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The Sorrowful Mysteries of Brother Athelstan #5
By Murder's Bright Light
Pendant l'hiver 1379, l'Angleterre doit affronter une multitudes de troubles. Des pirates français attaquent la côte sud et menacent Londres. Sir John Cranston, le corpulent coroner de la ville, grand amateur de vin, a, lui aussi, des problèmes. Il doit non seulement juger des accusations en sorcellerie mais aussi tenter de résoudre les crimes d'un habile félon. Le clerc de Cranston, le moine dominicain Athelstan, prépare la représentation d'un Mystère et essaie de départager ses ouailles qui revendiquent toutes le rôle de Dieu le Père... Le pire reste pourtant à venir quand trois hommes disparaissent en pleine nuit, sans laisser la moindre trace.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1994
146 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Paul Harding
30 books19 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
A pseudonym used by Paul Doherty.
Book 1-7 of The Sorrowful Mysteries of Brother Athelstan were originally written under pseudonym Paul Harding. Since 1998, starting with book 8, The Sorrowful Mysteries of Brother Athelstan were published under his own name Paul Doherty.
A pseudonym used by Paul Doherty.
Book 1-7 of The Sorrowful Mysteries of Brother Athelstan were originally written under pseudonym Paul Harding. Since 1998, starting with book 8, The Sorrowful Mysteries of Brother Athelstan were published under his own name Paul Doherty.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 11, 2025
**Read 4.5 STARS!**
This exciting historical mystery is the 5th volume, originally from 1994, of the wonderful "Brother Athelstan" series.
Storytelling is excellent, all characters, real historical (like Sir John "Jack" Cranston) and fictional, come vividly to life in this tale about treason, scandal and murder.
This story is set in Winter of 1379, during the reign of the young King Richard II, when the Captain of the warship "God's Bright Light", William Roffel, is found dead on board due to poison, and his body brought home by 1st mate Bracklebury.
After the death of the Captain a skeleton crew is put on board to keep watch, but this same crew will mysteriously disappear and a treasure of silver is stolen from that ship, and so for Sir John Cranston and Brother Athelstan this case will be a hard nut to crack.
During their investigations, Brother Athelstan and Sir John Cranston will encounter various other mysterious deaths, the murdered body of a seaman will be located by one of the Fisher of Men, another body is fished out of the Thames and that body will belong to seaman Bracklebury, while Roffel's mistress, Bernicia, is also killed, all because of that treasure of silver.
What is to follow is an intriguing and very enjoyable historical murder mystery, a mystery with a great build-up and ending with a superbly executed plot, to make this book a very pleasant read from start to finish.
Very much recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this amazing series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Captivating Athelstan Smart Move"!
This exciting historical mystery is the 5th volume, originally from 1994, of the wonderful "Brother Athelstan" series.
Storytelling is excellent, all characters, real historical (like Sir John "Jack" Cranston) and fictional, come vividly to life in this tale about treason, scandal and murder.
This story is set in Winter of 1379, during the reign of the young King Richard II, when the Captain of the warship "God's Bright Light", William Roffel, is found dead on board due to poison, and his body brought home by 1st mate Bracklebury.
After the death of the Captain a skeleton crew is put on board to keep watch, but this same crew will mysteriously disappear and a treasure of silver is stolen from that ship, and so for Sir John Cranston and Brother Athelstan this case will be a hard nut to crack.
During their investigations, Brother Athelstan and Sir John Cranston will encounter various other mysterious deaths, the murdered body of a seaman will be located by one of the Fisher of Men, another body is fished out of the Thames and that body will belong to seaman Bracklebury, while Roffel's mistress, Bernicia, is also killed, all because of that treasure of silver.
What is to follow is an intriguing and very enjoyable historical murder mystery, a mystery with a great build-up and ending with a superbly executed plot, to make this book a very pleasant read from start to finish.
Very much recommended, for this is another excellent addition to this amazing series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Captivating Athelstan Smart Move"!
August 5, 2021
Have some reading Paul Doherty
I tell you this Paul Doherty has a right fine mind. His murder mysteries of London have alot to give a reader. Not only do you have to figure out who done it.You get to laugh your ass off at all the curse words an people's names. Example. DEVIL BOLLOCKS, SATAN'S TITS,TASTY TITS, FAIRY S FUTLOCKS, TICKEL BRAIN, SHITTING SHIPS. Now how about the characters names. BLADDESNIFF, SELPOTS, FROGMORES, MERRY LEGS, SHAW DITCH.
Sir where do you come up with these names?? You sure do add some fun in your stories. Damn fine reading. Bring on the next!!!!?
I tell you this Paul Doherty has a right fine mind. His murder mysteries of London have alot to give a reader. Not only do you have to figure out who done it.You get to laugh your ass off at all the curse words an people's names. Example. DEVIL BOLLOCKS, SATAN'S TITS,TASTY TITS, FAIRY S FUTLOCKS, TICKEL BRAIN, SHITTING SHIPS. Now how about the characters names. BLADDESNIFF, SELPOTS, FROGMORES, MERRY LEGS, SHAW DITCH.
Sir where do you come up with these names?? You sure do add some fun in your stories. Damn fine reading. Bring on the next!!!!?
October 17, 2022
Murder, treason and parishioners are Brother Athelstan's problems in this outing.
Mysterious going ons aboard a war cog provide plenty to digest.
This 5th outing is set during the ongoing war between England and France with atrocities committed on both sides.
The enchanting thing about this series is that the streets of London leap off the page, in well researched writing.
For light entertainment there is also St Erconwald's parishioners, engaged in staging a mystery play.
We also see the firm grip the church (only one sort of religion in this age) has on the people and their minds at this time.
This was a quicker read for me.
Mysterious going ons aboard a war cog provide plenty to digest.
This 5th outing is set during the ongoing war between England and France with atrocities committed on both sides.
The enchanting thing about this series is that the streets of London leap off the page, in well researched writing.
For light entertainment there is also St Erconwald's parishioners, engaged in staging a mystery play.
We also see the firm grip the church (only one sort of religion in this age) has on the people and their minds at this time.
This was a quicker read for me.
September 4, 2011
I like the Brother Athelstan books because of the array of strange characters and their oftimes amazing names. Also, the village-like life of early Southwark, London, comes to life in these novels about a crime-fighting friar. Whoever started the trend for priests, monks, friars, nuns, etc. as crime solvers in old England has a lot to answer for, because there are a plethora of this genre of book available. Amazingly, they are mostly well written and very readable.
September 6, 2022
After reading a number of later Brother Athelstan books, I returned to the early books since there were a few I hadn’t read. This is one of the better, more unusual plots, where we meet Icthus, the strange companion of the Fisher of Souls, Lady Maude and the poppets, and the varied members of the Parish of St Erconwald. Doherty shows us that a crime like sexual abuse is not new, and neither are homosexuality, transvestism, and lesbianism, in fact, there’s nothing new under the sun. Since, in this story, the murder of the dastardly Captain Roffel and the disappearance of the First Mate and two crew members of the God’s Bright Light have nothing to do with John of Gaunt and his minions, the tensions of Sir John Cranston having to an end to Gaunt’s tune is absent. It made a nice change. Again Doherty paints elaborate pictures of London in the 14th century with the filth, the poverty, the grandiosity, and the religion layered in and around the characters so that while you are reading, you feel as though you’re walking with Athelstan, seeing what he sees, smelling what he smells, tasting the ales and food he and Cranston eat.
May 31, 2023
Another thoroughly enjoyable read in this excellent series. Cranston and Athelstan are again engaged in a complex multi crime investigation in London in the winter of 1379. Add to which French privateers are raiding the south coast of England and threatening London itself.
As ever, the author is very strong at describing London life at the time and paints a convincing picture of squalor and deprivation alongside wealth and riches.
Highly recommended series.
As ever, the author is very strong at describing London life at the time and paints a convincing picture of squalor and deprivation alongside wealth and riches.
Highly recommended series.
August 27, 2025
The likeable Brother Athelstan is not only struggling with the war of egos between Pike and Watkins but is soon caught up in murder and mystery on the Thames when a boat is found to be without its watch. A very intriguing twisty mystery unfolds, interupted by the frenchman, Eustace the Monk, sailing up the river to attack and plunder. We meet the mysterious Fisher of Men, whose purpose is to trawl the river for bodies and a young couple in love.
An enjoyable read with plenty of interest that goes at a fast pace. It deserves a four-star rating.
An enjoyable read with plenty of interest that goes at a fast pace. It deserves a four-star rating.
December 16, 2023
The main issue I have with this series is Cranston often comes off as a caricature to me. 🤷🏻♀️
He's the older, fat coroner with the yelling, lip smacking (for the claret or food), bellowing for more claret, drinking said claret (often from his wineskin), falling asleep randomly and waking up yelling, etc. It gets old sometimes. 😒I wish he was a bit more refined, like Athelstan.
That being said, I do enjoy the books and series. The peak into this small, Medieval world is interesting as are the mysteries.
I was confused though when Athelstan told Cranston about what I thought was confessed to him by someone under the seal of confession. That is a major no-no, I thought? Athelstan shouldn't have done that, if so. Though perhaps back then the seal of confession rule was more lax than it is nowadays? 🤔
He's the older, fat coroner with the yelling, lip smacking (for the claret or food), bellowing for more claret, drinking said claret (often from his wineskin), falling asleep randomly and waking up yelling, etc. It gets old sometimes. 😒I wish he was a bit more refined, like Athelstan.
That being said, I do enjoy the books and series. The peak into this small, Medieval world is interesting as are the mysteries.
I was confused though when Athelstan told Cranston about what I thought was confessed to him by someone under the seal of confession. That is a major no-no, I thought? Athelstan shouldn't have done that, if so. Though perhaps back then the seal of confession rule was more lax than it is nowadays? 🤔
January 17, 2025
Bright Light
A sailor returns his ship with a doxy and they find the ship deserted. Three crew members have vanished in the fog. A thief enters the homes of the wealthy and steals their valuables. He also kills a maid, but no sign of entry can be found. There are other murders too. A great mystery and culprits need to be captured. I enjoyed the book.
A sailor returns his ship with a doxy and they find the ship deserted. Three crew members have vanished in the fog. A thief enters the homes of the wealthy and steals their valuables. He also kills a maid, but no sign of entry can be found. There are other murders too. A great mystery and culprits need to be captured. I enjoyed the book.
January 12, 2024
Cranston a Veritable Hector!
Cranston loves to reminisce about his battlefield exploits in France fighting with the Black Prince, but in this story he proves it must have all been true. Great twists and turns and broad spectrum of characters.
Cranston loves to reminisce about his battlefield exploits in France fighting with the Black Prince, but in this story he proves it must have all been true. Great twists and turns and broad spectrum of characters.
May 30, 2024
Great story
Enjoyed the story. The protagonists
Are believable and human the story teller weaves a good tale . We think this time in history is different but I think much of the evil in the world is the same
Enjoyed the story. The protagonists
Are believable and human the story teller weaves a good tale . We think this time in history is different but I think much of the evil in the world is the same
November 21, 2023
Great characters Cranston and Brother Athelstan. Along with the supporting cast of the local parishioners.
April 9, 2025
an good murder mystery with plenty of twist and turns.
June 25, 2019
Nous avions Cartapus dans le film "Astérix : Mission Cléopâtre" et son célèbre "On m'voit, on m'voit plus" et bien ici, on a un cambrioleur qu'on n'voit jamais !
Pourtant, il passe et vous déleste de vos biens les plus précieux, malgré le fait que tout soit fermé chez vous. Vous avez beau être absent, votre personnel, lui, il est présent mais il n'entend rien et ne voit rien.
Un cambrioleur que l'on ne voit jamais ? Une sorte d'Arsène Lupin, sans le côté gentleman, puisqu'il tuera durant un de ses cambriolages ? L'ancêtre du bel Arsène ?
Puisque nous sommes dans les intrusions inexpliquées, nous avons aussi trois disparitions à la limite des frontières du réel et une mort suspecte, le tout assaisonné d'une forte dose de mystère, de pichet de clairet et de tourtes à la viande et aux oignons, sans compter quelques jurons, par les tétons du diable.
Oui, de temps en temps, j'apprécie d'aller enquêter aux côtés du duo improbable que forme le moine dominicain Athelstan et le coroner trapu Sir John Cranston, assoiffé perpétuel, possédant un appétit d'ogre et grande gueule, sans oublier un gros cul. Ce n'est pas moi qui le dit, ce sont les autres dans le livre !
Le Londres médiéval n'est pas le Victorien mais il me plait tout autant, faut juste faire gaffe à pas se prendre le contenu d'un pot de chambre sur la gueule et éviter tous les détritus qui jonchent la chaussée. La propreté, ce n'était pas leur point fort, en ces temps-là.
Le duo marche du tonnerre car en associant un homme d'Église à un homme de loi à l'opposé de son compagnon, l'auteur a réussi à rendre le tout captivant et drôle, sans pour autant virer à la grosse farce. C'est vieux comme le monde, les duos improbables que tout oppose, ça marche toujours, surtout s'ils sont attachants, comme ici.
L'enquête avance à son rythme, mais vu les 3 enquêtes à résoudre, nos deux amis ne vont pas s'embêter, même si Cranston passe plus de temps à boire, roupiller, ripailler et conter ses exploits (en les embellissant, il va sans dire) tandis que notre moine doit faire en sorte de garder l'église au milieu du village et que ses ouailles ne l'aident pas vraiment.
Ça se lit tout seul, facilement, assez rapidement, un sourire venant égayer ces turpitudes dans les tavernes glauques car Cranston est l'élément comique du duo tandis que Athelstan est bien sûr l'élément posé, celui qui joue à Sherlock Holmes.
J'ai eu beau passer tout en revue, je n'avais pas eu l'ombre d'une piste quant à la disparition inexpliquée des trois matelots, ni de qui était le coupable car l'auteur a bien su cacher son jeu et les personnages aussi.
C'était une lecture agréable, avec quelques pointes d'humour en assaisonnement, de l'aventure plein nos chausses, des moeurs de l'époque qui se sont déversées comme un pot de chambre au matin, des personnages plus que réalistes, une ville de Londres présente avec ses odeurs, un suspense maitrisé comme une bonne tourte à la viande, un pichet de vin corsé de mystère et une enquête aux petits oignons bien frits.
C'était ma seconde lecture de ce duo atypique et j'apprécie toujours autant, lorsque j'ai envie de changer de lecture, de venir me plonger dans leurs auberges pas nettes et de boire un pichet de vin en leur compagnie, avant d'arpenter les ruelles crasseuses en leur compagnie.
Pourtant, il passe et vous déleste de vos biens les plus précieux, malgré le fait que tout soit fermé chez vous. Vous avez beau être absent, votre personnel, lui, il est présent mais il n'entend rien et ne voit rien.
Un cambrioleur que l'on ne voit jamais ? Une sorte d'Arsène Lupin, sans le côté gentleman, puisqu'il tuera durant un de ses cambriolages ? L'ancêtre du bel Arsène ?
Puisque nous sommes dans les intrusions inexpliquées, nous avons aussi trois disparitions à la limite des frontières du réel et une mort suspecte, le tout assaisonné d'une forte dose de mystère, de pichet de clairet et de tourtes à la viande et aux oignons, sans compter quelques jurons, par les tétons du diable.
Oui, de temps en temps, j'apprécie d'aller enquêter aux côtés du duo improbable que forme le moine dominicain Athelstan et le coroner trapu Sir John Cranston, assoiffé perpétuel, possédant un appétit d'ogre et grande gueule, sans oublier un gros cul. Ce n'est pas moi qui le dit, ce sont les autres dans le livre !
Le Londres médiéval n'est pas le Victorien mais il me plait tout autant, faut juste faire gaffe à pas se prendre le contenu d'un pot de chambre sur la gueule et éviter tous les détritus qui jonchent la chaussée. La propreté, ce n'était pas leur point fort, en ces temps-là.
Le duo marche du tonnerre car en associant un homme d'Église à un homme de loi à l'opposé de son compagnon, l'auteur a réussi à rendre le tout captivant et drôle, sans pour autant virer à la grosse farce. C'est vieux comme le monde, les duos improbables que tout oppose, ça marche toujours, surtout s'ils sont attachants, comme ici.
L'enquête avance à son rythme, mais vu les 3 enquêtes à résoudre, nos deux amis ne vont pas s'embêter, même si Cranston passe plus de temps à boire, roupiller, ripailler et conter ses exploits (en les embellissant, il va sans dire) tandis que notre moine doit faire en sorte de garder l'église au milieu du village et que ses ouailles ne l'aident pas vraiment.
Ça se lit tout seul, facilement, assez rapidement, un sourire venant égayer ces turpitudes dans les tavernes glauques car Cranston est l'élément comique du duo tandis que Athelstan est bien sûr l'élément posé, celui qui joue à Sherlock Holmes.
J'ai eu beau passer tout en revue, je n'avais pas eu l'ombre d'une piste quant à la disparition inexpliquée des trois matelots, ni de qui était le coupable car l'auteur a bien su cacher son jeu et les personnages aussi.
C'était une lecture agréable, avec quelques pointes d'humour en assaisonnement, de l'aventure plein nos chausses, des moeurs de l'époque qui se sont déversées comme un pot de chambre au matin, des personnages plus que réalistes, une ville de Londres présente avec ses odeurs, un suspense maitrisé comme une bonne tourte à la viande, un pichet de vin corsé de mystère et une enquête aux petits oignons bien frits.
C'était ma seconde lecture de ce duo atypique et j'apprécie toujours autant, lorsque j'ai envie de changer de lecture, de venir me plonger dans leurs auberges pas nettes et de boire un pichet de vin en leur compagnie, avant d'arpenter les ruelles crasseuses en leur compagnie.
October 15, 2022
Another enjoyable entry in the series, with the characters and setting very comfortable in Doherty's hands by this point.
There are several mysteries going on at once here, including the eponymous ship whose crew vanished, the series of burglaries at wealthy homes, and the murder of a rich merchant. They are not, thankfully, all related as too often happens in books, but were somewhat less satisfying for me than the previous book's set.
It all wraps up by the end in ragged and unrelated sequence, one quite early on and in reasonably entertaining and thought-provoking ways, although Athelstan seems a bit slow on the uptake on a couple of them and one villain is basically unknown in the book to be revealed at the end.
There are several mysteries going on at once here, including the eponymous ship whose crew vanished, the series of burglaries at wealthy homes, and the murder of a rich merchant. They are not, thankfully, all related as too often happens in books, but were somewhat less satisfying for me than the previous book's set.
It all wraps up by the end in ragged and unrelated sequence, one quite early on and in reasonably entertaining and thought-provoking ways, although Athelstan seems a bit slow on the uptake on a couple of them and one villain is basically unknown in the book to be revealed at the end.
September 16, 2020
I enjoy the characters, but the further I read in this series, the less effort the author seems to make as regards the solution of the main mystery. Athelstan thinks for a while and somehow figures things out. New elements and facts are introduced only in the denouement, with no mention or hint beforehand to aid the reader. Not only is this unfair to the reader, but it strikes me as being very lazy of the author.
November 17, 2019
This series keeps getting better and better. This was definitely the best so far, more carefully plotted, the main characters rounding out nicely, and the historical atmosphere broadening and thickening. I give it 3 stars because it’s still not in the same class as my favorite mystery series, but it’s definitely tops of the second tier - much more interesting than any cozy mystery.
September 28, 2020
Well worth the read. Gaudy is it?
I find the characters developed and the time in which they live, worth following. Well done. However, I find it disconcerting when authors use the word "gaudy" in the twelfth or thirteenth century since the word was coined probably in the first part of the twentieth century. I wish I had an answer for that. Otherwise, on to book six.
I find the characters developed and the time in which they live, worth following. Well done. However, I find it disconcerting when authors use the word "gaudy" in the twelfth or thirteenth century since the word was coined probably in the first part of the twentieth century. I wish I had an answer for that. Otherwise, on to book six.
August 25, 2013
These mysteries are always amusing and engaging. Some bibliographical info would be nice, particularly when it comes to the cursing. Did they really say these things? I hope that the stories don't slide into the sentimental glop that befell the final Cadfael mysteries.
August 30, 2015
The Sorrowful Mysteries get better and better. A grand cast of characters with wonderful Medieval names to match their occupations make the books so much fun to read, along with complicated solutions worthy of Conan Doyle.
January 29, 2021
I greatly enjoy the Brother Athelstan Mysteries. I did enjoy this story but ran into a few stumbling blocks. I will have to look through some reviews to see if others found errors or flaws in the storyline. Great characters. Interesting and entertaining characters in believable situations.
April 1, 2021
Good read
I couldn't put this book down and had no idea who the culprit was until the end. I loved the two characters brother Athilston and sir John . I really felt I was back in time . I'm looking forward to the next book.
I couldn't put this book down and had no idea who the culprit was until the end. I loved the two characters brother Athilston and sir John . I really felt I was back in time . I'm looking forward to the next book.
July 3, 2024
Although the mysteries that Sir John Cranston and Brother Athelstan have to solve are not in the least funny, the flock of the good Brother do make you smile as they fall out over whether God the Father is more important than God the Holy Ghost; and all for a mummers play!
February 17, 2023
Great story as always
Great story as always by Paul Doherty and amusing characters with amusing names which had me laughing out loud at times. I love all these books with Brother Athelstan and Sir John.
Great story as always by Paul Doherty and amusing characters with amusing names which had me laughing out loud at times. I love all these books with Brother Athelstan and Sir John.
August 7, 2014
Another excellent Brother Athelstan mystery. I love the quirky cast of characters in Brother Athelstan's church and community in London's less savory suburb of Southwark. Never a dull moment!
December 15, 2017
Fantastic book!!! I would recommend this to anyone looking for a good book to read.
June 11, 2018
Rilettura finalizzata all'ordine cronologico delle storie.
December 7, 2018
The book is so original.
February 24, 2019
Stendiamo un velo pietoso su questo libro.....averlo letto tutto è già stata un'impresa non da poco!
September 10, 2019
Another enjoyable tale of the exploits of Sir John Cranston and Brother Athelstan though how the former manages to achieve anything at all is amazing as he is clearly an alcoholic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews