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Somershill Manor Mystery #4
The Bone Fire
The brand new Oswald de Lacy thriller, for fans of C.J. Sansom, Minette Walters and S.J. Parris.
It's 1361 and Plague has returned to England. In an attempt to flee the approaching danger, Oswald de Lacy escorts his family from their estate of Somershill in Kent, to a remote island castle situated in the tidal mud flats of Romney Marsh. It seems the de Lacys have kept one step ahead of the contagion, but soon they discover that this castle is no safe haven from death.
As a murderer strikes, they find themselves trapped in this lonely outpost with a killer - somebody who must be one of their fellow guests. But who? Each of the other guests is a fugitive from the Plague. But each has a secret to hide, and each has a reason to kill. The body count rises, but nobody can leave. Plague has now reached the marsh and is surrounding the castle.
Cut off from the mainland and encircled by the horrors of the pestilence, Oswald is in the fight of his life. Protect his family and find the killer in the midst of this small and poisonous community, or leave and risk falling prey to the Plague.
320 pages, Paperback
First published September 3, 2019
100 people are currently reading
2083 people want to read
About the author
S.D. Sykes
6 books224 followersSD Sykes (Sarah) lives in Kent, but grew up in Somerset and then South London. She is a graduate from Manchester University and was inspired to finish her first novel, Plague Land, after attending the novel writing course at literary agents, Curtis Brown. She has also written for radio and has developed screenplays with Arts Council funding. She has a passion for medieval history, and her books in the Somershill Manor series, are set in 14th Century England.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
February 28, 2020
Great fourth book in this medieval mystery series, loved it! The plague has started again and Oswald and his family have decided to take refuge in a castle of a friend of Oswald's on an island closing themself off from the outside world with a group of people who have joined in the castle as well, to prevent the plague from infecting them. Then... the murders start. Full of atmosphere of the times then and the fear of plague, and indeed a crime story placed in the Dark Ages. Easy to read for me, so a quick read too, really enjoyed the story, love this series! 4.2. This series recommended, love it, officially a fan!
July 11, 2019
This is the fourth in the Lord Oswald de Lacy historical murder mystery series set in the medieval era by SD Sykes, but my first read, and it works reasonably well as a standalone although there are references to previous events. It is 1361 and the devastating plague has returned, with large numbers of people infected and dead, burned in the plague pits. Those who can, are moving to what are deemed to be safer areas. Oswald has made the decision that his family must move from Somershill in Kent, to the Romney Marsh, to the remote Isle of Eden, and the castle of his acquaintance, Godfrey. So with a cart load of food supplies requested by Godfrey, his second wife, Filomena, his mother, his young son, Hugh, and his Italian valet, the teenage Sandro, they embark on the tough and harrowing journey, facing the most inclement of weather that delays them with the ferries prevented from making the trip to the island. Filomena and his mother are less than happy to be moving, compounded by the fact they do not like Godfrey.
Upon arriving on the island, Godfrey is not there to meet them as agreed, and they have to find their own way to their sanctuary, only to be greeted by the most unwelcome of sights, the burning of a house and its plague infected occupants, a worry as they had assumed the island was free of the plague. The group are not made to feel very welcome at the castle and Godfrey is an uncomfortable and unsettling figure. He is a believer in the End of Times, and a follower of Wyclif and his principles. Wyclif thinks the church is corrupt, he is a man who reads the bible, and is branded a heretic by a church in which so many have not read the bible themselves. Godfrey is convinced that the plague is there to punish an ungodly church that has moved so far away from its purpose and assumes that Oswald thinks the same as he does. This is not true and Oswald becomes ever more irritated with Godfrey. There are others seeking sanctuary in the castle, including Lord Hesket, his wife, Isobel and their strange daughter, Lady Emma, Godfrey's lascivious and dissolute brother, Edwin, Sir Robert of Lyndham, The Fool for entertainment, Pieter de Groot, the clockmaker and his apprentice, Han.
Godfrey entrusts Oswald with two letters and tells him he will be leaving the castle to bring two more individuals into the castle. However, the following morning Godfrey's murdered body is found posed in the clockmaker's chest. Oswald looks to find a murderer amongst them in the castle, all to aware of the risks and danger this will bring. Sykes does a great job in portraying the feel of the historical era and the devastating effects of the plague, and its implications, the deaths, the fear, and of peoples' lives disrupted. This is a entertaining and enjoyable read, full of intrigue, and with a great set of characters. Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.
Upon arriving on the island, Godfrey is not there to meet them as agreed, and they have to find their own way to their sanctuary, only to be greeted by the most unwelcome of sights, the burning of a house and its plague infected occupants, a worry as they had assumed the island was free of the plague. The group are not made to feel very welcome at the castle and Godfrey is an uncomfortable and unsettling figure. He is a believer in the End of Times, and a follower of Wyclif and his principles. Wyclif thinks the church is corrupt, he is a man who reads the bible, and is branded a heretic by a church in which so many have not read the bible themselves. Godfrey is convinced that the plague is there to punish an ungodly church that has moved so far away from its purpose and assumes that Oswald thinks the same as he does. This is not true and Oswald becomes ever more irritated with Godfrey. There are others seeking sanctuary in the castle, including Lord Hesket, his wife, Isobel and their strange daughter, Lady Emma, Godfrey's lascivious and dissolute brother, Edwin, Sir Robert of Lyndham, The Fool for entertainment, Pieter de Groot, the clockmaker and his apprentice, Han.
Godfrey entrusts Oswald with two letters and tells him he will be leaving the castle to bring two more individuals into the castle. However, the following morning Godfrey's murdered body is found posed in the clockmaker's chest. Oswald looks to find a murderer amongst them in the castle, all to aware of the risks and danger this will bring. Sykes does a great job in portraying the feel of the historical era and the devastating effects of the plague, and its implications, the deaths, the fear, and of peoples' lives disrupted. This is a entertaining and enjoyable read, full of intrigue, and with a great set of characters. Many thanks to Hodder and Stoughton for an ARC.
June 11, 2021
A castle, an eccentric old priest, a lord and lady, a court jester, a drunk, a murderer, and the Black Death or Bubonic plague, all confined in the castle, make for a dark winter in England in 1361. The bone fires are how the bodies of the dead were disposed of, and the fires spread over all of the countryside of England where Oswald de Lacy, his wife, and young son are invited to confine themselves in the castle of his friend, Godfrey.
Along with the plague, Oswald is destined to deal with a series of murders inside the castle walls. With a wide cast of characters under suspicion, this is a story of much intrigue. It will have you guessing who is the villain until the very end. It is a mystery and historical fiction which relates much of the distress of the times and the suffering of the people in a very primitive time. While the world is going through the COVID-19 pandemic, I find it very interesting to read about plagues of the past and think you will enjoy this as well.
In the future, I will be doing more reviews of plague-related historical fiction novels, so if you are interested in this type of story, watch La Crosse County Library on GoodReads for future reviews.
-Mary
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
Along with the plague, Oswald is destined to deal with a series of murders inside the castle walls. With a wide cast of characters under suspicion, this is a story of much intrigue. It will have you guessing who is the villain until the very end. It is a mystery and historical fiction which relates much of the distress of the times and the suffering of the people in a very primitive time. While the world is going through the COVID-19 pandemic, I find it very interesting to read about plagues of the past and think you will enjoy this as well.
In the future, I will be doing more reviews of plague-related historical fiction novels, so if you are interested in this type of story, watch La Crosse County Library on GoodReads for future reviews.
-Mary
Find this book and other titles within our catalog.
August 26, 2019
Love this series of books set in the 14th century concerning Oswald de Lacy. This one is set just after Black Death when Oswald and his family retreat to a castle after plague returns only to find themselves locked up with a murderer. The historical detail in this is really good and I love the character of Oswald. My favourite of series so far.
June 12, 2019
1361. Oswald de Lacy,Lord of Somershill,is forced to leave his estate because the plague is coming uncomfortably closer. So with his wife,his young son and his cantankerous mother,he seeks refuge in the isolated castle of Godfrey of Eden,on the Isle of Eden. The castle, perched on a lonely cliff is surrounded by nothing but marsh. But Godfrey has other problems than the plague. He has a layabout brother,is suspicious and has very strong religious beliefs. To his mind the plague,apart from heralding the end of the world, is also the punishment of God upon humanity and especially upon the church and the clergy. Oswald and his family are not the only ones seeking refuge in this cold and bleak castle. From the first night tensions run high and the atmosphere is somewhat unpleasant. And then Godfrey is murdered. Oswald takes it upon himself to discover the murderer(s) but only encounters more mysteries and more deaths.
I remember reading the first book,The Plague Land, in this series and I wasn't completely enchanted by it. So,I was a bit apprehensive when I started The Bone Fire,but there was really no reason for it. It is a classic mystery story in a historical (and his this case,haunting )setting.
It is well written,the characters are well defined and well,I juste wanted to finish it. And then I felt a bit sorry that it was finished...Always a good sign!
I remember reading the first book,The Plague Land, in this series and I wasn't completely enchanted by it. So,I was a bit apprehensive when I started The Bone Fire,but there was really no reason for it. It is a classic mystery story in a historical (and his this case,haunting )setting.
It is well written,the characters are well defined and well,I juste wanted to finish it. And then I felt a bit sorry that it was finished...Always a good sign!
June 30, 2019
What a brilliant series this is. This could well be my favourite of the four so four. Poor Oswald carries the weight of the world on his shoulders as he tries to protect his family against the plague, which now, in 1361, has returned. But there is just as much to fear from his fellow man. Excellent storytelling and a great historical setting but best of all are the wonderful characters, especially Oswald and his mother. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
September 2, 2019
this novel was slow to start off with but got better as the story went along and had many twist and turns towards the end with the backdrop of the plague and religion. felt it wasn't the best in the series so far as the middle section of the book seemed like that the author was trying but was muddled in the overall plot.
January 22, 2020
After reading the latest Sykes series, I was so delighted by her characters, plotting and setting that I decided to read all the books in her series. She's especially good at interweaving the devastation of the plague into her books without having it overwhelm her plot.
January 21, 2025
Entertaining and twisty. I enjoyed it. Although I've tried S.D. Sykes before with lukewarm appreciation, I found this one to be fully 4 stars.
It's rather a "closed room" who-dun-it as they are encapsulated with an eerie isle castle (cold, dark, damp, mildew prone) with only 1 window that looks outward. All the rest of the "views" are inward toward the court of open space between the lodging towers. Of course, is there a secret passage in and out when the gates are descended and all is locked?
They are stuck in one place over an entire winter because Plague has decimated the entire country and they ended up "here" running from it. Lord Somershill is compassionate, fair, and also logical. But he's no "walk over" to consequence or retributions either.
The middle of the book for about 80 pages is too slow and redundant. But it gives deeper character views, especially upon the secretive or sneaky aspects of behaviors we don't "see" out in the open. The women characters are developed as much as the men's are. This is unusual for the 1361 placement, IMHO. I especially like the ambiance, conversational tones of the Venetian wife.
I guessed only about 1/2 of the reveal. It's very twisty and had a portion of that last 75 pages that was "can't put it down" quality. I didn't foresee any of that "outside" to that cottage scenario at all. But as there are more than a couple murders, and also about 4 to 8 other dead bodies along the way (some from Plague, others from violence)- it's not a generic plotting line at all. I much appreciate that factor here. Although it does (as in every case I've read since about 2010- and that's a tone of fiction books, especially within this genre) vilify the religious. Christian or especially Catholic being the usual #1 target for duplicitous "face". This doesn't at all waver from the current trend on that point at all. So I expected it.
For those who hate the gore and vile language- this one is nearly cozy considering the time period. Animals don't have it well. But then the serfs had it worse.
I would definitely read another, but I don't think I would go to read the prior ones of this Somershill Manor series. Except for perhaps the one in Venice where he picked up a wife. But I'll certainly read the next.
It's an entertaining read for all the twists and tensions. Not for food description. LOL!
It's rather a "closed room" who-dun-it as they are encapsulated with an eerie isle castle (cold, dark, damp, mildew prone) with only 1 window that looks outward. All the rest of the "views" are inward toward the court of open space between the lodging towers. Of course, is there a secret passage in and out when the gates are descended and all is locked?
They are stuck in one place over an entire winter because Plague has decimated the entire country and they ended up "here" running from it. Lord Somershill is compassionate, fair, and also logical. But he's no "walk over" to consequence or retributions either.
The middle of the book for about 80 pages is too slow and redundant. But it gives deeper character views, especially upon the secretive or sneaky aspects of behaviors we don't "see" out in the open. The women characters are developed as much as the men's are. This is unusual for the 1361 placement, IMHO. I especially like the ambiance, conversational tones of the Venetian wife.
I guessed only about 1/2 of the reveal. It's very twisty and had a portion of that last 75 pages that was "can't put it down" quality. I didn't foresee any of that "outside" to that cottage scenario at all. But as there are more than a couple murders, and also about 4 to 8 other dead bodies along the way (some from Plague, others from violence)- it's not a generic plotting line at all. I much appreciate that factor here. Although it does (as in every case I've read since about 2010- and that's a tone of fiction books, especially within this genre) vilify the religious. Christian or especially Catholic being the usual #1 target for duplicitous "face". This doesn't at all waver from the current trend on that point at all. So I expected it.
For those who hate the gore and vile language- this one is nearly cozy considering the time period. Animals don't have it well. But then the serfs had it worse.
I would definitely read another, but I don't think I would go to read the prior ones of this Somershill Manor series. Except for perhaps the one in Venice where he picked up a wife. But I'll certainly read the next.
It's an entertaining read for all the twists and tensions. Not for food description. LOL!
October 23, 2019
Fantastic as usual for this series. This novel is a Dark Ages locked room mystery which works well on all levels - as a historical fiction novel and as a suspense novel. The background building is masterful, feels authentic and true, and so do the characters and their behavior and motives. I can't get enough of this series, it is so enjoyable and satisfying to read!
April 19, 2020
Set in an isolated castle where a group of people have gathered to shelter against the Black Death, this book might have evoked a lot of fellow feeling in a reader staying home during a pandemic. Not so. Library Journal praised its "layered characters," but I found the layers to be more in the nature of papier-mache'.
July 14, 2019
A superb opening plunges us straight into this medieval murder mystery, witnessing Oswald, his wife, son and mother seeking refuge from the plague on a wild and stormy night. The destination is a sinister island belonging to Oswald's old friend Godfrey. In the style of a Golden Age mystery, S D Sykes gathers an assortment of odd characters into this 'locked castle mystery' – a jester, a bullying knight, a lecherous drunk, a Dutch clockmaker and his unpleasant apprentice, and a beautiful but unhappy lady.
We meet Oswald as an older, stronger and a more commanding personality, which works terrifically well. He is also married for a second time and there are some lovely wife-pleasing domestic touches along with plenty of intriguing clues. We are diverted by lost letters, a half-finished clock, a dead crow, and a bawdy song, and much more. This is the perfect medieval read, with its depiction of a lonely geographical isolation, complete with plague-infected peasants beyond the portcullis.
Highly entertaining, this fourth title in the Oswald de Lacy series does not require prior knowledge of his previous history and is a strong contender to be the best in the series. Vivid and intriguing, the novel moves swiftly along to a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.
We meet Oswald as an older, stronger and a more commanding personality, which works terrifically well. He is also married for a second time and there are some lovely wife-pleasing domestic touches along with plenty of intriguing clues. We are diverted by lost letters, a half-finished clock, a dead crow, and a bawdy song, and much more. This is the perfect medieval read, with its depiction of a lonely geographical isolation, complete with plague-infected peasants beyond the portcullis.
Highly entertaining, this fourth title in the Oswald de Lacy series does not require prior knowledge of his previous history and is a strong contender to be the best in the series. Vivid and intriguing, the novel moves swiftly along to a thoroughly satisfying conclusion.
August 16, 2023
The Decameron meets And then there were none, with formerly bad boy Oswald de Lacy. I must admit I miss the prickly, morally challenged Oswald a little. Now he's a responsible family man baby cuddler and that's just not as fun. This time the plague is back and that means quarantining in a secluded castle, which is something I never thought would be so relatable (minus the castle). Grisly murders bring some much needed entertainment. Hoping for more Reformation related shenanigans in the next book.
December 9, 2023
Oswald De Lacy flees with his family to his friend Godfrey’s remote Castle Eden to escape the plague. Oswald knows from experience with the previous outbreak that it will kill without mercy and he wants to protect his son Hugh, his wife Filomena and his aging mother. Godfrey locks in a strange bunch of people that also want to keep the plague out: there’s Lord Heket and his family, a knight, an aging monk, a fool, a dutch clockmaker, a raven and a dog… But once cut off from the outside world, Godfrey is murdered in his library. And so it seems that the plague isn’t the only killer to consider.
In this series, set in 14th-century England, Oswald finds himself once again in a situation where he has to solve a murder. This time, the plague is a character in the novel (as was the case in Plague land) which gives the novel a raw atmosphere of the dirty 14th century where rich and poor were killed alike.
As everything happens in the castle, there is a very distinctly closed-off setting what I love about a good murder mystery. However, Oswald is not the typical detective. He is slow-moving but cunning, while making mistakes. As a reader, you’ve got plenty of time to search for the culprit and come to your own conclusions. Although, I did only partly worked out who was responsible.
The mystery is well crafted with multiple suspects and several storylines that intertwine. Religion is another theme that comes to the forefront. Godfrey is a religious radical, while Oswald is the third son who was destined to be a monk but whose path altered thanks to the plague.
Are these highly well-written original books? No, but it’s an addictive and entertaining series. So on to the next book ‘The good death’.
Dutch review:
Oswald De Lacy vlucht met zijn familie naar het afgelegen kasteel Eden van zijn vriend Godfrey om de pest te ontkomen. Die epidemie had jaren geleden al erg toegeslagen en dus proberen Oswald en alle andere kasteelbewoners de ziekte buiten te houden. Maar eens afgesloten van de buitenwereld wordt Godfrey vermoord in zijn bibliotheek. En zo blijkt de pest misschien toch nog niet de grootste moordenaar.
In deze serie, die zich afspeelt in 14de eeuws Engeland, komt Oswald telkens in een situatie waarin hij een of meerdere moorden moet oplossen. Wat fijn is, is dat we deze keer opnieuw een setting krijgen met de pestepidemie op de achtergrond om dat rauwe sfeertje van de vuile 14de eeuw mee te krijgen.
Doordat alles in het kasteel gebeurt is er een heel duidelijk afgesloten setting en dat verhoogt de spanning om de moordenaar te grijpen. Oswald is niet de typische detective. Hij is even traag als de lezer en dat maakt dat je goed mee kan zoeken.
Het mysterie zit goed in elkaar met meerdere verdachten en verschillende verhaallijnen die in elkaar overlopen. Ook godsdienst is opnieuw een thema.
Zijn dit geweldig goed geschreven originele boeken? Neen, maar het is wel heel entertainend en leest vlot weg allemaal. Op naar het volgende boek dus.
In this series, set in 14th-century England, Oswald finds himself once again in a situation where he has to solve a murder. This time, the plague is a character in the novel (as was the case in Plague land) which gives the novel a raw atmosphere of the dirty 14th century where rich and poor were killed alike.
As everything happens in the castle, there is a very distinctly closed-off setting what I love about a good murder mystery. However, Oswald is not the typical detective. He is slow-moving but cunning, while making mistakes. As a reader, you’ve got plenty of time to search for the culprit and come to your own conclusions. Although, I did only partly worked out who was responsible.
The mystery is well crafted with multiple suspects and several storylines that intertwine. Religion is another theme that comes to the forefront. Godfrey is a religious radical, while Oswald is the third son who was destined to be a monk but whose path altered thanks to the plague.
Are these highly well-written original books? No, but it’s an addictive and entertaining series. So on to the next book ‘The good death’.
Dutch review:
Oswald De Lacy vlucht met zijn familie naar het afgelegen kasteel Eden van zijn vriend Godfrey om de pest te ontkomen. Die epidemie had jaren geleden al erg toegeslagen en dus proberen Oswald en alle andere kasteelbewoners de ziekte buiten te houden. Maar eens afgesloten van de buitenwereld wordt Godfrey vermoord in zijn bibliotheek. En zo blijkt de pest misschien toch nog niet de grootste moordenaar.
In deze serie, die zich afspeelt in 14de eeuws Engeland, komt Oswald telkens in een situatie waarin hij een of meerdere moorden moet oplossen. Wat fijn is, is dat we deze keer opnieuw een setting krijgen met de pestepidemie op de achtergrond om dat rauwe sfeertje van de vuile 14de eeuw mee te krijgen.
Doordat alles in het kasteel gebeurt is er een heel duidelijk afgesloten setting en dat verhoogt de spanning om de moordenaar te grijpen. Oswald is niet de typische detective. Hij is even traag als de lezer en dat maakt dat je goed mee kan zoeken.
Het mysterie zit goed in elkaar met meerdere verdachten en verschillende verhaallijnen die in elkaar overlopen. Ook godsdienst is opnieuw een thema.
Zijn dit geweldig goed geschreven originele boeken? Neen, maar het is wel heel entertainend en leest vlot weg allemaal. Op naar het volgende boek dus.
December 31, 2019
A medieval “we’re trapped with a murderer” whodunnit.
May 6, 2022
Brutal murders in a castle harboring an assorted bunch of people escaping the plague. Enjoyed the medieval setting, the mystery, the interesting characters. Good writing, good historical details, very readable, kept me wondering who the killer would be. Even though it's part of a series, can be read as a standalone novel; I had not read any of the previous books and was able to enjoy this one.
August 17, 2020
Surviving The Plague in 1361 is very much like surviving Covid in 2020!
August 27, 2019
Sinister Eden Castle is the worst place to wait out the plague, and that choice of "safe haven" makes S.D. Sykes's The Bone Fire her best Somershill Manor mystery yet. Plague outside the walls, a killer on the loose within. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for locked room mysteries, and The Bone Fire delivers a multi-layered mystery that's fun to solve.
I've been a fan of this series from the first book, Plague Land, and it was interesting for me to witness how characters who had survived the first plague in 1348 behaved when it returned in 1361. Interesting facts about the era in which the book is set are seamlessly woven into the story. Oswald's friend Godfrey has prepared for a long siege, having his chosen guests bring in food and other necessities, while he carries out his own plans: the few servants in the castle are all female because females eat less, food storage is given top priority, and even entertainment is taken care of by hiring a fool.
The mystery is intricate, and you'll be surprised at just how much scuttling and hiding a few characters can do in a relatively small castle. Buttonholing each character and trying to find out his true agenda is quite a job, and as Oswald tries to do just this, he realizes his true task: "I was not a hero or a pariah. I was a nemesis." I would imagine I'm not the only person who immediately thinks of Miss Marple whenever I see the word nemesis, and Oswald definitely needs all of that woman's skills of deduction.
The setting is excellent, and so is the mystery, but the characters truly drive the story. Oswald has matured so much from the first book in the series. He's doing much less investigative stumbling around in The Bone Fire. His marriage is an interesting one, too. I still can't stand Oswald's mother, but the purpose of the supremely frustrating woman makes much more sense now. (Shame on me, but I'm still hoping that the next round of plague does her in.) The secondary cast of characters reads like something out of Chaucer: a lord and his lady, a knight, a religious extremist, a court jester, a drunk, a couple of traveling craftsmen-- and they all have an important place in this story.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, I urge you to read this series. Although best read in order, you can read The Bone Fire as a standalone. (But I hope you don't.)
I've been a fan of this series from the first book, Plague Land, and it was interesting for me to witness how characters who had survived the first plague in 1348 behaved when it returned in 1361. Interesting facts about the era in which the book is set are seamlessly woven into the story. Oswald's friend Godfrey has prepared for a long siege, having his chosen guests bring in food and other necessities, while he carries out his own plans: the few servants in the castle are all female because females eat less, food storage is given top priority, and even entertainment is taken care of by hiring a fool.
The mystery is intricate, and you'll be surprised at just how much scuttling and hiding a few characters can do in a relatively small castle. Buttonholing each character and trying to find out his true agenda is quite a job, and as Oswald tries to do just this, he realizes his true task: "I was not a hero or a pariah. I was a nemesis." I would imagine I'm not the only person who immediately thinks of Miss Marple whenever I see the word nemesis, and Oswald definitely needs all of that woman's skills of deduction.
The setting is excellent, and so is the mystery, but the characters truly drive the story. Oswald has matured so much from the first book in the series. He's doing much less investigative stumbling around in The Bone Fire. His marriage is an interesting one, too. I still can't stand Oswald's mother, but the purpose of the supremely frustrating woman makes much more sense now. (Shame on me, but I'm still hoping that the next round of plague does her in.) The secondary cast of characters reads like something out of Chaucer: a lord and his lady, a knight, a religious extremist, a court jester, a drunk, a couple of traveling craftsmen-- and they all have an important place in this story.
If you enjoy historical mysteries, I urge you to read this series. Although best read in order, you can read The Bone Fire as a standalone. (But I hope you don't.)
September 13, 2019
[This review contains mild spoilers for a plot point in the section on historical content]
A decent medieval detective novel, with plenty of historical background (I especially appreciated the references to Wycliffe's early work) and a harrowing picture of the Plague and the difficult choices the main character must make.
The mystery itself is a cross between Agatha Christie (get a group of people together, then kill one of them and go from there) and Midsommer Murders (the bodies keep piling up, often in gruesome ways). I think there weren't enough clues given for the reader to solve it themselves, which was a little frustrating but I'm used to it. While this could be read on its own, I wish I had read the previous installments since Oswald references things in the past so often.
As for historical content, it actually feels like it takes place in the 14th century. They discuss more than just the plague, including the current trends in academic religion from Oxford, namely John Wycliffe, as well as namechecking Archbishop Simon Islip, though the author's note makes a couple mistakes about Lollardry and Wycliffe's involvement with the English Bible (he didn't actually translate the Bible himself, and very few people were actually burned for heresy). However, the book itself does a very good job of explaining the fears the clergy had regarding English translations of the Bible, I was very impressed by that since it's a perspective rarely discussed in the modern day. I also appreciated the author's inclusion of a glossary, showing an unusual dedication to historical detail.
Overall enjoyable, though Oswald's mother was incredibly annoying and some of the killings were a little too gruesome for me.
A decent medieval detective novel, with plenty of historical background (I especially appreciated the references to Wycliffe's early work) and a harrowing picture of the Plague and the difficult choices the main character must make.
The mystery itself is a cross between Agatha Christie (get a group of people together, then kill one of them and go from there) and Midsommer Murders (the bodies keep piling up, often in gruesome ways). I think there weren't enough clues given for the reader to solve it themselves, which was a little frustrating but I'm used to it. While this could be read on its own, I wish I had read the previous installments since Oswald references things in the past so often.
As for historical content, it actually feels like it takes place in the 14th century. They discuss more than just the plague, including the current trends in academic religion from Oxford, namely John Wycliffe, as well as namechecking Archbishop Simon Islip, though the author's note makes a couple mistakes about Lollardry and Wycliffe's involvement with the English Bible (he didn't actually translate the Bible himself, and very few people were actually burned for heresy). However, the book itself does a very good job of explaining the fears the clergy had regarding English translations of the Bible, I was very impressed by that since it's a perspective rarely discussed in the modern day. I also appreciated the author's inclusion of a glossary, showing an unusual dedication to historical detail.
Overall enjoyable, though Oswald's mother was incredibly annoying and some of the killings were a little too gruesome for me.
July 7, 2019
I've been reading the Sommershill Manor Series since the first title came out, so it's no surprise that I found this book enjoyable. Sykes has a knack for creating historical settings and for putting into those settings characters whose world-view resonates for present-day readers. The book's central character is a man of his time—but a man of his time who asks questions and wrestles with doubts. One can simultaneously enjoy the experience of living in another era while reflecting on truths about one's own time. The mystery at the book's center is solid and keeps readers guessing. The development of secondary characters is carefully portrayed, making the book interesting not just for what happens, but for who is involved.
September 9, 2019
Not as good as the first three books in the series, but still I liked it.
The thing is that these plots are becoming too predictable. So it detracted from my enjoyment of the characters that so fascinate me. Oswald is still delightful, though never,as much as his mother, and the,addition of Sandro has been most welcomed. But the repetitions from the earlier two books and the lack of any palpable growth in the characters and their relationship kind of spoiled it for me.
Still, I'm looking forward to the next installment in the hope the characters mature and grow as much as their storyline.
The thing is that these plots are becoming too predictable. So it detracted from my enjoyment of the characters that so fascinate me. Oswald is still delightful, though never,as much as his mother, and the,addition of Sandro has been most welcomed. But the repetitions from the earlier two books and the lack of any palpable growth in the characters and their relationship kind of spoiled it for me.
Still, I'm looking forward to the next installment in the hope the characters mature and grow as much as their storyline.
May 1, 2023
I read ‘The Bone Fire’ by SD Sykes in three days. Fourth in the Oswald de Lacy 14th century series, it’s a classic closed room murder mystery set at the time of the plague in Britain. A disease that everyone feared but no-one understood.
Thirteen years after the Black Death the plague has returned to Britain. Oswald, now married with a son, decides to take his family to a castle on an isolated island in the Kent marshes. When the gates are closed for the duration of the winter, he hopes, they will be safe from infection. But one by one, the inhabitants of the gloomy, isolated castle, are killed. Murdered. And with each death, Oswald’s suspects reduce in number. The winter of 1361 turns out to be a long one. The castle is cold, the air is fetid, the food supplies are dwindling, and the temptation to venture beyond the walls into the fresh air of the marshes and woodland are overwhelming. But the risk of infection from plague, even in this empty place, are enormous.
Oswald is a complex detective. He is an uncompromising interviewer, persistent in his questioning, unafraid to threaten. But he is quick to jump to possible conclusions. At the same time he has empathy for all creatures, weak and vulnerable, human and animal, and this a strength and a weakness. Wanting to do the right thing, he brings danger to those closest to him.
This series is improving with every book. The characters are settled, the risks are higher for Oswald now he is a father and husband. There is less scene setting, the action is quicker. Sykes mixes familiar characters – Oswald’s curt selfish mother and son Hugh from Oswald’s first marriage, plus his wife and valet – with the other occupants in the castle on the Isle of Eden. Each brings their own counsel and assistance to Oswald’s investigations, sometimes useful, sometimes misguided. But one of them is a murderer.
I raced through ‘The Bone Fire,’ a much quicker read than the preceding novels. The teenage Oswald has matured into a complex, mature man living through one of the most difficult times in our history who invariably chooses to take the right path rather than the easy one.
A page turner.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
Thirteen years after the Black Death the plague has returned to Britain. Oswald, now married with a son, decides to take his family to a castle on an isolated island in the Kent marshes. When the gates are closed for the duration of the winter, he hopes, they will be safe from infection. But one by one, the inhabitants of the gloomy, isolated castle, are killed. Murdered. And with each death, Oswald’s suspects reduce in number. The winter of 1361 turns out to be a long one. The castle is cold, the air is fetid, the food supplies are dwindling, and the temptation to venture beyond the walls into the fresh air of the marshes and woodland are overwhelming. But the risk of infection from plague, even in this empty place, are enormous.
Oswald is a complex detective. He is an uncompromising interviewer, persistent in his questioning, unafraid to threaten. But he is quick to jump to possible conclusions. At the same time he has empathy for all creatures, weak and vulnerable, human and animal, and this a strength and a weakness. Wanting to do the right thing, he brings danger to those closest to him.
This series is improving with every book. The characters are settled, the risks are higher for Oswald now he is a father and husband. There is less scene setting, the action is quicker. Sykes mixes familiar characters – Oswald’s curt selfish mother and son Hugh from Oswald’s first marriage, plus his wife and valet – with the other occupants in the castle on the Isle of Eden. Each brings their own counsel and assistance to Oswald’s investigations, sometimes useful, sometimes misguided. But one of them is a murderer.
I raced through ‘The Bone Fire,’ a much quicker read than the preceding novels. The teenage Oswald has matured into a complex, mature man living through one of the most difficult times in our history who invariably chooses to take the right path rather than the easy one.
A page turner.
Read more of my book reviews at http://www.sandradanby.com/book-revie...
December 7, 2021
In the year 1361, the plague has returned to England. The Black Plague, which just a dozen of so years before killed half the population , according to some estimates. It is no wonder then that Lord Oswald DeLacey has packed his wife , son, his mother ( who, if this were a movie , would be played by Agnes Moorhead at her bitchiest) and his valet and heeding a friend’s invitation to come to a remote keep there to sequester themselves until the pestilence abated.
The castle at Isle Eden, owned by Lord Eden in on a desolate spit of land which is buffeted by the North Sea winds, offers cold safety from the the disease at the price of being locked in until Spring with a group also seeking sanctuary. Sanctuary, but not safety, for one of them is a murderer.
S.D. Sykes has written a sort of closed room mystery set in medieval England that is enjoyable entertainment. This is the fourth novel in Ms Sykes’ series featuring Lord DeLacey, so this is not the first time he has turned his abilities to detection. Her characters are interesting . DeLacey was in a seminary when the first plague killed all the male members of his family, making hi Lord He is introspective, intelligent and compassionate. The stark setting is certainly bleak, the the reader , along with DeLacey, discovers the killer only in the last pages. Suspects are many: the new Lord Eden, a lecherous drunk ; an elderly priest, Simon, who harbors animosity to Lord Eden and who ; DeGroot, a Dutch clockmaker whose helper is his nephew , a youth with a nasty bent for torturing small animals, to name a few.
“ The Bone Fire” is good entertainment, well plotted and written. Recommended for your reading enjoyment.
The castle at Isle Eden, owned by Lord Eden in on a desolate spit of land which is buffeted by the North Sea winds, offers cold safety from the the disease at the price of being locked in until Spring with a group also seeking sanctuary. Sanctuary, but not safety, for one of them is a murderer.
S.D. Sykes has written a sort of closed room mystery set in medieval England that is enjoyable entertainment. This is the fourth novel in Ms Sykes’ series featuring Lord DeLacey, so this is not the first time he has turned his abilities to detection. Her characters are interesting . DeLacey was in a seminary when the first plague killed all the male members of his family, making hi Lord He is introspective, intelligent and compassionate. The stark setting is certainly bleak, the the reader , along with DeLacey, discovers the killer only in the last pages. Suspects are many: the new Lord Eden, a lecherous drunk ; an elderly priest, Simon, who harbors animosity to Lord Eden and who ; DeGroot, a Dutch clockmaker whose helper is his nephew , a youth with a nasty bent for torturing small animals, to name a few.
“ The Bone Fire” is good entertainment, well plotted and written. Recommended for your reading enjoyment.
March 15, 2022
This book fascinated me as a description of how a group of people react to an epidemic of bubonic plague in 1361. There are so many parallels to the Covid pandemic that it is amazing that it was published in 2019.
The narrator Oswald and his family join the bookish Godfrey at his isolated castle in Kent, where they will live with other friends and relatives, plus pets, for several months, never venturing beyond the walls. (This rule is broken fairly early, as burials need to take place in the soft earth outside, and there are a lot of burials as the plot proceeds).
The book is overly slow at first, as characters are introduced with continual references to past events (and books). Several of these seem unnecessary - why do we need to know anything about Oswald's adventures in Venice? - whereas the fact that Oswald is a plague survivor (extremely rare) is more relevant to the current story.
At first I found Oswald too perfect, always saying and doing the right thing. He takes charge of the murder investigation, interviewing suspects and despatching others to do his bidding. However as he discovers that he has made mistakes, he becomes more likeable. He cares deeply for the children he meets, and tries to protect them, relying on his immunity from plague. He comes to question his immunity as illness strikes.
The murder mystery element has points of interest, a few subtle clues and believable motive. The characters are adequately developed for this genre. On the whole a satisfactory read.
The narrator Oswald and his family join the bookish Godfrey at his isolated castle in Kent, where they will live with other friends and relatives, plus pets, for several months, never venturing beyond the walls. (This rule is broken fairly early, as burials need to take place in the soft earth outside, and there are a lot of burials as the plot proceeds).
The book is overly slow at first, as characters are introduced with continual references to past events (and books). Several of these seem unnecessary - why do we need to know anything about Oswald's adventures in Venice? - whereas the fact that Oswald is a plague survivor (extremely rare) is more relevant to the current story.
At first I found Oswald too perfect, always saying and doing the right thing. He takes charge of the murder investigation, interviewing suspects and despatching others to do his bidding. However as he discovers that he has made mistakes, he becomes more likeable. He cares deeply for the children he meets, and tries to protect them, relying on his immunity from plague. He comes to question his immunity as illness strikes.
The murder mystery element has points of interest, a few subtle clues and believable motive. The characters are adequately developed for this genre. On the whole a satisfactory read.
July 14, 2019
This is one of the few series that have maintained their original punch. Despite the inevitable body count,
The Bone Pit
lives up this author’s previous excellent work on the Somershill Manor Mysteries with Oswald de Lacy reluctantly applying his inconvenient talent for rooting out elusive murderers.
Not ideal that, especially when you and your nearest and dearest have opted to be sealed inside a friend’s castle to escape the plague riddled world outside, a sanctuary that could very soon become an unexpected tomb.
Their original intention of riding out the storm until danger has passed fades into insignificance and Oswald continually fears for his family’s safety, though I get the impression he’d happily consider shoving his mother down the well to prevent her embarrassingly blunt and loud comments being vocalised further.
The familiar wealth of elements make this book (and the series) not just a good read, but a great one: a persuasive plot, a varied and unpredictable cast, a conciseness that has the ability to set the mood for an entire scene in a single sentence, moral failures and triumphs, plus it’s not without its humorous moments.
It’s set to be a very long and unsettling time for the de Lacy’s… not for me though, as I flew through this one! LOVED IT.
(I received a digital copy of this title courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley with my thanks, which it was my pleasure to read and review.)
Not ideal that, especially when you and your nearest and dearest have opted to be sealed inside a friend’s castle to escape the plague riddled world outside, a sanctuary that could very soon become an unexpected tomb.
Their original intention of riding out the storm until danger has passed fades into insignificance and Oswald continually fears for his family’s safety, though I get the impression he’d happily consider shoving his mother down the well to prevent her embarrassingly blunt and loud comments being vocalised further.
The familiar wealth of elements make this book (and the series) not just a good read, but a great one: a persuasive plot, a varied and unpredictable cast, a conciseness that has the ability to set the mood for an entire scene in a single sentence, moral failures and triumphs, plus it’s not without its humorous moments.
It’s set to be a very long and unsettling time for the de Lacy’s… not for me though, as I flew through this one! LOVED IT.
(I received a digital copy of this title courtesy of the publisher via Netgalley with my thanks, which it was my pleasure to read and review.)
March 27, 2024
This S.D. Sykes's book is a captivating historical mystery that transports readers to the 14th century, enveloping them in a world of intrigue, disease, and dark secrets. This installment of the Oswald de Lacy series finds Oswald and his family seeking refuge from the plague in a friend's manor, only to become embroiled in a sinister murder mystery when a guest is found dead. Sykes masterfully blends historical accuracy with a gripping plot, creating a vivid portrayal of medieval life that is both educational and enthralling. The atmosphere is tense and immersive, with the claustrophobia of quarantine enhancing the sense of suspense. The manor, isolated and surrounded by superstition, provides the perfect backdrop for a tale of deceit and danger. Oswald de Lacy, as the protagonist, is a compelling and relatable character. His efforts to solve the murder while navigating the complexities of his social standing and personal relationships add depth to the narrative. Sykes' writing is clear and accessible, making "The Bone Fire" an enjoyable read for both historical fiction enthusiasts and mystery lovers alike. A well-crafted novel that combines historical detail with a chilling mystery, resulting in a story that is both informative and engrossingly entertaining.
December 18, 2020
A disappointment. Haven't read 3, probably won't. Sykes sets this up as a locked room mystery, except that the "room" is a castle on a wee island just off the southeast coast of England. Oswald now has a wife (from Venice), a valet (also from Venice), a 4 year-old from his first marriage (she died), and the family flees the resurgence of the Plague to Eden (only not so much).
You get effective claustrophobia from being locked in a castle instead of one room. A ratty bunch of characters, here, without a broader range of interesting innocents, the characters themselves increase the claustrophobia. Deaths are brutal, possibly the result of a psychopath (from Holland).
Interesting that bone fire--carried out to clear a household of plague--is the origin of the word bonfire.
Sykes has relied on skill with countryside descriptions, incidental, non-plot connected observations to spread her stories out. Bone Fire has too much damp stonework populated with people you don't want to be stuck with.
You get effective claustrophobia from being locked in a castle instead of one room. A ratty bunch of characters, here, without a broader range of interesting innocents, the characters themselves increase the claustrophobia. Deaths are brutal, possibly the result of a psychopath (from Holland).
Interesting that bone fire--carried out to clear a household of plague--is the origin of the word bonfire.
Sykes has relied on skill with countryside descriptions, incidental, non-plot connected observations to spread her stories out. Bone Fire has too much damp stonework populated with people you don't want to be stuck with.
April 2, 2020
First sentence: Our party left Somershill in the November of 1361, as soon as we heard that plague had crossed the river Darent.
Premise/plot: Oswald de Lacy is taking his wife and son (and mother) to safety during the latest outbreak of Plague. They will be staying with a friend in a fortified castle. Other families will be taking refuge as well. They may be safe from the disease but are they safe from one another?!?! Imagine Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None only with the threat of Black Death too. Okay, that may not be a fair comparison. But the truth is bodies do keep piling up....
My thoughts: I missed a book in the series. Perhaps my library branch didn’t have it on the shelf, maybe they don’t have it at all. But because of COVID I can’t get it now anyway. I missed his falling in love and marrying. But this story still makes sense even if there are three new characters.
I definitely enjoyed this one. The series is good.
Premise/plot: Oswald de Lacy is taking his wife and son (and mother) to safety during the latest outbreak of Plague. They will be staying with a friend in a fortified castle. Other families will be taking refuge as well. They may be safe from the disease but are they safe from one another?!?! Imagine Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None only with the threat of Black Death too. Okay, that may not be a fair comparison. But the truth is bodies do keep piling up....
My thoughts: I missed a book in the series. Perhaps my library branch didn’t have it on the shelf, maybe they don’t have it at all. But because of COVID I can’t get it now anyway. I missed his falling in love and marrying. But this story still makes sense even if there are three new characters.
I definitely enjoyed this one. The series is good.
July 31, 2020
This historical mystery is the 4th in the Oswald de Lacy series. It is also a closed circle mystery which I love!
It it 1361 and plague has returned to England. In order to protect his family, de Lacy takes them to a remote castle belonging to his friend Godfrey, Lord Eden. The castle is on an island off the coast of Kent and it is 6 miles long and 3 miles wide. The plan is to lower the portcullis and lock themselves in until the plague abates. There are about 20 people in the castle and one of them is a killer. Godfrey is the first to die.
I would say that this is an isolated closed circle mystery (which is the best kind!) but it's not quite.
This was a great mystery with excellent period detail (and a helpful glossary). The cast of characters were also interesting with hidden motives and secrets and plans.
It it 1361 and plague has returned to England. In order to protect his family, de Lacy takes them to a remote castle belonging to his friend Godfrey, Lord Eden. The castle is on an island off the coast of Kent and it is 6 miles long and 3 miles wide. The plan is to lower the portcullis and lock themselves in until the plague abates. There are about 20 people in the castle and one of them is a killer. Godfrey is the first to die.
I would say that this is an isolated closed circle mystery (which is the best kind!) but it's not quite.
This was a great mystery with excellent period detail (and a helpful glossary). The cast of characters were also interesting with hidden motives and secrets and plans.
September 14, 2019
As the Plague returns to England Oswald de Lacey is faced with a stark choice, risk staying in his estate or take his family to the remote castle owned by a friend and stay there in isolation for the winter. When de Lacy arrives his friend locks the gates and a disparate groups of strangers settle in. However when murder strikes de Lacey finds that his family may be in more danger within the walls.
This is setting up to be a solid series of stories about the reluctant aristocrat and his extended family. Here the setting is pure Agatha Christie, an isolated castle, a locked door and a mysterious murderer. In fact the plot is very simple yet clever and the setting chilling and well-researched.
This is setting up to be a solid series of stories about the reluctant aristocrat and his extended family. Here the setting is pure Agatha Christie, an isolated castle, a locked door and a mysterious murderer. In fact the plot is very simple yet clever and the setting chilling and well-researched.
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