What do you think?
Rate this book
Medieval Mystery #13
The Proud Sinner
In the winter of 1282, snow and ice ravage East Anglia while Prioress Eleanor awaits the decision of her young maid, Gracia, found starving on the streets some years ago, whether to take vows or to leave Tyndal Priory to make her way in the world.
But a far greater problem arrives at the priory gate. Seven abbots are riding to meet a papal legate in Norfolk. This is not a pilgrimage-each abbot hopes to make a case for being raised to a bishopric at the next vacancy. One abbot grows so ill the party has detoured to Tyndal. And despite the limited care Sister Anne can offer, Abbot Ilbert dies a horrible death, cause unknown. As his fellows prepare to resume their journey the next day, Abbot Tristram doubles over in great distress. By now the heavy snows have choked all the roads and the priory and village are marooned. Tristram dies. And then another abbot sickens while Sister Anne struggles to determine what killed these men-which question soon becomes not just what, but who did it?
One suspect is the gluttonous Odo, the ambitious Abbot of Caldwell and younger brother of Crowner Ralf. Since everyone despises Odo, is he simply a red herring? Prioress Eleanor is determined to stop the carnage that has shattered the tranquility in her priory while the Crowner must enforce the king's justice. Brother Thomas and Sister Anne form part of the investigation which plumbs the priory's kitchens and management as well as its medical facilities.
The Proud Sinner, 13th in the Medieval Mysteries by Priscilla Royal, illustrates medieval matters medical and culinary as well as vocations for the religious life in a framework that crosses Chaucer's Canterbury Tales with Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None.
But a far greater problem arrives at the priory gate. Seven abbots are riding to meet a papal legate in Norfolk. This is not a pilgrimage-each abbot hopes to make a case for being raised to a bishopric at the next vacancy. One abbot grows so ill the party has detoured to Tyndal. And despite the limited care Sister Anne can offer, Abbot Ilbert dies a horrible death, cause unknown. As his fellows prepare to resume their journey the next day, Abbot Tristram doubles over in great distress. By now the heavy snows have choked all the roads and the priory and village are marooned. Tristram dies. And then another abbot sickens while Sister Anne struggles to determine what killed these men-which question soon becomes not just what, but who did it?
One suspect is the gluttonous Odo, the ambitious Abbot of Caldwell and younger brother of Crowner Ralf. Since everyone despises Odo, is he simply a red herring? Prioress Eleanor is determined to stop the carnage that has shattered the tranquility in her priory while the Crowner must enforce the king's justice. Brother Thomas and Sister Anne form part of the investigation which plumbs the priory's kitchens and management as well as its medical facilities.
The Proud Sinner, 13th in the Medieval Mysteries by Priscilla Royal, illustrates medieval matters medical and culinary as well as vocations for the religious life in a framework that crosses Chaucer's Canterbury Tales with Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None.
224 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2017
About the author
Priscilla Royal
24 books125 followersPriscilla has a degree in world literature from San Francisco State University, where she discovered the beauty of medieval literature. She is a theater fan as well as reader of history, mysteries, and fiction of lesser violence. She lives in Northern California and belongs to the California Writers Club and Sisters in Crime.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Read
January 29, 2025 Long Awaited!
It seems forever since Book 12, but I do acknowledge that the author has her life to live and can't produce books solely because I want them!
I am a real fan of this series of mediaeval mysteries and have read the entire series three times. I never tire of them, although I have to admit that on the third reading I was actively looking for something that I was certain was in the hard cover edition I first read. (I didn't find it in my two Kindle re-reads).
This story is set three years after the last book and Prioress Eleanor is told that seven abbots have arrived at the Priory, and that one of them is ill. The sick abbot dies shortly after arriving in the Priory's hospital and Sister Anne, the sub-infirmarian, is not quite sure what caused his death.
The following day as the abbots prepare to resume their journey, another abbot is taken ill. After talking it over the remaining five abbots decide in favour of continuing their journey to Norwich, only to have that plan foiled by the arrival of Crowner Ralph, brother of one of the abbots. He brings the unwelcome news that the road to Norwich is impassable. With no alternative, Prioress Eleanor quickly offers the hospitality of the new guest quarters for a longer stay. It is fair to say that neither the abbots nor the Priory are happy with this arrangement.
Very soon Sister Anne, Brother Thomas, Prioress Eleanor and Crowner Ralph realise they are dealing with a coldblooded murderer. Ralph's brother, Abbot Odo, a corpulent abbot becomes very ill, and inquiries by Ralph and Brother Thomas take on an urgency. Brother Thomas undertakes informal inquiries and Crowner Ralph, formal ones. Sisters Anne and Olivia study herbals, and Prioress Eleanor seeks solitude to think her way logically through the sequence of events.As the story continues the reader discovers that some of the abbots have secrets, and that for many of them Earthly rewards are more important than heavenly ones. Could either of these failings provide clues about the murderer?
This is a well-written and crafted story that holds the reader's interest with the author's gift of pacing the story so that it flows without dragging, but also without rushing to a conclusion. This author has a unique turn of phrase, uses the English language beautifully and with a skill not many authors are gifted with. Dialogue and settings are authentic, and the research into the period shows great attention to detail.
I recommend reading the books in order, but each could be read as a stand-alone novel. Because I have read this series (thrice) and also several other mediaeval series I am familiar with the terminology and the customs of the time, whatever we may think of some of them now!
It seems forever since Book 12, but I do acknowledge that the author has her life to live and can't produce books solely because I want them!
I am a real fan of this series of mediaeval mysteries and have read the entire series three times. I never tire of them, although I have to admit that on the third reading I was actively looking for something that I was certain was in the hard cover edition I first read. (I didn't find it in my two Kindle re-reads).
This story is set three years after the last book and Prioress Eleanor is told that seven abbots have arrived at the Priory, and that one of them is ill. The sick abbot dies shortly after arriving in the Priory's hospital and Sister Anne, the sub-infirmarian, is not quite sure what caused his death.
The following day as the abbots prepare to resume their journey, another abbot is taken ill. After talking it over the remaining five abbots decide in favour of continuing their journey to Norwich, only to have that plan foiled by the arrival of Crowner Ralph, brother of one of the abbots. He brings the unwelcome news that the road to Norwich is impassable. With no alternative, Prioress Eleanor quickly offers the hospitality of the new guest quarters for a longer stay. It is fair to say that neither the abbots nor the Priory are happy with this arrangement.
Very soon Sister Anne, Brother Thomas, Prioress Eleanor and Crowner Ralph realise they are dealing with a coldblooded murderer. Ralph's brother, Abbot Odo, a corpulent abbot becomes very ill, and inquiries by Ralph and Brother Thomas take on an urgency. Brother Thomas undertakes informal inquiries and Crowner Ralph, formal ones. Sisters Anne and Olivia study herbals, and Prioress Eleanor seeks solitude to think her way logically through the sequence of events.As the story continues the reader discovers that some of the abbots have secrets, and that for many of them Earthly rewards are more important than heavenly ones. Could either of these failings provide clues about the murderer?
This is a well-written and crafted story that holds the reader's interest with the author's gift of pacing the story so that it flows without dragging, but also without rushing to a conclusion. This author has a unique turn of phrase, uses the English language beautifully and with a skill not many authors are gifted with. Dialogue and settings are authentic, and the research into the period shows great attention to detail.
I recommend reading the books in order, but each could be read as a stand-alone novel. Because I have read this series (thrice) and also several other mediaeval series I am familiar with the terminology and the customs of the time, whatever we may think of some of them now!
March 6, 2017
Another enjoyable outing with Prioress Eleanor of Tyndall Priory. This is one of my favorite historical mystery series; there have been a few less-than-stellar books along the way, but I feel Royal has really hit her stride with the last several books.
Pacing and making the recurring characters seem human and multi-dimensional had been a problem for me in some of her earlier books; but here, Eleanor and Brother Thomas are dealing with personal pain and hardship as well as helping Crowner Ralf find a vicious killer preying on a group of abbots forced to take shelter from winter weather at Tyndal. Eleanor is afraid she will lose her beloved servant Gracia to the outside world now that she is older and has recovered from the brutal treatment she endured as a homeless orphan, and Thomas is still mourning the loss of Master Durant, a wine merchant he met and fell in love with while on pilgrimage in a previous mystery. But here, both characters must put aside their personal heartaches and concerns to find a relentless killer stalking the Priory before all seven abbots are dead...
Royal is masterful at creating nasty, pompous and hypocritical bad guys, and she outdid herself with these seven self-centered, power-hungry abbots! Royal's villains are almost always in positions of power and wealth, which they abuse abominably to get their way, even committing murder. Needless to say, given the historical setting of the series (medieval England), Eleanor and her nuns faces what, to many modern readers, is appalling sexism and prejudice from some of her male fellow religious; the abbots are openly contemptuous of a mere woman purporting to lead and direct monks along with nuns, as occurred in Eleanor's religious order. In a couple of scenes Eleanor and Sister Anne, sub-infirmarian at Tyndal, are called whores by one or other of the abbots and have to bow their heads (literally) and take it! I've gotten used to it as typical of the time and place, but also a good reminder of what women have had to endure throughout the ages.
An evil killer picks off the abbots one by one, and even though it's hard to be upset given what pigs they are, as a fan of the series I felt for beloved characters being faced with such a dire situation through no fault of their own! As always, Eleanor, Thomas, and their fellow religious acquit themselves with faith, compassion, patience and intelligence and discover the killer in their midst. Another enjoyable entry in a series that gets better and better.
Pacing and making the recurring characters seem human and multi-dimensional had been a problem for me in some of her earlier books; but here, Eleanor and Brother Thomas are dealing with personal pain and hardship as well as helping Crowner Ralf find a vicious killer preying on a group of abbots forced to take shelter from winter weather at Tyndal. Eleanor is afraid she will lose her beloved servant Gracia to the outside world now that she is older and has recovered from the brutal treatment she endured as a homeless orphan, and Thomas is still mourning the loss of Master Durant, a wine merchant he met and fell in love with while on pilgrimage in a previous mystery. But here, both characters must put aside their personal heartaches and concerns to find a relentless killer stalking the Priory before all seven abbots are dead...
Royal is masterful at creating nasty, pompous and hypocritical bad guys, and she outdid herself with these seven self-centered, power-hungry abbots! Royal's villains are almost always in positions of power and wealth, which they abuse abominably to get their way, even committing murder. Needless to say, given the historical setting of the series (medieval England), Eleanor and her nuns faces what, to many modern readers, is appalling sexism and prejudice from some of her male fellow religious; the abbots are openly contemptuous of a mere woman purporting to lead and direct monks along with nuns, as occurred in Eleanor's religious order. In a couple of scenes Eleanor and Sister Anne, sub-infirmarian at Tyndal, are called whores by one or other of the abbots and have to bow their heads (literally) and take it! I've gotten used to it as typical of the time and place, but also a good reminder of what women have had to endure throughout the ages.
An evil killer picks off the abbots one by one, and even though it's hard to be upset given what pigs they are, as a fan of the series I felt for beloved characters being faced with such a dire situation through no fault of their own! As always, Eleanor, Thomas, and their fellow religious acquit themselves with faith, compassion, patience and intelligence and discover the killer in their midst. Another enjoyable entry in a series that gets better and better.
April 19, 2017
This series is just wonderful. The characters, the writing, the red herrings. I rarely ever figure out whodunit until Priscilla Royal tells me. Also, the notes at the end on the history at the time is well worth the read. There are always fascinating tidbits for any medieval maven!
February 7, 2017
Could not put it down. Started it at 11pm and finished just before 3am. The plot twists kept me hanging and the best bit is the ending. No spoilers but trust me, you will love it. Next one please.
March 16, 2017
A bitter winter indeed, that of 1282 East Anglia where Tyndal Priory is about to receive a number of grumbling, and ill-fated abbots seeking medical attention for one of their group. The infirmary at the Priory is known as a place of healing, and they try to save the first to die while attempting to gather information as to what the dying man had eaten or when his symptoms first appeared. In answer Anne is told "Abbot Ilbert often proclaims he looks only to God for comfort and advice. Mortals might lead him to sin rather than salvation. His faith is his only companion, and his confidences are solely for God." "Loyally spoken, she thought, but most unhelpful." The investigation begins as more abbots suffer similar deaths.
This thirteenth book of a series remains authentic, true in historic detail of life in the Middle Ages. I enjoyed handling the Poisoned Pen Press hardback edition with its pleasing font and manageable size. The majority of Royal's books I have read in kindle format. She shares her research gems as "Author's Notes" at end of book, and I do appreciate that added information.
This is not my favorite Medieval Mystery series, but this is a satisfying read for someone who has read all the books in the series. I do not recommend as a one off.
This thirteenth book of a series remains authentic, true in historic detail of life in the Middle Ages. I enjoyed handling the Poisoned Pen Press hardback edition with its pleasing font and manageable size. The majority of Royal's books I have read in kindle format. She shares her research gems as "Author's Notes" at end of book, and I do appreciate that added information.
This is not my favorite Medieval Mystery series, but this is a satisfying read for someone who has read all the books in the series. I do not recommend as a one off.
May 22, 2017
Given that the priory and its neighborhood is locked in heavy snow, and the priory is a cloistered entity, this mystery resembles the "locked room" type of mystery. I've read several of the earlier ones, and then skipped over the sequences but may go back to read them. This book is 214 pages, hardly enough to develop the new characters. The seven priors who are the focus of the murders basically embody the Seven Deadly Sins; the other characters are the ones that appear in each volume so no need to develop them as that has been done in volumes 1 and following. So the focus is on the plot.
Which is entertaining enough but once past the first two murders it becomes clear who is behind them, so what has to be unravelled by the reader is the how. The main characters, of course, do not have the aid of the title as the main clue.
OK-light read, perhaps better in January in South Dakota than in sunny May?
Which is entertaining enough but once past the first two murders it becomes clear who is behind them, so what has to be unravelled by the reader is the how. The main characters, of course, do not have the aid of the title as the main clue.
OK-light read, perhaps better in January in South Dakota than in sunny May?
May 18, 2017
I enjoyed this book very much, in fact I think it is the best yet. Set three year on since the previous book, the characters have had time to grow psychologically and spirituality.
The story is at a good pace and Gracia decision process kept me intrigued.
However the title of the book gave the culprit away after he was described early on which bugged me.
Also I do wish the author would spend more time being every together at the end. Rather than just rushing through. I'd have liked to hear from 'the King's man' what his decision process was. Rather than a two sentence comment.
Nevertheless, a great series- looking forward to the next one.
The story is at a good pace and Gracia decision process kept me intrigued.
However the title of the book gave the culprit away after he was described early on which bugged me.
Also I do wish the author would spend more time being every together at the end. Rather than just rushing through. I'd have liked to hear from 'the King's man' what his decision process was. Rather than a two sentence comment.
Nevertheless, a great series- looking forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2018
One of many medieval mysteries, which apparently there are more than just a handful. Liked the story, characters. A group of Abbots on their way to Rome make an emergency stop with Prioress Eleanor at Tyndal Priory. One in their party is deathly ill & later dies of his illness. Too soon, another abbot is poisoned. Eleanor must find out if there is a killer in their midst. The story line runs smoothly & good crime solving! I would like to read more of Priscilla Royal's books.
February 11, 2025
Fast-paced convoluted mystery set during winter at the priory, when a group of abbots arrive because one is ill. As they arrive, sickness and death soon follow for one abbott after another. Good thing they are staying in the new visitors dormitory with its own kitchen.
Prioress Eleanor is frustrated as is Crowner Ralf as they seek to figure out who wants to become a bishop bad enough to kill off their companions.
Prioress Eleanor is frustrated as is Crowner Ralf as they seek to figure out who wants to become a bishop bad enough to kill off their companions.
October 15, 2017
The abbey has to put up some Abbots travelling to meet the papal legate, due to the ill health experienced on the road. When deaths happen, Sister Eleanor and Brother Thomas are led a merry chase as they try to find the murderer. Finally at the end they solve the case. I really enjoy reading Priscilla Royal's books, and look forward to number 14.
February 14, 2018
Love this series and I found this one to be very well written, though I did guess at the killer about half-way through. Royal writes wonderful thoughtful characters who are complex and appropriate to their times and situation. I really care about the occupants of Tyndale Priory and look forward to each new story from this series.
October 1, 2024
Sinner
Seven Abbots arrive at Tyndale. Each one has issues and sins. They seem to represent the Seven Deadly Sins. One is already ill and soon dies. Several others die. Who is murdering the Abbots? Can the killer be dropped before all of them die? Eleanor and Thomas have a lot of hard work to do to catch the killer. Great story. I have enjoyed this series.
Seven Abbots arrive at Tyndale. Each one has issues and sins. They seem to represent the Seven Deadly Sins. One is already ill and soon dies. Several others die. Who is murdering the Abbots? Can the killer be dropped before all of them die? Eleanor and Thomas have a lot of hard work to do to catch the killer. Great story. I have enjoyed this series.
November 22, 2017
I've always enjoyed the series and this is the 13th entry. Our old friends are joined by some new ones. If there was any problem with this particular title it has to be that it seems talkier than past entries. The basic premise was good though and it held one's interest.
May 4, 2022
Another excellent offering by Priscilla Royal!
I thought that the atmosphere of the horrible Winter was well chosen. The plot was well wrought and did keep me guessing right up to the solution!
I thought that the atmosphere of the horrible Winter was well chosen. The plot was well wrought and did keep me guessing right up to the solution!
February 24, 2026
Excellent
I have listened to this entire series on audible but this and one more was only in book form. I had to read because I have enjoyed this series so much. It never disappoints!
I have listened to this entire series on audible but this and one more was only in book form. I had to read because I have enjoyed this series so much. It never disappoints!
March 9, 2017
Quick, light read.
January 3, 2018
I enjoyed this. However, while I realize that the attitudes of the time are presented, those attitudes made me cringe. I would have preferred to have known the ultimate punishment of the killer.
May 28, 2018
Another good medieval mystery. I loved all food references
August 27, 2018
Seven scheming abbots competing for a position as bishop end up snowed in at Tyndall priory - and deaths ensue. An excellent ( 13th) entry in Priscilla Royal’s “Medieval Mysteries” series.
October 21, 2018
A little boring
June 30, 2019
I appreciate the notes at the end of the book that illuminate various facets of history. A very nice addition.
July 29, 2024
Well plotted and engaging.
August 28, 2025
Sins. Arrogance.Righteousness in whose eyes? Isolation.
January 21, 2026
Great series.
January 20, 2025
1282 Seven abbots are travelling to Norwich to meet a special papal envoy but because of the weather they most stay at Tyndal Priory. On arrival the first one dies.
An entertaining historical mystery
An entertaining historical mystery
February 28, 2017
A medieval mystery murder/s set in an abbey. The age old reason - the struggle for power and supremacy. Was there then, is still here now!
The setting was beautiful and descriptive. The workings of the abbey fascinated me and how women of the time tried to manage their lives in the restricted sphere they were allocated to. How men tried to control women, their possessions and their power for their own greed.
Very well told.
The setting was beautiful and descriptive. The workings of the abbey fascinated me and how women of the time tried to manage their lives in the restricted sphere they were allocated to. How men tried to control women, their possessions and their power for their own greed.
Very well told.
February 16, 2017
The Prioress Eleanor Books
I enjoy this series very much,but this one was a little thin around the edges. The characters were as engaging as ever, but the plot was thin enough that I had no trouble picking the murderer right away ( no spoilers). Still, I enjoyed reading this one.
I enjoy this series very much,but this one was a little thin around the edges. The characters were as engaging as ever, but the plot was thin enough that I had no trouble picking the murderer right away ( no spoilers). Still, I enjoyed reading this one.
August 13, 2019
You know how good she is
If you have reached this point in the series you know what to expect. Our friends are all back with an intriguing mystery to unravel. Every bit as good as the rest of the series.
If you have reached this point in the series you know what to expect. Our friends are all back with an intriguing mystery to unravel. Every bit as good as the rest of the series.
April 7, 2017
I picked this book up at the library (#13 in the series) when I wanted a historical mystery and got about halfway through when I decided I needed to go back to the first one in the series, because there were so many characters with backstories. Reading #1 did clear up many of my questions, and it was interesting meeting the characters at the beginning. In this story, several abbots stop at the priory on their way to meet a papal representative, each one hoping to be chosen for a bishopric. Each one is unpleasant in his own different way. One has died on the way, a second dies not long after arriving and more deaths ensue. This series is unusual in that both nuns and monks live and work in the same establishment, and the person in charge is the prioress, and not the prior.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews