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A Matthew Cordwainer Medieval Mystery #3
The White Rose
When a noblewoman is found poisoned in the Clementhorpe Priory guest house in thirteenth-century York, King's Coroner Matthew Cordwainer must combat a recalcitrant Archdeacon as well as his own frailties to find the killer.
184 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 13, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 4, 2023
This is the third book in the Mathew Cordwainer series.
I’m loving the series set in the late 1200s
It satisfies my love of: historical fiction, medieval setting with rich descriptions of the period and place, excellent mysteries solved by the King’s coroner, and likeable characters.
May 2, 2022
The third in the Matthew Cordwainer series, this book is told in a slightly different fashion from the others which follow a more straightforward chronology. This story takes place in the early spring of 1273, a month or so after the last ended, and there are flashbacks to a period five years earlier.
Aside from Cordwainer and his assistant Thomas, these characters are lacking the complexity of previous ones. There’s a cruel and evil landowner who abuses everyone around him, from his family, to his servants, to the neighbors and the townspeople. All hate him but are helpless to defend themselves from him. His self-centered wife, who closes her eyes to most of it, is occasionally as harsh as he is.
Another character, the Archdeacon, is pretty two-dimensional as well, being a puffed-up politician unwilling to put the church in a bad light and doing all he can to thwart the investigation. He’s a powerful man, and he makes sure everyone around him knows it.
The flashbacks show us the identity of the murderer early on, and it’s hard not to be completely sympathetic given the motive. But while we are given a good idea of what’s going on, Cordwainer and Thomas are in the dark, and the territorial squabbling with the Archdeacon makes it a lot more difficult for them to solve the murders.
Again, a highly recommended series, with this being only slightly less stellar than the others I’ve read.
Aside from Cordwainer and his assistant Thomas, these characters are lacking the complexity of previous ones. There’s a cruel and evil landowner who abuses everyone around him, from his family, to his servants, to the neighbors and the townspeople. All hate him but are helpless to defend themselves from him. His self-centered wife, who closes her eyes to most of it, is occasionally as harsh as he is.
Another character, the Archdeacon, is pretty two-dimensional as well, being a puffed-up politician unwilling to put the church in a bad light and doing all he can to thwart the investigation. He’s a powerful man, and he makes sure everyone around him knows it.
The flashbacks show us the identity of the murderer early on, and it’s hard not to be completely sympathetic given the motive. But while we are given a good idea of what’s going on, Cordwainer and Thomas are in the dark, and the territorial squabbling with the Archdeacon makes it a lot more difficult for them to solve the murders.
Again, a highly recommended series, with this being only slightly less stellar than the others I’ve read.
June 18, 2018
'Tis all we can do.
The last words of the novel are reply to the suggestion that one can only do ones best. Although in the context it refers to a superficial subject , it has a much deeper meaning in that.Mathew Cordwainer has just completed a case which ended sadly for several , which is depressing
Still , it is good to point out that is these mediaeval misteries are the best she can. do , splendid , for they are a very good best .I only wish she would write some more.
This , the third , is odd for a good mystery story does not usually reveal the murderer half way through the book. but full marks for the way our expectations are manipulated , our sense of pity is converted to dislike and the climax comes unexpectedly .
The last words of the novel are reply to the suggestion that one can only do ones best. Although in the context it refers to a superficial subject , it has a much deeper meaning in that.Mathew Cordwainer has just completed a case which ended sadly for several , which is depressing
Still , it is good to point out that is these mediaeval misteries are the best she can. do , splendid , for they are a very good best .I only wish she would write some more.
This , the third , is odd for a good mystery story does not usually reveal the murderer half way through the book. but full marks for the way our expectations are manipulated , our sense of pity is converted to dislike and the climax comes unexpectedly .
January 24, 2023
Best one yet
This is the third book in the Matthew Cordwainer series. I have enjoyed each and everyone of them, but this one especially grabbed me. I could hardly put it down. It made me happy at times, angry, and sad. That’s the sign of a really good book. I’m not going to talk about the story itself because you can read the synopsis but I really, really liked this book. Looking forward to reading the rest of the books on the series. I believe there are 15 at this point and hopefully more to come. I am enjoying the character development.
This is the third book in the Matthew Cordwainer series. I have enjoyed each and everyone of them, but this one especially grabbed me. I could hardly put it down. It made me happy at times, angry, and sad. That’s the sign of a really good book. I’m not going to talk about the story itself because you can read the synopsis but I really, really liked this book. Looking forward to reading the rest of the books on the series. I believe there are 15 at this point and hopefully more to come. I am enjoying the character development.
May 12, 2018
Not very mysterious.
Tale was alright, and author delves into psychological motivations of characters. There were few surprises, and the set up revealed the basis of the killers motivation. I would almost describe this a crime novel rather than mystery. Paul Doherty High Corbett series are interesting medieval mysteries, his trademark being that the corpse is usually found in a room locked from the inside with no visible access point for the murderer.
Tale was alright, and author delves into psychological motivations of characters. There were few surprises, and the set up revealed the basis of the killers motivation. I would almost describe this a crime novel rather than mystery. Paul Doherty High Corbett series are interesting medieval mysteries, his trademark being that the corpse is usually found in a room locked from the inside with no visible access point for the murderer.
September 1, 2018
Good story line
Really enjoyed this book from start to finish. The Mathew Cordwainer character reminds me of the Mathew Shardlake character by C J Sansom but set in an earlier time.
These are really interesting books to read if you like history and any fan of Shardlake will immediately warm to Cordwainer. I am working my way through the series and have enjoyed every book so far.
Really enjoyed this book from start to finish. The Mathew Cordwainer character reminds me of the Mathew Shardlake character by C J Sansom but set in an earlier time.
These are really interesting books to read if you like history and any fan of Shardlake will immediately warm to Cordwainer. I am working my way through the series and have enjoyed every book so far.
June 8, 2020
Oh dear. There is too much gore in this novel, and the villains are too horrid for belief. In the main, I enjoy the Matthew Cordwainer series which has well defined characters and some fresh takes on the medieval mystery. But the depiction of the decrepitude of the Matthew himself continues unabated. I do not understand why a decent editor wouldn't edit out the majority of his snorting, and some of the endless rain and mud through which he is obliged to plod or ride. Sigh. AND. For heaven's sake, why is it so difficult on Kindle to read books in the order in which they are written? Why are some of Joyce Lionarons novels numbered and others, seemingly, are not? Why don't they come up in the algorithm in sequence? It should not be rocket science, but seemingly, it is.
December 2, 2025
I do enjoy these stories. I was about to say mysteries, but it was clear who the culprit was all the way through; it was more of a "will he catchem" than a whodunnit, or even a howdunnit. The coroner, of course, succeeds in the end, but it takes quite a bit of detective work.
The atmosphere of York, the village, the ageing coroner and his illnesses that would be mostly relived is he lived now all added to the medieval atmosphere, and the underlying theme of disability was sad and moving.
The atmosphere of York, the village, the ageing coroner and his illnesses that would be mostly relived is he lived now all added to the medieval atmosphere, and the underlying theme of disability was sad and moving.
April 19, 2018
Another satisfying tale of medieval murders
This third book in the Matthew Cordwainer series is a satisfying story of deaths earned and unearned, with the details of medieval life creating a rich picture of the city of York.
This third book in the Matthew Cordwainer series is a satisfying story of deaths earned and unearned, with the details of medieval life creating a rich picture of the city of York.
June 17, 2019
Another Good Read
I DO enjoy these books. They are undemanding, interesting evocative and fun. They are like watching a good film in your head. The characters are good, with enough extraneous detail to fill in the gaps and make you want more. Great holiday reading.
I DO enjoy these books. They are undemanding, interesting evocative and fun. They are like watching a good film in your head. The characters are good, with enough extraneous detail to fill in the gaps and make you want more. Great holiday reading.
September 19, 2019
Great story
These books do get better and better. Still wish to know more about Thomas and Adam, coroner's son and his family. Cannot wait to start the next book in the series and hope they keep co.ing. Ms. Libations is a fine writer. Worth reading her books.
These books do get better and better. Still wish to know more about Thomas and Adam, coroner's son and his family. Cannot wait to start the next book in the series and hope they keep co.ing. Ms. Libations is a fine writer. Worth reading her books.
August 16, 2018
Great read
I have read three of this series and must say I liked this one best of all. I hope there are more to follow.
I have read three of this series and must say I liked this one best of all. I hope there are more to follow.
November 4, 2018
Sad but good
Another good book in a good series. Grumpy Cordainer is starting to grow on me. But, please, does he have to snort so often?
Another good book in a good series. Grumpy Cordainer is starting to grow on me. But, please, does he have to snort so often?
December 27, 2018
Well developed and well written
As always, the author doesn't disappoint. Not only will the reader find an enjoyable tale, but the descriptions take one back in time.
As always, the author doesn't disappoint. Not only will the reader find an enjoyable tale, but the descriptions take one back in time.
August 8, 2019
Great
Another thrilling and suspenseful book. Could hardly wait to finish. Certainly holds my interest and moved along very well. Can hardly wait to start my next one.
Another thrilling and suspenseful book. Could hardly wait to finish. Certainly holds my interest and moved along very well. Can hardly wait to start my next one.
April 6, 2020
No real mystery about the murderer, but a wonderful read all the same.
May 5, 2020
Best of the series through three books
Characters are well written and developing. I appreciate Thomas’s story arc. I am looking forward to book four, Dark Justice.
Characters are well written and developing. I appreciate Thomas’s story arc. I am looking forward to book four, Dark Justice.
January 27, 2021
Always a good read
Always enjoy the historical description and the lot is always plausible and interesting. The main character is also very interesting and likeable.
Always enjoy the historical description and the lot is always plausible and interesting. The main character is also very interesting and likeable.
August 16, 2021
Enjoyable read.
July 28, 2025
I love the characters in this book series. I look forward to each new story. I have to say they are some what predictable but the journey is wonderful.
October 4, 2019
Thanks
Still as enjoyable as earlier adventures. Fascinating characters and the 'plots' still with a surprising finale. Great now look forward to the next episode
Still as enjoyable as earlier adventures. Fascinating characters and the 'plots' still with a surprising finale. Great now look forward to the next episode
August 24, 2021
Another fun medieval murder mystery
Blanche is ravaged by her lord. Lord Talbot and his lady are murdered. Did Blanche do it, or was one or more other servants involved?
Blanche is ravaged by her lord. Lord Talbot and his lady are murdered. Did Blanche do it, or was one or more other servants involved?
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews