Murder on Good Friday

by Sara Conway

On Monday, March 30 in the year 1220, the day after Easter, in a field outside the town of Hexham in northern England, the body of a young child, Alfred, is discovered -- murdered. Lord Godwin, Bailiff of Hexham and in the service of the Archbishop of Canterbury, is summoned to the scene. Alfred has been strangled, but even more shocking are the wounds marking his his palms bear puncture wounds, as if iron nails had been drive through them, and his left side has been pierced with a knife. Godwin reckons that Alfred died on Good Friday. Why would someone kill a child on Good Friday? And why would his body be marked in imitation of the crucifixion of Christ? Soon a rumor begins to spread that the Jews had murdered young Albert, and a mob seizes all the Jews in Hexham, an extended family of nine. Godwin's first task is to prevent the Jews' murder by the mob, his second to find the person guilty of the horrible murder. A disillusioned and battle-weary ex-Crusader, Godwin sets out to find the murderer as a means of atoning for his part in the crusade -- and for coming back when his dearest friend and kinsman Aidan did not. Will he be successful? Will the Jews' lives be spared? Will the murderer be exposed? And will Lord Godwin ever discover -- wherever -- the forgiveness he seeks for failing to protect the life of Aidan?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery

320 pages, Hardcover

First published February 28, 2001

Reviews

[Rusty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lord Godwin, the hero, finds himself investigating the murder of a boy but finds few clues to help his investigation. He finds help from the wife of a friend who accompanied him on the Crusades who he had been avoiding because he felt responsible for her husband's death. However, Constance becomes his ally and they determine that they must find who will most benefit from the murder or from the Jews being blamed for it. Murdered on Good Friday, the people of the town believe that no Christian would commit such an act on a Holy Day.

As the investigation continues, there is considerable pressure to arrest and try the Jews. Violence erupts and Godwin is pressured by the bishop to bring the Jews to trial. However, he doesn't believe the Jews are guilty because they confine themselves to their homes during Holy Week. Few believe him but he perseveres. Two miracles occur when Alfred's body is held at the church. As pressure builds, it's up to Godwin and Constance to uncover the killer and save the Jewish men who are imprisoned. This is a well written mystery with a predictable ending. I liked it but yes, I did suspect the killer before he was identity was divulged.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Set in 13th century England, the premise is interesting with a local lord taking on the role of bailiff. Unfortunately, the plot was not laid out very well. It was very predictable. Conway introduces some interesting characters but they are very one dimensional. It was an enjoyable, quick and entertaining read but not exceptional in any way.