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Servant of the Crown Mystery #3
Lost Innocents
INTO THE WOODS
A leper's daughter is found in the well of a dying hamlet and the only suspect has fled into Feckenham Forest. But the sun is setting and Sir Alain, Warwickshire's sheriff, is hunting his new Crowner. That sends Sir Faucon de Ramis and Brother Edmund, his prickly clerk, racing for a nearby abbey only to meet the sheriff at the abbey gates. Before long, Faucon finds himself riding into the dark at Sir Alain's side as they hunt for yet another lost innocent.
A leper's daughter is found in the well of a dying hamlet and the only suspect has fled into Feckenham Forest. But the sun is setting and Sir Alain, Warwickshire's sheriff, is hunting his new Crowner. That sends Sir Faucon de Ramis and Brother Edmund, his prickly clerk, racing for a nearby abbey only to meet the sheriff at the abbey gates. Before long, Faucon finds himself riding into the dark at Sir Alain's side as they hunt for yet another lost innocent.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 30, 2016
521 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Denise Domning
49 books268 followersWhat can I say? I’m single and over sixty, I write and I farm on eight acres of slowly improving red earth (it originally looked like Mars had exploded!) on Oak Creek in northern Arizona. I started with chickens, then there were turkeys and Jersey milk cows. But with livestock came the predators: coyotes, bald eagles, black hawks, mountain lions, and, worst of all, raccoons. Dang those nasty creatures! They kill just because they can; think dogs with opposable thumbs. (Five chickens in one night–they reached in through the chain link and killed the birds with no expectation of being able to eat them.) They are the reason I keep livestock guardian dogs. There's the massive Polar Bear, a 135 pound Hungarian Kuvasz, Radha, the svelte and sleek 90 pound Anatolian Shepherd and her new chew toy, Rupert who is some sort of terrier mix and small enough to walk under her belly.
As for what my dogs guard, it's my growing herd of Dorper Sheep, a South African breed that (supposedly) doesn’t need to be sheared and gains all their weight on grass alone. I've also fallen in love with pigs, which are just dogs with snouts. Oh, how those rapscallions make me laugh!
If you're interested in keeping up with my farm antics, you can visit my blog at denisedomning.com or thefarmonoakcreek.com
As for what my dogs guard, it's my growing herd of Dorper Sheep, a South African breed that (supposedly) doesn’t need to be sheared and gains all their weight on grass alone. I've also fallen in love with pigs, which are just dogs with snouts. Oh, how those rapscallions make me laugh!
If you're interested in keeping up with my farm antics, you can visit my blog at denisedomning.com or thefarmonoakcreek.com
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April 12, 2019
Audio Review
Sir Faucon de Ramis and his trusted, disgruntled clerk, Brother Edmund, continue on their job of investigating each death they are called to for assessing whether a fine should be administered for the King's coffers when they come upon a new mystery.
A young girl's body is pulled from a village well and all are certain that she fell in when Faucon spots the bruises in the shape of fingerprints about her neck. Then, as a sordid tale of rape, abuse, and neglect comes into the light, Faucon has the challenge of bringing justice for a dead girl and her leprous mother while Sir Alain, the sheriff of the shire, plots against Faucon's life and a serial killer is abroad stalking a new victim.
Lost Innocents went darker than the previous two mysteries and it was emotionally difficult as dirty deeds and past views on women came to light for that medieval time period. Women had it rough and not just because of second class citizens, hard work and child bearing, but also because they were at the mercy of men who could abuse them with little recourse. All was well and good if the men around them were upstanding, but when not? Life was a nightmare. My heart ached for that poor leper.
The mystery wasn't hard for a reader/listener to figure out though there were a few other criminals in that village and the environs that Faucon had to untangle quite a bit of sordid thread to bring justice using law and his own cunning against those who deserved it.
I couldn't help thinking about how if the lady who owned that land had been a responsible landowner and checked, even occasionally on that village and if the priest who had that parish had not lazily refused to go there now and then that the evil would have been thwarted or at least kept to a minimum. That old adage about a watched pot not boiling over seemed to be true here. But those in authority and having responsibility were not present so petty tyranny and human depravity reigned and people suffered.
Of the three in the series so far, this book hit me emotionally and I loved seeing Faucon and Edmund rise to the challenge to clean up this mess of other's doing even while only chance kept Faucon from having to face off against Alain and Alain's men. Edmund may be supercilious at times, but I do love that his loyalty to law and Faucon are true.
Gildart Jackson continues to voice these stories and he's a perfect match. This one went dark and he achieved a proper brooding tone to match and when the rise in action happened, he had me riveted and holding my breath. I loved the added depth his narration work brought to this book.
All in all, I feel the series is getting better with each entry. I don't know how many more there will be. The ongoing serial killer plot and now that surprise at the end having me champing at the bit for the next book. I enjoy how the author brings historical setting and circumstances alive paired with a clever mystery and can heartily recommend this book/series.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sir Faucon de Ramis and his trusted, disgruntled clerk, Brother Edmund, continue on their job of investigating each death they are called to for assessing whether a fine should be administered for the King's coffers when they come upon a new mystery.
A young girl's body is pulled from a village well and all are certain that she fell in when Faucon spots the bruises in the shape of fingerprints about her neck. Then, as a sordid tale of rape, abuse, and neglect comes into the light, Faucon has the challenge of bringing justice for a dead girl and her leprous mother while Sir Alain, the sheriff of the shire, plots against Faucon's life and a serial killer is abroad stalking a new victim.
Lost Innocents went darker than the previous two mysteries and it was emotionally difficult as dirty deeds and past views on women came to light for that medieval time period. Women had it rough and not just because of second class citizens, hard work and child bearing, but also because they were at the mercy of men who could abuse them with little recourse. All was well and good if the men around them were upstanding, but when not? Life was a nightmare. My heart ached for that poor leper.
The mystery wasn't hard for a reader/listener to figure out though there were a few other criminals in that village and the environs that Faucon had to untangle quite a bit of sordid thread to bring justice using law and his own cunning against those who deserved it.
I couldn't help thinking about how if the lady who owned that land had been a responsible landowner and checked, even occasionally on that village and if the priest who had that parish had not lazily refused to go there now and then that the evil would have been thwarted or at least kept to a minimum. That old adage about a watched pot not boiling over seemed to be true here. But those in authority and having responsibility were not present so petty tyranny and human depravity reigned and people suffered.
Of the three in the series so far, this book hit me emotionally and I loved seeing Faucon and Edmund rise to the challenge to clean up this mess of other's doing even while only chance kept Faucon from having to face off against Alain and Alain's men. Edmund may be supercilious at times, but I do love that his loyalty to law and Faucon are true.
Gildart Jackson continues to voice these stories and he's a perfect match. This one went dark and he achieved a proper brooding tone to match and when the rise in action happened, he had me riveted and holding my breath. I loved the added depth his narration work brought to this book.
All in all, I feel the series is getting better with each entry. I don't know how many more there will be. The ongoing serial killer plot and now that surprise at the end having me champing at the bit for the next book. I enjoy how the author brings historical setting and circumstances alive paired with a clever mystery and can heartily recommend this book/series.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2018
More Mediaeval Mysteries for Sir Crowner
This third book in the series is darker than the first two and I admit to an aching throat and misty eyes more than once as I read. Sir Crowner, along with Brother Edmund, has been called to the little hamlet of Wike to investigate the death of a young girl. This hamlet has an absentee lady and is under the harsh rule of her bailiff, Odger. It is not a happy place to live. Some of the inhabitants are brought to life with superb characterisations - Meg, the bakestress; Ivo, the blacksmith; Hew, the ancient; and, of course, Odger. Other characters also share the limelight, but I will leave readers to discover them for themselves.
Sir Faucon and Brother Edmund leave Wike to spend the night at the nearby Abbey of Alcester where they find two nasty surprises waiting for them, and another one of Sir Faucon’s relatives. We also meet up with Alf the miller from Priors Holden, whom we first came across in book 1 of the series, and this meeting turns out to be fortuitous for Sir Faucon.
Brother Edmund is still somewhat officious, but has developed a fierce loyalty to Sir Crowner, and shows he is capable of feeling deep compassion, a completely unexpected trait, and I am pleased the author is developing his character in this way.
The book is well-written and edited and is a pleasure to read in that respect. I was immersed in the story, and again, the author has woven historical facts though the story and I find these fascinating.
I know there is at least one more book to come, but I am not sure that four books would complete this series to my satisfaction. My preference would be five books to completely round out the characters and to take secondary plot lines to their conclusion instead of leaving them hanging.
This third book in the series is darker than the first two and I admit to an aching throat and misty eyes more than once as I read. Sir Crowner, along with Brother Edmund, has been called to the little hamlet of Wike to investigate the death of a young girl. This hamlet has an absentee lady and is under the harsh rule of her bailiff, Odger. It is not a happy place to live. Some of the inhabitants are brought to life with superb characterisations - Meg, the bakestress; Ivo, the blacksmith; Hew, the ancient; and, of course, Odger. Other characters also share the limelight, but I will leave readers to discover them for themselves.
Sir Faucon and Brother Edmund leave Wike to spend the night at the nearby Abbey of Alcester where they find two nasty surprises waiting for them, and another one of Sir Faucon’s relatives. We also meet up with Alf the miller from Priors Holden, whom we first came across in book 1 of the series, and this meeting turns out to be fortuitous for Sir Faucon.
Brother Edmund is still somewhat officious, but has developed a fierce loyalty to Sir Crowner, and shows he is capable of feeling deep compassion, a completely unexpected trait, and I am pleased the author is developing his character in this way.
The book is well-written and edited and is a pleasure to read in that respect. I was immersed in the story, and again, the author has woven historical facts though the story and I find these fascinating.
I know there is at least one more book to come, but I am not sure that four books would complete this series to my satisfaction. My preference would be five books to completely round out the characters and to take secondary plot lines to their conclusion instead of leaving them hanging.
January 20, 2021
Right on the back of the last murder our protagonists are thrown into another, we learn a bit more of their backgrounds, especially Edmund's. I must admit that I was disappointed in who the murderer was even though I guessed towards the end as I wanted it to be someone else.
November 15, 2021
“Lost Innocents” Earns 5+/5 Pleas for Justice…Brilliantly Engaging!
I am an eager fan of all sorts of detective mysteries, from female to male leads, straightforward to a touch of magic, and from now to way in the past. My current favorites are those set in medieval times realistically portraying its rich diverse environment and characters, religious elements, societal references to culture, customs, and mores, and plenty of engaging good vs. evil dynamics. Denise Domning’s third book in her Servant of the Crown series checks all the boxes as a true favorite of my 2021 list with her engaging sensory-filling descriptions of the twelfth-century countryside, villages, and abbey along with commoners, knights, and religious figures, dialogue that mirrors the cadence and language befitting the era and personalities, and including gender and class prejudices, religious life, and treatment of the diseased all seeming to be well-researched. Sir Faucon’s role as Keeper of the Pleas in Warwickshire is newly sanctioned by the king, but has taken it upon himself to determine more exact and complete perimeters of his job going beyond charging murder and collecting fines for the crown; he actively seeks further details to bring the killer to justice. But, like any hero, there is the sidekick, and Domning provides the most infuriating in Brother Edmund, the clerk who puts to paper the details, statements, and judgements along with keeping Sir Faucon abreast of traditions, practices, and mandates of his responsibilities. His manner, more than enough reason for his demotion to serve Faucon and not the bishop himself, is abrupt, often ill-advised and intrusive, and one Faucon has difficulty tolerating, but slowly through their continued companionship, there is a dynamic that is becoming useful and important to both men. The addition of Alf to the group, a former soldier, was well-conceived and adds much to the partnership.
The murder mystery on which the main story focuses is quite clever, compelling, and complete, and although there is a lot going on with many characters from previous books or new ones introduced and a few side stories just as engaging, it is easy to read, emotional, and concluding with wrongs righted. Sir Faucon, Crowner of the shire, is called upon by Odger the Bailiff of Wike to look into the death of a young girl who has been pulled from the village’s well. Having honed his detective prowess over the past to three weeks, Faucon easily determined the event not to be suicide or an accident, but murder…a crime that unfolds into much more with tales of greed, power, and vengeance. Faucon’s fair manner, attention to details, and success uncovering the truth of a crime has put him in good standing with the commoners, but unfortunately, in opposition to the shire’s sheriff, Sir Alain. More troubling is Alain takes great exception to Faucon usurping some of his traditional responsibilities and perks, and when Alain is implicated in a murder, previously explored in the second book, Faucon’s life is now in jeopardy. Enlisting Alf to join the group increases Faucon’s chances to stay alive. Well in the periphery and touched on in the previous books, there is one who is on a self-proclaimed religious mission. Another innocent girl has been stolen away destined, with mortal assistance, to be joined with Him in heaven, and although Faucon is aware something is amiss since discovering another young lass’s body days ago, there is always another “hue and cry” to grab his attention….til it becomes personal and perilous. Brilliant!!
I am an eager fan of all sorts of detective mysteries, from female to male leads, straightforward to a touch of magic, and from now to way in the past. My current favorites are those set in medieval times realistically portraying its rich diverse environment and characters, religious elements, societal references to culture, customs, and mores, and plenty of engaging good vs. evil dynamics. Denise Domning’s third book in her Servant of the Crown series checks all the boxes as a true favorite of my 2021 list with her engaging sensory-filling descriptions of the twelfth-century countryside, villages, and abbey along with commoners, knights, and religious figures, dialogue that mirrors the cadence and language befitting the era and personalities, and including gender and class prejudices, religious life, and treatment of the diseased all seeming to be well-researched. Sir Faucon’s role as Keeper of the Pleas in Warwickshire is newly sanctioned by the king, but has taken it upon himself to determine more exact and complete perimeters of his job going beyond charging murder and collecting fines for the crown; he actively seeks further details to bring the killer to justice. But, like any hero, there is the sidekick, and Domning provides the most infuriating in Brother Edmund, the clerk who puts to paper the details, statements, and judgements along with keeping Sir Faucon abreast of traditions, practices, and mandates of his responsibilities. His manner, more than enough reason for his demotion to serve Faucon and not the bishop himself, is abrupt, often ill-advised and intrusive, and one Faucon has difficulty tolerating, but slowly through their continued companionship, there is a dynamic that is becoming useful and important to both men. The addition of Alf to the group, a former soldier, was well-conceived and adds much to the partnership.
The murder mystery on which the main story focuses is quite clever, compelling, and complete, and although there is a lot going on with many characters from previous books or new ones introduced and a few side stories just as engaging, it is easy to read, emotional, and concluding with wrongs righted. Sir Faucon, Crowner of the shire, is called upon by Odger the Bailiff of Wike to look into the death of a young girl who has been pulled from the village’s well. Having honed his detective prowess over the past to three weeks, Faucon easily determined the event not to be suicide or an accident, but murder…a crime that unfolds into much more with tales of greed, power, and vengeance. Faucon’s fair manner, attention to details, and success uncovering the truth of a crime has put him in good standing with the commoners, but unfortunately, in opposition to the shire’s sheriff, Sir Alain. More troubling is Alain takes great exception to Faucon usurping some of his traditional responsibilities and perks, and when Alain is implicated in a murder, previously explored in the second book, Faucon’s life is now in jeopardy. Enlisting Alf to join the group increases Faucon’s chances to stay alive. Well in the periphery and touched on in the previous books, there is one who is on a self-proclaimed religious mission. Another innocent girl has been stolen away destined, with mortal assistance, to be joined with Him in heaven, and although Faucon is aware something is amiss since discovering another young lass’s body days ago, there is always another “hue and cry” to grab his attention….til it becomes personal and perilous. Brilliant!!
September 8, 2017
Although I thought the second book was a slight let-down, this third book was better. It is fortunate that Sir Faucon is such an honest man because so many in power are not.
What a terrible time for women, and why? Do men really get their 'power' because of the so-called Adam and Eve fable? Since the author does seem to intend to write more about some of these characters, perhaps we'll get some answers to the book's questions; but not the answer to why some men feel they can treat women so unfairly.
What a terrible time for women, and why? Do men really get their 'power' because of the so-called Adam and Eve fable? Since the author does seem to intend to write more about some of these characters, perhaps we'll get some answers to the book's questions; but not the answer to why some men feel they can treat women so unfairly.
May 26, 2020
Another enjoyable Sir Faucon and Brother Edmond tale. They seem to compliment each other better in this tale, so their working relationship is improving nicely.
The murder, the murderer, how Sir Faucon solves the case and gets a just end for all are well-written and thought-provoking. I did not know who the guilty party was until the end. I loved the details and historic pieces present, and of course, I want Sir Faucon and Brother Edmund to enjoy working together, so this particular story really gave me much I wanted!
The murder, the murderer, how Sir Faucon solves the case and gets a just end for all are well-written and thought-provoking. I did not know who the guilty party was until the end. I loved the details and historic pieces present, and of course, I want Sir Faucon and Brother Edmund to enjoy working together, so this particular story really gave me much I wanted!
March 21, 2024
Book #: 22
Title: Lost Innocents
Author: Denise Domning
Series: Servant of the Crown Mystery #3
Format: 244 pages, Kindle Edition, own
Pub Date: First published May 30, 2016
Started: 2/27/24 Finished: 3/7/24
Awards: none
Categories:
PS16 A book set 24 years before you were born; GR9 A book with fewer than 2024 ratings on Goodreads (903); GR10 A history or historical fiction book; GR12 A book that has been on your TBR for over a year; GR37 A book that is part of a series; GR39 Two books with similar covers: Book 2;
CCLS32 A Book by a Female Author; CCLS35 A Mystery; CCLS37 A Book set in a Different Country (England); CCLS42 A Book with more than 200 Pages;
Rating: ***** five out of five stars
* Lost Innocents by Denise Domning
Sir Faucon de Ramis, a retired crusader, has been appointed Keeper of the Pleas (a circuit court judge) and Crowner (a representative of the Crown from which the word Coroner is derived.) the first for the village of Priors Holston.
The daughter of a leper is found dead in a well. She has been strangled. The accused has fled claiming innocence. Under English law, the punishment is different depending on whether the victim is Norman or English. The victim was conceived via rape and the rapist never known. She was also pregnant. Another rape? Or a lover? And either one her killer? Can Sir Faucon resolve a thirty year old crime as well as the current one?
This is the best medieval mystery series I've read since Brother Cadfael. I intend to read the entire series. As for the similar covers . . . The Season of the Raven, book one, has Brother Edmund, Sir Faucon in armor, and Brother Benedict, the three main characters of the book on the cover. Sir Faucon is holding a raven on his fist. The Season of the Fox, book two, has the flipped the characters right to left so they're all facing the other way, the raven has been removed and a fox is now at Sir Faucon's feet. Other than the mirror flip, the poses of the main characters are identical. Only the background is changed. For Lost Innocents, book three, the fox has been replaced by two small children, and the background is changed. The poses of the characters are identical.
Title: Lost Innocents
Author: Denise Domning
Series: Servant of the Crown Mystery #3
Format: 244 pages, Kindle Edition, own
Pub Date: First published May 30, 2016
Started: 2/27/24 Finished: 3/7/24
Awards: none
Categories:
PS16 A book set 24 years before you were born; GR9 A book with fewer than 2024 ratings on Goodreads (903); GR10 A history or historical fiction book; GR12 A book that has been on your TBR for over a year; GR37 A book that is part of a series; GR39 Two books with similar covers: Book 2;
CCLS32 A Book by a Female Author; CCLS35 A Mystery; CCLS37 A Book set in a Different Country (England); CCLS42 A Book with more than 200 Pages;
Rating: ***** five out of five stars
* Lost Innocents by Denise Domning
Sir Faucon de Ramis, a retired crusader, has been appointed Keeper of the Pleas (a circuit court judge) and Crowner (a representative of the Crown from which the word Coroner is derived.) the first for the village of Priors Holston.
The daughter of a leper is found dead in a well. She has been strangled. The accused has fled claiming innocence. Under English law, the punishment is different depending on whether the victim is Norman or English. The victim was conceived via rape and the rapist never known. She was also pregnant. Another rape? Or a lover? And either one her killer? Can Sir Faucon resolve a thirty year old crime as well as the current one?
This is the best medieval mystery series I've read since Brother Cadfael. I intend to read the entire series. As for the similar covers . . . The Season of the Raven, book one, has Brother Edmund, Sir Faucon in armor, and Brother Benedict, the three main characters of the book on the cover. Sir Faucon is holding a raven on his fist. The Season of the Fox, book two, has the flipped the characters right to left so they're all facing the other way, the raven has been removed and a fox is now at Sir Faucon's feet. Other than the mirror flip, the poses of the main characters are identical. Only the background is changed. For Lost Innocents, book three, the fox has been replaced by two small children, and the background is changed. The poses of the characters are identical.
September 25, 2017
The author did better this time in passing along clues as the mystery developed. There are a few red herrings and a bit of a surprise at the end when the murderer is finally exposed. The setting this time is a hamlet, a few rude houses grouped together. The people are poor and bound to the land. The local bailiff is a meany; the female baker is a thief and a person not to be trifled with. The lady or owner of the property is distant and never appears. Wike, the hamlet, is very poor and will likely come to nothing in future, so there is a sense of dying in the little community.
A local who was banned by the bailiff has become a leper, but her daughter by rape, a pretty girl, is found dead. Faucon is called to investigate, so he and Edmund arrive as the girl is raised from the community well. Faucon checks her out and decides she did not drown; he perceives she was murdered by strangulation. The leper mother appears and drives the people away except for an old man who watches Faucon and the leper and Edmund interact.
The wrong person is initially blamed, but he flees into the woods. Suspicion then gravitates between the baker and the bailiff. A local church is involved, and the sheriff shows up, which imperils Faucon. The upshot is that the true murderer is revealed.
A side story involves a very young girl who disappears. It is the maiden killer again, but this time the girl is found alive. When will that maniac be caught, and who is it? We are no closer than at the beginning of the first book.
A character, Alf, from the first story appears and attaches himself to Faucon. The sheriff and Faucon are still at odds. That's another issue yet to be resolved. Yes, it appears a fourth book is in the offing; it is to be out sometime in 2018.
A local who was banned by the bailiff has become a leper, but her daughter by rape, a pretty girl, is found dead. Faucon is called to investigate, so he and Edmund arrive as the girl is raised from the community well. Faucon checks her out and decides she did not drown; he perceives she was murdered by strangulation. The leper mother appears and drives the people away except for an old man who watches Faucon and the leper and Edmund interact.
The wrong person is initially blamed, but he flees into the woods. Suspicion then gravitates between the baker and the bailiff. A local church is involved, and the sheriff shows up, which imperils Faucon. The upshot is that the true murderer is revealed.
A side story involves a very young girl who disappears. It is the maiden killer again, but this time the girl is found alive. When will that maniac be caught, and who is it? We are no closer than at the beginning of the first book.
A character, Alf, from the first story appears and attaches himself to Faucon. The sheriff and Faucon are still at odds. That's another issue yet to be resolved. Yes, it appears a fourth book is in the offing; it is to be out sometime in 2018.
September 11, 2018
In this third book in the series, Faucon and Edmund are called to investigate the death of a girl in a small hamlet. It's a sad tale of rape, murder and consequences.
Alongside his duties as a coroner, Faucon still has to keep an alert eye out for the sheriff and his band of thugs, who are doing their best to end Faucon's earthly days.
With the arrival of Alf the Miller, Faucon is beginning to assemble a small team of his own to help him solve murders and watch his back. Brother Colin doesn't put in an appearance this time, but I've no doubt he'll be back in later books. Faucon is a solid character, with sympathy for those he deals with and steel for those that deserve it.
The author paints a convincing picture of medieval life and shows again just how little control women had over their own lives and destinies in those times. I'll definitely keep an eye out for more in this series.
Alongside his duties as a coroner, Faucon still has to keep an alert eye out for the sheriff and his band of thugs, who are doing their best to end Faucon's earthly days.
With the arrival of Alf the Miller, Faucon is beginning to assemble a small team of his own to help him solve murders and watch his back. Brother Colin doesn't put in an appearance this time, but I've no doubt he'll be back in later books. Faucon is a solid character, with sympathy for those he deals with and steel for those that deserve it.
The author paints a convincing picture of medieval life and shows again just how little control women had over their own lives and destinies in those times. I'll definitely keep an eye out for more in this series.
April 7, 2020
The third installment in the Servant of the Crown mysteries is as intriguing as the others. Although I would say in this one there is less emphasis on law and procedure and the mystery is a lot more complicated and convoluted.
There's also a good deal more humanity involved as the characters are confronted with the best and worst of human behaviour and some of their own hidden secrets some to light. Despised and marginalized people act in unexpected ways, and the respected with shame and dishonour.
I will say that in all of this, the characters' actions and beliefs remain quite consistent with the time period, and although the stories address some difficult and controversial subjects, they don't become sleazy or titillating.
Recommended for those who enjoy historical and Medieval mysteries.
There's also a good deal more humanity involved as the characters are confronted with the best and worst of human behaviour and some of their own hidden secrets some to light. Despised and marginalized people act in unexpected ways, and the respected with shame and dishonour.
I will say that in all of this, the characters' actions and beliefs remain quite consistent with the time period, and although the stories address some difficult and controversial subjects, they don't become sleazy or titillating.
Recommended for those who enjoy historical and Medieval mysteries.
November 17, 2017
This is the third story centred on Faucon de Ramis the new Coronari of Blacklea village. Pery might be reluctant but the post gives him a home and an income, so he throws himself into it with commitment and a keen intelligence. He has the ability to relate to anyone no matter their rank, and England in the Twelfth Century was all about rank and the church.
The original killing which opens the first book and carried through all three stories is left open at the end as a tantalising carrot for the next book.
I hope I can read that one soon as I loved these stories and will look forward to reading more from this author.
The original killing which opens the first book and carried through all three stories is left open at the end as a tantalising carrot for the next book.
I hope I can read that one soon as I loved these stories and will look forward to reading more from this author.
February 7, 2018
Medieval Murder, Mayhem and Intrigue!
I cannot get enough of this medieval series, so enthralled I read this story in one sitting! Denise Domning could build on this series forever and it would never get old or predictable. I continued guessing until the very end and was only half right! A genius concept of writing medieval crime investigation with unending plots and twists!! STRONGLY RECOMMEND to everyone who loves a well developed story with character depth in medieval time setting!
I cannot get enough of this medieval series, so enthralled I read this story in one sitting! Denise Domning could build on this series forever and it would never get old or predictable. I continued guessing until the very end and was only half right! A genius concept of writing medieval crime investigation with unending plots and twists!! STRONGLY RECOMMEND to everyone who loves a well developed story with character depth in medieval time setting!
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April 5, 2020Excellent replacement series after going through Goridanus; Falco; Holmes; Judge Dee; Inspector Cullot; Inspector Montalbano; Agatha Christie; Simon Green-Ismahael Jones; Ian Pears, SPQR Roman Series; Chantecog; Arsne Lupin; Sano Ichiro novels; I. J Parker; Hiro Hatori-Susan Spann; Li Du novels; Elsa Hart; Richard Parks-Monogatori; Harry Connoly; Richard Waldari The Eqyptian; Rex Stout Nero Wolfe Series; and others
March 6, 2022
Really good medieval atmosphere and depiction of the life of serfs in a small, struggling village. I'm liking the character of the crowner and his clerk as well as their developing relationship. While I guessed the murderer's identity, there was more than one guilty party and some measure of justice. A darker and more tragic tale than I was expecting but that gave the story depth and emotional weight.
September 27, 2022
3.5 stars. Jessamond, the daughter of a woman with leprosy banished from her town, is found dead in the town well, and the forge owner's son who found her is accused. Another young girl from a nearby town has been snatched. Are the cases related? Does the bakestress have anything to do with these cases? Interesting twists. Also interesting in this one as in the previous books in the series are descriptions of clothing and town jobs of the time. Great series.
May 18, 2019
Medieval CSI
The first three books of this series I've read have kept me entertained as few mysteries have. I particularly like the characters and their relationships with one another. It makes the rich historical context more relatable and thoroughly enjoyable. Looking forward to Book Four.
The first three books of this series I've read have kept me entertained as few mysteries have. I particularly like the characters and their relationships with one another. It makes the rich historical context more relatable and thoroughly enjoyable. Looking forward to Book Four.
April 20, 2020
Lost Innocents
This is one of her betters books. She has had to have done much research .Her description of early life during the period has to be commended. It was brought to life for the good of evil that existed in the day. I look forward to many more adventures from Denise Domning's hand.
This is one of her betters books. She has had to have done much research .Her description of early life during the period has to be commended. It was brought to life for the good of evil that existed in the day. I look forward to many more adventures from Denise Domning's hand.
March 7, 2017
This story was a bit darker than the first two in the series, which just added another dimension to the story. Highly enjoyable, definitely recommend this series to fans of crime/mystery writing, with the added dimension of its setting in medieval England.
May 10, 2017
This is one of the best historical mystery series written !! It should have more than 5 stars . The history ,the characters ,the plots- which are very complex make for an engrossing read . I can only hope that there are books more to come .
October 29, 2017
I have enjoyed this series, but there is a problem. Someone is killing young girls, but it's only referenced in the very beginning and end of each book. The young girls are either forgotten or not important to the story. Seems like this is just a way to get people to keep buying the books.
January 16, 2018
Waiting for #4
This series is fun! Easy reading, lots of information about the people, crafts and law of the time, and good central characters. No, it's not perfect and the pattern is the same book to book but still, the solution of the mystery is elusive. Enjoy!
This series is fun! Easy reading, lots of information about the people, crafts and law of the time, and good central characters. No, it's not perfect and the pattern is the same book to book but still, the solution of the mystery is elusive. Enjoy!
January 18, 2019
Easy engrossing read
I loved the easy prose, the almost total immersing into the period of history, and well drawn characters. Just fun all around. Looking forward to hearing more about Faucon!
I loved the easy prose, the almost total immersing into the period of history, and well drawn characters. Just fun all around. Looking forward to hearing more about Faucon!
April 6, 2019
I am really enjoying these. It appears there's only one more book in this series, but it seems so much has yet to be resolved!
This one was a bit darker than the previous two, but I thought it was well done for all that. The world is well-drawn.
This one was a bit darker than the previous two, but I thought it was well done for all that. The world is well-drawn.
July 5, 2019
I'm hooked! This series is both fun to read and keeps you thinking and guessing! I'm about to read what I think is last in the series…thus far, I hope!
If you like Medieval England, mysteries, and humor, this series is for you.
If you like Medieval England, mysteries, and humor, this series is for you.
March 11, 2021
4 stars I have enjoyed each book in this series. I can't do justice to this series in a summary. This series is well researched and has humor and mystery. There's actually two mysteries in each book. One gets solved in the book and the other gets solved in the series.
September 21, 2025
Parts of this title were great even without the murder mystery. I liked reading how people lived and how rigid some parts of their lives were. It is well-written and just like in the other titles of this series there are some really mean characters in it, too. 5 stars.
March 18, 2017
I'm sorry this is last book in the series...I hope there are more to come!
September 16, 2017
Aaargh! This third book is as well crafted as the previous two, the charcters continue to develop - and now I have to wait for a promised book 4 as there are certainly threads still to weave in!
December 15, 2018
Enjoyed this book
An interesting plot line with a final twist that was unexpected. Looking forward to reading more of the series. Well researched.
An interesting plot line with a final twist that was unexpected. Looking forward to reading more of the series. Well researched.
January 8, 2019
I’m a fan of Medieval times and mystery (Cadfael, anyone?), and Domning’s SERVANT OF THE CROWN MYSTERIES 1, 2, and 3 were excellent.
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