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A Matthew Cordwainer Medieval Mystery #1
The Golden Crucifix
King's Coroner Matthew Cordwainer investigates the deaths by strangulation of three city prostitutes in thirteenth-century York. The investigation is complicated by the Sheriff of York’s desire to use suspicion of the murders to arrest a thief and smuggler whom Cordwainer is certain is not the culprit, and it is hindered by Cordwainer’s advanced age and physical infirmities. When Cordwainer realizes that the Prioress of Clementhorpe will be the next victim and the Sheriff refuses to help, Cordwainer must call on every resource he can find to stop the killer.
168 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2018
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346 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
February 1, 2018
I wrote it, so I think it's great.
August 14, 2018
2.5 rounded up. If I was rating this in terms of historical detail alone, this book would have scored higher. The plot seemed to me one I’ve read in many guises many times before and although it started quite well, it soon seemed a very flat read.
September 5, 2018
I have read several medieval mysteries lately. This one is slightly different because Matthew Cordwainer, the Coroner, is an older man with a painful hip, which makes it difficult for him to get around at times. He is aided by his manservant, Thomas, who is a likable character. I learn a lot about the time period, 1273 in this case, and am so grateful that life has changed so much since then, hygiene, the rights of women, and the law itself to name just a few. However, the need of men and women to commit crimes never seems to change. They just change form.
February 17, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this debut novel from a medieval scholar. The mid-13th century city of York is the setting for a mystery involving maudlyns and monks, with the main character a grumpy, yet determined, coroner, Matthew Cordwainer. My hip ached just reading of the cold and arthritis this man suffered. The mystery is central to the action, but resolves a bit differently than one might expect. Without sanitizing or romanticizing the period, Ms. Lionarons provides a compelling picture os life in a wintry northern town, death around every corner.
June 25, 2018
A likeable enough story that could have been better. The Golden Crucifix of the title does not play a major role in the book; it's really about the murders of some prostitutes in York in the late 1200s. The author uses terms without any explanation - for example: why are the prostitutes called "maudlyns"? The average reader would not necessarily know that this was probably a corruption of Magdalene after Mary Magdalene who was widely believed to have been a prostitute (although modern biblical scholarship tends to discount this). She also has an annoying habit of sometimes speaking like the characters when giving narration: Twould for it would; twill for it will. The unseen, all knowing narrator should use proper English to set off the narration from the speech of the actors. A regional dialect is more effective if it is seen as a particular person's manner of speech.
Matthew Cordwainer is an interesting character whose background needs to be fleshed out a bit. There is an allusion to his last name having something to do with shoes but there is also a connection to the wool trade. There are at lest three other books in the series; one hopes that more will be revealed and the stylistic problems will lessen.
Matthew Cordwainer is an interesting character whose background needs to be fleshed out a bit. There is an allusion to his last name having something to do with shoes but there is also a connection to the wool trade. There are at lest three other books in the series; one hopes that more will be revealed and the stylistic problems will lessen.
October 3, 2022
A solid mystery set in the 1200s, with a coroner named Matthew Cordwainer investigating a series of murders of prostitutes and the theft of a jeweled, golden crucifix from an Abbey. Cordwainer is an elderly man who is not a deadly soldier, served by a young man who helps and looks out for him.
I did like how the book was more steeped in the cultural religion of the time than most historical mysteries being written today (hint: Christianity was an extremely central and consistent part of culture then, not just some dressing on the side or historical information). Cordwainer isn't the most skilled investigator, and pretty much has to stumble across the information he needs.
And some of the language is... odd. I've never in my life seen the term "Maudlyn" to describe hookers, for example. I respect writers for trying to find old and archaic terms to mix into the dialog to help make it feel more authentic without completely immersing readers into the very difficult to read standard language of the day (see Chaucer), not to mention all the alternate spelling. But this is a very strange choice.
Overall its not bad reading, and there are likable interesting characters as well as nasty bad guys. Its not the world's most compelling mystery but it was okay.
I did like how the book was more steeped in the cultural religion of the time than most historical mysteries being written today (hint: Christianity was an extremely central and consistent part of culture then, not just some dressing on the side or historical information). Cordwainer isn't the most skilled investigator, and pretty much has to stumble across the information he needs.
And some of the language is... odd. I've never in my life seen the term "Maudlyn" to describe hookers, for example. I respect writers for trying to find old and archaic terms to mix into the dialog to help make it feel more authentic without completely immersing readers into the very difficult to read standard language of the day (see Chaucer), not to mention all the alternate spelling. But this is a very strange choice.
Overall its not bad reading, and there are likable interesting characters as well as nasty bad guys. Its not the world's most compelling mystery but it was okay.
September 23, 2023
Medieval coroner mystery. I loved this book. Mathew Cordwainer is the king’s coroner in the late 1200s. The rich descriptions of life at that time is fascinating, the murder mysteries that the coroner investigates make for a very engaging story. I will continue reading this series.
February 19, 2020
Too many 'T'was'and T'wills and too much 'snorting' going on. I found the repetition very annoying.
July 28, 2025
I have read and enjoyed all of the books in this series. He is a very interesting character, and the trouble he can get into and out of is fun to read. He reminds me of a crusty old grandfather type who is really a big old softie underneath. He always tries his hardest to make sure the right murderer is found and puts a lot of pressure on himself to do right by everyone.
I just wish he was a little younger as it would make the series last longer.
I just wish he was a little younger as it would make the series last longer.
June 26, 2018
An absorbing read, a bit more gruesome than I like but not too bad. The main characters are intelligent and likeable, and the story had plenty of interesting developments. The setting (both place and time) were conveyed nicely and without long, boring descriptions.
June 24, 2018
Disappointing
Errors in the text and lack of originality in the plot. Main characters do not warrant a repeat visit. Not horrible but conclusion's violence off-putting and does not set up well for future installments. Many better series out there.
Errors in the text and lack of originality in the plot. Main characters do not warrant a repeat visit. Not horrible but conclusion's violence off-putting and does not set up well for future installments. Many better series out there.
April 30, 2022
I was quite pleasantly surprised at how good this was. Unfortunately, the series is hard to find both in stores and online as well as in the library. I would be inclined to read more in the series - there’s a total of fourteen - were they at my library.
The protagonist, Matthew Cordwainer, is a frail and elderly man who gets around York with the help of his manservant Thomas. He’s the coroner and is called out to investigate every death, suspicious or not. It’s the late 13th C and they must travel on foot, having no horse or cart, and it’s treacherous in the winter. Cordwainer is always slipping, and sometimes falling, on the snow and ice; indeed, I found those scenes to be the most tense and alarming in the book! (I know far too well the pain and mortification of landing face-first on a sidewalk after a brief and unintentional flight.)
There are several mysteries here: a missing crucifix, the deaths of several prostitutes, a man raving and yelling “Bitch! Whore!” and flagellating himself. Who’s the thief? Who’s the murderer? Who’s the obsessed madman?
My attention was held throughout, either through the details of 13th C life, the various plots, or the raspy and curmudgeonly Cordwainer. Recommended for lovers of history and mystery.
The protagonist, Matthew Cordwainer, is a frail and elderly man who gets around York with the help of his manservant Thomas. He’s the coroner and is called out to investigate every death, suspicious or not. It’s the late 13th C and they must travel on foot, having no horse or cart, and it’s treacherous in the winter. Cordwainer is always slipping, and sometimes falling, on the snow and ice; indeed, I found those scenes to be the most tense and alarming in the book! (I know far too well the pain and mortification of landing face-first on a sidewalk after a brief and unintentional flight.)
There are several mysteries here: a missing crucifix, the deaths of several prostitutes, a man raving and yelling “Bitch! Whore!” and flagellating himself. Who’s the thief? Who’s the murderer? Who’s the obsessed madman?
My attention was held throughout, either through the details of 13th C life, the various plots, or the raspy and curmudgeonly Cordwainer. Recommended for lovers of history and mystery.
November 18, 2024
3.5/5 stars
This was a fun read that is outside of my usual reading preferences. The descriptions were excellent. The author's use of smells and sounds were wonderful, and I truly felt like I was portaled back in time.
I did have a bit of a tough time connecting with the MC—Matthew, an older man with a bad hip. He was an interesting fellow, and through his curmudgeonly exterior I could see the softer man inside, which was nice. The supporting staff was interesting, and kept the story moving nicely.
I wanted to know how the story ended, but I had to temper my... shall I say, modernness. That is to say, this story takes place several centuries ago, and women we treated less than fairly. If you can move past that, and you enjoy mystery novels, give this story a try.
This was a fun read that is outside of my usual reading preferences. The descriptions were excellent. The author's use of smells and sounds were wonderful, and I truly felt like I was portaled back in time.
I did have a bit of a tough time connecting with the MC—Matthew, an older man with a bad hip. He was an interesting fellow, and through his curmudgeonly exterior I could see the softer man inside, which was nice. The supporting staff was interesting, and kept the story moving nicely.
I wanted to know how the story ended, but I had to temper my... shall I say, modernness. That is to say, this story takes place several centuries ago, and women we treated less than fairly. If you can move past that, and you enjoy mystery novels, give this story a try.
May 11, 2025
This is Fantasy, not historical fiction.
A professor of medevial English literature must surely know better.
I got to 32% and couldn't take anymore.
In 1272, the biggest denomination coin in England was the silver penny. Except for a very, very, few gold pennies struck by Henry III. Very few indeed. There were no copper coins until the 17th century. Even if there had been, they wouldn't have been called 'gold coins' and 'coppers'.
Carrying a sword was a privilege. For very few people. A merchant's guards couldn't.
The mere thought of a sheriff tearing a merchant's house apart just on a suspicion? Unthinkable. Calling for a 'healer'...
Just no.
This is indigestible.
Maybe if you treat it as Fantasy, but I am not prepared to do that.
A professor of medevial English literature must surely know better.
I got to 32% and couldn't take anymore.
In 1272, the biggest denomination coin in England was the silver penny. Except for a very, very, few gold pennies struck by Henry III. Very few indeed. There were no copper coins until the 17th century. Even if there had been, they wouldn't have been called 'gold coins' and 'coppers'.
Carrying a sword was a privilege. For very few people. A merchant's guards couldn't.
The mere thought of a sheriff tearing a merchant's house apart just on a suspicion? Unthinkable. Calling for a 'healer'...
Just no.
This is indigestible.
Maybe if you treat it as Fantasy, but I am not prepared to do that.
June 3, 2019
Always Good
These are always a good read. Evocative, full of nice detail. Whodunnits in 13thC England. This was set in shivering cold January and I almost felt it nipping at my toes. There were no anachronistic details to mar the story, the main characters just mediaeval enough to feel different but “modern” enough to be sympathetic. I read this whilst in bed with flu- not too demanding, but not to easy. I enjoyed its simplicity- probably the lack of forensics, mobile phones, computers etc. Just deduction and investigation, complicated by religion and a lack of “education “ .
These are always a good read. Evocative, full of nice detail. Whodunnits in 13thC England. This was set in shivering cold January and I almost felt it nipping at my toes. There were no anachronistic details to mar the story, the main characters just mediaeval enough to feel different but “modern” enough to be sympathetic. I read this whilst in bed with flu- not too demanding, but not to easy. I enjoyed its simplicity- probably the lack of forensics, mobile phones, computers etc. Just deduction and investigation, complicated by religion and a lack of “education “ .
September 16, 2019
Well written a worthy read
So much violence...reminds me of our country today in some ways. A well written story, tightly plotted, fully realized characters , clear settings. Cannot wait to read the next one. A bit worried that Cordwainer is old for such an active role, especially for the time in which he lives...want him to last! He is amarvelous, curiously man, a great character...fun to read about. Cannot wait to find out more about him, his observant Thomad, his son Adam and his family...May they all " live long and prosper! "
So much violence...reminds me of our country today in some ways. A well written story, tightly plotted, fully realized characters , clear settings. Cannot wait to read the next one. A bit worried that Cordwainer is old for such an active role, especially for the time in which he lives...want him to last! He is amarvelous, curiously man, a great character...fun to read about. Cannot wait to find out more about him, his observant Thomad, his son Adam and his family...May they all " live long and prosper! "
August 26, 2021
Though I did enjoy the book, the main characters really didn't seem to engage my interest, they didn't come alive as they do in similar books by Paul Doherty or Susanna Gregory. I had hoped they would and frankly, I was surprised that more fleshing out of the characters was not done. Thomas' activities with his new girlfriend could have been emphasized more as perhaps Matthew's past. That said, though I found the author's style to be fine but overall, I'm not interested enough to read further in the series.
January 21, 2023
I found a wonderful new series
I don’t recall who recommended this series to me, but I am so glad they did. It was an engaging story with twists and turns and some great characters. Some good, and some evil, and, of course, some right in between. I have always loved language and languages so I was pleased to discover three or four words that I had never heard before because they are so archaic. Kudos to the author for using authentic 13th C words. I just downloaded the next four books! Apparently there are 15 total.
I don’t recall who recommended this series to me, but I am so glad they did. It was an engaging story with twists and turns and some great characters. Some good, and some evil, and, of course, some right in between. I have always loved language and languages so I was pleased to discover three or four words that I had never heard before because they are so archaic. Kudos to the author for using authentic 13th C words. I just downloaded the next four books! Apparently there are 15 total.
June 2, 2020
Not a bad mystery. The difference between this book and others is that you know the murderer from the beginning. The mystery is how long it will take the Coroner to figure it out. The descriptions of the life in 13th Century England is somewhat too graphic at times. And the author's use a vernacular including "twas" "tis", etc. is needlessly distracting, in my opinion. Nevertheless, I'll give this series another chance, as other reviewers report that the next book is improved.
December 25, 2022
Midevil Life
Law and justice are blind and unyielding. Master Matthew Cordwainer, King’s Corner, must investigate why the prostitutes are being murdered. Also a missing crucifix must be found. The crucifix, formed in gold and bejeweled, would bring a thief a large bounty. Are the murders and the missing crucifix connected in some way?
This is a compelling story of what life in 13th century England was like. Enjoy it!
.
Law and justice are blind and unyielding. Master Matthew Cordwainer, King’s Corner, must investigate why the prostitutes are being murdered. Also a missing crucifix must be found. The crucifix, formed in gold and bejeweled, would bring a thief a large bounty. Are the murders and the missing crucifix connected in some way?
This is a compelling story of what life in 13th century England was like. Enjoy it!
.
June 1, 2021
Not a bad story
It is a nice introduction for the cast of characters in this book. I wish that the author wouldn't make her main character complain so much about his aches and pains. The pace of the book isn't too bad, keeps it going fairly well. Haven't decided yet if I am going to continue on with the series or nor
It is a nice introduction for the cast of characters in this book. I wish that the author wouldn't make her main character complain so much about his aches and pains. The pace of the book isn't too bad, keeps it going fairly well. Haven't decided yet if I am going to continue on with the series or nor
December 25, 2025
A medieval mystery set in York sounds great to me. And the setting was described nicely, the characters also were written nicely. The reason I subtracted one star is because it takes too long until things happen. There is too much unimportant procedure in the description in the first part of the story. 4 stars.
April 18, 2018
Very good indeed !
I enjoyed every minute and can't wait to continue to the next book in the series !
Gloriously realistic and fast moving .No holds barred so not for the sensitive or squeamish .
I enjoyed every minute and can't wait to continue to the next book in the series !
Gloriously realistic and fast moving .No holds barred so not for the sensitive or squeamish .
October 31, 2018
Slow to start, but good
It started too slowly and I started to get bored with it. But I am glad that I stayed with it because I got caught up with both the plot and characters. I look forward to the next book in the series.
It started too slowly and I started to get bored with it. But I am glad that I stayed with it because I got caught up with both the plot and characters. I look forward to the next book in the series.
September 27, 2019
First time reading this author. Really enjoyed this book, and will definitely be reading others in the series. Felt as though I knew the characters and felt I was actually in York. Couldn't put this down once I'd picked it up, certainly lost myself in this book. Great detail and thoroughly enjoyed.
June 1, 2018
Too much snorting.
Word snorting over used. It was annoying as I am an old shorter myself. I liked the story a lot.
Word snorting over used. It was annoying as I am an old shorter myself. I liked the story a lot.
August 13, 2018
Good Series.
Just discovered Coroner Cordwainer, and so glad I did. Enjoyed it. Thomas is probably my favorite character. Hope to start the next book soon.
Just discovered Coroner Cordwainer, and so glad I did. Enjoyed it. Thomas is probably my favorite character. Hope to start the next book soon.
January 16, 2019
Good book , gets a little drawn out as you go but still good reading
February 10, 2019
Good read
My introduction to an interesting character ery different from the usual. Looking forward to the next adventure. Also the other characters and see how they get on.
My introduction to an interesting character ery different from the usual. Looking forward to the next adventure. Also the other characters and see how they get on.
August 24, 2019
Wow
What an ending! So many twists and turns could hardly wait to get to the end. One of the best of her works.
What an ending! So many twists and turns could hardly wait to get to the end. One of the best of her works.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews