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Kathryn Swinbrooke #2
L'oeil de Dieu
Sous le pseudonyme de C.L. Grace, Paul C. Doherty nous invite à découvrir un nouveau personnage qui, après Master Hugh Corbett, nous dévoile les désordres de Moyen-Age anglais. En cette fin du XVe siècle, la guerre des Deux-Roses déchire le pays, un temps de tueries que le poète Chaucer, avant lui, illustra ainsi : "Une voleuse mystérieusement appelée Mort avançait dignement aux côtés de celui qui, ici-bas, fait trépasser les humains." C'est dans ce décor chaotique et périlleux que Kathryn Swinbrooke, médecin apothicaire, officie derechef après une première aventure à Cantorbéry, retracée dans Meurtres dans le sanctuaire.
285 pages, Poche
First published July 1, 1994
51 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 18, 2023
Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, is dead, and a valuable pendant that belonged to him has gone missing. King Edward IV wants it, and so Kathryn Swiknbrooke, physician and apothecary of Canterbury, finds herself working with gorgeous Colum Murtagh, he of the unruly black hair and clear blue eyes, to trace the pendant and find out why people connected with it keep getting murdered. As if that wasn’t enough, Colum has to contend with the Hounds of Ulster who consider him a traitor and want him dead. There’s never a dull moment for Kathryn and Colum as they solve another exciting mystery in 15th century Canterbury. Highly enjoyable mystery with likeable characters and good period detail.
February 2, 2022
Great English mystery an history thrown together foe a good read.
Women were always put on the back burner since time began. We were treated like shit on the sole of a mans shoe. But as time passes we become stronger an even better than man.
Kathryn stands up for herself. She sees an hears what others miss,(men). This series is a little hard to guess whodunit. This series is slot of fun to read not only is there a smart mouth nurse that makes you laugh with comes out of the hole in her face. But a good looking Irishman that makes you want to tell Kathryn to leave her bedroom door OPEN !!!!!!!
Women were always put on the back burner since time began. We were treated like shit on the sole of a mans shoe. But as time passes we become stronger an even better than man.
Kathryn stands up for herself. She sees an hears what others miss,(men). This series is a little hard to guess whodunit. This series is slot of fun to read not only is there a smart mouth nurse that makes you laugh with comes out of the hole in her face. But a good looking Irishman that makes you want to tell Kathryn to leave her bedroom door OPEN !!!!!!!
December 15, 2021
A medieval mystery in which wanking over Chaucer’s work ensues.
That could be the tagline of this book. And I’m not mad about it. The characters were absolutely enamored with Geoffrey Chaucer’s work, often finding every excuse to quote it. I loved it.
I picked up this book, accidentally starting with the second in the series, because the main character sounded fascinating: Kathryn Swinbrooke is a physician and chemist in 15th century Canterbury. I kind of wish the book had focused more on her work as a physician, but it makes sense that it would instead be more focused on her sleuthing. In this book, Kathryn attempts to find a gem-encrusted relic, the Eye of God, that has left a series of suspicious deaths in its wake.
I didn’t realize Celia L. Grace was a pen name of Paul Doherty until I had already started the book. It makes so much sense. However, I think I prefer Doherty’s Canterbury pilgrimage mystery series, possibly because they were my introduction to his writing.
Verdict
A fun medieval mystery. I might continue with the Kathryn Swinbrooke series, but I think they may be on the back burner for now. I found myself distracted during this read because I still have the characters of the Fools' Guild mysteries by Alan Gordon on my mind.
So, who would like this book?
Anyone who loves fictional medieval mysteries will really enjoy this.
That could be the tagline of this book. And I’m not mad about it. The characters were absolutely enamored with Geoffrey Chaucer’s work, often finding every excuse to quote it. I loved it.
I picked up this book, accidentally starting with the second in the series, because the main character sounded fascinating: Kathryn Swinbrooke is a physician and chemist in 15th century Canterbury. I kind of wish the book had focused more on her work as a physician, but it makes sense that it would instead be more focused on her sleuthing. In this book, Kathryn attempts to find a gem-encrusted relic, the Eye of God, that has left a series of suspicious deaths in its wake.
I didn’t realize Celia L. Grace was a pen name of Paul Doherty until I had already started the book. It makes so much sense. However, I think I prefer Doherty’s Canterbury pilgrimage mystery series, possibly because they were my introduction to his writing.
Verdict
A fun medieval mystery. I might continue with the Kathryn Swinbrooke series, but I think they may be on the back burner for now. I found myself distracted during this read because I still have the characters of the Fools' Guild mysteries by Alan Gordon on my mind.
So, who would like this book?
Anyone who loves fictional medieval mysteries will really enjoy this.
July 19, 2014
I would like to award more stars but can't because I am more of a character/depth sort of person rather than mystery freak. The logic employed by Kathryn Swinbrooke along with solid historical base of these books is brilliant. I have read several of these now and appreciate that eventually I do get emotional reward by following the series, so I was happy to find this older book at my library although it is not the very first of the series - still eluding me. As I write this review I am trying to tell myself to award a fourth star but it would not be how I truly feel about the books. Writing is excellent, Chaucer references wonderful throughout, action and revelations all well portrayed - and I am grateful to have this level of fiction available for my consumption. It just doesn't move me emotionally. It is far superior to much of what is written/published. Can we say 3 1/2 stars, then?
July 30, 2022
Short story but good.
August 5, 2017
Great reading
The author is a master at writing all The twists and turns that keep the reader fully engaged. Loved the book.
The author is a master at writing all The twists and turns that keep the reader fully engaged. Loved the book.
August 21, 2023
The Eye of God
#2 in the Kathryn Swinbrooke series
By Paul Doherty
Reviewed July 13, 2023
This is the second installment in the Kathryn Swinbrooke series, and this time Kathryn and her companion, Colum Murtagh, the King’s Commissioner in Canterbury, find themselves involved in a dangerous treasure hunt. It’s 1471, and Edward IV has fought his way back onto the throne of England, dealing devastating defeats to the Lancastrian forces at the Battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury.
In the prologue, we witness the final hours of the life of Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick, possessor of The Eye of God, a gold pendant mounted with a deep blue saphire. The Battle of Barnet is about to commence, and Warwick entrusts the Eye to his squire Robert Brandon with instructions that should the day not go their way, Brandon is to take the jewel to the monks at Canterbury, to pay for prayers for Warwick’s soul.
During this sequence, I noticed that the author once again tinkered with the cognisances of some of the historical characters. The Earl of Warwick’s emblem is referred to as the Ragged Staff, not the Bear and Ragged Staff, although this is rectified later in the book. He also has Warwick wearing black and yellow plumes on his helmet, but I don’t know if this is accurate or not. Richard of Gloucester’s standard bears a Red Boar Rampant rather than his White Boar, and George of Clarence’s has a Golden Bull rather than the Black Bull of Clarence.
Okay, so call me picky, but what can I say? I’m a history geek!
Several weeks later, Kathryn Swinbrooke, a physician, leech, and wife of a Lancastrian soldier who may or may not be dead, and her companion Colum Murtagh, the king’s man in Canterbury, are in London having been summoned to meet with King Edward. Kathryn is tasked with investigating the death of Warwick’s squire, Brandon, who died under mysterious circumstances after being taken prisoner two weeks after the Battle of Barnet, while Murtagh is to locate the Eye of God, which was not found on Brandon when he was captured.
So how is it that a commoner like Kathryn is called upon by none other than the king himself to help with a case like this? Because he has received glowing reports about her from the Archbishop of Canterbury Bourchier and his clerk, Simon Luberon, who swear that she is an honest woman who previously did good service to the Crown and the Church in tracking down a poisoner who was killing pilgrims to Becket’s tomb (that was in book one of the series). Who better, then, to discern information about the death of a prisoner? ‘You can use your skills on our behalf,’ Edwards tells her, and to his man Colum, ‘Bring back the Eye of God, Colum. Place it in my hands, and I will never forget you.’
As for the brothers York? To Kathryn, Edward looks every inch the king, with a slightly hooked nose, a neatly clipped golden mustache and beard, and dark blue eyes that are friendly and teasing. His brothers, according to Colum, are described as ruthless and bloodthirsty, not to be trusted. The youngest brother Gloucester has russet hair, a white, pinched face, and his green eyes remind Kathryn of a cat her father had once owned. He is slightly misshapen, even a little hunchbacked, and is a hasty, excitable man given to fretting and impatience. Middle brother Clarence is, to Kathryn’s thinking, too handsome, almost woman-like with golden curls and a petulant mouth. Something of a fop.
After their audience with the king, Kathryn and Colum, along with Kathryn’s friend and servant Thomasina, are joined by Gloucester, who takes them the House of Secrets, where the King’s clerks work in different chanceries. There, he fills them in on the history of the jewel in question. Gloucester is also able to inform Kathryn that her errant husband was last seen with others joining the Lancastrian army shortly before the battle, relieving her of the fear that her father had murdered his daughter’s wife-beating husband. It seems that Colum had earlier asked his grace if he could find out about Alexander Wyville.
Gloucester also warns Colum that the word on the streets is that the Hounds of Ulster, the gang the Irishman once roamed with as a lad, are close on his trail and determined to kill him, seeing him as a traitor responsible for the deaths of other members of the gang.
Once again, we have a well-told tale of mayhem, murder and intrigue, and it’s fun seeing the relationship between Kathryn and Colum develop, as well as enjoy Thomasina’s saucy tongue. There’s plenty of good period detail, my only quibble being the above-mentioned changing for no apparent reason the colors of the ducal cognizances. The series is very entertaining, set during a favorite period of mine. I might consider the author’s depiction of Richard of Gloucester a wee bit harsh, but it’s not terrible, either, so I can live with that. Besides, I’m pretty sure the historical Gloucester had a ruthless side he utilized when necessary.
Although the story is fiction, the author in his notes explains that the Eye of God is real, known these days as the Middleham Jewel, a late 15th century gold pendant, set with a large blue sapphire, discovered by a metal detectorist in 1985 near Middleham Castle, once home to both Richard Neville and Richard of Gloucester.
#2 in the Kathryn Swinbrooke series
By Paul Doherty
Reviewed July 13, 2023
This is the second installment in the Kathryn Swinbrooke series, and this time Kathryn and her companion, Colum Murtagh, the King’s Commissioner in Canterbury, find themselves involved in a dangerous treasure hunt. It’s 1471, and Edward IV has fought his way back onto the throne of England, dealing devastating defeats to the Lancastrian forces at the Battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury.
In the prologue, we witness the final hours of the life of Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick, possessor of The Eye of God, a gold pendant mounted with a deep blue saphire. The Battle of Barnet is about to commence, and Warwick entrusts the Eye to his squire Robert Brandon with instructions that should the day not go their way, Brandon is to take the jewel to the monks at Canterbury, to pay for prayers for Warwick’s soul.
During this sequence, I noticed that the author once again tinkered with the cognisances of some of the historical characters. The Earl of Warwick’s emblem is referred to as the Ragged Staff, not the Bear and Ragged Staff, although this is rectified later in the book. He also has Warwick wearing black and yellow plumes on his helmet, but I don’t know if this is accurate or not. Richard of Gloucester’s standard bears a Red Boar Rampant rather than his White Boar, and George of Clarence’s has a Golden Bull rather than the Black Bull of Clarence.
Okay, so call me picky, but what can I say? I’m a history geek!
Several weeks later, Kathryn Swinbrooke, a physician, leech, and wife of a Lancastrian soldier who may or may not be dead, and her companion Colum Murtagh, the king’s man in Canterbury, are in London having been summoned to meet with King Edward. Kathryn is tasked with investigating the death of Warwick’s squire, Brandon, who died under mysterious circumstances after being taken prisoner two weeks after the Battle of Barnet, while Murtagh is to locate the Eye of God, which was not found on Brandon when he was captured.
So how is it that a commoner like Kathryn is called upon by none other than the king himself to help with a case like this? Because he has received glowing reports about her from the Archbishop of Canterbury Bourchier and his clerk, Simon Luberon, who swear that she is an honest woman who previously did good service to the Crown and the Church in tracking down a poisoner who was killing pilgrims to Becket’s tomb (that was in book one of the series). Who better, then, to discern information about the death of a prisoner? ‘You can use your skills on our behalf,’ Edwards tells her, and to his man Colum, ‘Bring back the Eye of God, Colum. Place it in my hands, and I will never forget you.’
As for the brothers York? To Kathryn, Edward looks every inch the king, with a slightly hooked nose, a neatly clipped golden mustache and beard, and dark blue eyes that are friendly and teasing. His brothers, according to Colum, are described as ruthless and bloodthirsty, not to be trusted. The youngest brother Gloucester has russet hair, a white, pinched face, and his green eyes remind Kathryn of a cat her father had once owned. He is slightly misshapen, even a little hunchbacked, and is a hasty, excitable man given to fretting and impatience. Middle brother Clarence is, to Kathryn’s thinking, too handsome, almost woman-like with golden curls and a petulant mouth. Something of a fop.
After their audience with the king, Kathryn and Colum, along with Kathryn’s friend and servant Thomasina, are joined by Gloucester, who takes them the House of Secrets, where the King’s clerks work in different chanceries. There, he fills them in on the history of the jewel in question. Gloucester is also able to inform Kathryn that her errant husband was last seen with others joining the Lancastrian army shortly before the battle, relieving her of the fear that her father had murdered his daughter’s wife-beating husband. It seems that Colum had earlier asked his grace if he could find out about Alexander Wyville.
Gloucester also warns Colum that the word on the streets is that the Hounds of Ulster, the gang the Irishman once roamed with as a lad, are close on his trail and determined to kill him, seeing him as a traitor responsible for the deaths of other members of the gang.
Once again, we have a well-told tale of mayhem, murder and intrigue, and it’s fun seeing the relationship between Kathryn and Colum develop, as well as enjoy Thomasina’s saucy tongue. There’s plenty of good period detail, my only quibble being the above-mentioned changing for no apparent reason the colors of the ducal cognizances. The series is very entertaining, set during a favorite period of mine. I might consider the author’s depiction of Richard of Gloucester a wee bit harsh, but it’s not terrible, either, so I can live with that. Besides, I’m pretty sure the historical Gloucester had a ruthless side he utilized when necessary.
Although the story is fiction, the author in his notes explains that the Eye of God is real, known these days as the Middleham Jewel, a late 15th century gold pendant, set with a large blue sapphire, discovered by a metal detectorist in 1985 near Middleham Castle, once home to both Richard Neville and Richard of Gloucester.
October 12, 2025
The Eye of God is an enjoyable second installment in the Kathryn Swinbrooke mystery series.
In 1471, the Earl of Warwick is killed in the Battle of Barnet. Before his death, he gives his trusted soldier, Brandon, a valuable pendant known as "The Eye of God," and tells him to take it to the monks in Canterbury so they can pray for his soul. Brandon and five other soldiers flee from the battle but by the time Brandon is captured by the King's men in Canterbury, the pendant has disappeared.
King Edward IV summons Colum Murtagh and Kathryn Swinbrooke to find out what happened to the pendant and return it to his family. Colum and Kathryn soon discover that Brandon has died under suspicious circumstances while in custody, and they set out to solve his murder and find the pendant, all while evading the Hounds of Ulster who hunt Colum for his past betrayal.
The mystery itself is pretty good, but my favorite part of this series is the dynamic between the characters and also the medieval setting. The Eye of God picks up where the first book left off, so I would recommend reading the books in order. The book includes several familiar faces, and readers are also introduced to some new characters. I'm looking forward to reading the third book soon.
In 1471, the Earl of Warwick is killed in the Battle of Barnet. Before his death, he gives his trusted soldier, Brandon, a valuable pendant known as "The Eye of God," and tells him to take it to the monks in Canterbury so they can pray for his soul. Brandon and five other soldiers flee from the battle but by the time Brandon is captured by the King's men in Canterbury, the pendant has disappeared.
King Edward IV summons Colum Murtagh and Kathryn Swinbrooke to find out what happened to the pendant and return it to his family. Colum and Kathryn soon discover that Brandon has died under suspicious circumstances while in custody, and they set out to solve his murder and find the pendant, all while evading the Hounds of Ulster who hunt Colum for his past betrayal.
The mystery itself is pretty good, but my favorite part of this series is the dynamic between the characters and also the medieval setting. The Eye of God picks up where the first book left off, so I would recommend reading the books in order. The book includes several familiar faces, and readers are also introduced to some new characters. I'm looking forward to reading the third book soon.
February 22, 2023
The second outing for Kathryn Swinbrooke and Colum Murtagh aka The Irishman.
This is like the first in the series, dealing, with the fallout of the War of the Roses.
Things fell differently depending who you had given your allegiance to.
Death loomed close if you were a Lancastrian.
Kathryn, Column and indomitable Thomasina are given the task of finding "The Eye of God" a jewel of great value given by Richard Neville Earl of Warwick to a squire to take to safety.
The body count is high and agendas emerge, but the problems are solved and Canterbury begins to pick up its pieces and its Pilgrim trade.
Excellent and knowledgeable writing and great characters both secondary and main. Very good descriptions of life in this time.
This is like the first in the series, dealing, with the fallout of the War of the Roses.
Things fell differently depending who you had given your allegiance to.
Death loomed close if you were a Lancastrian.
Kathryn, Column and indomitable Thomasina are given the task of finding "The Eye of God" a jewel of great value given by Richard Neville Earl of Warwick to a squire to take to safety.
The body count is high and agendas emerge, but the problems are solved and Canterbury begins to pick up its pieces and its Pilgrim trade.
Excellent and knowledgeable writing and great characters both secondary and main. Very good descriptions of life in this time.
June 15, 2019
The powerful Earl of Warwick is killed in battle by the Yorkist forces in 1471. A precious jewel that he has been carrying, a sapphire called the Eye of God, vanishes and physician Kathryn Swinbrooke is coerced into investigating. Unfortunately, the plot depends on Kathryn overlooking an obvious clue for most of the book. The “daughters of time” in this story are slander and propaganda in the crude one-dimensional depiction of the Yorkist royals.
December 8, 2017
Entertaining
Second in series. Further development of characters and intriguing mystery. Not a lot of twists, good description of medieval setting.He
Second in series. Further development of characters and intriguing mystery. Not a lot of twists, good description of medieval setting.He
May 3, 2020
I really like the main characters and the premise but the writing was sloppy. Lots of typos and poor grammar. It had a good plot but this isn't one of Doherty's best efforts.
April 25, 2021
Καλό αλλά λίγο απλοικο σαν ύφος. Το περίμενα λίγο πιο ψαγμένο.
August 27, 2021
This is pretty good. Not on par with a Brother Cadfael tale, but interesting enough.
June 7, 2014
EL OJO DE DIOS
AUTOR: C.L. GRACE
NACIONALIDAD: INGLESA
CONTEMPORÁNEO
Una medica y boticaria de la Edad Media es encomendada por el Rey a buscar un medallón enorme y de gran valor con un gran zafiro en el centro, que desapareció durante una batalla. Esta misión la cumplirá al lado de un irlandés simpatizante de la corte. Todo inicia con una muerte en batalla y luego una serie de asesinatos que hacen de la obra una novela de gran misterio e interés para el lector. Todos buscan la joya, todos la quieren aún si es necesario matar. Libro de gran interés.
July 29, 2015
Ein weiblicher Detektiv im Mittelalter. Da mußte ich natürlich zugreifen.
Die Geschichte spielt in einem mir relativ unbekanntem Zeitraum, deshalb kann ich nicht beurteilen, ob die geschichtlichen Ereignisse alle den Tatsachen entsprechen. Aber die Figuren sind auch gut ausgearbeitet und ihre Handlungen sind logisch.
Im großen Ganzen ist das Buch empfehlenswert, auch wenn ich bei der Wertung zwischen 3 und 4 pendele.
Die Geschichte spielt in einem mir relativ unbekanntem Zeitraum, deshalb kann ich nicht beurteilen, ob die geschichtlichen Ereignisse alle den Tatsachen entsprechen. Aber die Figuren sind auch gut ausgearbeitet und ihre Handlungen sind logisch.
Im großen Ganzen ist das Buch empfehlenswert, auch wenn ich bei der Wertung zwischen 3 und 4 pendele.
September 1, 2010
Kathryn reminds me of Miss Marple and CSI with her way of discovering the truth behind murder, theft, and loss. When combined with Grace's talent for evoking the taste, feel, smell, and sound of medieval Canterbury, I'm lost within her story.
The only odd note was the king having paid enough attention to Kathryn's abilities to remember her...
The only odd note was the king having paid enough attention to Kathryn's abilities to remember her...
March 15, 2009
This book took place during a break in the War of the Roses, beginning at the battle of Barnet and Tewkesbury and the death of Warwick. So Warwick had this treasure that was lost in the battle and everyone was looking for it. And there was a bunch of murders too. Good stuff.
May 27, 2011
missing jewel and Kathryn, an apothecary-healer and sometimes investigator for authorities in Canterbury is tasked with finding out what happened to the jewel along with her friend, Colum an Irish mercenary working for Edw. IV. Interesting and engaging.
November 14, 2008
Another good series that combines historical fiction and mystery. I also enjoy the female "detective" in this series.
April 11, 2009
The Swinbrooke mysteries are awesome.
March 24, 2011
love this entire series-- the main character Kathryn is a delight!
Read
January 26, 2013also great.
June 4, 2014
I always enjoy any book written by P.C. Doherty (C.L. Grace). The plot is always good and the history is interesting.
August 10, 2015
It Paul dohrty I love almost everything he writes.
January 8, 2016
Reasonably satisfying mystery, though I guessed part of the solution rather early. The writing was a little too distant, which is a pity, since I liked the main characters well enough.
July 9, 2023
Ich mochte diesen Band noch ein bisschen mehr als den ersten. Vielleicht weil der Fall interessanter war. 3,5 Sterne.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews