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Ela of Salisbury Medieval Mysteries #3
The Lost Child
Salisbury 1226When a child of village outcasts disappears from Salisbury, the odious new sheriff doesn’t seem to care. Ela Longespée is determined to help the girl’s desperate parents and her investigation leads her into the thick of a human trafficking ring in London. There, she vows to find the lost child, arrest the perpetrators, and convince the king to make her High Sheriff of Wiltshire.The Ela of Salisbury Medieval Mystery SeriesThis series features a real historical figure—the formidable Ela Longespée. The young Countess of Salisbury was chosen to marry King Henry II’s illegitimate son William. After her husband’s untimely death, Ela served as High Sheriff of Wiltshire, castellan of Salisbury Castle, and ultimately founder and abbess of Lacock Abbey.Book 1: Cathedral of Bones
Book 2: Breach of Faith
Book 3: The Lost Child
Book 4: Forest of Souls
Book 5: The Bone Chess Set
Book 6: Cloister of Whispers
Book 7: Palace of Thorns
Book 8: A Surfeit of Miracles
Book 9: The d’Albiac Inheritance
Book 10: Unholy Sanctuary
Book 2: Breach of Faith
Book 3: The Lost Child
Book 4: Forest of Souls
Book 5: The Bone Chess Set
Book 6: Cloister of Whispers
Book 7: Palace of Thorns
Book 8: A Surfeit of Miracles
Book 9: The d’Albiac Inheritance
Book 10: Unholy Sanctuary
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 27, 2020
124 people are currently reading
120 people want to read
About the author
J.G. Lewis
12 books46 followersJ. G. Lewis grew up in London, England. She came to the U.S. for college and a career as a museum curator.
Her mysteries evolved from the idea of bringing almost-forgotten but fascinating historical figures to life by creating stories for them. The Ela of Salisbury series features the formidable Ela Longespée, wife of King Henry II’s illegitimate son William. The widowed mother of eight children, Ela served as High Sheriff of Wiltshire and castellan of Salisbury and ultimately founder and abbess of Lacock Abbey.
J. G. Lewis currently lives in Florida with her dogs and horses.
Her mysteries evolved from the idea of bringing almost-forgotten but fascinating historical figures to life by creating stories for them. The Ela of Salisbury series features the formidable Ela Longespée, wife of King Henry II’s illegitimate son William. The widowed mother of eight children, Ela served as High Sheriff of Wiltshire and castellan of Salisbury and ultimately founder and abbess of Lacock Abbey.
J. G. Lewis currently lives in Florida with her dogs and horses.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
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October 10, 2020This 3rd novel’s in The Ela of Salisbury Medieval Mysteries plotline made me extremely uncomfortable, and I have decided not to finish it. The Lost Child deals with human trafficking. Young children are taken while playing outside their houses. Even infants disappeared. Ela, widow of Sheriff of Salisbury, takes up this cause - to find these children and free them. She goes to London to see King Richard II, but as Richard has not reached his ‘majority’ (age 21), he has advisors with him who actually make the decisions. De Burgh, who is an enemy of Ela’s, is one of the king’s strongest advisors, and he tells the king only what he wants him to know. De Burgh plays down this horrible the”human trafficking ring of London”., and the king, who is unaware of the seriousness of this problem, invites Ela to have dinner at court. Ela thanks the king, but must decline as she must return to her own children. On her way home Ela and her escort are ambushed, and she believes she sees her escort, Bill, killed while she is being roughly kidnapped. That was enough for me. The medieval ages were a rough time to live, and I am well aware of this fact, but I just could not continue reading this particular novel of the series. I applaud the author for using this plot line, but it is not one of which I can read. I look forward to reading #4 Forest of Souls.
April 23, 2022
So cool that these stories are based on true stories. Sad that the church has been corrupt since the beginning.
August 18, 2021
Very disappointing after the enjoyable second installment in the series (Breach of Faith). I felt the book was poorly edited - there were many repetitions. Plus, at one point a character is addressed by her first name. Only several pages later is the character formally introduced.
Again, I feel the strongest part of this series is the history and the feel of the early 13th Century. Ela, Countess of Salisbury, is a fascinating person and I’m glad these novels have introduced me to her. I just feel that this story, about a child slavery ring, could have been so much better. And by this point in the series, Ela is so high on the pedestal of righteousness that she’d break her head were she to fall.
At first I thought this was an unlikely topic but then I remembered learning about Gilles de Rais of the early 15th Century. His torture and murder of children likely remains the most heinous in history.
Again, I feel the strongest part of this series is the history and the feel of the early 13th Century. Ela, Countess of Salisbury, is a fascinating person and I’m glad these novels have introduced me to her. I just feel that this story, about a child slavery ring, could have been so much better. And by this point in the series, Ela is so high on the pedestal of righteousness that she’d break her head were she to fall.
At first I thought this was an unlikely topic but then I remembered learning about Gilles de Rais of the early 15th Century. His torture and murder of children likely remains the most heinous in history.
April 24, 2020
The history of Ela of Salisbury's exploits is accurate, and I appreciate the author's bring her to life in these books. I did not feel that "third time was the charm", worked out that way for this. book three.
It seemed to me that some of the exploits she was involved in were exaggerated a bit too much. I'm surprised she and her associates would have survived some of the assaults on their lives.
I am hoping that the next book in the series is a bit closer to the first book which I SOO enjoyed. Again, the history of Countess Ela's life is documented, so far, quite well and glad she will again be the Sheriff of Wiltshire.
It seemed to me that some of the exploits she was involved in were exaggerated a bit too much. I'm surprised she and her associates would have survived some of the assaults on their lives.
I am hoping that the next book in the series is a bit closer to the first book which I SOO enjoyed. Again, the history of Countess Ela's life is documented, so far, quite well and glad she will again be the Sheriff of Wiltshire.
April 16, 2023
Another very well-written and intriguing mystery with an intelligent, earnest and strong woman at the center, and very much on the side of moral righteousness. It's amazing all she did, and adds much to the tale, to know it is based on a real woman of medieval times in Salisbury. The plot is tight and the characters clearly drawn. Even though there are cruel aspects, horrible aspects, the quality of writing keeps me reading.
March 11, 2025
A twelfth century countess, with as many concerns as women of today. an excellent story
Countess Ela of Salisbury has a strong sense for justice and battles to make her way as an honest Sheriff against corrupt men who see her role as being a widow at home. In a tale of children being captured and sold for the pleasures of degenerate men, she fights to restore them.
Countess Ela of Salisbury has a strong sense for justice and battles to make her way as an honest Sheriff against corrupt men who see her role as being a widow at home. In a tale of children being captured and sold for the pleasures of degenerate men, she fights to restore them.
September 17, 2020
Medieval Mystery at its best!
Medieval Mystery to Rival Brother Cadfel's. Enjoy following the exploits of Countess Elsa in the Twelfth century. What is best about this heroine? It is based on a the historical life of this real Countess.
Medieval Mystery to Rival Brother Cadfel's. Enjoy following the exploits of Countess Elsa in the Twelfth century. What is best about this heroine? It is based on a the historical life of this real Countess.
July 1, 2021
Very good
I love Ella of Salisbury- her passion for right and her humor.
One wonders in this series if she could have a boyfriend, but then maybe that’s the point. A woman does not need a man to hold power.
I love Ella of Salisbury- her passion for right and her humor.
One wonders in this series if she could have a boyfriend, but then maybe that’s the point. A woman does not need a man to hold power.
July 7, 2021
Page turner
These books cover worse and worse crimes as they go on! This one is about child abuse and a one woman crusade against it.
Ela's escapades are stretching the reader's belief but it is exciting stuff.
These books cover worse and worse crimes as they go on! This one is about child abuse and a one woman crusade against it.
Ela's escapades are stretching the reader's belief but it is exciting stuff.
April 23, 2022
Enjoyed the characters of Ela and William. The story was not as powerful. It is about child kidnapping that occurred even in The time of Henry the second. The plot dragged. It could have been written without so many characters and still made the point.
I am reading the next book in the series and enjoying it a great deal.
I am reading the next book in the series and enjoying it a great deal.
May 16, 2023
The lost Child
A child is abducted from her home and the sheriff does not seem to care, so Ela investigates. There are many twists and turns in the story. The story is about trafficking in children, which is still a problem today. I enjoyed the book.
A child is abducted from her home and the sheriff does not seem to care, so Ela investigates. There are many twists and turns in the story. The story is about trafficking in children, which is still a problem today. I enjoyed the book.
September 22, 2023
An Entertaining Series
J. G. Lewis has a winning character here, a medieval countess and widow who became a sheriff in her own right. Politics, human depravity, and courage abound in this latest installment.
J. G. Lewis has a winning character here, a medieval countess and widow who became a sheriff in her own right. Politics, human depravity, and courage abound in this latest installment.
March 26, 2020
Love These books!
Fast paced and so well written and researched... A pleasure to read....Cannot wait for the next book!Love Ela and her household!
Fast paced and so well written and researched... A pleasure to read....Cannot wait for the next book!Love Ela and her household!
July 12, 2022
The further adventures of Ela Countess of Salisbury a medieval murder mystery an exceptional read as always a great storyline of child trafficking amongst the clergy
December 5, 2022
A superb read, this time Ela investigates missing children, child abuse in the church, and murder.
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February 19, 2023Well written and absorbing
March 9, 2023
This book checks several interests of mine.
Cozy mystery, check
Historical fiction, check
contemporary issues, check
Cozy mystery, check
Historical fiction, check
contemporary issues, check
June 18, 2023
Slightly anachronistic, but quite interesting.
December 3, 2023
How can I not cheer for Ela when she is searching for a lost child and helping the downtrodden parents. I was captivated.
December 25, 2023
These continue to be satisfying mysteries.
January 27, 2024
Great read again. It's nice once again to look forward to getting back to this read in the morning.
January 14, 2025
I love this series
These books are well written and even though the plot is unusual it is still believable. Ela is a likable character
These books are well written and even though the plot is unusual it is still believable. Ela is a likable character
August 7, 2020
Lost Child
I think the author did a good job with her portrayal of Ela. Maybe the author should tone down Ela's temper at the age she is going she will never see 50.
I think the author did a good job with her portrayal of Ela. Maybe the author should tone down Ela's temper at the age she is going she will never see 50.
May 1, 2020
This is a great historical fiction series set in England in the 1200's. It is well researched as to the times, the society, and the people. It's based on the life of Ela of Salisbury and celebrates her intelligence and strength of character without belittling others. I highly recommend the series.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews