The Players' Boy Is Dead

Joan & Matthew Stock #1

by Leonard Tourney

Elizabethan England.

A country that is growing rich and powerful.

But, under the surface, there are matters savage and murderous, as well…

When a small players’ troupe come to perform for a lord and his lady, none of the rag-tag group shine more than the young players’ boy, with his flaxen hair and fine features.

The player boy had won a scullery maid’s heart, and it was she, at cock’s crow, who went searching for him in the stables where he slept.

But upon finding him dead - murdered in a most gruesome way - the maid’s heart is broken.

County Constable Matthew Stock, a humble clothier by trade, and his practical-minded wife Joan set about to get to the bottom of this horrendous crime.

Constable Matthew must search high and low, from a Lord’s castle to a disreputable inn, to find the person who dealt such an ungodly blow …

So impossible is the case that Matthew finds himself resenting the position of Constable, as every lead seems to be a dead end.

Magistrate Sir Henry Saltmarsh and his ominous secretary Varnell take great pleasure in scrutinising the honest Constable.

As their keen interest escalates, Matthew begins to suspect that they are less than honourable.

Between adulterous wives, less than holy priests and a brutally enforced political hierarchy, Constable Matthew has his work cut out for him if he is to keep his job and get justice for the murdered boy...

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, British Literature, Murder Mystery, Amazon

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Leonard Tourney came to BYU in 2006 after teaching at Western Illinois University, the University of Tulsa, and the University of California at Santa Barbara. A specialist in composition pedagogy and creative writing, Professor Tourney has authored scholarly articles in l7th century British literature, a critical biography of Joseph Hall, short fiction, and nine historical novels, the most recent a fictional memoir of William Shakespeare.

Reviews

[John Yeoman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leonard Tourney's stories are jolly, engaging and not hard on the mind. His Tudor characters use idioms which are utterly wrong for the 16thc but they contain no linguistic howlers to bother the pedant (unlike Anya Seton, whose heroine Katherine ridiculously says 'I will not be molly coddled!', a 19thc term, in 1383). I just wish that Tourney, a one-time professor of Shakespeare studies, had used his massive knowledge of the period to write stories that more plausibly evoked the period. He might (gulp) have outshone even Peter Ackroyd. As Tourney is a Goodreads author, I hope he's reading this. If he is, I'll grovel with apology and invite him to be my Goodreads Friend...

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a different take compared to other Elizabethan period historicals focused on crime and players of the time. There is a focus on the common people and the action is centered in Chelmsford and then leading up to dramatic conclusion in London. I have other favorite authors of the period and have been spoiled by having read them first. With such a lot of books lined up on my shelf I don't believe I will return to this series.
The one titled "gentleman" of the plot is about as evil as a knave can be, along with his immoral wife. The Stocks play their roles as a somewhat unwilling constable (Matthew) with wife Joan providing frequent insights essential to solving murders.
For excellent series of players in England in the Middle Ages I enjoyed all of Margaret Frazer's books.

Kindle Unlimited

[Martha Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining period piece, and I look forward to more stories of Matthew and Joan.

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Elizabethan Chelmsford a band of actors have come to perform at Saltmarsh Hall. Then one of the players is found dead.
Now it is Constable Matthew Stock's duty to find the killer.
Probably interested enough to read the next in the series;
A NetGalley book

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice main characters, but the plot and writing were muddy and uncertain.

[Sunhawk · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story that kept me engaged right to the end. I see it's #1 in a series, yet I didn't feel that the author deliberately teased me in the last chapter by withholding the conclusion for #2, a regrettable pattern undoubtedly fostered by Kindle. I enjoy these atmospheric period pieces, and appreciate the thoroughness with which their authors, including Tourney, immerse themselves in times gone by to enrich their stories. There's a good chance I'll look up the next book in the series.

[Mrs Susan J Bociek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nostalgic murder and mysteriously

I was pleased to meet Joan and Matthew, making their way as clothiers near Chemsford back in the day of horses and fitted country roads. Lives could have been idyllic, had it not been for the Saltmarsh couple, Lord and Lady by name but evil in reality. Foul deeds are afoot, murder and lechery ...... go back in time and see Matthew unravel the mysteries with subtle directions from Joan.

[Peter Underwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Different perspective

There are many crime books set around Tudor England but this one takes a new angle.
Seen from a rural, village perspective and with a lead character who has no noble title or role it gives a different insight into the society of the time.

[Anna McCormack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robust Elizabethan mystery

This is the first book I’ve read of this series, and I’ll look for more. Master Stock and Mistress Joan bring a dastardly couple to heel by cautious investigation and an intuitive aversion to evil. As the body count rises, so do their danger and determination. For some reason the robust and picturesque (to our eyes) Elizabethan age makes a great background for mystery novels, with a priest in every closet, ambitious scriveners, and honest tradespeople doing their best. And actors of course (no, we don’t escape without a brief incursion of Marlowe and Shakespeare). I admire Tourney’s use of simile and metaphor: a good study for anyone wanting to improve their own use of imagery in writing.

[Kim Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was my first foray into the genre of Elizabethan mystery fiction, and I did not find it very satisfying. While the language (vocabulary & diction) felt authentic, the plot failed to engage fully, and the ending seemed to wrap up too quickly and without compelling cleverness. There was even a moment in the next-to-last chapter where the edition I was reading (Kindle) seemed to jump inexplicably from a dream by the main protagonist to the pursuit and capture of the guilty parties, and I had to reread several times to convince myself that this capture was not a part of the dream.

If I try this genre again, it will be with more enthusiastic recommendations.

[Neil Randall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good yarn.

I enjoyed reading this book, the story flowed well to keep the interest up.

If you a looking for a who dun it then I suggest this isn't the book for you as it's plain almost from the start who dun it.

It's not quite Shardlake, but it is a good book for a winters night. The characters are engaging, if a bit stereotyped, but I think that adds to the charm of the novel.

I'll definitely look out for the second of the series just to see what they all get up to.

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn't too bad a storyline, with a constable trying to find out who brutally murdered a 14 year old member of a small team of actors. The story moves along at a bit of a jagged pace, with uneven jumps between points of view, and the narration feels more biographical than storytelling. The "detective" is pretty terrible at his job and everything is basically handed to him as bodies start to pile up. I was not enormously impressed, although the historical detail was well handled.

[Peggy R. Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good plot. Good lead character. Good ending.

This is the book where the bad guy finally gets what's coming to him. However, you don't think it's ever going to happen cause the poor guy keeps getting knocked down & back. It's definitely worth finishing. Plot twists & weird turns are good.

[Maria Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book

I really enjoyed this. At first a little confused by the story told from different viewpoints but it was all woven together very well with a satisfying outcome. The two main characters are delightful.

[Pepper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder and mayhem in Elizabeth Tudor's time.

Follow Joan and Matthew Stoke as they solve the murder of a young man who gets way over his when he becomes involved with a truly wacky couple.

[Stephanie Newman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisting Tale

Written satisfyingly in the style of its time period, with unexpected twists and turns, this book abounds with surprises. It drew me in and kept me reading straight through to the end.

[Mike Briley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and amusing story but some of the "moral" concepts seem too modern. Or maybe humankind hasn't changed and has always been screwed up!
The historical setting and the pseudo tudor language makes a change but in the end it's just a murder mystery which is a bit far fetched.

[Margaret L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this series years ago and am pleased to see it available in e-format. Lightweight historical mystery, but not so lightweight that you roll your eyes at the historical inaccuracies. Still enjoyable, and I look forward to reading more.

[Larry · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK. I must say I was a bit disappointed, the story and writing seemed a bit disjointed. From the reviews I thought it would be better written. I will read book two of the series and see how it goes.

[William N. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slow

Although slow to start, the plot does steadily develop. I didn't think I was going to like the book at first, but I changed my mind about half way through. I enjoyed it enough that now I am ready to read the second book in the series.

[Dennis Dancik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too wordy

I love mysteries from this era but I would like to have more about the scene surrounding the event. Not so much musing by the investigator

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a well written enjoyable read. There was mystery, romance, intrigue, and likable, well-formed characters.

[Maryam J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done

The book flows very easily from beginning to end. The characters are well drawn and interesting. Throughout you feel as if you are there.

[Viola Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and evokes the mood of Elizabethan England. I think the killer became obvious a little too early, but overall, very enjoyable.

[Lottie Rollin · Rating 3 out of 5]

.

I liked Mathew and Joan but the other characters fell a little flat and the story was a little slow in parts. Not sure if I’ll get round to reading more of the series.

[Penney Helms]

Early Queen Elizabeth I

[David Stimpson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like Mysteries from Elizabethan England.. Its not a bad Story and I got to enjoy it more as the Story went on

[Nickie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the historical background meaning whole different ways of investigating a case. I also liked the main character and that of his wife. Thet are very respectful and supportive for each other.

[Birgit · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit slow, but not bad.

[Sarah-Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Players’ Boy Is Dead (note that Shakespeare does not play a significant role in this book despite its subtitle) is an historical mystery that works reasonably well in both categories, but never truly captivates. It kept me reading, but when I’d finished, I could put it aside easily. It’s not the sort of book that lingers.

Clothier Matthew Stock serves as village Constable, reporting to Magistrate Sir Henry Saltmarsh. But what is Stock to do when the murders start piling up and the evidence points to Lord Saltmarsh himself? First, a boy traveling with a group of players, taking the female roles, is found murdered. Then, there’s a suspicious suicide. This is followed by a roadside accident that may not have been an accidental at all.

The Players’ Boy Is Dead illustrates some interesting facets of life at the turn of the 18th Century. Tourney shows us a class-bound society, where changes in status are both difficult and dangerous. He offers a potentially engaging mystery, but gives readers few clues, so that the resolution feels as if it comes by happenstance as much as anything else. The most interesting aspect of the novel is its depictions of the theater scene in London and rural England.

If you’re a fan of historical mysteries, you’ll find diversion in this title, but it’s not apt to prove satisfactory for those not already committed to the genre.