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Medieval Mystery #14
Wild Justice
It is Spring 1282. England is at war again with Wales. As Baron Hugh of Wynethorpe, a veteran of fighting in Outremer, prepares to join his King's army, he begs his sister, Prioress Eleanor, a favor. On her journey home to Tyndal Prior in Norfolk, she is to carry a gift of rents from the Wynethorpe estates to Mynchen Buckland Priory. The charter for the grant and a private letter are to be given to the Hospitaller nuns' Prioress Amicia, and none other. Eleanor agrees - if Hugh is heading into the Welsh wilderness, then she, Eleanor, will do him this service as well as pray for his protection.
When she and her party of Brother Thomas and Sister Anne arrive in cold and rain-sodden Somerset, they receive a chilly welcome. Then the new Prioress at Mynchen Buckland delivers shocking news: Amicia has been imprisoned, convicted of murdering a widow from the village in the priory's cloister, and awaits sentencing by the Prior of England, the Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem's regional head in London. Eleanor gives Hugh's grant to newly elected Prioress Emelyne, but insists she must obey her brother's wishes by having an audience with Amicia in her cell. Eleanor is resolute in wishing to fulfill her promise by delivering Hugh's letter into Amicia's hands. Permission is granted.
Eleanor is unprepared for Amicia's terribly frail condition. And more so when Amicia reads the Baron's letter, then tearfully begs Tyndal's prioress to prove her innocence, claiming she did not commit the crime. Eleanor believes her.
In an unfamiliar place, the murder victim buried, and nothing left at the crime site, what can the Tyndal trio unearth? And how can they prolong their visit? Eleanor has it - she fakes a fall and injury to her ankle which requires nursing. Thomas and Anne will have to be her investigators, though they are closely chaperoned by members of the Mynchen Buckland community. Still, they learn the dead woman's unsavory behavior had made her well hated. Will anyone help uncover the real killer when so many welcomed the victim's death?
When she and her party of Brother Thomas and Sister Anne arrive in cold and rain-sodden Somerset, they receive a chilly welcome. Then the new Prioress at Mynchen Buckland delivers shocking news: Amicia has been imprisoned, convicted of murdering a widow from the village in the priory's cloister, and awaits sentencing by the Prior of England, the Order of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem's regional head in London. Eleanor gives Hugh's grant to newly elected Prioress Emelyne, but insists she must obey her brother's wishes by having an audience with Amicia in her cell. Eleanor is resolute in wishing to fulfill her promise by delivering Hugh's letter into Amicia's hands. Permission is granted.
Eleanor is unprepared for Amicia's terribly frail condition. And more so when Amicia reads the Baron's letter, then tearfully begs Tyndal's prioress to prove her innocence, claiming she did not commit the crime. Eleanor believes her.
In an unfamiliar place, the murder victim buried, and nothing left at the crime site, what can the Tyndal trio unearth? And how can they prolong their visit? Eleanor has it - she fakes a fall and injury to her ankle which requires nursing. Thomas and Anne will have to be her investigators, though they are closely chaperoned by members of the Mynchen Buckland community. Still, they learn the dead woman's unsavory behavior had made her well hated. Will anyone help uncover the real killer when so many welcomed the victim's death?
240 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2018
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
January 2, 2018
2.5 rounded up.
“I managed all that without lying too much.”
No Prioress Elenor, you didn’t. You’re a big old liar! This was a pretty undynamic story which was very slow going. Prioress Elenor , the Infirmarian Anne and Brother Thomas are a team who have a reputation for solving crimes. And they seem to principally do this through lying! This amused me, but really that was the only source of entertainment in the book.
I have read quite a few medieval monk/nun murder series and sadly this one offered little that was new. The most interesting historical aspect for me was the link between the hospitallers and the Crusades and how it led to some respite in the form of nursing and care back in England (and where we get our ‘hospitals’ from.)
Thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
“I managed all that without lying too much.”
No Prioress Elenor, you didn’t. You’re a big old liar! This was a pretty undynamic story which was very slow going. Prioress Elenor , the Infirmarian Anne and Brother Thomas are a team who have a reputation for solving crimes. And they seem to principally do this through lying! This amused me, but really that was the only source of entertainment in the book.
I have read quite a few medieval monk/nun murder series and sadly this one offered little that was new. The most interesting historical aspect for me was the link between the hospitallers and the Crusades and how it led to some respite in the form of nursing and care back in England (and where we get our ‘hospitals’ from.)
Thanks to Netgalley for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.
September 4, 2018
I have been a fan of this series from the start, but this book seemed to be nothing but medieval melodrama and actually funny to me - definitely not the intention of the author.
How could a person take this seriously with the religious running amok manipulating, marauding, lying, impregnating, perhaps raping and murdering each other whilst drinking poppy juice and wine in excess?
Perhaps my reading tastes have taken a dramatic turn. I suppose I will know after I read the next Sister Fidelma book, but I don't see how I could stop liking that series. Or could I?
I will now take the exit door.
This was a library book.
How could a person take this seriously with the religious running amok manipulating, marauding, lying, impregnating, perhaps raping and murdering each other whilst drinking poppy juice and wine in excess?
Perhaps my reading tastes have taken a dramatic turn. I suppose I will know after I read the next Sister Fidelma book, but I don't see how I could stop liking that series. Or could I?
I will now take the exit door.
This was a library book.
April 20, 2018
3.5-4 stars; I’ve read every book in this series, and have enjoyed some more than others - I tend to prefer those where Prioress Eleanor is at home at Tyndall Priory!
In this outing, she and Brother Thomas and Sister Anne are at Mynchen Buckland Priory of the Hospitallers in Somerset. Eleanor’s elder brother, Hugh, is going to fight in Wales and asks his sister to deliver a letter, and gift of rents, to Prioress Amicia as she returns home.
When the party arrives in Somerset, they receive an oddly cold welcome and find Amicia under arrest for murder; Prioress Emelyne has been selected among the nuns to take over. Eleanor detects anger and distrust from the nun and is puzzled - the gift of rents is appreciated, but Emelyne is unwilling for Eleanor to see Amicia. Eleanor insists that her brother insisted his letter be delivered into Amicia’s hands, and when Eleanor is admitted to her cell, she finds the convicted murderer unwell - and emotionally affected by Hugh’s letter. She also begs Eleanor to clear her of the murder she now says she did not commit.
In a Rear Window-type plot twist, Eleanor fakes an injury to gain time to solve the murder; problem is, she has to stay out of sight and Anne and Thomas must be her eyes and ears. Soon, though, our friends realize they are being watched, and even being kept apart by their suspicious hosts. What’s going on at Mynchen Buckland, and how are our three sleuths to get to the bottom of the murder and all the layers of secrets? Before they can really start investigating, an innocent lay brother is killed...clearly, the imprisoned Amicia is not the killer!
Another satisfying puzzle from Priscilla Royal, where the obvious suspects - and there are several - may be killers, or just nasty, suspicious characters hiding their guilty secrets...delightful, and catnip to this mystery buff. Can’t wait for Eleanor’s next adventure.
In this outing, she and Brother Thomas and Sister Anne are at Mynchen Buckland Priory of the Hospitallers in Somerset. Eleanor’s elder brother, Hugh, is going to fight in Wales and asks his sister to deliver a letter, and gift of rents, to Prioress Amicia as she returns home.
When the party arrives in Somerset, they receive an oddly cold welcome and find Amicia under arrest for murder; Prioress Emelyne has been selected among the nuns to take over. Eleanor detects anger and distrust from the nun and is puzzled - the gift of rents is appreciated, but Emelyne is unwilling for Eleanor to see Amicia. Eleanor insists that her brother insisted his letter be delivered into Amicia’s hands, and when Eleanor is admitted to her cell, she finds the convicted murderer unwell - and emotionally affected by Hugh’s letter. She also begs Eleanor to clear her of the murder she now says she did not commit.
In a Rear Window-type plot twist, Eleanor fakes an injury to gain time to solve the murder; problem is, she has to stay out of sight and Anne and Thomas must be her eyes and ears. Soon, though, our friends realize they are being watched, and even being kept apart by their suspicious hosts. What’s going on at Mynchen Buckland, and how are our three sleuths to get to the bottom of the murder and all the layers of secrets? Before they can really start investigating, an innocent lay brother is killed...clearly, the imprisoned Amicia is not the killer!
Another satisfying puzzle from Priscilla Royal, where the obvious suspects - and there are several - may be killers, or just nasty, suspicious characters hiding their guilty secrets...delightful, and catnip to this mystery buff. Can’t wait for Eleanor’s next adventure.
February 21, 2018
The year of 1282 was tumultuous for both England and Wales were at war. The Prioress Eleanor is on her way home and she has been requested by her brother to hand over the rents and a private letter only into the hands of the Prioress Amicia and no one else. Though curious, Eleanor proceeds to do just that.
What greets her at the Mynchen Buckland Priory is chaos and disturbance. The Prioress Amicia has been accused of murder and is under detention and the new Prioress is not very pleased to either accommodate or have Eleanor on the premises. To add to the complications it is her brother Damien who is the preceptor in charge of the brothers who live alongside the priory. The reception of the small party is tense and it is apparent that they are not welcome at all.
On realizing that Amicia has been wrongfully detained Eleanor is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and it is only by pretense of being unwell that she is allowed to stay. Unraveling the mystery of not one murder but two under cover of ill health and not being able to move out of her room she is dependent on the faithful Brother Thomas and Sister Anne to bring information to her to solve the puzzle.
I did not think that I would appreciate this mystery murder set in medieval times. Surprisingly I did. The setting and the story of the priory was an interesting one and did not weigh too much on religious aspects but on the story itself. Murder is murder whatever century it happens and solving is very much a procedure of investigation and deduction. Very nicely put together.
What greets her at the Mynchen Buckland Priory is chaos and disturbance. The Prioress Amicia has been accused of murder and is under detention and the new Prioress is not very pleased to either accommodate or have Eleanor on the premises. To add to the complications it is her brother Damien who is the preceptor in charge of the brothers who live alongside the priory. The reception of the small party is tense and it is apparent that they are not welcome at all.
On realizing that Amicia has been wrongfully detained Eleanor is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and it is only by pretense of being unwell that she is allowed to stay. Unraveling the mystery of not one murder but two under cover of ill health and not being able to move out of her room she is dependent on the faithful Brother Thomas and Sister Anne to bring information to her to solve the puzzle.
I did not think that I would appreciate this mystery murder set in medieval times. Surprisingly I did. The setting and the story of the priory was an interesting one and did not weigh too much on religious aspects but on the story itself. Murder is murder whatever century it happens and solving is very much a procedure of investigation and deduction. Very nicely put together.
September 9, 2018
I don’t get the negative reviews of this book. Certainly , it is not in the setting of Prioress Eleanor’s own Priory: and she and her usual compadres, Brother Thomas and Sister Anne, are not central to the homicide they become involved in. But the Mychen Priory’s inhabitants are a real cast of characters, and the “who”, the “why” and other connections to the murder of the nearby village’s gossip, turn out to be fascinating. Unlike most books in the series, this 14th novel can be read as a stand-alone.
November 5, 2018
3.5 stars I enjoyed this light read but downgraded my rating to 3.5 stars when I figured out the whodunnit before the end of the book. I prefer a murder mystery with an "I didn't see that coming" kind of ending. I did like a glimpse into the world of 1282 religious England and I especially enyoyed reading the Author's Notes at the end about her research into the Hospitaller order. I was unaware of its long history and contributions to English life and healing.
July 16, 2018
Although I enjoyed this, I wish Prioress Eleanor didn't have to be relegated to her room for most of the book. I know it was necessary for the story, but it made things less enjoyable, in my opinion. Some questions are answered regarding Prioress Eleanor's family so these books really should be read in order.
January 21, 2018
A Marvelous Novel That Provides a New View on the Prioress Eleanor, Sub-Infirmarian Sister Anne and Brother Thomas
The novel starts with the three Tyndal religious traveling home after a visit with Prioress Eleanor’s Baron brother, who asked that she delivery a gift and a litter to an old dear friend, Amicia, who is the prioress of a Knights Hospitaller priory. Upon arriving, she discovers that the prioress has been found guilty of murder and is imprisoned waiting what the Knights Hospitaller prior of England will decide to her punishment. The new Prioress, the Prior and Priest of the male side of the priory seen hostile and want them to leave as soon as possible. Eleanor persuades the new Prioress to allow her to visit the imprisoned Sister Amicia. After Eleanor delivers the letter, Amicia asks her to prove her innocence but not inform the Prioress or anyone else what they are doing. Now, Eleanor must find a way to extend her stay. She succeeds by faking an injury, but the Prioress, Prior and priest make it quite difficult for her to coordinate the actions of Sister Anne and Brother Thomas. The main storyline proceeds from here. My imagination was captured immediately. I just could not stop reading.
I was fascinated to find how could Prioress Eleanor coordinate and investigate the murder without raising any suspicion while they are being actively being thwarted. It added an extra richness to the story that dovetails so well with the main storyline and provides more insight into the personalities of all three Tyndal religious.
This novel is the fourteenth in this series. I did not see anything that would be needed from the previous novels to understand and enjoy this novel thoroughly. For those who are avid readers of this series like I am, the ending was quite interesting. Not only are all the loose ends in the main storyline are tied up, but also some very interesting history into the Prioress Eleanor’s family are revealed.
For those who do not want to read novels with graphic sex, foul language, and over-the-top violence, there is absolute none in this novel. Also, unless you are quite familiar with the terms of that era, I recommend reading this novel on a kindle or with an excellent dictionary nearby. The author used many terms of that era that quite often sent me to the dictionary or Internet. This is not a negative criticism as the use of authentic medieval terms added an air of authenticity and helped me feel being in the period.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. For the first time reader or the avid reader of this series I believe you will enjoy it also. I rate this novel with five starts.
I have received a free kindle version of this novel through NetGalley from Poisoned Pen Press with a request for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this novel early.
The novel starts with the three Tyndal religious traveling home after a visit with Prioress Eleanor’s Baron brother, who asked that she delivery a gift and a litter to an old dear friend, Amicia, who is the prioress of a Knights Hospitaller priory. Upon arriving, she discovers that the prioress has been found guilty of murder and is imprisoned waiting what the Knights Hospitaller prior of England will decide to her punishment. The new Prioress, the Prior and Priest of the male side of the priory seen hostile and want them to leave as soon as possible. Eleanor persuades the new Prioress to allow her to visit the imprisoned Sister Amicia. After Eleanor delivers the letter, Amicia asks her to prove her innocence but not inform the Prioress or anyone else what they are doing. Now, Eleanor must find a way to extend her stay. She succeeds by faking an injury, but the Prioress, Prior and priest make it quite difficult for her to coordinate the actions of Sister Anne and Brother Thomas. The main storyline proceeds from here. My imagination was captured immediately. I just could not stop reading.
I was fascinated to find how could Prioress Eleanor coordinate and investigate the murder without raising any suspicion while they are being actively being thwarted. It added an extra richness to the story that dovetails so well with the main storyline and provides more insight into the personalities of all three Tyndal religious.
This novel is the fourteenth in this series. I did not see anything that would be needed from the previous novels to understand and enjoy this novel thoroughly. For those who are avid readers of this series like I am, the ending was quite interesting. Not only are all the loose ends in the main storyline are tied up, but also some very interesting history into the Prioress Eleanor’s family are revealed.
For those who do not want to read novels with graphic sex, foul language, and over-the-top violence, there is absolute none in this novel. Also, unless you are quite familiar with the terms of that era, I recommend reading this novel on a kindle or with an excellent dictionary nearby. The author used many terms of that era that quite often sent me to the dictionary or Internet. This is not a negative criticism as the use of authentic medieval terms added an air of authenticity and helped me feel being in the period.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. For the first time reader or the avid reader of this series I believe you will enjoy it also. I rate this novel with five starts.
I have received a free kindle version of this novel through NetGalley from Poisoned Pen Press with a request for an honest, unbiased review. I wish to thank Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this novel early.
March 7, 2018
I had the pleasure of meeting Priscilla Royal at a Historical Novel Society conference in San Diego some years ago, and have been reading her books ever since. I misheard her name as Princess Royal and wondered who in the world would saddle a girl child with that name, and the answer, of course, is no one. But what better name could there be for a writer of historical fiction?
And a very good one she is. This is the fourteenth novel in her series about the prioress of Tyndal Priory, a dual (men and women) foundation and her monk Thomas. We are long past the struggles of Prioress Eleanor with her feeling for Brother Thomas, and Brother Thomas' feelings for men. They have settled in their skins with who and what they are, and the reader can settle back and enjoy a perfectly good mystery.
This one is interesting because Prioress Eleanor is kept captive in her cell by a sprained ankle. Unable to move around and gather evidence for herself, she has to depend on information brought to her by her subordinates. The former prioress of the Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem has been accused of murdering a woman and has not denied it. She remains imprisoned awaiting sentencing by the Hospitaller Prior of England.
It is fun to see Prioress Eleanor's quick wits work at second hand, as she gathers information and directs the investigative work of Brother Thomas and Sister Anne, her infirmarian, until the real killer is unmasked.
Thanks to Netgalley for ARC.
My blog:
The Interstitial Reader
https://theinterstitialreader.wordpre...
And a very good one she is. This is the fourteenth novel in her series about the prioress of Tyndal Priory, a dual (men and women) foundation and her monk Thomas. We are long past the struggles of Prioress Eleanor with her feeling for Brother Thomas, and Brother Thomas' feelings for men. They have settled in their skins with who and what they are, and the reader can settle back and enjoy a perfectly good mystery.
This one is interesting because Prioress Eleanor is kept captive in her cell by a sprained ankle. Unable to move around and gather evidence for herself, she has to depend on information brought to her by her subordinates. The former prioress of the Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem has been accused of murdering a woman and has not denied it. She remains imprisoned awaiting sentencing by the Hospitaller Prior of England.
It is fun to see Prioress Eleanor's quick wits work at second hand, as she gathers information and directs the investigative work of Brother Thomas and Sister Anne, her infirmarian, until the real killer is unmasked.
Thanks to Netgalley for ARC.
My blog:
The Interstitial Reader
https://theinterstitialreader.wordpre...
March 17, 2018
I read the first few books in this series and loved them, so when the book came up on Net Galley, I saw this as an opportunity to jump back into the series. Yes, I am very late—I had a heck of an ending to 2017 and into the New Year and didn’t think I would be able to review the books I had received from Net Galley—then I fell and ended up in the hospital and in recovery going on the second month now. So I re-read the book and liked it more the second time. You’ve got to know by now the 14th book in the series isn’t going to bring any new surprises but the author delivered again a solid mystery against the backdrop of the order of the Hospitaller’s. It was an enjoyable slow burn to the reveal, gaining momentum as I read. It’s also the type of story where you could pick it up in the middle of the series and not be too lost. I’m usually not the biggest fan of medieval religious sleuths—give me Joliffe over Cadfael any time (lol)—but I did find the intricacies of convent life interesting in this context.
December 11, 2017
A very enjoyable Medieval Mystery in Priscilla Royal's Prioress Eleanor's outing #14, possibly one of the two best ones so far. The poignant ending, connecting the two Prioresses and their families, ratcheted it up to 5 Stars.
"Spring 1282. England is at war again with Wales.. Baron Hugh of Wynethorpe,prepares to join his King's army in Outremer." He asks his sister Prioress Eleanor to carry a gift of rents from the to Mynchen Buckland Priory. The reasons for this unfold as you will read this fine mystery.
Prioress Eleanor, Brother Thomas and Sister Anne travel to Somerset where they stumble into a scenario much different than they had planned. Former Prioress Amicia is confined in a cell, charged with murder and the new Prioress Emelyne is hostile and tries to get them to leave immediately.
What can our trio from Tyndal Priory do to solve a mystery long over? Well order your copy now and you will find out. Suitably complicated and quite delightful.
"Spring 1282. England is at war again with Wales.. Baron Hugh of Wynethorpe,prepares to join his King's army in Outremer." He asks his sister Prioress Eleanor to carry a gift of rents from the to Mynchen Buckland Priory. The reasons for this unfold as you will read this fine mystery.
Prioress Eleanor, Brother Thomas and Sister Anne travel to Somerset where they stumble into a scenario much different than they had planned. Former Prioress Amicia is confined in a cell, charged with murder and the new Prioress Emelyne is hostile and tries to get them to leave immediately.
What can our trio from Tyndal Priory do to solve a mystery long over? Well order your copy now and you will find out. Suitably complicated and quite delightful.
January 5, 2018
If you haven't read this series before- and I hadn't- you might find it a bit complicated at first. However, once you settle in, it's a pretty enjoyable and different sort of read. Can a medieval mystery be a cozy? Or a cozy medieval? This makes a good argument that good characters translate across time and space. 1282 UK is a mess of warring factions but Prioress Eleanor, Brother Thomas and Sister Anne find themselves pressed into service to absolve Prioress Amicia of the murder of a woman who was, well, the classic villain. There's enough medieval details to keep fans of the genre happy while the mystery itself is intriguing but not too complicated. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. This was a worthy read and I'm going to look for more in this series.
March 10, 2018
Another Prioress Eleanor and Brother Thomas book and another reading experience that is a joy. Although in some ways I am not sure that the events held together for the mystery, I still enjoyed the read.
At her brother's request Prioress Eleanor visits a Priory of the Hospitallers in Somerset to take a charter for a grant to the Prioress. When the small group of travellers arrive they find circumstances are not as expected, and also that they are discouraged from looking into the mystery. In some ways it is this subterfuge and the manner in which it is portrayed that is the part of the mystery that I question.
However as in past books, you are well distracted from the true culprit till the conclusion and you are taken through a look into a different way of life from our modern life.
At her brother's request Prioress Eleanor visits a Priory of the Hospitallers in Somerset to take a charter for a grant to the Prioress. When the small group of travellers arrive they find circumstances are not as expected, and also that they are discouraged from looking into the mystery. In some ways it is this subterfuge and the manner in which it is portrayed that is the part of the mystery that I question.
However as in past books, you are well distracted from the true culprit till the conclusion and you are taken through a look into a different way of life from our modern life.
June 10, 2018
This is the first "Medieval Mystery" I read. It's hard not to compare with a couple of my favorites, Ellis Peters and Peter Tremayne. I didn't find the immersion in the time period as compelling as in their books, but I still enjoyed the historical facts that were included. I guessed the culprit about halfway through the book, although not necessarily all of the details of the murders. I dislike having information that those solving the murders don't know, so I was somewhat annoyed by the chapters from the viewpoints of some of the suspects. Overall though, I did find the book enjoyable enough that I'll read more of the series as I come across them, though I won't necessarily seek them out. Review based on an ARC provided through Netgalley.
January 23, 2018
1282 and Prioress Eleanor with her retinue travel to Mychen Buckland to deliver a letter and rents to the Prioress Amicia. Only to find that Amicia has been found guilty of murder, never having acknowledged her innocence or guilt. After reading her letter Amicia asks that Eleanor find proof that she is actually innocent of the crime.
Not a very interesting mystery, and the characters really didn't come to life for me. A quite slow paced though well-written story.
A NetGalley Book
Not a very interesting mystery, and the characters really didn't come to life for me. A quite slow paced though well-written story.
A NetGalley Book
February 27, 2018
Best book in a remarkable series
Ms Royal has created fictional characters who move throughout Medieval England enlightening the landscape for us. Through their eyes we see places and people and events that come alive in a meaningful way. In this volume she brings further understanding not only of this time in history but also of the fictional persons that we have come to know and care about. Bravo to you, Ms Royal. And readers do not miss this volume.
Ms Royal has created fictional characters who move throughout Medieval England enlightening the landscape for us. Through their eyes we see places and people and events that come alive in a meaningful way. In this volume she brings further understanding not only of this time in history but also of the fictional persons that we have come to know and care about. Bravo to you, Ms Royal. And readers do not miss this volume.
October 12, 2024
Wild Justice
Prioress Eleanor visits another priory with a gift and letter from her brother to be given to Priors Amicia. When she arrives she finds the woman accused of murder. Eleanor visits Amicia in her cell to give her the letter from Eleanor's brother. Then Amicia claims she is innocent and begs Eleanor to prove her Innocence. How Eleanor goes about this task makes a great story. I have enjoyed the series very much.
Prioress Eleanor visits another priory with a gift and letter from her brother to be given to Priors Amicia. When she arrives she finds the woman accused of murder. Eleanor visits Amicia in her cell to give her the letter from Eleanor's brother. Then Amicia claims she is innocent and begs Eleanor to prove her Innocence. How Eleanor goes about this task makes a great story. I have enjoyed the series very much.
February 1, 2018
Began reading this hoping for a good medieval mystery, but as I read on, my one thought was this is a poor version of a Cadfael story.
Unfortunately I didn't finish the book.
Maybe I'll re read it later.
My thanks to the publisher Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for giving me a digital copy of this book in return for an honest unbiased review.
Unfortunately I didn't finish the book.
Maybe I'll re read it later.
My thanks to the publisher Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for giving me a digital copy of this book in return for an honest unbiased review.
May 28, 2020
A fun read but the mystery was a bit convoluted. And by that I mean things could have been solved much more easily had Amicia been honest with Eleanor from the beginning. (I understand her reasons WHY she kept things a secret but they were kind of weak reasons.) There was plenty of foreshadowing but Janeta being the murderer definitely caught me off guard. (Though not in a bad way.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2022
The authors note was just as good as the book! I’m so impressed with this author but not surprised since she counted SKP as a dear friend, advisor, and supporter of these mystery books. RIP SKP, glad there’s another author who puts in the same aggressive work to create such thoughtful historical fiction novels as yours.
April 11, 2025
accurate to time and place
I have read all the books in the series. They are remarkable in portraying a time and ideas that are foreign to us today. AND they are still highly readable and very engaging. The main characters are well portrayed and extremely likable. The mystery element is engaging.
I have read all the books in the series. They are remarkable in portraying a time and ideas that are foreign to us today. AND they are still highly readable and very engaging. The main characters are well portrayed and extremely likable. The mystery element is engaging.
May 5, 2022
Excellent !!!
I am totally committed to this series and have enjoyed every single offering! I look forward to reading many additional books in this series and hope that it carries on for a very long time to come!
I am totally committed to this series and have enjoyed every single offering! I look forward to reading many additional books in this series and hope that it carries on for a very long time to come!
February 25, 2026
excellent but sad
I have enjoyed this series so much. Not sure if there will be more but hope so.
If you have not read or listened I urge you to do so. Audible brings the stories alive
I have enjoyed this series so much. Not sure if there will be more but hope so.
If you have not read or listened I urge you to do so. Audible brings the stories alive
May 3, 2018
Strange books but I keep reading them. I think it is the mindset of the time period that is so mind numbing.
July 7, 2018
Interesting history of the Hospitaller order.
February 17, 2019
This was my least favorite in the series. It seemed to have been written by a different author. Confused.
May 2, 2019
I do love this series. This was very very good, just not one of my favorites.
July 27, 2019
A good mystery, a bit slow moving
November 26, 2019
Oh, good. I discovered a series. So I think I will start reading them in reverse order.
December 7, 2024
It was entertaining but it doesn't have a very strong plot. There is an interesting development for Prioress Eleanor regarding her family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews