What do you think?
Rate this book
Sir Law Kintour #1.5
The Winter Kill
Thieves and the unsavory of Perth: All in a day’s work for lordless Sir Law Kentour…until a mysterious death in the midst of a Highland blizzard. When the sheriff of Perth demands that Sir Law show that the death was not an inconvenient murder, Law thinks this looks like an easy job. But circumstances seem to conspire against him, and another murder follows. Soon the King's chancellor becomes involved, making the mystery even more dangerous. Not only does the murder investigation keep running into brick walls, his friend Cormac plunges into danger; and Law again encounters the thief who has already been a thorn in his side. When answers start to emerge, Sir Law gets more than he bargained for…
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 25, 2016
132 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Tomlin
38 books214 followersJ. R. Tomlin is the author of nineteen historical novels.
She has close ties with Scotland since her father was a native Scot, and she spent substantial time in Edinburgh whilst growing up. Her historical novels are set for the most part in Scotland. Her love of that nation is traced from the stories of the Bruce and Sir James her grandmother read to her when she was small, to hillwalking through the Cairngorms where the granite hills have a gorgeous red glow under the setting sun. Later, her writing was influenced by the work of authors such as Alexander Dumas and Victor Hugo.
When JR isn't writing, she enjoys hiking, playing with her Westie, and killing monsters in computer games. In addition to spending time in Scotland, she has traveled in the US, Europe and the Pacific Rim. She now lives in Oregon.
She has close ties with Scotland since her father was a native Scot, and she spent substantial time in Edinburgh whilst growing up. Her historical novels are set for the most part in Scotland. Her love of that nation is traced from the stories of the Bruce and Sir James her grandmother read to her when she was small, to hillwalking through the Cairngorms where the granite hills have a gorgeous red glow under the setting sun. Later, her writing was influenced by the work of authors such as Alexander Dumas and Victor Hugo.
When JR isn't writing, she enjoys hiking, playing with her Westie, and killing monsters in computer games. In addition to spending time in Scotland, she has traveled in the US, Europe and the Pacific Rim. She now lives in Oregon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 25, 2017
Sir Law is back and this one is better than the last. Short read, grab a pot of coffee (two for me) and a fun story depicted accurate in the history of Sootland.
Our landless knight is still awaiting a new patron but previous battlefield injuries make that an unlikely prospect. Fortuantely, Law's a smart man that gets things done and can handle the rough stuff as well. For this reason he keeps finding employment, small or large, within Perth.
In the latest, Sir Law is asked to check into the death of a woman. Is it murder or not? It's up to Law to find out. So begins the story.
Great fun, great read. The coming of winter makes the setting more interesting, at least to me.
Our landless knight is still awaiting a new patron but previous battlefield injuries make that an unlikely prospect. Fortuantely, Law's a smart man that gets things done and can handle the rough stuff as well. For this reason he keeps finding employment, small or large, within Perth.
In the latest, Sir Law is asked to check into the death of a woman. Is it murder or not? It's up to Law to find out. So begins the story.
Great fun, great read. The coming of winter makes the setting more interesting, at least to me.
January 27, 2020
Sir Law Kintour , Consulting Detective
The adventure continues as Sir Law Kintour is summoned to the City Hall of Perth Scotland in the middle of a raging blizzard. A young woman has been discovered dead frozen in a snowbank.
At the request of the young woman’s father the High Sheriff delays the convening of an inquest so that Sir Law might establish that her death was not a suicide, but rather a tragic accident.
Needless to say, the author continues to capture the atmosphere of that long lost city and bygone times. His characters leap off the page, and the reader has no trouble immersing themselves in this Medieval Scottish world.
In the course of his investigation, Sir Law finds her paramour, a secular priest named Kennedy, Head Master of a distinguished Church School. Adulterer, and embezzler he is prime suspect in the first death. A prime suspect, Who conveniently ends up dead in the snow.
Are these murders related, the suspense is unbearable. Step by step Kintour zeroes in on the culprit. Will the true killer be apprehended? Will the embezzled funds be recovered? I’m not telling. You have to read this novella for yourself.
The adventure continues as Sir Law Kintour is summoned to the City Hall of Perth Scotland in the middle of a raging blizzard. A young woman has been discovered dead frozen in a snowbank.
At the request of the young woman’s father the High Sheriff delays the convening of an inquest so that Sir Law might establish that her death was not a suicide, but rather a tragic accident.
Needless to say, the author continues to capture the atmosphere of that long lost city and bygone times. His characters leap off the page, and the reader has no trouble immersing themselves in this Medieval Scottish world.
In the course of his investigation, Sir Law finds her paramour, a secular priest named Kennedy, Head Master of a distinguished Church School. Adulterer, and embezzler he is prime suspect in the first death. A prime suspect, Who conveniently ends up dead in the snow.
Are these murders related, the suspense is unbearable. Step by step Kintour zeroes in on the culprit. Will the true killer be apprehended? Will the embezzled funds be recovered? I’m not telling. You have to read this novella for yourself.
September 11, 2020
"Thieves and the unsavory of Perth: All in a day’s work for lordless Sir Law Kentour…until a mysterious death in the midst of a Highland blizzard. When the sheriff of Perth demands that Sir Law show that the death was not an inconvenient murder, Law thinks this looks like an easy job. But circumstances seem to conspire against him, and another murder follows. Soon the King's chancellor becomes involved, making the mystery even more dangerous. Not only does the murder investigation keep running into brick walls, his friend Cormac plunges into danger; and Law again encounters the thief who has already been a thorn in his side. When answers start to emerge, Sir Law gets more than he bargained for…"
A nice little mystery, set in the bitter cold winter of Scotland.
A nice little mystery, set in the bitter cold winter of Scotland.
June 26, 2018
Quite fun
Ordinarily, I'm a history buff, a fan of both science fiction and mysteries. So, I read the first in this series, The Templar's Cross. And enjoyed it greatly. It's been a bit since I read a good mystery, much less a historical one. So, I picked this one up,on the heels,as it were, of the first. As a novella, a bit shorter. Every bit as good. Admittedly, in my head, I was thinking of this as, "Murder Thou Wrote," meaning absolutely no offense. I'm going to not only going to read the third of these, I also plan to do the same with the rest of her catalog. Well-written, well done. Try them. I truly think you'll agree.
Ordinarily, I'm a history buff, a fan of both science fiction and mysteries. So, I read the first in this series, The Templar's Cross. And enjoyed it greatly. It's been a bit since I read a good mystery, much less a historical one. So, I picked this one up,on the heels,as it were, of the first. As a novella, a bit shorter. Every bit as good. Admittedly, in my head, I was thinking of this as, "Murder Thou Wrote," meaning absolutely no offense. I'm going to not only going to read the third of these, I also plan to do the same with the rest of her catalog. Well-written, well done. Try them. I truly think you'll agree.
November 11, 2021
Sir Law is still a handicapped knight without income and snow is piling in the streets. So when he is asked to look into the death of a young woman he thinks that is an easy way to earn some income. We follow him and his friend Cormac the young bard from monastery to alehouse. From church to shop. One can see the world of medieval Perth come alive. And the same with the people in the story.
Well done!
Well done!
January 6, 2022
book, The Winter Kill, by J. R. Tomlin
An active story with some suspense, changing who could be the killer, in a medieval time. Sir Law Kintour is chosen, reluctantly, to find a killer. A few ancient words I did not know confuse the meaning of the text, but do not take away the excitement of the story.
An active story with some suspense, changing who could be the killer, in a medieval time. Sir Law Kintour is chosen, reluctantly, to find a killer. A few ancient words I did not know confuse the meaning of the text, but do not take away the excitement of the story.
August 1, 2017
I enjoyed reading this novel. Very easy to read, it doesn't get bogged down with flowery descriptions but moves along at a good pace. Being part Scottish, I enjoyed reading about Scotland and the language used.
August 14, 2018
Great period and location who dun it!
She writes in the best traditions of the great writers of what is the time she is writing about. She has well rounded prose and is very descriptive. I wish that the story could have been linger because it was so enjoyable.
She writes in the best traditions of the great writers of what is the time she is writing about. She has well rounded prose and is very descriptive. I wish that the story could have been linger because it was so enjoyable.
August 21, 2017
Good series
Glad I chanced upon these books. I'm hoping the third one is as good as the first two! Quick easy reads !
Glad I chanced upon these books. I'm hoping the third one is as good as the first two! Quick easy reads !
September 11, 2017
A good book easy read and moves along at a good pace. The story is entertaining and fun reading.
July 2, 2018
Good mystery
Sherlock Holmes meets Prince Valiant in this story of an over zealous priest, a lost woman, a fallen monk, and the hero. A good read.
Sherlock Holmes meets Prince Valiant in this story of an over zealous priest, a lost woman, a fallen monk, and the hero. A good read.
December 25, 2018
J. R Tomlin is an excellent storyteller.
January 27, 2020
Historically interesting
Very interesting time in Scotland and seems historically correct. Sir Law a lordless knight, looks into mysterious deaths. Great characters and plot.
Very interesting time in Scotland and seems historically correct. Sir Law a lordless knight, looks into mysterious deaths. Great characters and plot.
June 2, 2020
Great read
I loved all the twists and turns. I did not figure out who the criminal was until the very end. I really enjoyed the writing style
I loved all the twists and turns. I did not figure out who the criminal was until the very end. I really enjoyed the writing style
February 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this one.
I thought it had more subtlety than the last. I hope though, that no one concludes that all devout and moral people are mad like the villain here.
I thought it had more subtlety than the last. I hope though, that no one concludes that all devout and moral people are mad like the villain here.
February 17, 2025
Murder Mystery
It was suspenseful and intriguing to know who knew about the lovers. What means he would go to believing he was a message of God.
It was suspenseful and intriguing to know who knew about the lovers. What means he would go to believing he was a message of God.
March 11, 2017
Sad mystery
Thoroughly researched medieval mystery. The story takes place in Scotland so the dialect may be a little difficult to follow. There's plenty of details to allow you to smell the pub & feel the cold.
Thoroughly researched medieval mystery. The story takes place in Scotland so the dialect may be a little difficult to follow. There's plenty of details to allow you to smell the pub & feel the cold.
June 29, 2021
After catching a thief Sir Law is detailed by the Sheriff of Perth to determine the cause of death of one Jannet Neyn Patrik Ross, who was found buried in snow. But another body is found, and so with the help of his friend Cormac, he must found the evidence that will be believed when he catches the murderer.
An enjoyable historical mystery in which I liked the characters. Another re-read
An enjoyable historical mystery in which I liked the characters. Another re-read
October 11, 2016
Liked it. Characterization is very good, plot decent, but unexceptional. Mania is a easy out, but the focuses of this mania are but shadows, so it's less effective. The hero, a disenfranchised knight, is worth reading about, so all in all, a good read.
August 3, 2016
Ok, just was hoping for more medieval killing and suspense.
September 24, 2016
Book moved well
The story line was good but maybe a little predictable. It keeps you hooked though. Good enough mystery in an interesting setting.
The story line was good but maybe a little predictable. It keeps you hooked though. Good enough mystery in an interesting setting.
October 6, 2016
J .R.Tomlin
Once again another great read. Had you thinking though the whole book. Great to have some really good historical books.
Once again another great read. Had you thinking though the whole book. Great to have some really good historical books.
September 3, 2017
The Winter Kill
J. R. Tomlin's book is as good as we have come to expect. Characters are well developed and the storyline stays interesting throughout the book. I recommend his books to anyone interested in historical story's. Mr. Tomlin's are well researched and written so read and enjoy.
J. R. Tomlin's book is as good as we have come to expect. Characters are well developed and the storyline stays interesting throughout the book. I recommend his books to anyone interested in historical story's. Mr. Tomlin's are well researched and written so read and enjoy.
April 30, 2017
Great story
Second in a series, this book continues the adventures of lame knight Sir Law Kinture as he investigates another crime in Perth Scotland in medieval times. Authentic language and multiple mysteries drive the action.
For an interesting and enjoyable trip into the past, pick up this book and the first one in the series. Tomlin knows her history and brings it alive.
Second in a series, this book continues the adventures of lame knight Sir Law Kinture as he investigates another crime in Perth Scotland in medieval times. Authentic language and multiple mysteries drive the action.
For an interesting and enjoyable trip into the past, pick up this book and the first one in the series. Tomlin knows her history and brings it alive.
May 3, 2017
I've read #1 and #1.5. I doubt I'll read any more.
- I'm not comfortable with the historical accuracy. Even though the author works hard to show us pictures of daily life and clothing, at times I felt the breath of anachronism.
- The language is contemporary English narration, interrupted by unnecessary Scots and Gaelic expressions. I say, stick to the contemporary English, and use the Scots only to describe places or things for which there is no modern equivalent.
- Both the books I read suffer from poor proofreading. I read the Kindle e-editions, and many of the typos are likely scanning artifacts. But others are simply wrong word choices that should have been caught by a knowledgeable copy editor.(One example: a character holds a "sheath" of papers. (I expect it was a "sheaf" of papers.)
The books I've read so far seem to need the firm hand of an experienced editor. (On the other hand, I see that #3 in the series made some website's Top Ten historical mysteries, so, what do I know?)
- I'm not comfortable with the historical accuracy. Even though the author works hard to show us pictures of daily life and clothing, at times I felt the breath of anachronism.
- The language is contemporary English narration, interrupted by unnecessary Scots and Gaelic expressions. I say, stick to the contemporary English, and use the Scots only to describe places or things for which there is no modern equivalent.
- Both the books I read suffer from poor proofreading. I read the Kindle e-editions, and many of the typos are likely scanning artifacts. But others are simply wrong word choices that should have been caught by a knowledgeable copy editor.(One example: a character holds a "sheath" of papers. (I expect it was a "sheaf" of papers.)
The books I've read so far seem to need the firm hand of an experienced editor. (On the other hand, I see that #3 in the series made some website's Top Ten historical mysteries, so, what do I know?)
November 1, 2018
Fantastic series ;-)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews