied and illuminated, how people interacted with neighbors, doctors, merchants, with the law, the churchmen, the nobility. when they ate, slept, worked, attended church or festivities, what professions they had and what services were required of them.
Enjoyed this book and readily recommend it for all who is interested in medieval history.

[Diana Ridout · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this series in completely the wrong order, having been given an ARC of the fifth book, the Colour of Murder, to review for the "Review" online Magazine. Before the end of the story, I had totally fallen in love with the characters and Toni Mount's style of writing, and had furnished my Kindle with all the rest of the available books, a decision which was very wise...
I really enjoyed getting to know Sebastian and his cohorts in the right order! and discovering how cripple Seb became whole for the first time in his life. Fiction blends with historical fact in this fast paced Mediaeval thriller and real historical characters of the time merge and interact seamlessly with fictional ones. Ms Mount portrays one well known person of the era in such a way as to make me want to reappraise everything ever written about him with a new eye.
Toni Mount is a compelling story teller who leaves no stone unturned in her research of the subjects portrayed in the book. I look forward to the second one.

[losira13gmail.com · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent enough story.

I know that this book gives us information about the characters for this series but I felt that the author spent too much time with repeating items that really didn't move the story along very well. I think if she had cut back on things I felt she kept emphasizing about the two brothers and did a bit more streamling that the story would've moved faster. It had taken me longer to get through the story just because I became bored with it but I was determined to finish it. Don't get me wrong, by the time you get closer to the end it does pick up the pace and it becomes a good story. I'm going to try to read the second book in the series to see if it a better pace than this one.

[Cindy Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read!

This is a most entertaining plot with several well described characters, especially Sebastian Foxley. Sebastian is a crippled young man with a painful deformity of the spine who lives and works with his brother Jude in London in 1475.
The writing is good and surrounded with the history of the era. The plot is solid and suspense filled as the mystery unravels. A whodunit that turns the lives of the brothers upsidedown.
I'm impressed by this author's ability to incorporate so many characters without causing the reader to lose track of who is whom. The story kept my interest throughout.
It's a very enjoyable read, very interesting, and I highly recommend it.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

In medieval London during the reign of Edward IV, crippled but immensely talented young artist Sebastian Foxley is pulled far out of his comfort zone trying to save his brother Jude, who has been accused of murder and is likely to be executed if no proof of his innocence can be found in time.

I always enjoy a good historical mystery, and the author's broad and detailed knowledge of the era she writes about ensures that the settings are expertly rendered, creating a fitting atmosphere and bringing 15th century London to life. The plot itself was intriguing enough, if a trifle predictable, but I found the pace rather slow at times and most of the characters fairly unpleasant.

[P Simms · Rating 5 out of 5]

I commute via train to and from work and downloads this story to read on route.
I started it in the morning and continued reading it on the way home. Then, once I’d put the kids to bed, thought I’d just read one more chapter.
The next thing I know it’s 11pm and my wife is complaining because I’d not spoken a word to her all night! I was going to have her put in the stocks for nagging, then remembered that I’m not actually in medieval England. That’s how riveting a read it was.
I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, but may have to have some stocks installed in the back garden first. That way I can read in peace.

[Nance Roepke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am rating this as a 2 but I can't get the ratings to come up. I am surprised by all the excellent ratings for this book. Personally, I agree with the reader who said it was a poorly written YA. I found it repetitive, somewhat boring, unrealistic, sad, and poorly narrated. I wish that the author would have been consistent and would have done better research. I could have given it a slightly higher mark if the ending had been better but I was disappointed and even a little appalled by the ending. It used old cliches and "magic" to pull everything together into what considered to be a disappointing ending. I won't be reading any more of this series.

[Ruhani · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first I wasn't sure I liked the fact that the Seb Foxley has a crooked back - too much like Matthew Shardlake - but the story was too interesting and the characters so endearing that I just couldn't stop reading this. Yet another book set during King Edward IV's reign with Richard, the Duke of Gloucester as a principal character. The action however happens in the streets of London where Seb Foxley is on a quest to clear his brother's name. A difficult quest because who would believe the words of a cripple? It all leads to a satisfying ending though and I am glad to see there are many more books in the series where I can follow what happens to Seb, Jude, Jack and Emily.

[P. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bit of a disappointment. Oddly designated a thriller!,Color of Poison is really a poorly written YA, which dithers around til the 70% mark where we have a boatload of teen angst, which carries us to the 80% mark where a miracle occurs, followed more dithering, a last minute rescue [the arrow thru the hang-rope trick] followed by a little help from friends in high places, ending with some well merited angst then and, finally, it’s over. I did skim bits where TSTL just overwhelmed plot, but over all this is not a good book. It does have one virtue: it’s Kindle Unlimited!

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read! A fantastic book that has it all! I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a thriller enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. ¡Great book!

[Ian F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, I look forward to reading later books in the series

This is a very enjoyable book from an historical perspective, given the author’s knowledge about the life of the various classes at the time. However, I found parts of the story too predictable at times, but it did have some interesting twists and turns. I will certainly read some of the other books in the Foxley series.

[Natasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an engaging journey through history, brought to life by the author's insightful understanding of the diverse social classes of the era. While some plot elements felt somewhat predictable, the narrative is enriched by unexpected twists and turns that kept me intrigued. The blend of vivid characters and rich historical detail has captivated me enough to seek out other titles in the Foxley series eagerly.

[Mandy Petrocelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars really. There was much to enjoy about this book. At times, it was quite suspenseful. The story was sufficiently interesting. Some of the characters were a bit one dimensional, though, and others were absurdly unrealistic. The ending was also less than satisfying. A major subplot was left almost entirely unresolved. A good enough, if somewhat amateur, mystery.