Falconer's Judgement

William Falconer #2

by Ian Morson

In Rome, Pope Alexander IV lies dying. From the East, an assassin is sent by a powerful royal family. In Wallingford Castle a young man is held prisoner, charged with a murder he did not commit...

In the swirling mists of Oxford, Regent Master William Falconer, Aristotelian philosopher and amateur sleuth, searches for the whereabouts of his mentor, Roger Bacon. But a political intrigue is about to explode. The Papal Legate's brother-a master cook-is killed with an arrow during a student riot. While authorities crack down on the disorder and zealots warn of the Apocalypse, Falconer begins an investigation. Now the man of reason must enter a labyrinth or madness-where ambition, deceit, and murder are the order of the day.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Medieval, Crime, Historical Mystery

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Born in 1947 in the Midlands town of Derby into a working class family whose members either worked for Rolls-Royce or on the railways. Educated at the local grammar school with high academic standards. The school was one of the first to start teaching Russian. Won a scholarship to Oxford University in 1965, and studied Russian. At Oxford, developed a love of folk music, and regularly performed at clubs and pubs. Was president of the Heritage Society. Almost met Bill Clinton (same college, wrong year). Fell in love with Oxford.
Obtained a grant to research into Folk-life studies at Leeds University for a year in 1968/69. Wrote a thesis on Folk and Music-hall songs. Had to look for a real job at the end of it.
Started work in London as a library assistant in Harrow, and progressed to a senior post in public libraries over the next twenty years. Got married (twice) and now lives in Mevagissey, Cornwall. Became interested in conservation, and spends a lot of time doing voluntary work for the National Trust. Also directs and performs for St Austell Players - local am-dram group.
Started writing for real at the age of 42, after having dabbled in (unperformed) radio plays and (unpublished) poetry. First Falconer novel published at the age of 47.

Reviews

[EuroHackie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. A quick but fun read. William Falconer is a Regent Master at medieval Oxford University, and here he finds himself mired in not only in multiple murder investigations, but the political intrigue surrounding the choice of the next pope after the death of Alexander IV - intrigue that runs all the way through the shadowy Knights Templar.

This is the second novel in the series, but I was easily able to start here. Falconer is a student of the semi-forbidden Aristotle, and his past is hinted at - obviously he did not follow the normal path to becoming a Master at Oxford. He has lived in the real world, and brings that experience and knowledge to bear as he makes his way through the religiosity of the time. Even in this book, there is fervent preaching that the apocalypse is nigh, and some of the characters are spooked into action by the thought of imminent meeting with their maker, so to speak.

I enjoyed this a lot, and will seek out the other books that are in my library system.

[Ed Mestre · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the second book in the William Falconer series & the second I’ve read. Since they are quick reads and I already have nine of them on my ebook shelf, it most likely won’t be the last. Not super great writing, but not bad either. One of the more fascinating things is virtually all the characters, including Oxford Regent Master Falconer, are actual historical figures, suggesting author Morson has done his research. He fudged a bit here in that the events in Oxford he described actually occurred when the real Master Falconer was out of town. But it was an entertaining fudge by having Falconer apply his Aristotelian logic to this 13th century crime. Even though these are novels of only a couple of hundred pages each, it’s crammed with quite a bit. We have a mad monk preaching the end of days, a papal legate visiting England, student riots, a knights Templar roaming about, a dying pope, and, of course, a murder. So, if I’m looking for a quick diversion, I know where to turn.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

#2 in the William Falconer medieval mystery series. Falconer is in his 40's and the Regent Master of Aristotle's Hall at Oxford University. He has a fascination for the obscure with an interest in scientific experiments whose hobby is solving murders. He is considered an eccentric who suffers from poor eyesight and used Aristotle's deductive reasoning methods to solve mysteries. Prior to becoming an academic, he was a mercenary who traveled a lot.

1261 as Pope Alexander lies dying in Rome and the cardinals begin to position themselves for power in attempt to become the next pope. The brother of one of his likely successors is killed by an arrow at Oxford. It is believed a rioting student is responsible. Falconer and Bullock must uncover the truth before matters get out of hand.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1261. In Rome Pope Alexander IV is dying. In England Henry III backs Bishop Otho to be the next pope in the return of favours. A Templar is sent on a mission to England and a man is killed at Oseney Abbey. Can master William Falconer with the help of Constable Peter Bullock solve the mysteries.
An entertaining historical mystery with its likeable characters. A good addition to this series.

[Bea · Rating 3 out of 5]

At times, I found it hard to keep track of the various players in this mystery, partly because of the various elements that are introduced with no connection (that came later) and partly because it was based on history that I am not as current about.

Still the story began to hang together about halfway through it and I began to lose myself in this medieval world.

This story has intrigue, political (albeit church/state) maneuvering, and some quite well-drawn human characters. I enjoyed the story.

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 2nd William Falconer Book and another Good and Clever Story ..This is My Type of Book

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing has improved though the mystery is a bit plodding.

[Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another adventure and detective story from medieval England, solved with the help of Aristotelian deduction. I really liked the main character with his faults. Very well written.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good mystery and it kept me guessing until the end.

[Cindie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think every person who thinks Franciscan and Dominican orders were pillars of faith should read this. The level of corruption and hypocrisy is astounding.

[Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you enjoy a good old medieval mystery, then “Falconer’s Judgement” (Falconer #2) by Ian Morson could be for you. I picked up the book after reading the fly jacket, and I have enjoyed every minute following Regent Master William Falconer solve the mystery. I did struggle between a 3 and a 4; regardless, the book is enjoyable. Although it starts off slowly and the names can initially be a bit confusing, the plot moves along at a slowly increasing pace making the book a relatively quick read. Morson does a very good job at capturing to atmosphere as I would imagine medieval Oxford, England would be. The characters are believable and developed nicely; the story line is cleverly crafted and well thought out.

The mystery is set in thirteenth-century Oxford; it is 1264 and Pope Alexander lies dying. Our protagonist, Regent Master Falconer, serves as a monk, a lecturer and teacher, an Aristotelian philosopher, and amateur sleuth. Sadly, as the Pope lies dying, the cardinals begin to position themselves for power in attempt to become the next pope. Meanwhile, back in England, a sinister murderer develops a dark and deadly scheme. The power struggle within the church hierarchy turns lethal in Oxford, when Cardinal Otho's (the Papal Legate) brother is killed by an assassin's arrow; the blame quickly falls upon a group of rioting students. Now Falconer must solve the mystery and find the murderer in order to save their lives, while sinister forces work against him. I will certainly seek out another adventure of Master Falconer soon; I guess perhaps I should try the first book?

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although it starts off slowly, the story moves along at a steady pace that makes it a quick read. Morson does a really good job of capturing the era where the story is set, without going over the head of the reader.

There are couple times when he "tells" through narration something that another author might have shown. However, the manner of story telling he uses fits the narrative voice quite well.

Overall, I thought that it was a page turner that kept me guessing until the very end. At the same time, the clues to solving the murders are there - rather than being a secret that only Falconer is aware of.

I loved Falconer and Peter Bullock as characters. They're an odd pair, but their interactions are definitely entertaining. I look forward to their next adventure.

[K.B. Hallman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating this one was tough. I never really engaged with this book, but I couldn't pinpoint any reason why. It is reasonably well-reasoned and -written. It firmly belongs to the genre of medieval mysteries set in an academic and/or religious town and solved by a non-law enforcement person. (A combination I particularly enjoy.) The characters are likable enough to encourage me to try another book in the series, but I didn't have that oh-that-was-a-good-read feeling. It could be that this book suffers from second-in-series syndrome. (Why is that second book usually the awkward one?)

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one should come before Falconer's Crusade.

[Cece · Rating 3 out of 5]

Liked it enough to read more.