What do you think?
Rate this book
Crispin Guest Medieval Noir #9
A Maiden Weeping
When Crispin Guest finds himself trapped in circumstances outside his control, he must rely on the wits of his young apprentice, Jack Tucker, to do the rescuing.
Crispin awakens in a strange bed after a night of passion when he finds a woman dead, murdered. Drunk, Crispin scarcely remembers the night before. Did he kill her? But when other young women turn up dead under similar circumstances, he knows there is a deadly stalker loose in London. Could it have to do with the mysterious Tears of the Virgin Mary kept under lock and key by a close-lipped widow, a relic that a rival family would kill to get their hands on? What does this relic, that forces empathy on all those surrounding it, have to do with murder for hire?
With Crispin shackled and imprisoned by the immutable sheriffs who would just as soon see him hang than get to the real truth, Jack hits the ground running and procures the help of a fresh young lawyer to help them solve the crime.
Crispin awakens in a strange bed after a night of passion when he finds a woman dead, murdered. Drunk, Crispin scarcely remembers the night before. Did he kill her? But when other young women turn up dead under similar circumstances, he knows there is a deadly stalker loose in London. Could it have to do with the mysterious Tears of the Virgin Mary kept under lock and key by a close-lipped widow, a relic that a rival family would kill to get their hands on? What does this relic, that forces empathy on all those surrounding it, have to do with murder for hire?
With Crispin shackled and imprisoned by the immutable sheriffs who would just as soon see him hang than get to the real truth, Jack hits the ground running and procures the help of a fresh young lawyer to help them solve the crime.
255 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2016
26 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Jeri Westerson
51 books430 followersLos Angeles native JERI WESTERSON currently writes two new series: a Tudor mystery series, the King’s Fool Mysteries, with Henry VIII’s real court jester Will Somers as the sleuth and a Sherlockian pastiche series called An Irregular Detective Mystery, with one of Holmes’ former Baker Street Irregulars opening his own detective agency. She’s also written fifteen Crispin Guest Medieval Noir Mysteries, a series nominated for thirteen awards from the Agatha, to the Macavity, to the Shamus. She’s written several paranormal series (including a gaslamp-steampunk fantasy series), standalone historical novels, and had stories in several anthologies, the latest of which was included in SOUTH CENTRAL NOIR, an Akashic Noir anthology. She has served as president of the SoCal Chapter of Mystery Writers of America, president and vice president for two chapters of Sisters in Crime (Orange County and Los Angeles), and is also a founding member of the SoCal chapter of the Historical Novel Society. See JeriWesterson.com for discussion guides, book trailers, and more.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 14, 2025
5 full stars! I enjoyed it very much!!
Once again Crispin Guest and his friends have involved me in an exciting adventure full of suspense and mystery.
----> As always the book could be read as a standalone, BUT I STRONGLY DISCOURAGE IT regarding this book even more than for the others, because if the puzzle to be solved here was complicated and kept me in suspense until the end, I must emphasize that the greatest emotional involvement of the reader comes above all from the development of events in the personal life of Crispin and his loved ones.
---> READ ALL THE BOOKS IN ORDER FROM #1 TO #15
This book represents an important turning point and only those who know the story from the beginning and have lived all the adventures with Crispin and Jack, starting from the first book, will be able to truly savor the essence of this reading and connect in a total and satisfying way with the various characters we meet (almost all also present in the past stories, perhaps in an alternating way).
Before going into the details, I'll tell you briefly about
____ THE PLOT :
Crispin Guest is a former knight, who after being banished from court, reinvented his life as the Tracker, that is, the one who finds lost or stolen objects of great value and discovers the culprits even in cases of murder.
One day while drinking in his favorite tavern, he is approached, by mistake (?) by someone who wants to hire him as a killer.
After spending the night with the intended victim, only to warn her of the danger, he finds himself arrested for the murder of the same intended victim.
He only can rely on his apprentice Jack to start the investigation to discover the truth.
_________*********** _______
__ABOUT THE FOREWORD ____ This book #9 begins, unlike the others, with a long foreword, by the author, on the functioning of the legal system of the time in which the events take place.
An introduction that can be useful, but in my opinion not essential to understand and enjoy the reading.
Anyway, don't feel discouraged by it if it looks boring,don't leave the book, you can also skip that preliminary matter.
I must admit that I had allowed myself to be a little discouraged and for a brief moment I thought that I had reached the fateful point in which the author had lost her ideas and could no longer write other thrilling adventures for those characters.
If I hadn't been a Crispin's fan, perhaps I would have abandoned the book without even finishing that tedious opening speech, but fortunately I love Crispin passionately, and after reading the first few pages of chapter 1 I found myself full of enthusiasm once again.
____ MAIN CHARACTERS : Crispin, the Tracker and his apprentice Jack ____
I have already said above, that this book represents a turning point, in fact a few years have passed since the previous book, but already 6 years since the first book.
Crispin is no longer thirty-one, but is approaching 40 and if nowadays we still feel young, in medieval times it was the time to take stock of one's life, one's actions and the goals achieved and not, was more than normal.
Jack is no longer an eleven-year-old cutpurse. A little guy without a family who with determination has settled into Crispin's house imposing himself as his servant and apprentice.
Over the years, Jack has not only acquired a trade invented by Crispin, he has learned to read and write and even to know Greek and Latin, thanks to Crispin's lessons.
He has demonstrated his loyalty and his value, as an apprentice, as a friend and as a person on many occasions and has earned respect for himself and the respect of others for him.
Now he is 19, he feels all the responsibility that comes from affection and gratitude, he would not abandon Crispin even in the worst case scenario and once again he finds in himself the resources that he did not think he had.
It is a phase of life in which a boy not only changes physically, but in which physical and emotional instincts awaken.
Instincts that if in the last two years were barely hinted at, now emerge forcefully and the thought of marrying the woman of his heart becomes a constant thought, even in the most inappropriate moments.
I said that to read the previous books is essential, because the great emotional tension that the reader feels in living through internal turmoils and related changes, together with the characters, can only happen with the knowledge of their torments and hopes, sufferings and joys, events and actions of the past.
___________ SIDE CHARACTERS ______
This story, different from the other adventures in many ways, offers a wider than usual array of characters, already known in the other books, and emphasizes their emotional and moral side, rather than their actions.
As if the situation were not only taken by the characters, but also by the author as the creator of the series.
Among the characters that alternate around Crispin and Jack in the various adventures, there are some recurring ones with very strong personalities, sometimes even real ones.
---> John/Eleonor Rykener (one of Crispin's best friends, a professional embroiderer dressed as a woman by day and a prostitute, still dressed as a woman, by night ) and Henry Bolingbroke ( the son of John of Gaunt and future king of England from 1399 to 1413 with the name of Henry IV ) are the really existed figures among those we met in the previous books and again here.
While Henry IV is well known through history books, very little is known about Rykener, but the author has been able to give such depth to the character's multifaceted personality, that I feel great enthusiasm every time I see him involved in Crispin's vicissitudes.
He's complicated to understand for others around him, but actually capable of living with fewer emotional complications than others, because he has chosen to be who he feels he is and lives with happiness, joy and good heart for others, his life.
---> The previous stories in which we find him as a co-protagonist are really very funny !!!!
Then there are other recurring and purely imaginary characters:
The owners of our former knight's favorite tavern, the owners of the house where he and Jack live and old friendships acquired in cases investigated in the past).
Since all supporting figures are more than usual, there is no time to dwell too much on their actions, but enough to underline their importance in Crispin's life and how they and their feelings also played an important role in the life of our hero and his apprentice.
____ THE CONSTANTLY PRESENT THEME in all the books of the series:
It's not about historical relics as you might easily think, but it's the value of friendship.
True friendship is fundamental as is evaluating people for who they are inside and not according to the labels that societies, of all times, indicate as acceptable and worthy of respect and admiration or as different from the acceptable and to be kept at a distance.
I really like that these 2 themes are so strongly emphasized.
_____ A WELL THOUGHT MYSTERY ____
Even if this is a book that focuses more on introspection than on frenetic and sometimes violent action (as in the previous novels), it doesn't mean that the murders to be solved are not compelling, on the contrary you will find the usual complicated web of lies, deceit, greed, perversity of the villains, plots and investigations carried out with tenacity and great intelligence by our beloved heroes.
There is no shortage of brilliant improvisations, a new funny character and a new charming one, who we will both meet again in the future (you will find out why in the last pages of the book) and a few laughs.
____ TWO NOVELTIES____
__ 1) In the first part of the book we find Crispin as the victim of a situation and unable to act, our young emerging Tracker will lead the operations.
At first I was a little disappointed, but then I told myself that it was right that the writer gave more space to Jack, because this helps the reader to better understand "all the change". Furthermore, Crispin is not the type to remain inactive and even in the moment of inactivity he will not actually be inactive.
From the 50% through the book the pace regains a lot of speed with the original Tracker again operational and more determined than ever.
__ 2) A new addition to the book was the introduction of a new four-legged friend, and as a lover and supporter of the animal world, I couldn't help but be touched.
___ THE HISTORICAL PART ___ so far this is the only book in which the parts of true history are almost non-existent.
While the relics and important objects of the past mysteries, have existed (and some still exist), this time, the Tears of the Virgin are the product of Jeri Westerson's imagination and their role in this adventure is only to be a pivot that unites the various misdeeds around themselves.
The historical part, probably, is found in the figures and in the really interesting development of the trial (hence the author's foreword).
____SUITABLE FOR ______
Recommended series for those longing for the right mix of mystery, action, irony, sentiment, history and fantasy.
----> No explicit scenes of sex or violence and the language is clean enough.
_____ CONCLUDING _____
If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm crazy about Crispin and this series.
I've loved him and his adventures since book #1.
I still have 6 books left to read and I try not to read them all at once because I want to stay with my charming medieval man as long as possible.
Thanks for reading my opinion :-)
Please, forgive me for any errors you may find in my long text, English is not my native language.
Once again Crispin Guest and his friends have involved me in an exciting adventure full of suspense and mystery.
----> As always the book could be read as a standalone, BUT I STRONGLY DISCOURAGE IT regarding this book even more than for the others, because if the puzzle to be solved here was complicated and kept me in suspense until the end, I must emphasize that the greatest emotional involvement of the reader comes above all from the development of events in the personal life of Crispin and his loved ones.
---> READ ALL THE BOOKS IN ORDER FROM #1 TO #15
This book represents an important turning point and only those who know the story from the beginning and have lived all the adventures with Crispin and Jack, starting from the first book, will be able to truly savor the essence of this reading and connect in a total and satisfying way with the various characters we meet (almost all also present in the past stories, perhaps in an alternating way).
Before going into the details, I'll tell you briefly about
____ THE PLOT :
Crispin Guest is a former knight, who after being banished from court, reinvented his life as the Tracker, that is, the one who finds lost or stolen objects of great value and discovers the culprits even in cases of murder.
One day while drinking in his favorite tavern, he is approached, by mistake (?) by someone who wants to hire him as a killer.
After spending the night with the intended victim, only to warn her of the danger, he finds himself arrested for the murder of the same intended victim.
He only can rely on his apprentice Jack to start the investigation to discover the truth.
_________*********** _______
__ABOUT THE FOREWORD ____ This book #9 begins, unlike the others, with a long foreword, by the author, on the functioning of the legal system of the time in which the events take place.
An introduction that can be useful, but in my opinion not essential to understand and enjoy the reading.
Anyway, don't feel discouraged by it if it looks boring,don't leave the book, you can also skip that preliminary matter.
I must admit that I had allowed myself to be a little discouraged and for a brief moment I thought that I had reached the fateful point in which the author had lost her ideas and could no longer write other thrilling adventures for those characters.
If I hadn't been a Crispin's fan, perhaps I would have abandoned the book without even finishing that tedious opening speech, but fortunately I love Crispin passionately, and after reading the first few pages of chapter 1 I found myself full of enthusiasm once again.
____ MAIN CHARACTERS : Crispin, the Tracker and his apprentice Jack ____
I have already said above, that this book represents a turning point, in fact a few years have passed since the previous book, but already 6 years since the first book.
Crispin is no longer thirty-one, but is approaching 40 and if nowadays we still feel young, in medieval times it was the time to take stock of one's life, one's actions and the goals achieved and not, was more than normal.
Jack is no longer an eleven-year-old cutpurse. A little guy without a family who with determination has settled into Crispin's house imposing himself as his servant and apprentice.
Over the years, Jack has not only acquired a trade invented by Crispin, he has learned to read and write and even to know Greek and Latin, thanks to Crispin's lessons.
He has demonstrated his loyalty and his value, as an apprentice, as a friend and as a person on many occasions and has earned respect for himself and the respect of others for him.
Now he is 19, he feels all the responsibility that comes from affection and gratitude, he would not abandon Crispin even in the worst case scenario and once again he finds in himself the resources that he did not think he had.
It is a phase of life in which a boy not only changes physically, but in which physical and emotional instincts awaken.
Instincts that if in the last two years were barely hinted at, now emerge forcefully and the thought of marrying the woman of his heart becomes a constant thought, even in the most inappropriate moments.
I said that to read the previous books is essential, because the great emotional tension that the reader feels in living through internal turmoils and related changes, together with the characters, can only happen with the knowledge of their torments and hopes, sufferings and joys, events and actions of the past.
___________ SIDE CHARACTERS ______
This story, different from the other adventures in many ways, offers a wider than usual array of characters, already known in the other books, and emphasizes their emotional and moral side, rather than their actions.
As if the situation were not only taken by the characters, but also by the author as the creator of the series.
Among the characters that alternate around Crispin and Jack in the various adventures, there are some recurring ones with very strong personalities, sometimes even real ones.
---> John/Eleonor Rykener (one of Crispin's best friends, a professional embroiderer dressed as a woman by day and a prostitute, still dressed as a woman, by night ) and Henry Bolingbroke ( the son of John of Gaunt and future king of England from 1399 to 1413 with the name of Henry IV ) are the really existed figures among those we met in the previous books and again here.
While Henry IV is well known through history books, very little is known about Rykener, but the author has been able to give such depth to the character's multifaceted personality, that I feel great enthusiasm every time I see him involved in Crispin's vicissitudes.
He's complicated to understand for others around him, but actually capable of living with fewer emotional complications than others, because he has chosen to be who he feels he is and lives with happiness, joy and good heart for others, his life.
---> The previous stories in which we find him as a co-protagonist are really very funny !!!!
Then there are other recurring and purely imaginary characters:
The owners of our former knight's favorite tavern, the owners of the house where he and Jack live and old friendships acquired in cases investigated in the past).
Since all supporting figures are more than usual, there is no time to dwell too much on their actions, but enough to underline their importance in Crispin's life and how they and their feelings also played an important role in the life of our hero and his apprentice.
____ THE CONSTANTLY PRESENT THEME in all the books of the series:
It's not about historical relics as you might easily think, but it's the value of friendship.
True friendship is fundamental as is evaluating people for who they are inside and not according to the labels that societies, of all times, indicate as acceptable and worthy of respect and admiration or as different from the acceptable and to be kept at a distance.
I really like that these 2 themes are so strongly emphasized.
_____ A WELL THOUGHT MYSTERY ____
Even if this is a book that focuses more on introspection than on frenetic and sometimes violent action (as in the previous novels), it doesn't mean that the murders to be solved are not compelling, on the contrary you will find the usual complicated web of lies, deceit, greed, perversity of the villains, plots and investigations carried out with tenacity and great intelligence by our beloved heroes.
There is no shortage of brilliant improvisations, a new funny character and a new charming one, who we will both meet again in the future (you will find out why in the last pages of the book) and a few laughs.
____ TWO NOVELTIES____
__ 1) In the first part of the book we find Crispin as the victim of a situation and unable to act, our young emerging Tracker will lead the operations.
At first I was a little disappointed, but then I told myself that it was right that the writer gave more space to Jack, because this helps the reader to better understand "all the change". Furthermore, Crispin is not the type to remain inactive and even in the moment of inactivity he will not actually be inactive.
From the 50% through the book the pace regains a lot of speed with the original Tracker again operational and more determined than ever.
__ 2) A new addition to the book was the introduction of a new four-legged friend, and as a lover and supporter of the animal world, I couldn't help but be touched.
___ THE HISTORICAL PART ___ so far this is the only book in which the parts of true history are almost non-existent.
While the relics and important objects of the past mysteries, have existed (and some still exist), this time, the Tears of the Virgin are the product of Jeri Westerson's imagination and their role in this adventure is only to be a pivot that unites the various misdeeds around themselves.
The historical part, probably, is found in the figures and in the really interesting development of the trial (hence the author's foreword).
____SUITABLE FOR ______
Recommended series for those longing for the right mix of mystery, action, irony, sentiment, history and fantasy.
----> No explicit scenes of sex or violence and the language is clean enough.
_____ CONCLUDING _____
If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm crazy about Crispin and this series.
I've loved him and his adventures since book #1.
I still have 6 books left to read and I try not to read them all at once because I want to stay with my charming medieval man as long as possible.
Thanks for reading my opinion :-)
Please, forgive me for any errors you may find in my long text, English is not my native language.
August 8, 2016
Read it in one sitting! Loved it. Official review pending posting at HNS: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
In this ninth installment of Westerson’s Crispin Guest medieval noir series, we find Crispin himself playing a supporting role as his apprentice, Jack Tucker, takes the lead. A mysterious man hires a very drunk Crispin to kill a woman. Crispin, his chivalrous nature horrified at the very idea, instead goes to warn her. Beguiled by her beauty, he ends up in bed with her, eventually passing out from the alcohol. When he comes to, he is shocked to discover that the woman had been murdered while he was unconscious. Before he can get far in his investigation, he is himself arrested for the murder, leaving Jack to solve the crime on his own. With the help of some new characters – the plucky lawyer, Nigellus Cobmartin; and the lovely Isabel Langton, niece of Gilbert and Eleanor of the Boar’s Tusk Tavern – and our old friend John Rykener, Jack takes on the mantle of The Tracker alone for the first time.
I have read and loved every other book in the Crispin series, which is set in late 14th-century London, and this one was no different. It is somewhat bittersweet to see Jack growing up, becoming a man, and meeting a girl he can seriously consider marrying. I still think of him as the little boy he was in the first book. At the same time, it is wonderful to see him grow and use the skills he’s learned at Crispin’s knee to save his mentor from the gallows. Westerson crafted a terrific story once again, full of twists and intrigue, and frankly a lot of frustration! Those sheriffs need a good swift kick. If it is infuriating to read about their petty tyrannies, how much worse must it be for poor Crispin to have to live and work with them. Another masterful job from Westerson. Highly recommended!
In this ninth installment of Westerson’s Crispin Guest medieval noir series, we find Crispin himself playing a supporting role as his apprentice, Jack Tucker, takes the lead. A mysterious man hires a very drunk Crispin to kill a woman. Crispin, his chivalrous nature horrified at the very idea, instead goes to warn her. Beguiled by her beauty, he ends up in bed with her, eventually passing out from the alcohol. When he comes to, he is shocked to discover that the woman had been murdered while he was unconscious. Before he can get far in his investigation, he is himself arrested for the murder, leaving Jack to solve the crime on his own. With the help of some new characters – the plucky lawyer, Nigellus Cobmartin; and the lovely Isabel Langton, niece of Gilbert and Eleanor of the Boar’s Tusk Tavern – and our old friend John Rykener, Jack takes on the mantle of The Tracker alone for the first time.
I have read and loved every other book in the Crispin series, which is set in late 14th-century London, and this one was no different. It is somewhat bittersweet to see Jack growing up, becoming a man, and meeting a girl he can seriously consider marrying. I still think of him as the little boy he was in the first book. At the same time, it is wonderful to see him grow and use the skills he’s learned at Crispin’s knee to save his mentor from the gallows. Westerson crafted a terrific story once again, full of twists and intrigue, and frankly a lot of frustration! Those sheriffs need a good swift kick. If it is infuriating to read about their petty tyrannies, how much worse must it be for poor Crispin to have to live and work with them. Another masterful job from Westerson. Highly recommended!
August 9, 2016
First Sentence: His head snapped up for the second time.
Well into drink, an unknown man sits next to former knight Crispin Guest, gives him a pouch of silver and the address of a woman he is to murder, and disappears. Although drunk, Guest tries to warn the woman, Elizabeth le Porter, with whom he becomes intimate before passing out, and finds murdered upon awaking. However, upon being attacked by the brothers Norey, one brother ends up dead, Guest is arrested, and it's now up to Chrispin’s apprentice, Jack, with the help of newly certified barrister Nigellus Cobmartin, to free Guest. Can they prove Guest's innocence and find the true killer?
It's always nice when authors, particularly those who write historical mysteries, include a forward which provides background and information about the period in which the story is set, as well as how they may have diverted from historical fact to serve the needs of the story. Having a glossary of terms is also a welcome addition.
Westerson doesn't ease one into the story. As with her characters, she throws the audience into mystery and danger from the outset, while also giving us a sense as to the nature of the protagonist--"It was time for the Tracker to do his moral duty. Sometimes, he really hated that sense of honor."
The characters, fully dimensional, are brought to life. The dialogue has the flavour of the period without being heavy-handed--"I am no saint, sir, and, hopefully, no martyr. "Crispin" I am. You may have my leave, Master Nigellus."
Westerson is very good at creating wonderful twists while adding layer upon layer to the plot. Beyond the suspense and excitement, it is also a very human story about honor, trust, and commitment that can touch the emotions. There are also plenty of really well-done plot twists.
“A Maiden Weeping” is a wonderful read, filled with delightful characters, and a story this rather similar to a child's dancing button toy, but with many more threads that start out separate, become much more intertwined as you go, and resolve themselves nicely in the end.
A Maiden Weeping (Hist Mys-Crispen Guest/Jack Tucker- England-1389/Medieval) - VG
Westerson, Jeri - 8th in publishing orders (9th in series order)
Severn House, August 2016
Well into drink, an unknown man sits next to former knight Crispin Guest, gives him a pouch of silver and the address of a woman he is to murder, and disappears. Although drunk, Guest tries to warn the woman, Elizabeth le Porter, with whom he becomes intimate before passing out, and finds murdered upon awaking. However, upon being attacked by the brothers Norey, one brother ends up dead, Guest is arrested, and it's now up to Chrispin’s apprentice, Jack, with the help of newly certified barrister Nigellus Cobmartin, to free Guest. Can they prove Guest's innocence and find the true killer?
It's always nice when authors, particularly those who write historical mysteries, include a forward which provides background and information about the period in which the story is set, as well as how they may have diverted from historical fact to serve the needs of the story. Having a glossary of terms is also a welcome addition.
Westerson doesn't ease one into the story. As with her characters, she throws the audience into mystery and danger from the outset, while also giving us a sense as to the nature of the protagonist--"It was time for the Tracker to do his moral duty. Sometimes, he really hated that sense of honor."
The characters, fully dimensional, are brought to life. The dialogue has the flavour of the period without being heavy-handed--"I am no saint, sir, and, hopefully, no martyr. "Crispin" I am. You may have my leave, Master Nigellus."
Westerson is very good at creating wonderful twists while adding layer upon layer to the plot. Beyond the suspense and excitement, it is also a very human story about honor, trust, and commitment that can touch the emotions. There are also plenty of really well-done plot twists.
“A Maiden Weeping” is a wonderful read, filled with delightful characters, and a story this rather similar to a child's dancing button toy, but with many more threads that start out separate, become much more intertwined as you go, and resolve themselves nicely in the end.
A Maiden Weeping (Hist Mys-Crispen Guest/Jack Tucker- England-1389/Medieval) - VG
Westerson, Jeri - 8th in publishing orders (9th in series order)
Severn House, August 2016
August 3, 2016
Relics and murder!
Once again Jack Tucker comes to the fore. Crispin Guest "the Tracker" is accused of murdering a woman and has been incarcerated in Newgate. Well, there's no denying Crispin was in her bed and he awoke to find her lying dead on the floor strangled. It's up to Jack to investigate the truth and to work towards his master being declared innocent. Things do not look good!
An interesting new character makes his debut, the attorney Nigellus. I am sure we will be seeing more of him in the future. He's a great addition to the menagerie that surrounds Crispin.
The cross dressing male whore John Rykener assists again. John and Jack have reached a new understanding.
And yes, another relic is at the root of the problem. This time the relic is a vial purporting to contain the Tears of the Virgin Mary. It is said to heal and yet cause pain and suffering to the owners in empathy for the burdened.
Two families are at odds over ownership of the tears. But will they engage in murder?
It seems though that other women are being strangled. A happenstance that relates to the case in hand.
Jack is hard put to help his master.
Meanwhile Gilbert's niece Isobel has come to reside at the tavern and Jack finds her much to his liking.
Once again we see a slice of history through Westerson's vigilant eyes. The workings of the medieval court, certainly different from today, is interestingly portrayed. The role of the prisoner and attorney in relation to whom can do what is very insightful.
Another fascinating addition to Crispin Guest's tales.
A NetGalley ARC
Once again Jack Tucker comes to the fore. Crispin Guest "the Tracker" is accused of murdering a woman and has been incarcerated in Newgate. Well, there's no denying Crispin was in her bed and he awoke to find her lying dead on the floor strangled. It's up to Jack to investigate the truth and to work towards his master being declared innocent. Things do not look good!
An interesting new character makes his debut, the attorney Nigellus. I am sure we will be seeing more of him in the future. He's a great addition to the menagerie that surrounds Crispin.
The cross dressing male whore John Rykener assists again. John and Jack have reached a new understanding.
And yes, another relic is at the root of the problem. This time the relic is a vial purporting to contain the Tears of the Virgin Mary. It is said to heal and yet cause pain and suffering to the owners in empathy for the burdened.
Two families are at odds over ownership of the tears. But will they engage in murder?
It seems though that other women are being strangled. A happenstance that relates to the case in hand.
Jack is hard put to help his master.
Meanwhile Gilbert's niece Isobel has come to reside at the tavern and Jack finds her much to his liking.
Once again we see a slice of history through Westerson's vigilant eyes. The workings of the medieval court, certainly different from today, is interestingly portrayed. The role of the prisoner and attorney in relation to whom can do what is very insightful.
Another fascinating addition to Crispin Guest's tales.
A NetGalley ARC
August 21, 2024
It’s a common trope in the Private Detective subgenre that the MC is accused and tried for murder and that he or she is finally cleared and acquitted. Both Cristin’s drinking and womanizing get him into trouble. To be fair, he has been more temperate in the last few books, but this book opens with Crispin drinking at the Boar’s Tusk when a hooded man hands him a bag of money and tells him to kill Elizabeth le Porter.
Once he sobers up a bit, he realizes he should go warn the woman that someone wants to kill her. When he does, Elizabeth is beautiful and seductive and, well, Crispin does what Crispin does. And once the deed is done, he falls deeply asleep due to the alcohol he had consumed.
When he wakes up in the morning, he finds Elizabeth dead at the hearth, strangled, with blood and flesh under her fingernails. Knowing the sheriffs will be overjoyed to have such an opportunity to arrest him, Crispin sneaks out instead of raising the Hue and Cry. He goes home and tells Jack and they return to the neighborhood to decide how to notify the authorities of the death. A boy goes up to her lodging and discovers the body. Unfortunately, several people remember seeing Crispin the previous night and he gets arrested. Furthermore, the sheriffs set his trial within a few days. While Crispin is held in Newgate, a small black and white cat comes into his cell and catches rats.
So Jack has little time to investigate and find the real killer. In the meantime, he hires a lawyer, one Nigellus Cobmartin. Jack also meets and falls in love with Isabella, the recently orphaned and beautiful young niece of Gilbert Langton, Crispin’s friend and owner of the Boar’s Tusk.
Of course Jack, Crispin, Cobmartin, John Ryneker and others help find the evidence that secures Crispin’s acquittal. During the investigation, their lodging is burned by the murderer with Jack saving their most treasured possessions and barely escaping with his life. After the acquittal, they are discussing where they will live and Cobmartin reveals he owns a property near their old lodgings that, while it needs considerable cleaning and repairs, is much larger than their old place.
And then the little cat shows up at the new place. She has chosen Crispin as her human and followed him to their new home. As a cat lover, this was a perfect ending.
Once he sobers up a bit, he realizes he should go warn the woman that someone wants to kill her. When he does, Elizabeth is beautiful and seductive and, well, Crispin does what Crispin does. And once the deed is done, he falls deeply asleep due to the alcohol he had consumed.
When he wakes up in the morning, he finds Elizabeth dead at the hearth, strangled, with blood and flesh under her fingernails. Knowing the sheriffs will be overjoyed to have such an opportunity to arrest him, Crispin sneaks out instead of raising the Hue and Cry. He goes home and tells Jack and they return to the neighborhood to decide how to notify the authorities of the death. A boy goes up to her lodging and discovers the body. Unfortunately, several people remember seeing Crispin the previous night and he gets arrested. Furthermore, the sheriffs set his trial within a few days. While Crispin is held in Newgate, a small black and white cat comes into his cell and catches rats.
So Jack has little time to investigate and find the real killer. In the meantime, he hires a lawyer, one Nigellus Cobmartin. Jack also meets and falls in love with Isabella, the recently orphaned and beautiful young niece of Gilbert Langton, Crispin’s friend and owner of the Boar’s Tusk.
Of course Jack, Crispin, Cobmartin, John Ryneker and others help find the evidence that secures Crispin’s acquittal. During the investigation, their lodging is burned by the murderer with Jack saving their most treasured possessions and barely escaping with his life. After the acquittal, they are discussing where they will live and Cobmartin reveals he owns a property near their old lodgings that, while it needs considerable cleaning and repairs, is much larger than their old place.
And then the little cat shows up at the new place. She has chosen Crispin as her human and followed him to their new home. As a cat lover, this was a perfect ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2019
This is one of my all time favorite series! Crispin Guest stole my heart from the very first book and I am hopelessly in love with the intriguing man.
Murder, mystery, a relic and the damn sheriff out for Crispin's blood as always.
When Jack ran into the fire to save Crispin's sword, the one thing he had left from when he was a Knight, I cried!
But the ending - with the appearance of Gyb - well Crispin smiled and so did I.
Murder, mystery, a relic and the damn sheriff out for Crispin's blood as always.
When Jack ran into the fire to save Crispin's sword, the one thing he had left from when he was a Knight, I cried!
But the ending - with the appearance of Gyb - well Crispin smiled and so did I.
May 8, 2016
I would like to thank NetGalley for providing a copy of this book for review.
Crisp in Guest is approached by a cloaked stranger who does a bag of coins in his hand along with the name of a woman to be murdered. Looking around the tavern where he had been drinking, he can only assume that he has been mistaken for an assassin. The only honorable thing he can do is warn the intended victim. When he awakens hungover in her bed the next morning, he finds her strangled in the next room. Known as "the Tracker", Guest has solved a number of cases, to the embarrassment of the sheriffs, so they are delighted to arrest him. Now it is up to his apprentice Jack Tucker to prove his innocence and save him from the gallows.
Jack faces a formidable task, but grows from a servant who is unsure of his abilities to a competent investigator. Without Guest's guidance he avoids attacks, tracks witnesses and discovers his own abilities. Thrown into the investigation is the theft of a religious relic, two feuding families and the revelation of additional strangulation cases.
Immersing the reader in the 1300s, Jeri Westerson makes you feel the bleakness of Newgate prison, breathe the smells of the streets and taverns and experience life in Medieval London. It is a story populated with great characters, mystery, wit and enough twists to keep you turning the pages through the final trial with its surprising revelations.
Crisp in Guest is approached by a cloaked stranger who does a bag of coins in his hand along with the name of a woman to be murdered. Looking around the tavern where he had been drinking, he can only assume that he has been mistaken for an assassin. The only honorable thing he can do is warn the intended victim. When he awakens hungover in her bed the next morning, he finds her strangled in the next room. Known as "the Tracker", Guest has solved a number of cases, to the embarrassment of the sheriffs, so they are delighted to arrest him. Now it is up to his apprentice Jack Tucker to prove his innocence and save him from the gallows.
Jack faces a formidable task, but grows from a servant who is unsure of his abilities to a competent investigator. Without Guest's guidance he avoids attacks, tracks witnesses and discovers his own abilities. Thrown into the investigation is the theft of a religious relic, two feuding families and the revelation of additional strangulation cases.
Immersing the reader in the 1300s, Jeri Westerson makes you feel the bleakness of Newgate prison, breathe the smells of the streets and taverns and experience life in Medieval London. It is a story populated with great characters, mystery, wit and enough twists to keep you turning the pages through the final trial with its surprising revelations.
August 28, 2016
This was an entertaining read as it did not solely focus on Crispin, but also deals with the evolution of Jack, his assistant. Jack is developing into a 'tracker' as well, and this book gives us more insight into where he came from and how he has begun to integrate his own life's experiences into his persona. The mystery itself was not so great, but how many relics can Crispin be involved with? His waking up near a corpse is a good twist altho it defied some of my credulity that he would get so plowed so as to let events control him....none the less it was well paced and like I said I enjoyed seeing Jack develop into a tracker of his own talent.
May 16, 2016
Another winner from Jeri. Brilliantly plotted with a twist in the tale. The Crispin Guest series deserves its place on my bookshelves along with the likes of C J Sansom, Bernard Cornwell and Rory Clements.
June 2, 2016
Another excellent book in this series. It is interesting to see how a courtroom was run in Crispin's time vs. today. This book is another must read in this series. the twist surprised me! A great read!
January 15, 2018
I have to admit this is my favorite book in the series thus far, although my affection for the characters has done nothing but increase. Jack is the hero of this novel, which is "McGuffined" by a vial of the Virgin's Tears. But the woman weeping is a gentlewoman humbled by her own guilt in The Boar's Tusk Inn. She is no virgin, or maiden. in the sense of being unwed, but a lady weeping in a public place, without escort. Jack Tucker is her audience, largely because Crispin has been arrested for the murder of a woman of uncertain reputation. True he woke up to find her strangeled in front of the fire after a night of drunken sex. While he is incarcerated in Newgate (again) Jack is busy trying to get enough evidence to clear his less moral master, ironic considering his life of crime as a cutpurse. But it's touching the way his devotion runs toward a certain barmaid, whom he courts as a future wife, not a tumble. Jack has the gift of loyalty whown to Crispin and then to Isabel. She brings a dowry, and the probability of inheriting ownership of the B'sTusk when her uncle and aunt Eleanor need to retire. And surprisingly to Jack, Gilbert, gives his blessing because the young man has a true heart, regardless of his past property crimes.
This all comes as a blessing because some malevolent soul has burnt down the tinker's apartment they shared, aroom I must admit spending a fantasy dalliance, not with te fellows, but with the environment. The symplicity of a heart, a chest or coffer, hooks by the door and two shuttered windows caught my imagination. But better things are in store when Crispin is able to expose several synchronous crimes through Jack's investigation. I am thrilled.
This all comes as a blessing because some malevolent soul has burnt down the tinker's apartment they shared, aroom I must admit spending a fantasy dalliance, not with te fellows, but with the environment. The symplicity of a heart, a chest or coffer, hooks by the door and two shuttered windows caught my imagination. But better things are in store when Crispin is able to expose several synchronous crimes through Jack's investigation. I am thrilled.
June 25, 2020
London 1389. Jack Tucker was now 17 years old and this was his case as his mentor was accused of murdering his lady~of~one~night whom he was not able to resist as his defenses were at a low ebb for being jug sotted (2 jugs of ale in fact) at the Boar's Tusk, his favored ale house, where an unknown person gave him a bagful of coins to dispatch of a woman whose name and address was inside the pouch. With righteous indignation for being mistaken for an assassin, he unsteadily walked to her house and lurched drunkenly into some people on his way to warn her of her peril... though she already knew who was threatening her, but did not as yet tell Guest for both were otherwise occupied. In the morning he found her strangled but he did not raise the hue and cry for he wanted to investigate first. But it was not to be because there were witnesses who saw him enter the woman's dwelling... still, he was able to reason himself out of this one until he killed a man in self~defense whom he caught ransacking his lodgings. The dead man and his belligerently hostile brother were searching for the Tears of the Virgin, a relic that they claimed was in their family for centuries. They believed the woman Guest visited the night before gave it to him. That was when the Sheriffs arrested Guest and now it was all up to Jack Tucker. John Rykener was back and another endearing character introduced as a young and smart lawyer who would later on become both Trackers' landlord. Funny but I also thought that the empty poulterer's building would do as new lodgings for The Trackers as soon as the lawyer mentioned it. Another engrossing medieval mystery adventure despite the wobbly Timeline caused by some Contemporary Americanisms that would cease to matter as the reader gets deeply immersed in the story.
August 28, 2016
Originally published at Reading Reality
As the saying goes, “the past is another country, they do things differently there.” That saying seems especially true in A Maiden Weeping. In this case the past that is so different is just that, a case. A legal case. We tend to think of the law and the court system as being bound in tradition, and that its tradition has not changed in centuries.
As this historical mystery shows all too clearly, human nature may not have changed much in the past 600 plus years (or possibly the past 6,000 or even 60,000 years) but the court system certainly has. As American readers, we expect contemporary English courtrooms to operate slightly differently from our own, but not that much – they do spring from the same root.
What we see here is much, much closer to that root, and the operations of the court are very different from what we expect. Whether that is for better or for worse is certainly a matter for opinion and debate, but absolutely different.
Crispin Guest, who normally tracks down murderers and thieves, this time finds himself as the accused. And where he once was accused quite righteously of treason (read the first book in this series, Veil of Lies, for more of Crispin’s background) in this particular case Crispin is innocent of the crime.
But he is very, very definitely in the frame. The Sheriffs of London are tired of Crispin making them look like fools, and eagerly snatch the possibility of removing him from being a perpetual thorn in their sides. His guilt is in some doubt from the very beginning, and the small powers that be do their level best to get Crispin tried, convicted and executed before he has a chance to prove himself innocent.
So the expert ‘Tracker’ of London is forced to rely on others to discover the truth. Foremost among those others is his apprentice Jack Tucker, who will need every scrap of the knowledge he has gained from Crispin to discover who and what is at the bottom of this case, and the farrago of lies that surrounds it.
But Jack knows that he needs help. So he finds himself at Gray’s Inn, the first of four law courts of London, and not yet half a century old. The young lawyer that Jack engages is just barely out of his own apprenticeship, but Nigellus Cobmartin is eager and energetic in taking Crispin’s case, even as he prays that this case will have a better outcome than his last case. Which was also his first case. And he lost.
Nigellus best option is simply to delay, to give Jack time to investigate. But the more Jack digs, the more strange events he uncovers, and not all of them seem related to the mess that has Crispin behind bars. Two families are feuding over a priceless relic, with both Crispin and the murdered woman caught in the middle. But there is also a serial killer on the loose, murdering women just like the original victim. Is this all about the relic? Is it a case of a fetish gone wrong? Or is there a third possibility, yeet to be revealed?
And can Jack figure it out in time?
Escape Rating A-: I read the first three books in this series several years ago, swallowing them whole while on a cruise, and being absolutely enthralled. But like many other series, I lost track of Crispin Guest in the “so many books, so little time” conundrum. I’m looking forward to the chance to catch up.
It takes a bit to set the stage for this one. At the beginning, Crispin isn’t doing well, and makes a series of rather foolish mistakes that land him in this pickle. One gets the feeling that he should have known better, but at the time, he was, well, pickled. He needs to take himself in hand, and it is not a pretty sight.
At the beginning, Jack is lost and scared, and so he should be. His first case requires him to save Crispin’s life, as Crispin saved his. Jack grows up, as he needs to. He fumbles more than a bit before he finds his way.
The court system operated very differently in the late 14th century than it does now. Even if you don’t normally read the “Foreward” to a book, in this case it provides an essential bit of stage-setting for how justice functioned at this time. It’s different and fascinating and all the things that we are used to seeing in a courtroom are either completely turned on their heads or, like the use of lawyers, just barely in their infancy.
Part of the frustration at the beginning is that it is obvious to the reader that Crispin is being framed, and equally obvious that the officials that we believe should be finding the real criminal are using this mess as a convenient way of getting rid of Crispin, and that they are all in on it. It offends our 21st century sense of justice. This feels correct for the period, but it makes for hard reading.
But once the stage is set, the story really gets going. Jack is on the run every second, trying to do what he believes Crispin would do, meanwhile learning as he goes. The roadblocks deliberately strewn in his way are many and dangerous.
Crispin is a character at a crossroads. He spends much of the book contemplating his life from a cold prison cell, a sneaky feline his only company. He is forced to think about how his life has come to this particular pass, and both what he needs to do, and what he needs to accept, if he is to have a life after this point. In a way, he too grows up and changes, in spite of being well into his 30s. The man who emerges is different from the one who began.
And that makes him an interesting character to follow.
As the saying goes, “the past is another country, they do things differently there.” That saying seems especially true in A Maiden Weeping. In this case the past that is so different is just that, a case. A legal case. We tend to think of the law and the court system as being bound in tradition, and that its tradition has not changed in centuries.
As this historical mystery shows all too clearly, human nature may not have changed much in the past 600 plus years (or possibly the past 6,000 or even 60,000 years) but the court system certainly has. As American readers, we expect contemporary English courtrooms to operate slightly differently from our own, but not that much – they do spring from the same root.
What we see here is much, much closer to that root, and the operations of the court are very different from what we expect. Whether that is for better or for worse is certainly a matter for opinion and debate, but absolutely different.
Crispin Guest, who normally tracks down murderers and thieves, this time finds himself as the accused. And where he once was accused quite righteously of treason (read the first book in this series, Veil of Lies, for more of Crispin’s background) in this particular case Crispin is innocent of the crime.
But he is very, very definitely in the frame. The Sheriffs of London are tired of Crispin making them look like fools, and eagerly snatch the possibility of removing him from being a perpetual thorn in their sides. His guilt is in some doubt from the very beginning, and the small powers that be do their level best to get Crispin tried, convicted and executed before he has a chance to prove himself innocent.
So the expert ‘Tracker’ of London is forced to rely on others to discover the truth. Foremost among those others is his apprentice Jack Tucker, who will need every scrap of the knowledge he has gained from Crispin to discover who and what is at the bottom of this case, and the farrago of lies that surrounds it.
But Jack knows that he needs help. So he finds himself at Gray’s Inn, the first of four law courts of London, and not yet half a century old. The young lawyer that Jack engages is just barely out of his own apprenticeship, but Nigellus Cobmartin is eager and energetic in taking Crispin’s case, even as he prays that this case will have a better outcome than his last case. Which was also his first case. And he lost.
Nigellus best option is simply to delay, to give Jack time to investigate. But the more Jack digs, the more strange events he uncovers, and not all of them seem related to the mess that has Crispin behind bars. Two families are feuding over a priceless relic, with both Crispin and the murdered woman caught in the middle. But there is also a serial killer on the loose, murdering women just like the original victim. Is this all about the relic? Is it a case of a fetish gone wrong? Or is there a third possibility, yeet to be revealed?
And can Jack figure it out in time?
Escape Rating A-: I read the first three books in this series several years ago, swallowing them whole while on a cruise, and being absolutely enthralled. But like many other series, I lost track of Crispin Guest in the “so many books, so little time” conundrum. I’m looking forward to the chance to catch up.
It takes a bit to set the stage for this one. At the beginning, Crispin isn’t doing well, and makes a series of rather foolish mistakes that land him in this pickle. One gets the feeling that he should have known better, but at the time, he was, well, pickled. He needs to take himself in hand, and it is not a pretty sight.
At the beginning, Jack is lost and scared, and so he should be. His first case requires him to save Crispin’s life, as Crispin saved his. Jack grows up, as he needs to. He fumbles more than a bit before he finds his way.
The court system operated very differently in the late 14th century than it does now. Even if you don’t normally read the “Foreward” to a book, in this case it provides an essential bit of stage-setting for how justice functioned at this time. It’s different and fascinating and all the things that we are used to seeing in a courtroom are either completely turned on their heads or, like the use of lawyers, just barely in their infancy.
Part of the frustration at the beginning is that it is obvious to the reader that Crispin is being framed, and equally obvious that the officials that we believe should be finding the real criminal are using this mess as a convenient way of getting rid of Crispin, and that they are all in on it. It offends our 21st century sense of justice. This feels correct for the period, but it makes for hard reading.
But once the stage is set, the story really gets going. Jack is on the run every second, trying to do what he believes Crispin would do, meanwhile learning as he goes. The roadblocks deliberately strewn in his way are many and dangerous.
Crispin is a character at a crossroads. He spends much of the book contemplating his life from a cold prison cell, a sneaky feline his only company. He is forced to think about how his life has come to this particular pass, and both what he needs to do, and what he needs to accept, if he is to have a life after this point. In a way, he too grows up and changes, in spite of being well into his 30s. The man who emerges is different from the one who began.
And that makes him an interesting character to follow.
March 9, 2018
I really looked forward to this book and was a little disappointed. i do not care much for the way Crispin has been driving himself to drink. Here it plays an important part, right from the beginning. He is in a bar, pretty drunk, and a man comes up to him, thinking he is someone else. He offers him money to kill a young maiden and gives Crispin the name and where she is living as well as a bag of silver. Crispin, even in his stupor, wants to prevent a murder and so starts this story. It is really about the coming of age of Jack, his apprentice tracker, who has to figure out who killed the maiden and framed Crispin.
Watching Jack grow and seeing his reasoning was interesting and fun. Maybe the next book will be better.
Watching Jack grow and seeing his reasoning was interesting and fun. Maybe the next book will be better.
June 15, 2021
I continue my enjoyable task of revisiting all of the Crispin Guest novels -- except for the last one that will not be published until 2022. I especially enjoyed this one because Jack has come into his own and drives much of the action. The relic in this one is a glass that contains the tears of the virgin Mary if you believe such a thing or even if you dont. We get to meet a new character -- a lawyer and see a bit of how trials worked in 14th Century England. This one is especially high recommended, even more so than some of the earlier novels in the series.
September 23, 2018
Crispin Guest is in trouble again. This time he's accused of murder and he's in for the 'trial for his life.' His apprentice Jack Tucker must interview suspects, track down missing persons, and figure out what's going on. Westerson introduces a few new characters including a lovely black and white kitty Guest names Gyp.
If you like medieval mysteries, you'll love this one, especially all the information about early trials, defense, and evidence.
On to # 10.
If you like medieval mysteries, you'll love this one, especially all the information about early trials, defense, and evidence.
On to # 10.
May 1, 2022
Our disgraced former knight, now a London 'tracker' or investigator, finds himself in need of clever clue catching. His apprentice, jack Tucker, must chase down witnesses and solve the murder of a woman. And what of the relic of 'The Virgin's Tears', which two sets of families are feuding over?
June 1, 2022
Poor Crispin, if it's not one thing, it's another. Once again I enjoyed this book and seeing how Jack and Crispin grow, mature and change over the years. In their relationship with themselves, each other and the new people that come into their lives.
December 30, 2022
Crispin stands trial for a murder he didn't commit while his apprentice Jack faces a race against time trying to identify the real killer before it's too late.
Another highly entertaining read. I expect we'll be seeing more of Nigellus in the future.
Another highly entertaining read. I expect we'll be seeing more of Nigellus in the future.
September 26, 2023
Jack continues to grow into a mature and decent young man. Meanwhile, Crispin's self pity and lack of maturity continues to cause him trouble. We meet three new characters in this story who could make the series more interesting - two people and a cat. John/Eleanor once again saves the day.
March 9, 2020
A Book of Changes
Lots of things happen to Crispin and Jack as they are caught up with another relic and the conspiracy surrounding it.
Lots of things happen to Crispin and Jack as they are caught up with another relic and the conspiracy surrounding it.
December 21, 2020
Excellent read
Wonderful romp with Crispin and Jack. Unexpected ending. Enjoyed the twists and turns. I highly recommend this book. Very enjoyable
Wonderful romp with Crispin and Jack. Unexpected ending. Enjoyed the twists and turns. I highly recommend this book. Very enjoyable
January 9, 2021
Another of the medieval Crispin Guest mysteries and this time Crispin is on trial for murder. How he and his apprentice Jack solve the crimes makes for an interesting tale.
May 11, 2025
This was the best one in the series so far, I think! I devoured it. I love that we get to see more of Jack in this one and Elenor - two of my favorites! Definitely worth the read :)
December 10, 2016
I've not consistently followed this series, as I was not entirely keen on the first two books. I believe I enjoyed the later ones a little more. It was interesting to read about the legal procedures and customs in this one, which also has a useful glossary explaining some of the technical terms.
There also seemed to be a stronger 'sense of place' in this than some of the other stories, giving the reader some sense of what 14th London and its people might have been like. Not all filth and rats, and many movies and novels depict most places in the Medieval world.
I did enjoy this mystery, and seeing Jack come into his own once again (witht he possibility of a love interest for him), but I do feel that certain elements are getting too drawn out- like the unwillingness to give Crispin any kind of permanent Romantic attachment, or any real measure of sucesss. A Mrs Guest is long overdue, and would be nice.
Also, the injustices done to Crispin are starting to wear a bit thin. You would think certain parties would have got the message and would stop antagonizing each other by now, but apparently not.
Also, I did not think it was necessary to include John Rykener- again. His presence is starting to feel a little tokenistic. Like he's the gay man thrown in just to look 'inclusive' and 'modern'. The other curious detail was Crispin mentioning that he 'shrives himself' often. I thought Medieval Catholics believed you could only be shriven by a priest- and Crispin almost never goes to Confession that I can remember. This statement seemed rather inconsistent.
I requested this book from Netgalley for review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
There also seemed to be a stronger 'sense of place' in this than some of the other stories, giving the reader some sense of what 14th London and its people might have been like. Not all filth and rats, and many movies and novels depict most places in the Medieval world.
I did enjoy this mystery, and seeing Jack come into his own once again (witht he possibility of a love interest for him), but I do feel that certain elements are getting too drawn out- like the unwillingness to give Crispin any kind of permanent Romantic attachment, or any real measure of sucesss. A Mrs Guest is long overdue, and would be nice.
Also, the injustices done to Crispin are starting to wear a bit thin. You would think certain parties would have got the message and would stop antagonizing each other by now, but apparently not.
Also, I did not think it was necessary to include John Rykener- again. His presence is starting to feel a little tokenistic. Like he's the gay man thrown in just to look 'inclusive' and 'modern'. The other curious detail was Crispin mentioning that he 'shrives himself' often. I thought Medieval Catholics believed you could only be shriven by a priest- and Crispin almost never goes to Confession that I can remember. This statement seemed rather inconsistent.
I requested this book from Netgalley for review. I was not required to write a positive one and all opinions expressed are my own.
August 14, 2016
I have loved the Crispin Guest novels since the first book. He's a very engaging yet flawed character, a disgraced knight who earns his living as a Tracker in medieval London. Crispin is relatable, likeable and uses his skills to help others.
What I really love about these books is the depth of characterization and how it is constantly evolving. The Crispin in this book is much different from the Crispin we first meet. There is constant character growth. Jack Tucker, the apprentice continues to grow into his role as apprentice - taking on bigger responsibilities and challenges - especially with Crispin on trial for murder. Jeri Westerson never just writes a character and leaves them as a static character - we see growth and changes in all of the characters, even the background ones.
The pacing and the plot are always on point and are perfectly woven into the setting and the time frame. I really enjoyed the courtroom aspect of this book, as it was a fascinating glance into a time frame that I knew so little about. The twists in the book are great, and none that I saw coming.
Ever element works in the book and the author's writing style is so engaging that you don't want to put the book down. This is a great mystery, where history has been woven skillfully into the book.
What I really love about these books is the depth of characterization and how it is constantly evolving. The Crispin in this book is much different from the Crispin we first meet. There is constant character growth. Jack Tucker, the apprentice continues to grow into his role as apprentice - taking on bigger responsibilities and challenges - especially with Crispin on trial for murder. Jeri Westerson never just writes a character and leaves them as a static character - we see growth and changes in all of the characters, even the background ones.
The pacing and the plot are always on point and are perfectly woven into the setting and the time frame. I really enjoyed the courtroom aspect of this book, as it was a fascinating glance into a time frame that I knew so little about. The twists in the book are great, and none that I saw coming.
Ever element works in the book and the author's writing style is so engaging that you don't want to put the book down. This is a great mystery, where history has been woven skillfully into the book.
July 9, 2016
This Crispin Guest mystery, A Maiden Weeping by Jeri Westerson, is mostly about Crispin's apprentice, Jack Tucker. Jack, who always introduces himself as the Tracker's apprentice in this book. He has to find the true killer to prevent Crispin from being found guilty of the murder with which he is charged. The tale begins on Wednesday, 14 October 1389. On Saturday, 17 October 1389, Crispin is already on trial. Things definitely did not move this quickly in 1389. They do not move this quickly in today's society so Jack has to work fast to discover the real murderer so Crispin's life does not become forfeit. Jack has been a good student of Crispin's and he uses some of The Tracker's methods. Also, Jack has grown quite a bit since he met Crispin six years ago. He is almost a man, but no matter how old he is, he has to be able to find a way to free "his master". Jack does well, and the author makes the readers feel as though they personally know Jack. Thus, I found myself truly rooting for Jack in this ninth mystery involving the Tracker and his apprentice. Now for #10, Season of Blood.
October 5, 2016
This is the most recent in the Crispen Guest series. The stories are set in 17th century London and feature Master Guest as a Tracker with his trusty sidekick Jack. The Tracker of the day is equivalent to our private detective. The stories usually revolve around a sacred Christian relic.
In this one he is accused of stealing a vial allegedly containing the Blessed Virgin's tears. There is murder, betrayal, a little love interest and lots of false clues but 0verall it is an easy and fun book.
In this one he is accused of stealing a vial allegedly containing the Blessed Virgin's tears. There is murder, betrayal, a little love interest and lots of false clues but 0verall it is an easy and fun book.
October 6, 2016
This series only gets better with each book, and this one was hard to put down. In the previous book, Crispin had to solve a mystery to save Jack; this time Jack has to investigate because Crispin has been jailed. In addition to an excellent mystery, firmly set in the late fourteenth century, the author has provided a foreword explaining how a trial took place then — very different from today! And she also includes a glossary of words no longer in use. Highly recommended.
November 25, 2016
I love seeing Jack's development, and watching him put the lessons learned from Crispin's tutelage to good use. The reappearance of John is enjoyable, too. However, it's been 9 books - can't Crispin by now be a little less prideful and a little more accepting of his friends, their love for him, and his new life? Does he really need to continue being surprised that people like him?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews